IASbaba Press Information Bureau 1st

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IASbaba Press Information Bureau 1st to 7th January,2018
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Cabinet approves:
MoU between India and Israel on Cooperation in the Oil and Gas Sector: To provide impetus to India – Israel ties
in the energy sector. The cooperation envisaged under the agreement will facilitate promotion of investments in each
other’s countries, technology transfer, R&D, conducting joint studies, capacity building of human resources and
collaboration in the area of Start-ups.
MoU between India and the USA for co-hosting the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017 (GES-2017) in
India: The MoU delineated the responsibilities, areas of co-operation including logistics and venue related
requirements between the parties for smooth conduct of the Summit. The Summit –
 Provide opportunities for meeting with global industry leaders, networking of international entrepreneurs,
innovators, investors.
 Provide forum for pitching competition, strategic workshops and sector-programmes to help in creating new
collaborations amongst entrepreneurs and Investors.
 Provide for significantly increased economic opportunities for young entrepreneurs, especially, women
entrepreneurs and start-ups.
Agreement between India and Myanmar on Land Border Crossing: The Agreement will facilitate
 Regulation and harmonization of already existing free movement rights for people ordinarily residing in the
border areas of both countries
 Movement of people on the basis of valid passports and visas which will enhance economic and social
interaction between the two countries.
 Provide connectivity and enhance interaction of the people of North Eastern States of India with the people
of Myanmar.
 Would give a boost to the economy of the North East and allow us to leverage our geographical
connections with Myanmar to boost trade and people to people ties.
 Will safeguard the traditional rights of the largely tribal communities residing along the border which are
accustomed to free movement across the land border.
MoU between India and Belgium on Cooperation in the field of ICT&E: The MoU intends cooperation between
India and Belgium including sharing of best practices in the area of ICT&E policy; Digital agenda technology and
research with special emphasis on developing ICT&E manufacturing and services; e-Governance and e-Public Service
Delivery, participation in conferences, study visits and exchange of experts, cyber security and to resolve issues of data
adequacy, market access, trade and services.
MoU between India and Italy on cooperation in the field of renewable energy: The MoU envisages establishing a
Joint Working Committee to review, monitor and discuss matters relation to areas of cooperation. It aims for
exchange of expertise and networking of information and helps in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the
two countries.
MoU between India and ‘Transport for London’: The MoU will help to improve the overall public transport system
in the country, improve passenger services and promote the use of high capacity buses in India. It will go a long way
in strengthening ties and promoting bilateral relations between India and United Kingdom. ‘Transport for London’ is a
statutory body established under the Greater London Authority Act, 1999 (UK) to improve Public Transport in India.
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Use of Bio-Diesel in Railways
(Topic: Infrastructure: Railways)
 Indian Railways has tested the bio-diesel of different feed stock (Jatropha, Mahua, pongamia, waste cotton
seed, Fish Oil, Soyabeen oil, Palm stearin etc.)
 The power performance of engine has been found satisfactory without any adverse impact on engine
working. Bio-diesel is found to reduce certain emission parameters which would have otherwise caused
pollution in environment.
 Key Advantages of Bio-Diesel:
o Renewable Energy source
o Derived from Vegetable oil
o Non-toxic & Biodegradable
o Contains no sulphur that causes acid rain
o Higher Cetane number, better ignition quality
o Used directly in unmodified Diesel engines, neat or blended in any ratio with HSD
o Higher Lubricity – Can prolong engine life
o Flashpoint higher than HSD-safer to store & transport
o Environment friendly-less emissions
o Has rural employment potential.
Must Solve:
Qn 1: The initial generations of Bio-fuels have been seen as a threat to the food security of the country. Comment on
these various generations and explain how do the third generation bio-fuels address these food security problems? (200
Words, 10 Marks)
Qn 2: Saumitra Committee recommendations propose for the shift towards alternate fuels to reduce India’s dependence
upon petrol and diesel. Critically examine the recommendation and suggest a way forward.
Milestone achieved by ISRO
(Topic: Awareness in the fields of Space)
 In April 2016, seven satellites constellation for Navigation system NavIC was established.
 In August 2016, first experimental mission of Scramjet engine towards realization of Air Breathing system
was successfully tested.
 In February 2017, 104 satellites were placed in a single launch.
 In May 2017, South Asia satellite was launched, which was a gift to neighbouring countries.
 In June 2017, GSLV Mk-III was launched successfully carrying GSAT 19 communication satellite.
 In June 2017, Cartosat satellite was launched successfully by PSLV C-38
Indian Space Programme has placed Astrosat, a multi-wavelength observatory in August 2015. It observes universe
in optical, ultraviolet, low and high energy X-ray region of the electromagnetic spectrum, whereas most other
scientific satellites are capable of observing a narrow range of wavelength band.
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Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) is designed to orbit Mars. It is functioning well since its positioning in Mars orbit in
September 24, 2014. The designed mission life of MOM was six months but has successfully completed more than
three years and is expected to function further. All scientific payloads continue to perform well.
Please Note:
1. Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP): For capacity augmentation of navigation on National Waterway-1 (NW-1)
Issue: One of the major problems for a commercially viable and safe navigation on NW-1 is low depth upstream of
Farakka due to low discharges from tributaries and difficult hydro morphological characteristics of river Ganga.
Major Impact:
 Alternative mode of transport that will be environment friendly and cost effective – will contribute in
bringing down the logistics cost in the country.
 Mammoth Infrastructure development like multi-modal and inter-modal terminals, Roll on – Roll off (Ro-Ro)
facilities, ferry services, navigation aids.
 Socio-economic impetus; huge employment generation.
2. Mahaparinirvan Diwas: Death anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
3. Savitribai Phule – India’s first woman teacher
 A crusader for women empowerment, she broke all stereotypes and spent her life promoting the noble
cause of women’s education
 Savitribai was married at a very young age of 9 to social reformer Jyotirao Phule. Jyotirao was 12 years old at
the time of marriage. It was Jyotirao who helped her learn how to read and write. He helped her attain high
levels of education and live her life with her head held high.
 Savitribai set up India’s first women’s school from different castes in Bhidewada, Pune and became first
woman teacher in the country. In her lifetime she built 18 such schools in the region.
 She also worked towards preventing female infanticide and set up a home, Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha, to
prevent the killing of widows. She also campaigned against child marriage and sati pratha, which
undermined the existence of women. As part of the Satyashodhak Samaj, the Phule couple organised
marriages without a priest, without dowry, and at a minimum cost. The wedding vows in these marriages
were the pledges taken by both the bride and the bridegroom.
 In 2014, the Maharashtra government in a tribute to Savitribai Phule renamed Pune University in her name.
4. New Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) Act 2016: The Act establishes the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as the
National Standards Body of India and has enabling provisions for
 The Government to bring under compulsory certification regime any goods or article of any scheduled
industry, process, system or service which it considers necessary in the public interest or for the protection of
human, animal or plant health, safety of the environment, or prevention of unfair trade practices, or national
security.
 For making hallmarking of the precious metal articles mandatory.
 Allows multiple type of simplified conformity assessment schemes including self-declaration of conformity
against a standard which will give simplified options to manufacturers to adhere to the standards and get
certificate of conformity.
 The Central Government to appoint any authority/agency, in addition to the BIS, to verify the conformity of
products and services to a standard and issue certificate of conformity.
 There is provision for repair or recall, including product liability of the products bearing Standard Mark but
not conforming to the relevant Indian Standard.
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 The new Act will further help in ease of doing business in the country, give fillip to Make In India campaign
and ensure availability of quality products and services to the consumers.
5. Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)
 Implementation by: Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME)

 Programme: A major credit-linked subsidy programme, aimed at generating self-employment opportunities
through establishment of micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector by helping traditional artisans and
unemployed youth.
 Since its inception, a total of 4.47 lakh micro enterprises have been assisted with a margin money subsidy of
Rs 9326.01 crore providing employment to an estimated 37.32 lakh persons from inception till 2017-18
6. Online portal NARI: Will provide women citizens with easy access to information on government schemes and
initiatives for women – tips on good nutrition, suggestions for health checkups, information on major diseases, tips
for job search and interview, investment and savings advice, information on crimes and against women and reporting
procedures, contacts of legal aid cells, simplified adoption procedures and much more. It will endow women with the
power of information to build their life skills and facilitates them in taking full advantage of the services provided by
the Government for them.
7. e-Samvad portal: To provide a platform for NGOs and Civil Societies to interact with the Ministry of Women &
Child Development
8. Classical languages of India: Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Odia
A proposal for granting of classical status to Marathi language has been received from Marathi Language
Department, Government of Maharashtra.
The Criteria adopted by the Government to determine the eligibility of a language for granting classical language status,
are as under:
1. High antiquity of its early texts/ recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years;
2. A body of ancient literature/ texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers;
 The literary tradition be original and not borrowed from another speech community;
1. The classical language and literature being distinct from modern, there may also be a discontinuity between
the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots.
9. Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme
It has been designed to meets the financial requirements of farmers at various stages of farming. The scheme aims at
providing adequate and timely credit support from the banking system under a single window with flexible and
simplified procedure to the farmers for their cultivation and other needs as indicated below:
 To meet the short term credit requirements for cultivation of crops;

 Post-harvest expenses;
 Produce marketing loan;
 Consumption requirements of farmer household;
 Working capital for maintenance of farm assets and activities allied to agriculture;
 Investment credit requirement for agriculture and allied activities.
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The KCC scheme also provides the facility of ATM enabled RuPay Card, one-time documentation, built-in cost
escalation in the limit and any number of drawals within the limit.
10. Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)
 To provide social security during old age and to protect elderly persons aged 60 and above against a future
fall in their interest income due to uncertain market conditions. The scheme enables old age income security
for senior citizens through provision of assured pension/return linked to the subscription amount based on
government guarantee to Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
 Provides an assured return of 8% per annum for 10 years. The differential return, i.e. the difference between
return generated by LIC and the assured return of 8% per annum would be borne by Government of India as
subsidy on an annual basis.
11. Mission Raftar of Indian Railways: To increase speed of trains in Indian Railways; the mission envisages a target
of doubling of average speed of freight trains and increasing the average speed of all non-suburban passenger trains
by 25 kmph in the next 5 years
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 8th to 12th January, 2018

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Report card on BharatNet Phase 1
(Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of
their design and implementation)
Achievement: Government has achieved a significant milestone under the BharatNet by completing Phase-1 of the
project by connecting over one lakh Gram Panchayats (GP) across the country with high speed optical fibre network
as per the declared deadline.
BharatNet network built under Phase 1 envisages: Delivery of high-speed broadband services in over 2.5 lakh
villages benefitting more than 200 million rural Indians.
BharatNet:
 World’s largest rural broadband project created on the mantra of Create, Collaborate and Conquer
 Aims to provide affordable broadband services to citizens and institutions in rural and remote areas, in
partnership with States and the private sector.
 BharatNet infrastructure is expected to catalyse digital delivery of services for the rural poor – viz. health,
education, livelihood, skills, e-agriculture and e-commerce.
 The project achieved a global record of laying of 800 kilometres of optical fibre per day
Must Read: Link 1 + Link 2
Companies (Amendment) Act, 2017

 Section 53 of the Companies Act, 2013 prohibited issuance of shares at a discount. The Amendment Act now
allows companies to issue shares at a discount to its creditors when its debt is converted into shares in
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pursuance of any statutory resolution plan such as resolution plan under the Code or debt restructuring
scheme.
 Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 required approval of the company in a general meeting for payment
of managerial remuneration in excess of 11 percent of the net profits. The Amendment Act now requires that
where a company has defaulted in payment of dues to any bank or public financial institution or non-
convertible debenture holders or any other secured creditor, the prior approval of the bank or public
financial institution concerned or the non-convertible debenture holders or other secured creditor, as the
case may be, for such payment of managerial remuneration shall be obtained by the company before
obtaining the approval in the general meeting.
 Section 247 of the Companies Act, 2013 prohibited a registered valuer from undertaking valuation of any
assets in which he has a direct or indirect interest or becomes so interested at any time during or after the
valuation of assets. The Amendment Act now prohibits a registered valuer from undertaking valuation of any
asset in which he has direct or indirect interest or becomes so interested at any time during three years prior
to his appointment as valuer or three years after valuation of assets was conducted by him.
Cabinet approves
MoU between India and Canada for cooperation in the field of Science & Technology: The MoU will provide a
mechanism and help to foster scientific cooperation between R&D and academic institutions of India and Canada.
Salient features:
 An innovative model of R&D cooperation between India and Canada will be implemented under a MoU
concluded by the Department of Science and Technology with the Natural Sciences and Engineering
Research Council (NSERC) of Canada.
 Under this MoU, the India-Canada Centre for Innovative Multidisciplinary Partnership to Accelerate
Community Transformation and Sustainability (IC-IMPACTS) programme will be supported to promote India-
Canada multidisciplinary research partnerships.
 The R&D projects will be aimed at accelerating social transformation by providing solutions through
application of science and technology.
 The participants will include researchers from scientific organizations, academia and R&D laboratories from
India and Canada.
 Identified areas of mutual cooperation include safe and sustainable infrastructure and integrated water
management.
 This will help to develop institutional networking and support the establishment of connections between
scientific organizations, scientists and specialists of India and Canada.
Amendments in FDI policy
 100% FDI under automatic route for Single Brand Retail Trading
 100% FDI under automatic route in Construction Development
 Foreign airlines allowed to invest up to 49% under approval route in Air India
 FIIs/FPIs allowed to invest in Power Exchanges through primary market
 Definition of ‘medical devices’ amended in the FDI Policy
Continuation of Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme beyond 12th Plan
MPLAD Scheme: Ongoing Central Sector Scheme which was launched in 1993-94 – The Scheme enables the
Members of Parliament to recommend works for creation of durable community assets based on locally felt needs to
be taken up in their constituencies in the area of national priorities namely drinking water, education, public health,
sanitation, roads etc.
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 The MPLAD Scheme has resulted into creation of various durable community assets which have impacted
the social, cultural and economic life of the local communities in one way or the other.
 The entire population across the country stands to benefit through creation of durable assets of locally felt
needs, namely drinking water, education, public health, sanitation and roads etc., under MPLAD Scheme.
Please note:
1. Aanchal Thakur: Won India’s first international medal in skiing at FIS International Skiing Competition in
Turkey
2. Matunga Railway Station in Mumbai Division of Central Railway enters Limca Book of Records 2018 for
posting all women staff on the station
3. Ministry of Railway launches Smart Freight Operation Optimisation & Real Time Information
(SFOORTI) Application: Smart Freight Operation Optimisation & Real Time Information (SFOORTI)
4. Pradhan Mantri Har Ghar Sahaj Bijli Yojana (SAUBHAGYA) has been launched by Government of India
with the objective of achieving universal household electrification by providing last mile connectivity to all
household in rural and urban areas
5. ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle successfully launches 31 satellites in a single flight. So far, PSLV has
successfully launched 51 Indian satellites and 237 customer satellites from abroad.
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 13th to 20th January, 2018

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‘Make-II’: Major Steps towards ‘Make in India’ in Defence Production
As a major boost to ‘Make in India’ in Defence, the Defence Acquisition Council has cleared a simplified ‘Make-
II’ procedure which will enable greater participation of industry in acquisition of defence equipment. This process will
greatly help import substitution and promote innovative solutions. This simplified ‘Make-II’ procedure will amend the
existing ‘Make Procedure’ in Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP)-2016.
India-Israel Business Summit
(Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations)
India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund (i4F): To combine the talent pool of the two
countries in pursuit of path-breaking technological solutions that can be commercially exploited.
India-Israel Innovation Bridge will act as a link between the Start-ups of the two sides:
 India has size and scale.

 Israel has sharpness and edge.
India-Israel Relationship: Link 1 + Link 2 + Link 3 + Link 4 (Solve)

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Gigabit Connectivity with Sri Lanka
What: Gigabit connectivity between the National Knowledge Network of India and LEARN network of Sri Lanka
 This dedicated high speed internet connectivity will boost the collaboration among the academic institutions
of India and Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan Minister for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure
 Both countries signed MoU for enhancing cooperation between India and Sri Lanka in the IT sector, cyber
security and eGovernance.
International Solar Alliance Forum
(Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s
interests)
On receipt of 15 ratifications, the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement entered into force on the
6th December, 2017 thereby making ISA a de jure treaty based international intergovernmental organisation. So far
19 countries have ratified and 48 countries have signed the ISA Framework Agreement.
About ISA
 The Paris Declaration establishes ISA as an alliance dedicated to the promotion of solar energy among its
member countries.
 The ISA’s major objectives include global deployment of over 1,000GW of solar generation capacity and
mobilisation of investment of over US$ 1000 billion into solar energy by 2030.
 As an action-oriented organisation, the ISA brings together countries with rich solar potential to aggregate
global demand, thereby reducing prices through bulk purchase, facilitating the deployment of existing solar
technologies at scale, and promoting collaborative solar R&D and capacity building.
 When the ISA Framework Agreement entered into force on December 6th, 2017, ISA formally became a de-
jure treaty based International Intergovernmental Organization, headquartered at Gurugram, India.
 ISA promotes actual on ground rolling out of solar projects
Must Read: Link 1 + Link 2 + Link 3 + Mindmap
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India’s First agri-Options by National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX)
(Topic: Indian economy; Agriculture)
Aim: To provide farmers better engagement in the commodity markets.
The country’s First Agri-commodity Options in Guar Seed is the unique first-of-its-kind hedging tool which will prove
to be a game changer for the farmers.
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By: Uniquely designed by NCDEX and approved by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
 Expected to deepen trade in that commodity

 Benefit farmers in reaping improved price realizations for their produce, with limited downside risk – a
powerful tool to empower farmers by allowing them to lock in the prices of their produce at a minimum cost
 Will give a strong impetus towards systematic development and transformation of commodity derivatives
market in India, which will make the agri-economy more efficient and bring huge amount of value for the
farmers of India
About the Trading:
 A large number of informal trading centres in some communities of Rajasthan already practice some form of
informal options trading while the guar seed is one of the most liquid contracts on the NCDEX platform.
 NCDEX is the second exchange after MCX to launch option trading in commodities following markets
regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI) approval for such trade last year. In October 2017,
MCX had launched gold options. Guarseed is the first agri-commodity options. Options are derivatives which
give a buyer the right but not the obligation to buy or sell an underlying asset or instrument at a specific
price on or before a certain date.
 There are already 59 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) trading on the NCDEX
NCDEX
 National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX) is an online commodity exchange based in
India.
 It has an independent board of directors and provides a commodity exchange platform for market
participants to trade in commodity derivatives.
 It is a public limited company, incorporated on 23 April 2003 under the Companies Act 1956 and obtained its
Certificate of Commencement of Business on 9 May 2003. It commenced operations on 15 December 2003.
Successful Fifth Flight Test of Agni-5 Ballistic Missile
(Topic: Awareness in the field of Space)
Long Range Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile, Agni-5, was successfully flight tested for its full range
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Please note:
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1. Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA): The PMSMA programme was launched in 2016 to
ensure comprehensive and quality antenatal checkups to pregnant women across India.
2. Results of Ease of Doing Business in India
 In the last three years, India has moved up 42 places in the index of Ease of Doing Business of World Bank;
 We have moved up 21 places on the Global Innovation Index of WIPO in two years.
 We have also moved up 32 places in last two years in the Global Competitiveness Index of the World
Economic Forum – the highest for any country;
 We moved 19 places on the Logistics Performance Index of 2016 of World Bank;
 We are among the top 10 FDI destinations listed by UNCTAD But we will not stop.
3. Ministry of Minority Affairs
 Is working with commitment to welfare of Minorities through “3E – Education, Employment, Empowerment”
 Thousands of educational institutions of all minority communities including madarsas, have been included in
the mainstream education system by connecting them with “3T-Teacher, Tiffin, Toilet”.
4. Rise of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): One of the types of fatty liver which occurs when fat is
deposited (steatosis) in the liver due to causes other than excessive alcohol use. Avoiding consumption of junk food
and alcohol, eating a balanced diet, ending sedentary lifestyles and doing regular exercises or Yoga-Asanas are
essential for people, particularly the youth, to remain healthy and not fall prey to various other diseases.
Quotes by Vice President
On Governance
 Reforms in the style and substance of governance should be the constant endeavor
 Fruits of democracy will reach the citizens if we can combine a resolute political will with robust
administrative skill. Effective service delivery deepens the roots of democracy because it ensures that all
citizens, especially those whose voices are not adequately heard, participate actively in nation building.
 Any policy is only as good as its implementation. The positive impact of policies has to be felt by the citizens.
This will happen only if the administration is responsive, the decisions are judicious, the execution is swift
and there is a culture of continuous monitoring and evaluation.
 With an efficient civil administration, India can leverage every challenge that comes its way in transforming
itself into a world leader in various spheres in the years to come. As we expand globally and open our doors
to the entry of multinational corporations to participate in nation’s progress, there needs to be more
emphasis on efficiency, transparency and ethical compliance.
 Public administration is no longer concerned with just implementation and monitoring of government
policies. In a rapidly changing world, the administrative apparatus must be more agile than earlier. It must be
innovative, humble, emphatic and objective.
On Education
 Education is the key lever for transforming India.

 Education is a powerful tool that empowers individuals and transforms communities. It can break the vicious
cycles of poverty. It can enable a country like India with a large youth population, to grow. But only if it can
capitalize on its demographic advantage
 True education gives us the humility that makes us realize as to how much more there is to learn. This
humility makes us lifelong learners and we grow as individuals.
 Without a good human resource development strategy, country cannot achieve sustainable development.
Without equipping our children, youth and adults with the required knowledge, skills and attitudes, we
cannot be a developed nation.
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 Humanistic, inclusive, harmonious vision given to us by ancestors must be integrated into our education
system. We must now get down to making our schools, colleges and universities great places of learning.
The new resurgent India can be built on excellence and equity in education
 India requires a curriculum that makes learners knowledgeable, skillful and responsible. We should make put
the children at the centre of schooling. We should make the system respond to the learning needs of youth
and adults. The higher education system must focus on research and extending the frontiers of knowledge
 Education system must have essential guiding principles to help students become good human beings.
Education is for employment. Education is for enlightenment. Education is for empowerment. Education is
for evolution into a competent and caring individual. Education is for transformation of societal norms
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 21st to 27th January, 2018
GS-2
Rapid Reporting System for the Scheme for Adolescent Girls
(Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health)
What: A web based on line monitoring for the Scheme for Adolescent Girls
 Will facilitate the monitoring of the scheme and taking corrective measures by ensuring faster flow of
information, accurate targeting of the beneficiaries and reduction of leakages
 The scheme aims at providing them nutritional support @ Rs.9.50/beneficiary/day for 300 days in a year,
motivating out of school girls to go back to formal schooling or skill training under non-nutrition component
of the scheme.
 Government has also approved expansion and universalisation of the Scheme for Adolescent Girls in a
phased manner i.e. in additional 303 districts in 2017-18 and the remaining districts in 2018-19 with the
simultaneous phasing out of Kishori Shakti Yojana.
Launch of Management Information System (MIS) portal for Anganwadi Services Training Programme
1st phase:
 Enable NGOs to submit proposal to the respective States/UTs.

 They, in turn, process the proposals and recommend requirement of funds for running the Programme in the
States/UTs.
 The Central government would further examine the proposal and release the funds.
 It will ensure that funds are released timely and reach the beneficiaries for training purpose.
Anganwadi Services Training Programme
 Under the Umbrella Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme, it is a Centrally Sponsored
Scheme and the overall administration; management and monitoring of the implementation of the Scheme
are being done by the respective State Government/UT Administration.
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 The training provided to the Anganwadi Workers (AWWs)/Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) and the Supervisors
at the Anganwadi Workers Training Centres (AWTCs)/Middle Level Training Centres (MLTCs) are a part of the
Anganwadi Services.
Please Note:
1. INSV Tarini: First-ever Indian circumnavigation of the globe by an all-women crew
 The expedition titled ‘Navika Sagar Parikrama’, is in consonance with the National policy to empower women
to attain their full potential
 Aims to showcase ‘Nari Shakti’ on the world platform and help revolutionize societal attitudes and mindset
towards women in India by raising visibility of their participation in challenging environs.
2. India has committed to
 Install 175 GW of solar, wind and biomass electricity by 2022

 Reduce emission intensity by 33-35% from its 2005 levels by 2030
 Create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030 though
additional forest and tree cover
 Produce 40% electricity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources by 2030.
3. IREPS (Indian Railways E-Procurement System): A single portal of Indian Railways handling all
procurements tenders and e-auctions digitally
4. UNICEF study estimates that a household in an ODF village in India saves Rs.50,000 every year by way of
disease treatment costs averted, saving of livelihood by not falling ill, etc. At the macro level, a 2007 World Bank study
estimated that lack of sanitation costs India over 6% of our GDP.
5. Quotes from Vice President of India’s addresses at
Republic Day celebration
 A Republic is its people. Citizens do not just make up and preserve a Republic; they are its ultimate
stakeholders and in fact pillars. Each one of us is a pillar – the soldier who defends our Republic; the farmer
who feeds our Republic; the forces that keep our Republic safe; the mother who nurtures our Republic; the
doctor who heals our Republic; the nurse who tends to our Republic; the sanitation worker who makes our
Republic cleaner and hygienic; the teacher who educates our Republic; the scientist who innovates for our
Republic; the missile technologist who puts our Republic on a new trajectory; the wise tribal who conserves
the ecology of our Republic; the engineer who re-imagines our Republic; the construction worker who builds
our Republic; senior citizens who can look back with pride at how far they have brought our Republic; the
youth in whom lie the energy, hopes and future of our Republic; and our dear children, who dream for our
Republic.
 Nation building is a grand project. But it is also the compilation of a million – rather, a billion – smaller
projects, each as sacred as the other. Nation building is also about building a family, building a
neighbourhood, building a community, building an enterprise, building an institution. And building society.
Graduation Ceremony at Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai
 Researchers must explore ancient Indian medical systems like Ayurveda for alternative solutions and see if
there are some indigenous cost-effective solutions that may be useful to make cancer treatment more
affordable.
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 Cancer is a major public health concern in India and has become one of the 10 leading causes of deaths.
Cancer is one of the dreaded diseases and also a very costly disease in terms of treatment. A better
understanding of the likely causes and early detection could help reduce the disease burden in our country.
 Regarding treatment of cancer patients, there is a need to operate more number of palliative care centres or
hospices. Such centres are needed to provide relief from pain and emotional distress to suffering patients.
 Yoga training should be imparted to students as part of ensuring healthy lifestyles. Yoga is a holistic
approach to healthy living and there is evidence that it enhances the well-being and quality of life
ASEAN & India
Must Read: Link 1 + Link 2 + Link 3 + Link 4 + Link 5 + Link 6 + Link 7
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 29th Jan to 3rd Feb, 2018

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Launch of GeM 3.0 – National Procurement Portal of India

(Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and
implementation)
The GeM 2.0 was launched as a pilot in August 2016 and its success led to this massive transformation program – GeM 3.0
which would offer standardised and enriched catalogue management, powerful search engine, real time price comparison,
template-based Bid and RA creation, demand aggregation, e-EMD, e-PBG, user rating, advanced MIS and analytics and more.
GeM 3.0 has undergone a digital transformation with superior technology and ability to scale from the previous version. This will
bring together many sellers and service providers for products and services across the country under one roof, truly making it a
digital tool of empowerment and entrepreneurship. This initiative gives a huge uplift for growth of MSME’s, manufacturers &
service providers. As Digital India aims to bring in maximum transparency by minimising Government’s human transactional
interface, the launch of the Sellers On-boarding Campaign will streamline the procurement of goods and services making it an
easy, go-to portal for sellers and service providers
Notable enhancements in the 3.0 version:

 Market Based generic requirements across all government agencies
 Standardization of specifications of both products and services enabling empirical price comparability
 Completely transparent transactions across all ranges
 Generic standards established through universal service levels and cost comparison enabled
 Open and dynamic market place with rating based on performance of user on website
GoI and World Bank sign $100 Million Project to Boost Rural Economy of Tamil Nadu
(Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests)
Purpose:
 To promote rural enterprises
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 Facilitate their access to finance

 Create employment opportunities for youth, particularly women, in selected blocks of Tamil Nadu across 26 districts,
directly benefitting over 400,000 people.
The Tamil Nadu Rural Transformation Project will create an enabling environment for producer organizations and enterprises to
promote businesses across select value chains. Based on the analysis, communities will identify commodities and subsectors in
the value chain for preparing business plans. The Project will enable producer organizations and enterprises especially women
entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu, build businesses that will help them access finance, markets and networks and generate
employment.
It will also specifically support eligible households from socially and culturally disadvantaged groups harness their existing
assets, skills, and resources; break their entry barriers to value-added economic activities; enhance their ability to access finance,
markets, technology, and related support services; help them graduate to value-added economic activities with higher returns
such as garment manufacturing and food processing units, eco-tourism ventures, and businesses around creative industries.
Selected innovations and start-up ideas will also be tested or scaled up under a newly created platform known as the Tamil Nadu
Rural Transformation Marketplace. This platform will identify, showcase and celebrate innovative solutions related to themes
that have the potential to impact rural economic growth in the state. Innovative ideas related to promoting rural artisans, local
nutritious food systems and traditional health practices will be considered.
Please Note:
India’s first Rail and Transportation University: Vadodara, Gujarat
“Operation Greens” launched: To address price fluctuations in potato, tomato and onion for benefit of farmers and consumers.
Launch of Gobar-Dhan Scheme: to make the villages open defecation free and improving the lives of villagers; manage and
convert cattle dung and solid waste in farms to compost, bio-gas and bio-CNG.
Dynamic Façade lighting system:
 Energy efficient as well as cost effective; this LED fixtures has around 1 lakh burning hour whereas earlier light fixtures
were around 10,000 burning hour.
 New lighting system has computerized control having unified power and data cable for easy installation and maintenance
with automation in selection of colour combination scheme using opti-bin technology, selection of timing, facility of
dimming, switching on/off facility, individual/combined control of light fittings etc. through Ethernet based controller.
 Has features to produce multi-colour combinations.
Guru Ravidasji
 A North Indian mystic poet-sant of the bhakti movement during the 15th to 16th century CE.
 Considered as the founder of 21st-century Ravidassia religion, by a group who previously were associated with Sikhism.
 Tradition and medieval era texts state Ravidas was one of the disciples of the Brahmin bhakti saint-poet Ramananda (a
14th-century Vaishnava devotional poet sant, his disciples included later Bhakti movement poet-sants such as Kabir,
Ravidas, Bhagat Pipa and others)
 taught removal of social divisions of caste and gender, and promoted unity in the pursuit of personal spiritual freedoms
Economic Survey 2017-18

Economic Survey for 2017-18 estimates a real GDP growth rate of 6.75 per cent for the full year, based on a 7.5 per cent real
growth for the second half of the year. For 2018-19 it projects a real GDP growth between 7 – 7.5 per cent.
India jumped 30 places to break into the top 100 for the first time in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report (EODB),
2018.
India leaped 53 and 33 spots in the taxation and insolvency indices, respectively, on the back of administrative reforms in
taxation and passage of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016.
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 4th Feb to 17th Feb, 2018

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Efforts of the Government towards Affordable Housing

implementation)
 Government has granted infrastructure status to affordable housing which will enable these projects to avail the associated
benefits such as lower borrowing rates, tax concessions and increased flow of foreign and private capital.
 Provision has been made to include rural areas falling within the notified Planning/Development areas, under ambit of
PMAY (U). It would leverage availability of additional land at cheaper cost for construction of affordable houses.
 Responding to the demand and supply gap in affordable housing the Government of India launched Pradhan MantriAwas
Yojana (PMAY)-Urban in 2015. The larger goal is to fulfill the housing need of homeless urban poor and enable them to
own decent pucca houses with basic infrastructure facilities by 2022.
Based on demand assessment at the state level, the nation has the mammoth task of constructing about 12 million houses under
EWS/LIG segment of the society in order to achieve the goal of Housing for All
Steps that are going to be effective in spurring the housing and construction activities, providing huge relief to real estate
developers. Also, these would attract private and foreign investments in the housing sector, having a positive multiplier effect on
GDP and labor market.
 Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA)
 Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
 Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act 2016
 Higher tax breaks on home loans
 Goods and Services Tax (GST)
 Land related reforms
 Optimizing development control rules
 Rationalizing of the stamp duty and registration charges
 Digitalization
Digital Gender Atlas

implementation)
Digital Gender Atlas has been developed to identify the low performing geographic pockets for girls, particularly from
marginalised groups such as scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and Muslim minorities, on specific gender related education
indicators.
The Atlas is designed around the two broad areas of performance of girls’ education and vulnerabilities visualized in the
following five sections:
 Comparative Composite Index based Quartile Ranking grouped under categories of access, infrastructure, teachers and
outcome indicators and based on 25 indicators pertaining to primary, upper primary and secondary level which can be
visualized at State, district and block level.
 A Trend Analysis of the performance status of 25 individual indicators can be visualised at State, district and block levels
over three years viz 2011-12, 2012-13 & 2013-14.
 Spatial Distribution of Special Focus Districts. These are districts with a population of 25% and above of people belonging
to Schedule Tribes (109 districts), Schedule Castes (61 districts), Muslims (88 districts with a muslim population of more
than 20%), minority community (121 districts as identified by Ministry of Minority Affairs under PM’s 15 PPP), Left
Wing Extremist affected districts (88 districts identified by Ministry of Home Affairs), Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)
districts (161 districts) and Educationally Backward Blocks (3479 blocks).
 Vulnerability status of an area based on a composite index of 3 broad indicators (i) rural female literacy (ii) percentage
girls/boys married below the legal age of marriage and (iii) working children can be visualized. Separate visualisations are
given for working children for the following sub-indicators: disaggregation by gender and age for the 5-9 years, 10-14
years and 15-19 years age groups as well as for marriage below the legal age. These maps are available up to the district
level.
 Children with Disabilities: The performance status of six individual indicators can be visualized at state and district level
across three years i.e. 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14.This Digital Gender Atlas can be accessed at website
www.rmsaindia.gov.in® Gender Atlas.
All the states have been mapped in the Digital Gender Atlas. The states have been using it as a planning tool to come up with
strategies for inputs for the state SSA and RMSA annual plans.
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Launch of Startupindia Ranking Framework

implementation)
The Ranking Framework will measure the impact of each step initiated at the local level for building a strong Startup ecosystem.
The Ranking Framework will also enable continuous learning through the dissemination of good practices.
Aim: To act as catalysts to help the Startup India initiative to drive India’s economic growth and to encourage States and UTs to
take proactive steps towards strengthening the Startup ecosystems at the local level.
The tools are:
 State and Union Territory Startup Ranking Framework
 Compendium of Good Practices for Promoting Startups in India
 Startup India Kit
New Consumer Protection Bill

implementation)
Establishment of an executive agency to be known as the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to promote, protect
and enforce the rights of the consumers and will be empowered to investigate, recall, refund and impose penalties
 Provision for product liability action in cases of personal injury, death, or property damage caused by or resulting from any
product
 Provision for mediation as an Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) making the process of dispute adjudication simpler and
quicker and simplification of the process of adjudication by the Consumer Fora.
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World Sustainable Development Summit 2018

(Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment)
Theme: Partnerships for a Resilient Planet
Aim: Seeks to create action frameworks to resolve some of the most urgent challenges facing developing economies in the
backdrop of climate change – combating land degradation, effective waste management mechanisms to make cities free of
landfills free, combat air pollution effectively, measures to increase resource and energy efficiency, facilitate transition to clean
energy and create financial mechanisms to enable effective climate change mitigation
About: WSDS is the flagship forum of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and seeks to bring together on a common
platform, global leaders and thinkers in the fields of sustainable development, energy and environment sectors.
Please Note:
1. Police + Prisons + Public Order: State subjects
2. The Health Index (Healthy States, Progressive India): First attempt to establish an annual systematic tool to measure and
understand the heterogeneity and complexity of the nation’s performance in Health. It is a weighted composite Index, which
for the larger States, is based on indicators in three domains:
 Health Outcomes (70%)
 Governance and Information (12%)
 Key Inputs and Processes (18%), with each domain assigned a weight based on its importance.
3. Making school education qualitative:

o Shagun portal: To create a repository of best practices in school education and to monitor the implementation of
SSA
o Swachh Vidyalaya Campaign: For the provisions of separate toilets for girls and boys in every school
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o Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat: To ensure that students of classes I & II are able to read with comprehension as
well as basic numeracy skills;
o Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan: To motivate children of the age- group of 6-18 years in study of Science,
Mathematics and technology;
o The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act has been amended to include reference
on class-wise, subject-wise Learning Outcomes to ensure that all children acquire appropriate learning level;
o E-pathshala webportal: To disseminate e-resources including e-books developed by NCERT, SCERT/ SIEs,
State boards etc
o Shaala Siddhi: A comprehensive instrument for school evaluation leading to school improvement
o Automated Monitoring System at the school level under Mid Day Meal Scheme has been introduced for real
time monitoring of the scheme
4. ISRO sets up 473 Village Resource Centres for rural development through satellite technology: To demonstrate the
potential of satellite technology for development of rural areas; VRCs have provided various space technology enabled services
such as tele-healthcare, tele-education, natural resources information, advisories related to agriculture, career guidance to rural
students, skill development and vocational training etc.
5. E-prisons project: Supplements the Prisoner Information Management system (PIMS), developed by National Informatics
Centre, which provides a centralized approach for recording and managing prisoner information and generating different kinds of
reports. The PIMS records Prisoner’s Basic Details, Family Details, Biometrics (fingerprint), Photograph, Medical Details,
Prisoner Case History, Prisoner Movements, Punishment details etc. The availability of these details on an electronic platform
will be useful to track the status of prisoners and smooth functioning of the prison system.
6. Multi-pronged approach for security arrangements at the Indo-Pakistan Border (IPB) and Indo-Bangladesh Border
(IBB):
 Deployment of Border Security Force (BSF)
 Construction of border fence
 Construction of border roads
 Installation of floodlights
 Construction of border out posts (BOPs)
 Introduction of Hi-Tech surveillance equipments
 Providing weapons and Specialised Vehicles to Security Forces
7. River Sal: At Navelim town in Goa
8. Intensified Mission Indradhanush: To increase the full immunization coverage to 90%
9. Public Health & Hospitals: State subject
10. India State of Forest Report 2017:
 India is ranked 10th in the world, with 24.4% of land area under forest and tree cover, even though it accounts for 2.4 % of
the world surface area and sustains the needs of 17 % of human and 18 % livestock population
 Andhra Pradesh (2141 sq km), followed by Karnataka (1101 sq km) and Kerala (1043 sq km) have shown the maximum
increase in forest cover
 Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover of 77,414 sq km in the country in terms of area, followed by Arunachal
Pradesh with 66,964 sq km and Chhattisgarh (55,547 sq km).
 In terms of percentage of forest cover with respect to the total geographical area, Lakshadweep with (90.33 per cent) has
the highest forest cover, followed by Mizoram (86.27 per cent) and Andaman & Nicobar Island (81.73 per cent)
11. Chandrayaan-2 is the country’s second mission to the moon.
12. National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change:
 To support concrete adaptation activities which mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
 National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is the National Implementing Entity (NIE)
 The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy under its scheme “Development of Solar Cities” has approved/sanctioned 60
Cities including 13 Pilot and 5 Model Cities up to 12th Five-year Plan period.
13. All-India Tiger Estimation 2018:
 The Tiger Estimation exercise is the world’s largest wildlife survey effort in terms of coverage, intensity of sampling and
quantum of camera trapping.
 India conducts the All India Tiger Estimation every four years. The current assessment uses Android phone-based
application and desktop version of M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers-Intensive Protection and Ecological Status)
for collecting, archiving and analyzing data. The phone application automatically records the track log of surveys and line
transects, as well as authenticates the recorded data on signs and animal sightings with geo-tagged photographs.
 With increased camera trap density and the use of android technology, estimates arrived at are likely to be more robust –
both in terms of accuracy and precision.
14. Defence Sector:
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 Reform Measures: Based on the recommendations of the Shekatkar Committee, the Government has decided to
restructure posts of different corps of Army. This will free up approximately 57,000 positions of Officers/JCO’s/OR’s and
civilians which will be redeployed to improve the “teeth to tail” ratio of the Indian Army in future.
 Policy initiatives in respect of Defence Production: ‘Make in India’ in defence sector is primarily driven by providing
preference to procurement from Indian vendors under the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP), promoting indigenous
design, development and manufacture of defence equipment, and other policy measures such as liberalization of the
licensing regime & FDI policy by raising the cap on FDI in the defence sector, simplification of export procedure,
streamlining of defence offset guidelines etc.
15. New Weapons Procurement Policy: The new Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) – 2016 has been implemented by the
Government. DPP-2016, inter alia, focuses on institutionalizing, streamlining, and simplifying procedure to give a boost to the
‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government of India, through Indigenous design, development and manufacturing of defence
equipment, platforms & systems. The ‘Make’ procedure has been simplified to ensure increased participation of the Indian
industry. In order to promote indigenous design and development of defence equipment, DPP-2016 has introduced a new
category for capital procurement viz. ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ (Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured). While
categorising a case, this category is accorded highest priority by the Buyer.
16. Scheme for Pension and Medical Aid to Artistes:
 To improve financial and socio-economic status of the old aged artistes and scholars who have contributed significantly in
their specialized fields of arts, letters etc. in their active age or are still contributing in the field of arts, letters etc. but
leading a miserable life or are in penury condition.
 The Scheme has also provision to provide medical aid facility to such Artistes and his/her spouse by covering them under a
convenient and affordable Health Insurance Scheme of the Government.
17. Address by the hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind on the occasion of inauguration of the Nobel
Laureates Seminar
1. Three things are needed for success. First, our scientists, from PhD students to senior technologists, must have a shared sense
of purpose. They must address quality capacity building, participate in national missions, and take on frontier research.
Fragmented, individual-driven approaches must move to building teams of the highest quality.
2. Second, our research institutes and universities must cooperate with intelligence and harmony to form research hubs. These
hubs can set new standards of excellence not only for India but also for the world. The tech hub in Bengaluru is a case in
point. We need many more.
3. And third, because the world is constantly changing and ideas flow from every side, our scientists must be connected to the
latest advances in research and technology. Science is nothing if not a global enterprise. It is this last point which is our focus
today. How do we build world class institutions and universities and how do these connect to our society – both within our
national boundaries and beyond?
A quote to quote: India, which is a largest democracy in the world, is moving ahead with the formula of Reform, Perform and
Transform with an able and stable government.
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 18th Feb to 24th Feb, 2018

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Electoral Bearer Bond Scheme 2018:

implementation)
 Electoral Bonds may be purchased by a person, who is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India.
 A person being an individual can buy Electoral Bonds, either singly or jointly with other individuals.
 Only the Political Parties registered under section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (43 of 1951) and
which secured not less than one per cent of the votes polled in the last general election to the House of the People or the
Legislative Assembly of the State, shall be eligible to receive the Electoral Bonds.
 The Bond shall be encashed by an eligible political party only through a bank account with the authorized bank.
National Conference on “Agriculture-2022: Doubling Farmers’ Incomes”

implementation)
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The Government is keen to make agriculture policies and programs ‘income centric’ instead of ‘production-oriented’.
Budget for Agriculture:
 The budget for Agriculture has been increased from Rs.51,576 crore in 2017-18 to Rs.58,080 crore for the year 2018-19
while ensuring sufficient funds for each component of the Seven-Point Strategy devised for doubling farmers’ income.
 An announcement of Rs. 2000 crore for Agri Market Development Fund has been made, which shows the importance of
the retail market in agriculture marketing. These markets have been called as GRAM (Gramin Retail Agriculture Market).
Through these markets infrastructure of 22,000 Rural Haats and 585 APMC markets will be developed.
 ‘Operation Greens’ announced will benefit farmers growing Tomato, Onion and Potato.
Seven-Point Strategy

o Emphasis on irrigation along with end to end solution on creation of resources for ‘More crop per drop’
o ‘Provision of quality seeds and nutrients according to the soil quality of each farm.
o Large investments in warehouses and cold chains to prevent Post-harvest losses.
o Promotion of value addition through food processing.
o Implementation of National Agricultural Markets and e-platforms (e-NAM) to eliminate shortcomings of all the
585 centers.
o To mitigate the risk, introduction of crop insurance scheme at a lower cost.
o Promotion of allied activities such as Dairy-Animal husbandry, Poultry, Bee-keeping, Horticulture, and Fisheries.
Cabinet Approves
Creation of National Urban Housing Fund: For Rs.60,000 crores; The target is to cater to the demand of housing shortage of
nearly 1.2 crore and make available housing to all by 2022, when the Country celebrates its 75th Anniversary of Independence.
India-Morocco Cooperation Agreement in Railway Sector: The Cooperation Agreement will enable technical cooperation in
the following areas:-
 Training and staff development;
 Expert missions, exchange of experience and personnel; and
 Mutual technical assistance, including exchanging of experts.
Adjudication of dispute on Mahanadi River Waters: The Tribunal shall determine water sharing among basin States on the
basis of the overall availability of water in the complete Mahanadi basin, contribution of each State, the present utilization of
water resources in each State and the potential for future development (long-pending dispute between States of Odisha and
Chhattisgarh on Mahanadi River)
Agreement between India and Israel on Film Co-production: Co-production of an Indian film with an international party
means that
 Indian producer can access international funds and can collaborate on the script, talent and distribution at international
level.
 Co-production of a film under this treaty will qualify it to be national production both in India and Israel.
 Enable a common pool of creative, artistic, technical, financial and marketing resources of the two countries.
 The co-produced films will also be eligible for their participation as domestic productions in film festivals of both the
countries and any other incentives which are available for carrying out production and post-production work in any of the
countries.
New Bill to ban Unregulated Deposit Schemes and Chit Funds (Amendment) Bill, 2018: To protect the savings of the
investors; the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018 will provide a comprehensive legislation to deal with the
menace of illicit deposit schemes in the country through,
 Complete prohibition of unregulated deposit taking activity;
 Deterrent punishment for promoting or operating an unregulated deposit taking scheme;
 Stringent punishment for fraudulent default in repayment to depositors;
 Designation of a Competent Authority by the State Government to ensure repayment of deposits in the event of default by
a deposit taking establishment;
 Powers and functions of the competent authority including the power to attach assets of a defaulting establishment;
 Designation of Courts to oversee repayment of depositors and to try offences under the Act; and
 Listing of Regulated Deposit Schemes in the Bill, with a clause enabling the Central Government to expand or prune the
list.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India Sign $ 84 Million Loan
(Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate)
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For: Improvement and Expansion of Water Supply in the State of Bihar

 The tranche 2 loan is part of the $200 million multi-tranche financing facility (MFF) for the Bihar Urban Development
Investment Program that was approved by ADB in 2012 to provide sustainable urban infrastructure and services in four
towns in Bihar – Bhagalpur, Gaya, Darbhanga and Muzaffarpur.
 The Project 2 will improve access to better quality and sustainable water supply, for the people of Bhagalpur and Gaya
towns.
 It will also promote better water management practices that will result in a citywide coverage with 24-hour uninterrupted
supply of treated water of 135 litres per capita per day in both cities.
 Support civil works subprojects and would benefit 1.1 million people in the two project towns with increased coverage of
treated water supply by 2021; train 400 urban local body (ULB) staff in the management and operation and maintenance
(O&M) of water supply systems, and help ULBs improve technical and financial management of the water supply
operations
Indo-German MOU – Implementation Agreement in Sustainable Urban Development and Smart Cities in India
Aim: To develop and apply concepts for sustainable urban development about the provision of urban basic services and housing
in selected cities and Smart Cities in India
 Technical cooperation measure will support approaches for sustainable urban development in the area of integrated
planning, provision of affordable housing and basic services with particular focus on water, waste water and solid waste
management and mobility.
 The ‘Sustainable Urban Development Programme – Smart Cities in India’ project is supported by the German Federal
Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and jointly implemented by the Ministry of Housing and
Urban Affairs, Government of India and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
MoU with Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

Aim: To usher the “programme based research support” in addressing current and future global and local developmental
challenges
Revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and Kenya
 In order to promote cross border flow of investments and technology, the revised DTAA provides for reduction in
withholding tax rates from 15% to 10% on dividends, from 15% to 10% on interest, from 20% to 10% on royalties and
from 17.5% to 10% on fees for management, professional and technical services.
 The revised DTAA provides for a new Article on Limitation of Benefits to allow treaty benefits to bonafide residents of
both countries, to combat treaty abuse by third country residents and to allow application of domestic law to prevent tax
avoidance or evasion.
 The Article on Exchange of Information has been updated to the latest international standard to provide for exchange of
information, including banking information for tax purposes, to the widest possible extent.
 A new Article on Assistance in Collection of Taxes has also been provided in the revised treaty which will enable
assistance in collection of tax revenue claims between both countries.
How is it beneficial?
 Improve transparency in tax matters
 Help curb tax evasion and tax avoidance
 Remove double taxation
 Stimulate the flow of investment, technology and services
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Features of National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) Platform

(Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System-
objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions)
The Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare launches six new user friendly features of National Agriculture Market
(e-NAM) Platform:
e-NAM Mobile App:
 Facilitate the farmers to do advance Gate Entry on Mobile app which in turn will reduce a lot of time for farmers coming
in the Mandi and will bring huge efficiency and facilitate smooth arrival recording at the Gate
 Farmers can see the progress of their lot being traded
 Real time bidding progress of price will be visible to farmers on Mobile App
 During the trade, facility of viewing the assaying certificate is made available to traders on the mobile app. Now, online
payment by trader (buyer) can also be done from e-NAM Mobile App through debit card and net banking. This will help
buyers to transfer the payment directly through the App and make it easier for traders in online payment to farmers. Also,
SMS alert to farmer on receiving payment in their bank account will be sent thereby helping farmers in getting information
of payment receipt.
BHIM payment facility: To ease out payment to farmers which will also reduce the payment realization time from buyers’
account to the pool account and in turn disbursal to farmers.
New and improved Website with eLearning Module:
 Live status of markets of e-NAM based on gate entry, latest information on events, dynamic training calendar etc.
 E-Learning module in Hindi language on how to operate the system and continuously get trained on the system at their
convenience.
MIS Dashboard: Based on Business intelligence will provide a greater insight into the performance of each Mandi in terms of
arrival and trade.
 Help the Mandi Board officials and APMC Secretary to compare the performance of each Mandi on daily, weekly,
monthly/quarterly and Year-on-Year Basis
 Enable officials and Mandi Secretary in doing actual trade analysis from commodity level to State level operation
 Beneficial for the Mandi Board and Mandi Secretary in planning and coordinating their operation post historical analysis.
Grievance Redressal Management System for Mandi Secretaries: Help raise technology issues related to portal/ software and
its operation and also track the status of redressal of their query online.
Integration with Farmer Database: For registration process to become easier and easy identification of farmers increasing the
efficiency and reduce queue time. This will help in managing the load at the Gate more efficiently during peak time in Rabi and
Kharif and reduce waiting time for farmers at the entry gate.
Indian scientists develop next generation technology loop to generate clean energy
(Topic: Infrastructure: Green & Clean Energy)
What: Indian scientists have developed a super critical carbon di oxide Brayton test loop facility that would help generate clean
energy from future power plants including solar thermal.
 India’s first test-bed for next generation, efficient, compact, waterless super critical carbon dioxide Brayton cycle test loop
for power generation.
 The first test loop coupled with solar heat source in the world.
By: Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
 The new generation high efficiency power plants with closed cycle CO2 as the working fluid have the potential to replace
steam based nuclear and thermal power plants, thus reducing the carbon foot print significantly.
 This test loop is designed to generate the necessary data for future development of scaled up S-CO2 power plants, which
would require overcoming several technological challenges –developing critical components such as the turbine,
compressor and heat exchangers that can work at the desired pressure and temperature ranges and using materials that can
withstand these conditions.
 Today’s thermal power plants use steam to carry heat away from the source and turn a turbine to generate power.
However, it could generate more power if, instead of steam, supercritical CO2 (SCO2) is used. The term “supercritical”
describes the state of carbon dioxide above its critical temperature of 31°C and critical pressure of 73 atmospheres making
it twice as dense as steam.
Advantages:
 The efficiency of energy conversion could also be significantly increased─by as much as 50 percent or more─if S-CO2 is
operated in a closed loop Brayton cycle.
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 Increases power generation and makes the process more efficient

 Smaller turbines and power blocks can make the power plant cheaper, while higher efficiency would significantly reduce
CO2 emissions for fossil fuel based plants.
 Moreover, if the power plant used solar or nuclear heat source, it would mean higher capacity at lower operating costs.
Please Note:
Governor of Maharashtra: C.Vidhya Sagar Rao
Chief Minister of Maharastra: Devendra Fadnavis
Bharat-Net: Providing broad-band Internet connectivity to our villages
Swajal: A community owned drinking water programme for sustained drinking water supply.
Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP): Intended to establish first Health Information Exchange by connecting
various Hospital Information Systems from 10 Indian States.
National Health Policy (2017) of India clearly articulates the healthcare aspirations of people of India with three distinct goals.
 First Goal: Ensure district-level electronic database of information on health system components by 2020, which largely
means moving away from paper-based data collection and recording in public health system to use of sophisticated
computerized tools for improving functioning of hospitals and health system
 Second goal: To strengthen the health surveillance system and establish registries for diseases of public health importance
by 2020, where we intend to create registries to support epidemiological profiling of diseases to be better informed for
targeted health interventions.
 Third goal: Pushes us to work for establishment of federated national e-health architecture, setting-up of health
information exchanges and national Health Information Network by 2025
World Environment Day 2018
 Global Host: India
 Theme: Beat Plastic Pollution
SARAS: India’s indigenous light transport aircraft, completes the second test-flight successfully
People in News:
 Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa: Reverence and admiration for him amongst Bengali elites led to the formation of the
Ramakrishna Mission by his chief disciple Swami Vivekananda
 Nizamuddin Auliyala: A Sufi saint of the Chishti Order; Amir Khusrow was his student
Excerpts from the Speeches:
Between the Mind and the Machine –
 With the arrival of Artificial Intelligence, Bots and Robots, there is no doubt that our productivity will further go up. But,
there are also rising fears of human redundancy because there is a competition between the mind and the machine. Such
fears are neither un-founded nor new.
 At every stage of technological evolution, we have faced such doubts and questions. This leads to two views of the future.
First brings hopes and aspirations and second brings fears of disruption
 Technology opens entirely new spheres and sectors for growth. It also opens up an entirely new paradigm of
opportunities. With each wave of new technology, many new opportunities arise. New opportunities have always out-
numbered the lost ones.
 Human ingenuity has always prevailed and it will continue to do so in the future. This optimism stems from my firm faith
in Ancient Indian Thinking that blended science and spirituality and found Harmony between the two/ for the greater good
of mankind.
 The spirit of scientific enquiry was rooted in the pursuit of Truth. Our ancient texts go on to further list the mental faculties
that assist in this pursuit of the Truth. शशशशशशश (dedication),शशशश (mental
capacity), शशशशश (intelligence), शशशश (mind), शशशशशश (peace), शशशशश (elevated state of
consciousnes), शशशशशश (memory), शशशशश (recall) and शशशशशशश (application of knowledge).
 The road ahead for Artificial Intelligence depends on and will be driven by Human Intentions. With every industrial
revolution, the scalability of technology has increased manifold. This has given human increasingly more power to create
an impact in whatever he does through technology. It is this ethic of development that will ensure equity for all people.
The March of Technology cannot be at the expense of further increasing the difference between societies over access to
technology. The evolution of Technology has to be rooted in the ethic of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.
Industrial and Infrastructure Security architecture
Edifice of a good Industrial and Infrastructure Security architecture rests on three pillars –
 Physical security, the main objective of which is access control. This is achieved by ensuring perimeter and campus
security through fences, patrolling, sentry post, flood lighting and alarm systems.
 Security of Data and Information: This aspect has assumed significance in recent years as there are instances where data
and information leakages have caused huge damages. Plugging these leaks is an important aspect of Industrial security.
 Emergency Response System which requires us to prepare a Contingency Plan to be able to respond to any emergency to
minimise risk and to mitigate& reduce the extent of loss. This is very critical to Industrial and Infrastructure Security.
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The perceived threats to Industrial and Infrastructure Security till recent times were three dimensional. Cyber Crimes has added
the 4th dimension to these threats.
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 25th Feb to 3rd March, 2018

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GOBAR-Dhan – Galvanizing Organic Bio Agro Resources

implementation)
Aim: To ensure cleanliness in villages and generate wealth and energy by converting cattle dung and solid agricultural waste into
Compost and Bio Gas (Under the Swachch Bharat Mission (Rural))
 People will be encouraged to consider dung and other waste not just as a waste but as a source of income
 Will be easier to keep the village clean and sanitized, livestock health will improve and farm yields will increase.
 Biogas generation will increase self-reliance in energy utilized for cooking and lighting. Farmers and cattle herders will be
helped in augmenting their income.
 There will be novel opportunities for newer jobs linked to waste collection, transportation, biogas sales etc.
 An online trading platform will be created for better implementation of ‘Gobar Dhan Yojana’, it will connect farmers to
buyers so that farmers can get the right price for dung and agricultural waste.
Cabinet Approves:
Cabinet apprised of a MoU between India and Fiji on Cooperation in Renewable Energy: To establish the basis for a
cooperative institutional relationship to encourage and promote technical bilateral cooperation on new and renewable issues on
the basis of mutual benefit equality and reciprocity.
MoU between India and Macedonia on cooperation in the field of Health: The MoU covers the following areas of
cooperation:-
 Capacity building and short term training of human resources in health;
 Exchange & training of medical doctors, officials, other health professionals and experts;
 Assistance in development of human resources and setting up of health care facilities;
MoU between India and Jordan on Cooperation in Health Sector: The MoU covers the following areas of cooperation:
 Universal Health Coverage (UHC);
 Health System Governance;
 Services and Information Technology in Health;
 Health Research;
 National Health Statistics;
 Health Finance and Health Economy;
 Chronic Disease Control;
 Tobacco Control;
 Diagnosis, Treatment and Medication in Tuberculosis;
 Regulation of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices
MoU between India and Jordan on Cooperation in the Field of Manpower: Aims at enhancing collaboration between the two
sides in promoting best practices in the administration of contractual employment, reflects the latest reforms in recruitment
processes and enhances the protection and welfare of Indian workers in Jordan. Collaboration between the two sides in use of
online portal for recruitment of Indian manpower is expected to usher in greater transparency and curb malpractices in the
recruitment process.
Continuation of Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) beyond 12th Plan for three years from
2017-18 to 2019-20
 Objective: Create sustainable estimated employment opportunities for 15 lakh persons in three financial years
 Nodal implementation agency at the national level: Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
 PMEGP: A major credit-linked subsidy programme being implemented by the Ministry of MSME since 2008-09. The
Scheme is aimed at generating self-employment opportunities through establishment of micro-enterprises in the non-farm
sector by helping traditional artisans and unemployed youth in rural as well as urban areas. A total of 4.55 lakh micro
enterprises have been assisted with a margin money subsidy of Rs. 9564.02 crore providing employment to an estimated
37.98 lakh persons from inception till 31.01.2018.
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The Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018: The Bill addresses one of the most
pervasive yet invisible crimes affecting the most vulnerable persons especially women and children and broadly has the
following features:-
 Addresses the issue of trafficking from the point of view of prevention, rescue and rehabilitation
 Aggravated forms of trafficking, which includes trafficking for the purpose of forced labour, begging, trafficking by
administering chemical substance or hormones on a person for the purpose of early sexual maturity, trafficking of a
woman or child for the purpose of marriage or under the pretext of marriage or after marriage etc
 Punishment for promoting or facilitating trafficking of person which includes producing, printing, issuing or distributing
unissued, tampered or fake certificates, registration or stickers as proof of compliance with Government requirements; or
commits fraud for procuring or facilitating the acquisition of clearances and necessary documents from Government
agencies.
 The confidentiality of victims/ witnesses and complainants by not disclosing their identity. Further the confidentiality of
the victims is maintained by recording their statement through video conferencing (this also helps in trans-border and
inter-State crimes).
 Time bound trial and repatriation of the victims – within a period of one year from taking into cognizance.
 Immediate protection of rescued victims and their rehabilitation. The Victims are entitled to interim relief immediately
within 30 days to address their physical, mental trauma etc. and further appropriate relief within 60 days from the date of
filing of charge sheet.
 Rehabilitation of the victim which is not contingent upon criminal proceedings being initiated against the accused or the
outcome thereof
 Rehabilitation Fund created for the first time. To be used for the physical, psychological and social well-being of the
victim including education, skill development, health care/psychological support, legal aid, safe accommodation, etc.
 Designated courts in each district for the speedy trial of the cases
 The Bill creates dedicated institutional mechanisms at District, State and Central Level. These will be responsible for
prevention, protection, investigation and rehabilitation work related to trafficking. National Investigation Agency (NIA)
will perform the tasks of Anti-Trafficking Bureau at the national level present under the MHA.
 Punishment ranges from rigorous minimum 10 years to life and fine not less than Rs. 1 lakh.
 In order to break the organized nexus, both at the national and international level, the Bill provides for the attachment &
forfeiture of property and also the proceeds for crime.
 The Bill comprehensively addresses the transnational nature of the crime. The National Anti-Trafficking Bureau will
perform the functions of international coordination with authorities in foreign countries and international organizations;
international assistance in investigation; facilitate inter-State and trans-border transfer of evidence and materials, witnesses
and others for expediting prosecution; facilitate inter-state and international video conferencing in judicial proceedings etc.
Launch of Aviation Multi Skill Development Centre

implementation)
What: A first-of-its-kind Aviation Multi Skill Development Centre (MSDC), a CSR initiative of Airports Authority of India
(AAI)
Where: Chandigarh
Set up: In collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and is supported by the Aerospace and
Aviation Sector Skill Council (AASSC) of India
Aim: To train about 2,400 youth and women in 8 aviation job roles over the next 3 years as th demand for aviation skilled
personnel has been rising commensurately with the boom in the civil aviation sector witnessed in the last 3-4 years. Air
connectivity for both passenger transport and air freight is increasing, with new air routes and operationalisation of unserved or
underserved airports through the UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme. MRO and ground-handling demands for skilled
personnel are also rising in tandem.
Training Provider –BESTT– has been mandated to ensure job placement in the aviation and allied fields for at least 70% of the
successfully trained students.
International Conference on Sustainable Biofuels 2018

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Jointly organized by: Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India and Biofuture platform
 The event is bringing experts and delegates from 19 countries together in Sustainable Biofuels sector to take stock of
current knowledge, share information and best practices, and build consensus on the actions most needed to move forward.
 Use of fossil fuels for transportation contributes significantly to global greenhouse gases (GHG) emission. The sustainable
biofuels have ability to reduce the GHG emission load and this consideration led to establishment of Sustainable Biofuel
Innovation Challenge (SBIC) under Mission Innovation (MI).
 Advanced or second-generation biofuels produced from non-food biomass materials and specially grown high yielding
plants or algae, if managed sustainably can contribute to significantly reduce emissions. However, many of the advanced
biofuels still remain in pre- or an early commercial stage of development and need innovations and breakthrough for low
cost sustainable production.
Sustainable Biofuel Innovation Challenge: Aims to accelerate research, development and deployment of low cost, high GHG
impacting advanced biofuels.
Conferences/Seminars:
20th Conference of the Commonwealth Education Ministers (20CCEM)
 Held in: Nadi, Fiji
 Theme of the Conference: “Sustainability and Resilience: Can Education Deliver?”
MILAN International Maritime Seminar
What: A congregation of littoral navies conducted biennially by Indian Navy at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, under the
aegis of the Andaman and Nicobar Command. MILAN has now grown into a prestigious international event and encompasses
participation by maritime forces from not just the Bay of Bengal and South East Asia but the larger Indian Ocean Region (lOR).
Underlying theme: ‘Friendship Across the Seas’
Theme this year: ‘In Pursuit of Maritime Good Order – Need for Comprehensive Information Sharing Apparatus’
Besides fostering co-operation through naval exercises and professional interactions, MILAN also provides an excellent
opportunity to the participating navies to come together in a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding to nurture stronger
ties.
Second India-Korea Business Summit: Aim of the summit –
 To strengthen the economic relationship
 Boost trade relations
 Increase investments between India and Republic of Korea.
Please note:
March 8: International Women’s Day; women are felicitated with ‘Nari Shakti Puraskar’ – Swami Vivekananda said ‘The idea
of perfect womanhood is perfect independence’
Swajal Yojana: Swajal is a community owned drinking water programme for sustained drinking water supply. Under the
scheme, 90% of the project cost will be taken care by the Government and the remaining 10% of the project cost will be
contributed by the community. The Operations and management of the project will be taken care by the local villagers.
India’s first Trash Mahotsav: In Raipur, Chhattisgarh
BIMSTEC: Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan & Nepal – a joint disaster management exercise
involving these countries
28th of February: National Science Day
International Gandhi Award 2017”
 Dr. M.D. Gupte for his outstanding contribution to the global programme of elimination of leprosy
 Dr. Atul Shah for humanitarian services to alleviate the suffering of leprosy – affected persons.
 Note: In 2012-13, India recorded 83,000 leprosy cases with a prevalence of 0.68 per 10,000 population. Until 1st April
2012, 33 States and Union Territories had attained the levels of leprosy elimination of less than 1 case per 10,000
population. 542 districts out of 640 had also achieved elimination by March 2012.
 Need of the hour – Intensify our efforts towards early detection of leprosy cases + Provide equitable access to appropriate
treatment + Provide integrated leprosy services + Empower those who have been socially discriminated through advocacy
and information dissemination + Conduct research on the development of diagnostic tests and new vaccines
Indo-US Delegation Meets for Defence Cooperation (8th Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) Inter Agency
Task Force Meeting): The aim of DTTI is to bring sustained leadership focus to the bilateral defence trade relationship and
create opportunities for co-production and co-development of defence equipment.
SRIJAN (Station Rejuvenation Initiative through Joint Action): An idea competition for development of 635 stations for
redevelopment of around 600 major Railway stations across the country
Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced UAN-Aadhaar linking facility for the convenience of
members using EPFO Link in UMANG Mobile App.
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank:
What: AIIB is a multilateral development bank founded to bring countries together to address Asia’s daunting infrastructure
needs; began operations in January 2016 and has now grown to 84 approved members worldwide.
Headquarter: Beijing, AIIB
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Mission: To improve economic and social development in Asia by investing in high-quality, financially viable and
environmentally friendly infrastructure projects.
2018:
 Theme: “Mobilizing Finance for Infrastructure: Innovation and Collaboration,” in recognition of the private sector’s vital
role in bridging the infrastructure gap.
 Launch of the inaugural Asian Infrastructure Forum, which will gather infrastructure practitioners in a practical and
project-driven discussion, focused on matching innovative finance to critical infrastructure needs.
People in News:
Chandrashekhar Azad
Bharat Ratna (1954), Sir C.V.Raman
 Was awarded the 1930 Nobel Prize for his outstanding work on light scattering.
 He discovered that when light traverses a transparent material, some of the deflected light changes wavelength. This
phenomenon, subsequently known as Raman scattering, results from the Raman Effect.
Quotes:
By Gandhi:
 “We need to preserve the multi-cultural nature of our country and the world. I do not want my house to be walled in on all
sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all lands to be blown about my house as friendly as possible.
But I refuse to be blown off my feet.”
 Writing in ‘Harijan’ in November 1947, Gandhiji said “Leprosy work is not merely medical relief; it is transforming the
frustration in life into the joy of dedication, personal ambition into selfless service. If you can change the life of a patient
or change his values of life, you can change village and the country”.
By PM of India, Shri Narendra Modi:
 The relentless quest to ask questions for knowing the truth is very important. And this is the very essence, the real
inspiration behind scientific inventions and discoveries. Never rest till every ‘why’, ‘what’ & ‘how’ are answered.
 Three important factors of economy together:

o
 Democracy: The system based on liberal values which ensures free and fair play towards one and all;
 Demography: A vast and talented pool of young and energetic workforce;

o Demand: A big and growing market for goods and services
Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu
 Two GDPs critical for the ‘Gross Domestic Product’: ‘Growth Driving Power’ from among whom are the ‘Great
Dedicated Persons’
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 4th March to 11th March, 2018

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Launch of National Nutrition Mission

(Topic:
 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and
implementation.
 Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes
श
Aimed at: 10 crore beneficiaries, mainly children up to the age of 6 years, pregnant and lactating women, and adolescent girls.
Target: To reduce stunting, under-nutrition, and low birth weight by 2 percent per annum, and anaemia by 3 percent annually
 Half of the amount required for the scheme is proposed to come from the International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development and other multilateral development agencies.
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 It would be executed with the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) as the nodal ministry along with
Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare which is in-charge of
immunisation.
 The mission aims to bring down the stunting percentage as per the National Family Health Survey-4 (2014-15) from 38.4
percent to 25 percent by 2022.
 ICT would be used for real-time monitoring of the services provided by anganwadi workers, ASHA workers (accredited
social health activists) and auxiliary nurse midwives.
Must read: Link 1
Launch of Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)

(Topic:
implementation.
 Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes
श
By: NITI Aayog
Aimed at: Building an ecosystem for women across India to realize their entrepreneurial aspirations, scale-up innovative
initiatives and chalk-out sustainable, long-term strategies for their businesses.
Three pillars on which WEP is built:
 Ichha Shakti (motivating aspiring entrepreneurs to start their enterprise)
 Gyaan Shakti (providing knowledge and ecosystem support to women entrepreneurs to help them foster entrepreneurship)
 Karma Shakti (providing hands-on support to entrepreneurs in setting-up and scaling up businesses).
“Make in India” Action Plan

implementation)
Under the “Make in India” action plan, 21 key sectors have been identified for specific actions under:
 Policy initiatives
 Fiscal incentives
 Infrastructure creation
 Ease of doing business
 Innovation and R&D
 Skill development
Key sectors have been opened up for FDI: defence manufacturing, food processing, telecom, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, civil
aviation, space, private security agencies, railways, insurance and pensions and medical devices.
Key Points:
 In 2016-17, FDI inflow stood at a record of USD 60 billion, highest ever recorded for a fiscal year ever.
 According to IMF World Economic Outlook (April2017) and UN World Economic Situation Prospects 2017, India is the
fastest growing major economy in the world and is projected to remain so in year 2018.
Draft Indian National Strategy for Standardization

implementation)
The Strategy considers the current state of development across sectors, the existing quality infrastructure and the policy directions
in relation to domestic economic developments and trade in goods and services.
Key Objectives of Draft INSS
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 Positioning standards as a key driver of all economic activities relating to goods and services
 Developing a comprehensive ecosystem in India for standards development taking into account the diversity of interests
and expertise available
 Using standards as enhancer of competitiveness of Indian goods and services in domestic and international markets
 Providing level playing field to domestic industry
 Adopting best practices in standardization, conformity assessment and technical regulations and creating an integrated
infrastructure, roadmaps and institutions for their effective management
 Playing an active role and taking leadership positions in apex international forums in the related areas
 Creating response mechanisms to global developments on standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment
practices that impact market access of Indian goods and services
 Aligning the Strategy with other national policies related to trade & industry, consumers and environment
Cabinet Approves:
Signing of Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement between India and France: The Agreement represents a major
milestone in enhancing people-to -people contacts, fostering mobility of students, academics, researchers and skilled
professionals and strengthening cooperation on issues related to irregular migration and human trafficking between the two sides.
Signing of an Agreement between India and France to facilitate “Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications”:
 To facilitate Mutual Recognition of educational qualifications and periods of study undertaken by students in duly
approved, recognized and/or accredited educational Institutions within the two countries
 The agreement will be instrumental in encouraging mobility of students from both the countries by facilitating possibilities
for them to continue their studies in the other country and would also promote excellence in higher education through
innovative partnerships/collaborations and research activities which will be leading to the improvement of the quality of
education in India.
Agreement between India and France to prevent illicit consumption and reduction of illicit traffic in Narcotic Drugs,
Psychotropic Substances and Chemical Precursors and related offences: Aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation between
the two countries in the prevention of the said offences through exchange of information, expertise and capacity building.
MoU between India and Hellenic on Renewable Energy Cooperation: Both sides aim to establish the basis for a cooperative
institutional relationship to encourage and promote technical bilateral cooperation on new and renewable issues on the basis of
mutual benefit equality and reciprocity.
Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2018 for introduction in the Parliament:
It is a part of the efforts of the Government to encourage institutional arbitration for settlement of disputes and make India a
centre of robust Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism.
Benefit: Will facilitate achieving the goal of improving institutional arbitration by establishing an independent body to lay down
standards, make arbitration process more party friendly, cost effective and ensure timely disposal of arbitration cases.
Background:
To give a boost to institutional, arbitration vis-a-vis ad hoc arbitration and to remove some practical difficulties in applicability of
the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act, 2015, a High Level Committee (HLC) under the Chairmanship of Justice B.
H. Srikrishna, Retired Judge, Supreme Court of India, was constituted by the Central Government. The HLC was given the
mandate –
 To examine the effectiveness of existing arbitration mechanism by studying the functioning and performance of Arbitral
Institutions in India;
 To devise a road map to promote institutionalized arbitration mechanisms in India;
 To evolve an effective and efficient arbitration eco-system for commercial dispute resolution and submit a Report on
suggested reforms in the statute.
Memorandum of Cooperation between India and France in the field of environment: Will enable establishment and
promotion of closer and long-term cooperation between the countries in the field of environment protection and management of
natural resources on the basis of equity, reciprocity and mutual benefits, taking into account the applicable laws and legal
provisions in each country.
India – Vietnam Relations

(Topic: India and its neighbourhood- relations)
President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: H.E. Mr. Tran Dai Quang
Fathers of the Nation, Vietnam: President Ho Chi Minh
Defence & Security – an important and effective pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
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 Stronger cooperation between their armed forces and enhanced cooperation in areas of cyber security, combating terrorism
and violent extremism in all their forms and manifestations, transnational crimes, human and drug trafficking, maritime
security, climate change and food security.
 Reaffirmed their commitment to an open, free, secure, stable, peaceful and accessible cyber space under the auspices of the
United Nations and called for greater cooperation and effective implementation of the agreements signed between the two
sides on cyber security
 Both sides agreed to expedite the implementation of the US$100 million Line of Credit for building of high-speed patrol
boats for the Viet Nam Border Guards and urged for early signing of a framework agreement on the US$ 500 million Line
of Credit for defence industry
Economic Relations – Need to enhance strong trade and economic engagement
 To explore new trade and investment opportunities in identified priority areas of cooperation: hydrocarbons, power
generation, renewable energy, energy, conservation, infrastructure, textiles, footwear, pharmaceuticals, machine tools,
agriculture and agro-products, tourism, chemicals, ICT and other service sector industries
 To intensify cooperation to increase productivity, quantum and content of science and technology in agricultural products
Energy Cooperation –
 Welcomed Indian oil and gas companies to avail of opportunities in the midstream and downstream sectors in Viet Nam,
to expand their oil and gas exploration and exploitation activities on land and in the continental shelf and Exclusive
Economic Zone (EEZ) of Vietnam
Culture, Education & People-to-People Exchanges
 To intensify cooperation in the fields of culture, tourism and people-to-people exchange, widen and deepen cultural and
historical ties by cooperating further in the areas of archaeology, conservation and museums to revive and reconnect the
civilizational and historic cultural heritage between the two countries
Connectivity
 The Indian side urged Viet Nam to utilise various initiatives of India for CLMV countries, including the US$1 billion line
of credit for physical and digital connectivity projects. The two sides agreed to explore the possibility of extending the
India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway further to Viet Nam through Cambodia and Lao PDR.
 The two sides stressed the importance of the early signing of an ASEAN-India Maritime Transport Cooperation
Agreement. They sought acceleration of the establishment of direct shipping routes between the sea ports of India and Viet
Nam.
Regional Cooperation
 Underscoring the significance of sub-regional frameworks in strengthening bilateral cooperation and complementing
regional cooperation through ASEAN frameworks, they agreed to optimally develop and utilise existing sub-regional
frameworks, especially the Mekong-Ganga Economic Corridor.
 The Vietnamese side reiterated its consistent support for permanent membership of India in a reformed Security Council.
 The two sides re-affirmed their determination and efforts to further cooperate in maintaining peace, stability and
development in the Indo – Pacific region as well as in the world at large. They also reiterated the importance of, and the
need for complete compliance with international law, notably the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982
(UNCLOS), including the implementation of international legal obligations in good faith, the maintenance of freedom of
navigation and over-flight in the South China Sea, full respect for diplomatic and legal processes, peaceful settlement of
disputes without resorting to the threat or use of force, and in accordance with international law. In this regard, both sides
support the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea
(DOC) and look forward to an early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
Please Note –
Thousands of educational institutions of all Minority communities including Madrasas have been included in the mainstream
education system by connecting them with 3Ts –
 Teacher
 Tiffin
 Toilet
Key Statistics:
 School dropout rate among Muslim girls down from 70% to about 40%
 UNICEF has stated that 25 million child marriages were prevented worldwide in the last decade with South Asia
witnessing the largest decline largely due to progress in India. It was stated that in the current trend, 27 per cent of girls get
married before they turn 18 years—steep decline from 47 per cent a decade ago.
Quotes by:
PM of India – Shri Narendra Modi
On your journey towards success: “Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life, think of it, dream of it, live on that idea, let
the brain, muscles, nerve, every part of your body be full of that idea and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to
success.”
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Education: “Your education should be an education of the heart and the spirit, and of the spirit as much of the brain; it should be
a living connection between yourselves and your past as well as the modern world!”
Former President Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam: “If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I
strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the teacher.”
The architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: “I measure the progress of community by the degree of the
progress which women have achieved”.
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 12th to 17th March, 2018

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Steps taken for Curbing Population Growth

implementation)
As per the 2017 revision of United Nations World Population prospects, India’s population is projected to be 1.50 billion by 2030
only.
 Mission ParivarVikas: to increase access to contraceptives and Family Planning services in 146 high fertility districts.
 Introduction of New Contraceptive Choices: The current basket of choice has been expanded to include the new
contraceptives viz. Injectable contraceptive, Centchroman and Progesterone Only Pills (POP).
 Redesigned Contraceptive Packaging: The packaging for Condoms, Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) and Emergency
Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) has now been improved and redesigned.
 New Family Planning Media Campaign: to generate demand for contraceptives.
 Family Planning logistics management information system: to track Family Planning commodities.
 Enhanced Compensation Scheme for Sterilization: enhanced in 11 high focus states (8 Empowered Action Group
(EAG), Assam, Gujarat, Haryana)
 National Family Planning Indemnity Scheme: clients are indemnified in the unlikely events of deaths, complications
and failures following sterilization.
 Clinical Outreach Team Scheme: launched in 146 Mission ParivarVikas districts for providing Family planning services
through mobile teams from accredited organizations in far-flung, underserved and geographically difficult areas.
 Scheme for ensuring drop back services to sterilization clients has been initiated.
 Post Abortion Family Planning Services have been initiated.
 A Scheme for Home delivery of contraceptives by ASHAs to provide contraceptives at the doorstep of beneficiaries is in
operation.
 A Scheme to ensure spacing of births by ASHAs is in operation.
 Post-partum Family Planning is being focused with special emphasis on Post-partum IUCD services.
 Quality Assurance Committees have been established in all state and districts for ensuring quality of care in Family
Planning.
 Cu IUCD 375 with 5 years effectivity has been introduced in the programme as an alternative to the existing IUCD (Cu
IUCD 380A with effectivity of 10 years).
 Male participation is being emphasized upon.
 Private/ NGO facilities have been accredited to increase the provider base for family planning services under PPP.
Mindmap on how to approach the topic “POPULATION” for CSE: Link
Must Read: Link 1 + Link 2 + Link 3
Steps taken for Educational Reforms

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(Topic:
implementation
 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human
Resources)
The Government is committed to –
 Improve the quality of education
 Realize India’s human resource potential to its fullest in the education sector with equity and inclusion
 To provide equitable access to quality education to all sections of the society
All reform initiatives are also through consensus evolved between the Centre and the States through the Central Advisory Board
on Education (CABE), which is a composite body and is also the highest advisory body on education.
Elementary education
Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009: Free and compulsory education of children in the 6
to 14 age group in India became a fundamental right when, in 2002, Article 21-A was inserted in the 86th Amendment to the
Constitution. The three provisions are:
 Ensuring retention
 Pupil-to-Teacher ratio
 Decentralisation of academic schedules
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) programme: Aims for improvements in school infrastructure and in teaching and learning
Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA): To enhance access to secondary education and to improve its quality
 Additional physical facilities to be provided: (i) Additional class rooms, (ii) Laboratories, (iii) Libraries, (iv) Art and crafts
room, (v) Toilet blocks, (vi) Drinking water provisions and (vii) Residential Hostels for Teachers in remote areas.
 Important quality interventions provided: (i) appointment of additional teachers to reduce PTR to 30:1, (ii) focus on
Science, Math and English education, (iii) In-service training of teachers, (iv) science laboratories, (v) ICT enabled
education, (vi) curriculum reforms; and (vii) teaching learning reforms.
Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Teacher Education (CSSTE): To create a sound institutional infrastructure for pre-service
and in-service training of elementary & secondary school teachers and for provision of academic resource support to elementary
and secondary schools.
Shaala Siddhi: The National Programme on School Standards and Evaluation (NPSSE), known as Shaala Sidhdhi is a
comprehensive instrument for school evaluation leading to school improvement.
Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan: To inculcate a spirit of inquiry, creativity and love for Science and Mathematics in school
children.
Higher education
Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA): Aims at providing strategic funding to eligible state higher educational
institutions
 Improve the overall quality of state institutions by ensuring conformity to prescribed norms and standards and adopt
accreditation as a mandatory quality assurance framework.
 Usher transformative reforms in the state higher education system by creating a facilitating institutional structure for
planning and monitoring at the state level, promoting autonomy in State Universities and improving governance in
institutions.
 Ensure reforms in the affiliation, academic and examination systems.
 Ensure adequate availability of quality faculty in all higher educational institutions and ensure capacity building at all
levels of employment.
 Create an enabling atmosphere in the higher educational institutions to devote themselves to research and innovations.
 Expand the institutional base by creating additional capacity in existing institutions and establishing new institutions, in
order to achieve enrolment targets.
 Correct regional imbalances in access to higher education by setting up institutions in unserved & underserved areas.
 Improve equity in higher education by providing adequate opportunities of higher education to SC/STs and socially and
educationally backward classes; promote inclusion of women, minorities, and differently abled persons.
Global Initiative for Academics Network (GIAN): Brings talent pool of scientists and entrepreneurs, internationally must be
engaged with the institutes of Higher Education in India so as to augment the country’s existing academic resources, accelerate
the pace of quality reform, and elevate India’s scientific and technological capacity to global excellence.
Impacting Research, Innovation & Technology (IMPRINT): To address the major science and engineering challenges that
India must address and champion to enable, empower and embolden the nation for inclusive growth and self-reliance. This novel
initiative with twofold mandate is aimed at:
 Developing new engineering education policy
 Creating a road map to pursue engineering challenges
Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP): Aims to upscale and support ongoing efforts in improving
quality of technical education and enhancing existing capacities of the institutions to become dynamic, demand-driven, quality
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conscious, efficient and forward looking, responsive to rapid economic and technological developments occurring both at
national and international levels.
Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching (PMMMNMTT): To address
comprehensively all issues related to teachers, teaching, teacher preparation and professional development.
 The Mission would address, on the one hand, current and urgent issues such as supply of qualified teachers, attracting
talent into teaching profession and raising the quality of teaching in schools and colleges.
 On the other, it is also envisaged that the Teacher Mission would pursue long term goal of building a strong professional
cadre of teachers by setting performance standards and creating top class institutional facilities for innovative teaching and
professional development of teachers
Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM): To achieve the three cardinal principles of
Education Policy viz., access, equity and quality. The objective of this effort is to take the best teaching learning resources to all,
including the most disadvantaged. SWAYAM seeks to bridge the digital divide for students who have hitherto remained
untouched by the digital revolution and have not been able to join the mainstream of the knowledge economy.
National Digital Library: To integrate several national and international digital libraries in one single web-portal. The NDL
provides free access to many books in English and the Indian languages.
Uchhatar Avishkar Abhiyan: For making the bridge between the academics and the practical working field – industrial
exposure for skill building
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan: To connect institutions of higher education, including Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National
Institutes of Technology (NITs) and Indian Institutes of Science Education & Research (IISERs) etc. with local communities to
address the development challenges through appropriate technologies. The objectives are broadly two-fold:
 Building institutional capacity in Institutes of higher education in research & training relevant to the needs of rural India
 Provide rural India with professional resource support from institutes of higher education, especially those which have
acquired academic excellence in the field of Science, Engineering & Technology and Management
Policy Reforms
New Education Policy (NEP) (under the Chairmanship of Dr. K. Kasturirangan) is being framed for meeting the changing
dynamics of the population’s requirement with regard to quality education, innovation and research, aiming to make India a
knowledge superpower by equipping its students with the necessary skills and knowledge and to eliminate the shortage of
manpower in science, technology, academics and industry, for which wide ranging consultations were undertaken at multiple
levels of online, expert/thematic and grassroots from village to State, Zonal levels as well as at the National level.
Change in NCERT curriculum:
National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has been advised to undertake an exercise to review its
syllabus with a view to reducing the curriculum load on the students.
Why: The purpose of education is to bring out a good human being out of the system. For real development along with
knowledge, Life Skill education, value education, physical education, experiential learning is essential. Creative skills need to be
nurtured. And because of heavy curriculum, there is no time left for all these aspects.
Plan of action for reducing the Curriculum burden:
Analysis of NCERT’s syllabi and textbooks across subject areas and classes focusing on the following:
 Learning outcomes
 Curriculum linkages across classes and subjects
 Overlapping in the content (science and geography; physics and chemistry, etc.)
 Comprehensibility of language
 Age-appropriateness of the content
 Diverse contexts
Inviting suggestions from teachers, students, parents and other stake holders through web portal on the reduction of curriculum
load
Developing framework for Experiential Learning through mapping of curricular concepts, life skills and values for holistic
development of children
POSHAN (PM’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment)

(Topic:
implementation
Resources)
Jan Andolan: Incorporates inclusive participation of public representatives of local bodies, government departments of the state,
social organizations and public at large
34
Behaviour change communication is the key component of POSHAN Abhiyaan for converting it into Jan Andolan.
Key agents of change: Mother-in-law and husband; Mission is designed to develop orientation of these key members towards
healthy mother and child through proper nutrition.
Key Nutrition strategies and interventions are –
 Supplementary nutrition
 IYCF(Infant and Young Child Feeding)immunisation
 Food fortification
 Adolescent nutrition
 Dietary diversification and maternal health & nutrition
Activities to be undertaken by States/UTs as part of POSHAN Abhiyaan:
 Implementation of Convergence Action Plan at State/UT Level.
 Procurement of Smartphones, Tablets and Growth Monitoring Devices by States/UTs.
 Roll-Out of ICDS-CAS(Common Application Software).
 Implementation of ILA(Incremental Learning Approach) and CBE(Community based events).
Must Read: Link 1
LaQshya – Improving quality of care in labour room and maternity Operation Theatre (OT)
(Topic:
implementation
Resources)
The Program will
 Improve quality of care for pregnant women in labour room, maternity Operation Theatre and Obstetrics Intensive Care
Units (ICUs) and High Dependency Units (HDUs).
 Reduce maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality, improve quality of care during delivery and immediate post-
partum period and enhance satisfaction of beneficiaries and provide Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) to all pregnant
women attending public health facilities.
 Multi-pronged strategy has been adopted such as improving infrastructure up-gradation, ensuring availability of essential
equipment, providing adequate human resources, capacity building of health care workers and improving quality processes
in the labour room.
India has come a long way in improving maternal survival as Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has reduced from 301 maternal
deaths in 2001-03 to 167 in year 2011-13, an impressive decline of 45% in a decade.
Must Read: Link 1
Budget Allocation for National AYUSH Mission (NAM) Increased

Budget for 2018-19: Rs. 504.43 Crores
Objectives:
 To provide cost effective AYUSH Services, with a universal access through upgrading AYUSH Hospitals and
Dispensaries, co-location of AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs) and
District Hospitals (DHs).
 To strengthen institutional capacity at the state level through upgrading AYUSH educational institutions, State
Government Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy (ASU&H) Pharmacies, ASU & H Drug Testing Laboratories
and enforcement mechanism.
 Support cultivation of medicinal plants by adopting Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) so as to provide sustained supply
of quality raw-materials and support certification mechanism for quality standards, Good Agricultural/Collection/Storage
Practices.
 Support setting up of clusters through convergence of cultivation, warehousing, value addition, marketing and
development of infrastructure for entrepreneurs.
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Agreements with the WHO for cooperation in promoting traditional Medicine

Cooperation on promoting the quality, safety and effectiveness of serving provision in traditional and complementary Medicine,
and consumer protection between WHO and Ministry of AYUSH, India, 2016-2020. In this project, areas of collaboration are-
 Development of the WHO publications
 Benchmarks for training in Yoga, Ayurveda, Unani, Panchakarma, basic (essential) terms for T&CM practitioners
 Support the establishment of a network of international regulatory cooperation for T&CM practice
Achievement: Ministry of AYUSH has developed comprehensive document on Ayurvedic Terminologies with National
Ayurveda Morbidity Codes through a consultative process of experts.
Note: Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of AYUSH has
developed a AYUSH Drug QOL-2C for improving the quality of life in cancer patients.
Also, read: Link 1
Solve: The government has been promoting AYUSH as an alternative medicine system. What do you understand by the term
AYUSH? What are its benefits?
Tuberculosis Free India Campaign

To Aid Prime Minister’s vision: To end TB by 2025, five years ahead of the SDG’s
Why:
 India’s estimated annual TB burden is 28 lakh, 27% of the global total; our population is only 18%. Every day 1,200
Indians die of TB — 10 every three minutes.
 According to Health Ministry data, only 63% of the patients infected with the airborne disease are currently under
treatment. Further, 1,47,000 patients are resistant to first and second line TB medicines.
 At the current rate of progress, global targets to eliminate TB by 2030 will be missed by a 150 years.
Objective of the Campaign: Take the activities of National Strategic Plan for TB elimination forward in Mission mode
 The National Strategic Plan for TB elimination is backed by funding of over 12,000 crore rupees over the next three years
to ensure every TB patient has access to quality diagnosis, treatment, and support.
 The new NSP adopts a multi-pronged approach which aims to ‘Detect’ all TB patients with an emphasis on reaching TB
patients seeking care from private providers and undiagnosed TB in high-risk populations
India’s War on TB:
In designing TB control, three processes must be understood: Infection, Progression, and Transmission
Infection occurs when TB bacilli are inhaled –
 Bacilli may stay in the lungs or travel to other organs. Infection is lifelong, with bacilli lying dormant. This phase is “latent
TB”, diagnosed by a tuberculin skin test (TST).
 The “annual rate of TB infection” (ARTI) is about 1%. Cumulatively, 40% to 70% of us are living with latent TB.
 From this reservoir pool, a few progress to TB disease, one by one, 5-30 years, average 20 years, later.
Progression occurs – When bacilli become active, multiply and cause pathology; now we have “active TB”.
Transmission – Only when active TB affects the lungs do bacilli find an exit route to the atmosphere, necessary for transmission.
Why exactly is the TB treatment not bringing down the TB burden?
A person with lung TB disseminates TB bacilli over several weeks. By the time treatment stops dissemination, unfortunately, all
his close contacts would have been already infected.
The Way Forward – Countering Delay in Diagnosis:
 To block transmission, treatment should begin as soon as a symptom shows up. As cough is a very common symptom of
many diseases, doctors don’t think of TB until other treatments fail.
 Partnership with the private sector is essential for early diagnosis of TB.
 Universal primary health care, a basic human right, and a diagnostic algorithm for early diagnosis are essential for TB
control.
 To retard progression: Employ the biomedical method is drug treatment of latent TB. Experts recommend an age window
of 5-10 years when all children must be screened with TST; those with latent TB must be treated to prevent progression.
Cash benefit for TB patients: About 35 lakh identified Tuberculosis patients across the country will soon get Rs. 500 every
month from the Centre as social support. The cash benefit for social support will cover loss of wages, travel and mainly nutrition.
Web-based Application – Nikshay
To enable health functionaries at various levels across the country to monitor TB cases in their areas
 Patients receive daily SMSes to ensure they continue their medication.
 The medicines come with a toll free number that is visible only after the medicine has been taken out of the foil pack;
patients are required to give the number a missed call.
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 Every missed call is tracked, and when there are too many gaps, the patient is traced, often by treatment supervisors who
travel to remote areas on bikes that the programme pays for.
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways – Steps to Prevent Road Accidents

implementation + Infrastructure)
Multi-pronged strategy to address the issue of road safety based on 4 ‘E’s –
1. Education
2. Engineering (both of roads and vehicles)
3. Enforcement
4. Emergency Care
National Road Safety Policy: Outlines various policy measures such as promoting awareness, establishing road safety
information data base, encouraging safer road infrastructure including application of intelligent transport, enforcement of safety
laws etc.
National Road Safety Council: Apex body to take policy decisions in matters of road safety
Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2017
 Provision of creation of Motor Vehicle Accident Fund
 Implementation of Cashless Treatment Scheme during Golden Hour
 Setting up of a dedicated agency for road safety viz. National Road Safety and Traffic Management Board (NRSTMB)
 Enhancement of penalty for traffic rule violations, etc. which have direct impact on road safety
Other steps taken –
 Road safety has been made an integral part of road design at planning stage.
 Road Safety Audit of selected stretches of National Highways has been taken up. The threshold for four laning of national
highway has been reduced from 15,000 Passenger Car Units (PCUs) to 10,000 PCUs. About 52,000 Km of stretches of
State Highways has been identified for conversion to national highways.
 Setting up of model driving training institutes in States and refresher training to drivers of Heavy Motor Vehicle in the
unorganized sector
 Advocacy/Publicity campaign on road safety through the electronic and print media
 Tightening of safety standards for vehicles like Seat Belts, anti-lock braking system etc.
 For Black Spots
o High priority has been accorded to identification and rectification of black spots (accident prone spots) on national
highways, guidelines for carrying out road safety audits and preparation of road safety improvement proposals on
NHs and also guidelines on implementation of road safety engineering measures on state roads under Central Road
Fund (CRF) have been issued.
o As a measure of supplementing the efforts of States / UTs for minimizing the accident potential at the identified
locations / stretches through engineering improvement on state roads, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways had
taken a decision to sanction road safety works on state roads with an earmarked allocation of 10% of funds
allocated to the state roads under Central Road Fund.
 Guidelines for pedestrian facilities on National Highways for persons with disabilities have also been issued to all States /
UTs.
 Two National Level Workshops and several Regional Training workshops in 11 states have been organized on Road
Safety Engineering.
 A Certification Course for Road Safety Auditors has been commenced in Indian Academy of Highway Engineers (IAHE)
and 42 Auditors are certified.
Cabinet Approves
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between India and Iran in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine: Will
enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the areas of Traditional Systems of Medicine
Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion between India and Iran: will stimulate
flow of investment, technology and personnel from India to Iran & vice versa, and will prevent double taxation. The Agreement
will provide for exchange of information between the two Contracting Parties as per latest international standards. It will thus
improve transparency in tax matters and will help curb tax evasion and tax avoidance.
MoU between India and Iran for cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors: Provides for cooperation in the
areas of
 Agricultural crops, agricultural extension, horticulture, machinery, post-harvest technology, plant quarantine measures,
credit and cooperation
37
 Soil conservation and water management, integrated nutrients management, seed technology and agricultural marketing
 Livestock improvement, dairy development, animal health and other fields
MoU between India and Iran on cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine:
 Exchange experience in training of medical doctors and other health professionals;
 Assistance in development of human resources and setting up of health care facilities;
 Regulation of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and cosmetics and exchange of information thereon;
 Cooperation in the field of medical research, new technologies and knowledge based initiatives;
 Public health, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and cooperation in international health;
Continuation of ongoing urea subsidy scheme beyond 12th Five Year Plan: Ensure that adequate quantity of urea is made
available to the farmers at statutory controlled price
Effects of Neem Coating of Urea:
 Improvement in soil health
 Reduction in costs with respect to plant protection chemicals
 Reduction in pest and disease attack
Must Read: Link
Cabinet apprised of an MoU signed between India and Sri Lanka for promoting cooperation in the field of Information
Technology and Electronics: Intends to promote closer co-operation in the areas of e-Governance, m-Governance, e-Public
Services Delivery, cyber security, software technology parks, start-ups ecosystem etc.
INDIA and ADB Sign $120 Million Loan to Improve Rail Infrastructure
Aimed at:
 Enhancing the efficiency of the rail infrastructure through electrification, introduction of modern signaling system, and
doubling rail tracks on key routes in the country
 The Program will help develop an energy-efficient, safe, and reliable railway system that will result in reduced travel time
along project rail routes and improved operational and financial efficiency
The investment program is targeting busy freight and passenger routes in the states of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra,
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, including the “Golden Quadrilateral” corridor that connects Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and New
Delh.
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind Visits Mauritius

(Topic:
 India and its neighbourhood- relations
 Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests)
India accords great importance to the steady development of relations between the countries. India-Mauritius bilateral
cooperation is comprehensive and multi-faceted. Regular high-level interaction between political leaders of the two countries has
given direction and impetus to this partnership. Shared values of democracy, rule of law and social harmony further reinforce our
relationship.
Mauritius is a gateway to the Indian Ocean Region and to Africa, and can serve as a hub for Indian companies looking to access
the African mainland. As the proverbial “Star and Key” of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius has a natural convergence of interests
with India – cooperation in maritime security and counter-terrorism.
Agreements/MoUs exchanged
 Naval Diplomacy: New Line of Credit of USD 100 million by India offered a Multi-Purpose Offshore Patrol Vessel
(MPOPV) to Mauritius to augment its security capacity (with an additional grant component of USD 5 million) as part of
its Indian Ocean Region outreach that focuses on maritime security and developing the ‘blue economy’. In the past, Indian
assistance has enabled Mauritius to establish an effective force of maritime reconnaissance aircraft and a coastal radar
network
 MoU on cooperation between Nalanda University in Bihar and Mauritius
 MoU on the establishment of an Ayurveda Chair at the University of Mauritius
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 MoU between the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India and the Public Service Commission of Mauritius:
The UPSC will provide necessary assistance for capacity building to its Mauritian counterpart; and an agreement to
facilitate cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Note:
 Apravasi Ghat World Heritage Site in Mauritius represents the location where members of the early Indian community
arrived in Mauritius as indentured labourers in the 19th century.
 President of the Republic of Mauritius: Mrs Ameenah Gurib-Fakim
 It is the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence from colonial rule.
 India had help Mauritius in its efforts to gain due recognition from UNESCO for the Aapravasi Ghat and Bhojpuri Geet
Gawai.
 The 11th World Hindi Conference is going to be held in Mauritius in August 2018.
GS-3
Policy measures for increasing share of renewable energy in India’s energy mix
(Topic: Energy Security)
 Provision of Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) under the National Tariff Policy;
 Notification of the long term growth trajectory of RPO for solar and non-solar energy for next 3 years from 2016-17,
2017-18 and 2018-19;
 Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects;
 Development of power transmission network through Green Energy Corridor project;
 Making roof top solar as a part of housing loan provided by banks;
 Waiver of Inter-State Transmission Charges and losses;
 Repowering of Wind Power Projects for optimal utilization of wind resources;
 Offshore wind energy policy for development of offshore wind energy in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone;
 Supporting research and development on various aspects of renewable energy including with industry participation;
 Financial incentives for off-grid and decentralized renewable energy systems and devices for meeting energy needs for
cooking, lighting and productive purposes; and
 Permitting 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment in sector through automatic route
Solar Revolution in India

(Topic: Energy Security)
India has set up an ambitious target of setting up of 1 lakh MW solar power plants in the country by 2022
Solar technology-led innovations:
1.
1. “Suryajyoti” – a micro solar dome: More than 5, 000 households are benefiting from Suryajyoti to light up their
homes. The target is to cover 100,000 homes with “Suryajyoti” by the year 2019.
 Solar water purifier: Each machine can purify about 400 litres of water per day; s ideally suited for village schools,
primary health centres and tourist lodges where conventional electricity is very erratic or not available. The solar water
purifier removes iron and other sediments and kills all bacteria through ultra-filtration and UV.
 Solar jacket: Useful for emitting a focused light, lighting up the identification tag and a facility to recharge mobile phones.
It is particularly useful for defence personnel and forest officials working in remote and far-flung areas. It will have proper
insulating material for use in cold regions.
 Production of a solar ATM in distant rural areas: Biometric ATM – as most of the people are unlettered and withdraw
money from banks using their thumb signature
Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) – provides for:
 Installation of grid-connected solar power plants each of capacity up to 2 MW in the rural areas;
 Installation of standalone off-grid solar water pumps to fulfill irrigation needs of farmers not connected to grid;
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 Solarisation of existing grid-connected agriculture pumps to make farmers independent of grid supply and also enable
them to sell surplus solar power generated to DISCOM and get extra income; and
 Solarisation of tube-wells and lift irrigation projects of Government sector
International Solar Alliance (ISA): The first treaty based global inter-governmental organization set up in India
 Headquarter is located at National Solar Energy Institute (NSEI) at Gurugram in Haryana
 Aim: To bring the world together on a platform to promote the use of solar energy and make the solar power available for
all at cheaper rates.
Prelims oriented Notes:
1. Scheme for Pension and Medical Aid to Artistes: Financial assistance in the form of monthly pension is provided to old
artists and intellectuals of the age of sixty years and above
2. Strategic Partnership Model in Defence Acquisition:
 To institutionalise a transparent, objective and functional mechanism to encourage broader participation of the private
sector, in addition to DPSUs / OFB, in the manufacture of defence platforms and equipment such as aircraft, submarines,
helicopters and armoured vehicles
 To enhance competition, increase efficiencies, facilitate faster and more significant absorption of technology
 Create a tiered industrial ecosystem, ensure development of a wider skill base and trigger innovation, leading to reduction
in dependence on imports and greater self-reliance in meeting national security objectives.
 The following four segments have been identified for acquisition under Strategic Partnership (SP) route: Fighter Aircraft +
Helicopters + Submarines + Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) / Main Battle Tanks (MBTs).
3. FDI limit for Defence sector:
 Foreign investment up to 49% is permitted under automatic route.
 Foreign investment beyond 49% (up to 100%) is permitted through government approval in cases resulting in access to
modern technology in the country or for other reasons to be recorded.
4. National Testing Agency (NTA): Cabinet approved an autonomous and self-sustained premier testing organization to
conduct entrance examinations for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the country (which are currently being conducted
by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE))
 The examinations will be conducted in online mode twice a year in order to give adequate opportunity to candidates to
bring out their best.
 In order to serve the requirements of the rural students, NTA would locate the centres at sub-district/district level and as
far as possible would provide hands-on training to the students.
5. SWAYAM: Portal or providing online learning courses offered by the best teachers to anyone desirous of learning, at
anyone, anytime and anywhere from School to Universities level.
6. Bharatmala Project: The second largest highways construction project in the country since NHDP, under which almost
50,000 km or highway roads were targeted across the country.
 Bharatmala will look to improve connectivity particularly on economic corridors, border areas and far flung areas with an
aim of quicker movement of cargo and boosting exports.
 Expected to create nearly 100 million man days of jobs during the road construction and subsequently 22 million jobs as a
result of the increased economic activity across the country
 Expected to increase the speed of vehicles and decrease supply chain costs from the current average 18 per cent to six per
cent.
7. Project UNNATI of the Ministry of Shipping
 Benchmark operational and financial performance of the 12 major ports with selected Indian private ports and best-in-class
international ports for identifying improvement areas
 Undertake capability maturity assessment for key processes and functional capabilities (e.g., IT, HR, Environment, and
Health) and identify gaps and areas for further strengthening.
 Detailed deep-dive diagnosis and root cause analysis for the identified opportunity areas in each of the 12 major ports to
understand underlying reasons for performance bottlenecks.
 Develop practical and actionable solutions on the basis of root cause findings, and develop a comprehensive improvement
roadmap for each of the 12 major ports.
8. Two Big Achievements of India Tourism at World’s Tourism exhibition At “Internationale Tourismus Borse” (ITB)
2018 in Berlin –
 India Was Awarded “Best Exhibitor” Award for Australia and Oceania Category
 India Tourism New Campaign Film “Yogi on the Race Track” Has 7 Million Views on Twitter till Date
9. Sharing and Management of Cauvery River Water: Karnataka to be given additional 14.75 TMC of the river water while
177.25 TMC of water be released for Tamil Nadu. The allocation of Karnataka which used to be 270 TMC has been
increased to 284.75 TMC.
Must Read: Link 1
10. Public health: State subject
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11. Bamboo: The Indian Forest (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 exempts bamboo grown in non-forest areas from definition of
tree and classified it as a “Grass,” thereby dispensing with the requirement of felling/transit permit for its economic use – free
movement of bamboo.
 Ensure that the production and consumption centers are seamlessly integrated
 Will make farmers realize the true potential from the entire value chain in the bamboo ecosystem
 Government is also revamping the National Bamboo Mission with an outlay of Rs. 1200 crore.
12. ‘SRIJAN’: Station Rejuvenation Initiative through Joint ActioN – Redevelopment of around 635 major Railway stations
across the country
13. CSIR and Vietnam National University (VNU) to Collaborate for Joint Research: In the areas of material science,
biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and general technology applications. Partnerships could be in the form of joint research
projects, training programmes or through Technology Transfer arrangements.
14. Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) Programme:
Objectives:
 Bridge the gap between potential created and their utilization through micro level infrastructure development and efficient
farm water management practices.
 Optimization of agricultural productivity & production, and
 Improvement in socio-economic conditions of farmers
At present: The programme is being implemented pari-passu with AIBP since XII Plan. Being implemented under Pradhan
Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) as a component of Har Khet Ko Pani and More Crop Per Drop
15. CHANDRAYAAN-II: India’s second mission to the Moon is a totally indigenous mission comprising of an Orbiter, Lander
and Rover.
 After reaching the 100 km lunar orbit, the Lander housing the Rover will separate from the Orbiter. After a controlled
descent, the Lander will soft land on the lunar surface at a specified site and deploy a Rover.
 Objective: Remote sensing the moon – The payloads will collect scientific information on lunar topography, mineralogy,
elemental abundance, lunar exosphere and signatures of hydroxyl and water-ice.
16. ASHTRACK: Mobile based Application to help Fly Ash Users & Power Plants
17. Blue Revolution- Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries: To achieve economic prosperity of the country
and the fishermen through utilization of full potential of water resources for development of fisheries in a sustainable manner
18. The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 and the bonded labour rehabilitation scheme mandate the States to
provide for economic and social rehabilitation of the freed bonded labourers including their skilling and capacity building.
States have also been specifically requested to make use of the prevailing skill development schemes for training of the freed
bonded labourers.
19. Cyber Gram Project: Pilot project for Digital Literacy of Minority Communities in a minority dominated village Chandauli
in Alwar district of Rajasthan. Students of minority communities are provided hands on training in computers to enable them
to acquire basic Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills to become digitally literate and to actively
participate in knowledge based activities, access financial, social and government services and to use internet for
communications.
20. Uttar Pradesh’s biggest solar power plant of 75 MW (101DC) capacity: In Mirzapur; The power plant has been set up by
the French firm ENGIE through a transparent bidding process under the Solar Park Scheme of the New and Renewable
Energy Ministry.
21. Development of Ramayana Circuit: Is one of the fifteen thematic circuits identified for development under Swadesh
Darshan scheme of Ministry of Tourism. The State Government of Bihar has submitted a proposal for development of
Sitamarhi, Buxar and Darbhanga under Ramayana Circuit.
22. Steps taken for increasing the inflow of foreign tourists:
 Launching the Swadesh Darshan Scheme for integrated development of theme based tourist circuits.
 Launching the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)
Scheme to beautify and improve amenities and infrastructure at pilgrimage sites.
 Promoting India as a holistic tourism destination in the domestic and international markets.
 Launching of Incredible India 2.0 Campaign marking a shift from generic promotions to market specific promotional
plans.
 Launching e-Visa for citizens of 163 countries.
 Developing and promoting ‘Niche Tourism’ products.
 Generating sufficient manpower to meet the requirements of the tourism and hospitality industry.
 Launching 24×7 toll free Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline.
23. Theme for World Consumer Rights Day 2018: Making Digital Markets Fairer
24. Swadhar Greh Scheme targets the women victims of difficult circumstances who are in need of institutional support for
rehabilitation so that they could lead their life with dignity. The Scheme envisages providing shelter, food, clothing and
health as well as economic and social security for these women.
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25. Char Dham National Highway (NH) connectivity programme comprises projects of improvement/development of 889
km length of NHs leading to Yamunotri Dham, Gangotri Dham, Kedarnath Dham, Badrinath Dham and part of route leading
to Kailash Mansarovar yatra (Char Dham lie within the State of Uttarakhand only)
26. Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY) aimed at sustainable ground water management with community participation in select over-
exploited and ground water stressed areas in seven States (Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh).
27. District Mental Health programme (DMHP) under the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in 517 districts
of the country
 Provide mental health services including prevention, promotion and longterm continuing care at different levels of district
healthcare delivery system.
 Augment institutional capacity in terms of infrastructure, equipment and human resource for mental healthcare
 Promote community awareness and participation in the delivery of mental healthcare services.
 Broad-base mental health into other related programs
28. Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN): Set up to provide financial assistance to patients, living below poverty line and who are
suffering from major life threatening diseases, to receive medical treatment at any of the super speciality Hospitals/Institutes
or other Government hospitals.
29. Medical Devices Rules, 2017: For comprehensive regulation of Medical devices notified under the Drugs and Cosmetics
Act, including their import, clinical investigation, manufacture, sale and distribution. The new rules are harmonised with the
international regulatory practices and provide comprehensive legislation for the regulation of Medical Devices to foster India
specific innovation and provide a fillip to Make in India.
30. Scheme for out of school adolescent girls (11-14 years): The scheme contains both Nutritional and non-nutritional
components.

o The nutritional support is provided to the beneficiaries for 300 days in a year.
 The scheme also aims at motivating out of school girls to go back to formal schooling or /skill training under non-
nutrition component of the scheme.
31. Child Protection Services: For supporting children in difficult circumstances, as envisaged under Juvenile Justice (Care and
Protection of Children) Act, 2015
32. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY):
 Providing partial compensation for the wage loss in terms of cash incentives so that the woman can take adequate rest
before and after delivery of the first living child
 The cash incentives provided would lead to improved health seeking behaviour amongst the Pregnant Women and
Lactating Mothers
33. Sustainable Action for Transforming Human Capital in Education (SATH-E): To introduce System-wide Governance
Transformation in School Education. These roadmaps, which operate between 2018 to 2020, lay out detailed interventions
which will be taken by the three participating States- Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha – aiming to become ‘Role
Model States’ in school education. These roadmaps present the first-of-its-kind, customized, action-oriented programmes,
outlining interventions at the individual, district and State level.
34. Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (FINE): Initiative to recognise, respect, showcase, reward innovations and to
foster a supportive ecosystem for innovators
 Will provide a platform for innovators for building linkages with potential stakeholders whose support can improve their
prospects in coming years to develop their ideas into implementable projects for the larger social good
 Help in promoting lateral learning and linkages among the innovators to enrich the ecosystem for sharing of ideas
 Provide a window to showcase creative and innovative solutions for social development through innovation emerging
from grassroots, student ideas and other technologies. These innovations can positively impact fields such as agriculture,
rural development, sanitation, health, women and child development, biotechnology and medicine.
 FINE also includes an “In-Residence” Program as part of which a batch of ten innovation scholars will stay within the
President’s Estate and will be provided mentoring as well as opportunities for idea sharing with key stakeholders.
Personality in News:
Smt. D.K. Pattammal:
 Rose to become one of the female trinity of Carnatic music, the other two being the legendary M.S. Subbulakshmi and
iconic M.L. Vasanta Kumari
 Carved out a path as a professional musician against all social odds – was a self-taught musician with no formal gurukula
training. She had a remarkable musical ear that enabled her to absorb the nuances of classical music effortlessly.
Rajagopalan Vasudevan
 Recognized with a Padma Shri in 2018
 A professor from Madurai who developed and patented an innovative method to reuse plastic waste in the construction of
roads. The roads made using this method are more durable, water resistant and load bearing.
42
 At the same time he has found a constructive use for the ballooning problem of plastic waste. This technology has already
been used to lay over 5,000 kilometers of roads across 11 states.
Arvind Gupta: Recognized with a Padma Shri in 2018, for inspiring generations of students to learn Science from Trash by using
household materials and garbage to make toys for scientific experiments
Chintakindi Mallesham: Recognized with a Padma Shri in 2017,for inventing the Laxmi ASU Machine which significantly
reduced the time and labour required to weave Sarees.
Stephen Hawking (1942-2018)
Was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, an incurable motor neurone disease, and given two years to live.
First breakthrough was in the work he did for his PhD thesis: The expanding universe and the unstoppable collapse of a
black hole under its own gravity present two extreme spectacles for the physicist to grapple with. Inspired by Roger Penrose’s
ideas on the latter, Hawking came up with a singularity theorem for the universe. This work and its extensions, known as
the Hawking-Penrose singularity theorems, brought him international acclaim.
Formulated the laws of black hole mechanics, which resemble the laws of thermodynamics with two others: Thinking
along these lines led him to a contradiction — that this theory predicted that black holes would exude radiation, whereas in a
purely classical picture, nothing could escape the black hole, not even light. He resolved this contradiction by invoking quantum
mechanics. The radiation of the black hole was named Hawking radiation. Rather than being voids producing nothing at all,
black holes actually glow.
Helped confirm the Big Bang theory: Drawing once again from Einstein’s equations, he and Penrose showed that 13.8 billion
years ago the universe emerged violently from a single compressed point no bigger than an atom
His best-selling book describing in non-technical terms the structure, development and fate of the universe: A Brief
History of Time
Are You Ready For A Big Dose of Inspiration?
“Black holes are not the eternal prisons they were once thought,” he said. “Things can get out of a black hole both on the
outside and possibly come out in another universe. If you feel you are trapped in a black hole, don’t give up. There is a way out.”
In 2007, when he was 65, Stephen Hawking took part in a zero-gravity flight. Asked why he took such risks, he said, “I want to
show that people need not be limited by physical handicaps as long as they are not disabled in spirit.”
“People who boast about their I.Q. are losers.”
The Importance of Having a Sense of Humor: “Life would be tragic if it weren’t funny.”
“The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.”
“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes
the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.”
Quotes: For Essay & Mains
Mahatma Gandhi: Literacy in itself is no education. Literacy is not the end of education or even the beginning. By education, I
mean an all-round drawing out of the best in the child and man-body, mind and spirit.
On Education
 India needs education system with greater emphasis on Indian history, heritage and culture. Education system must
inculcate strong ethical, moral and humanistic values. While acquiring knowledge from across the globe, the students must
remain rooted to India’s glorious culture, traditions, ethos and heritage.
 Education does not end with mere acquisition of knowledge or degrees. It is aimed at holistic development of an
individual, who will be able to face the challenges of a fast-changing world with vision of a seer and temperament of a
scientist.
 Education must help in building the character, capacity, calibre and promoting proper conduct. It is for empowerment,
enlightenment, enhancement of knowledge and to seek gainful employment.
 People in education sector should address the critical issues in our education system like high dropout ratio especially at
secondary and tertiary level, obsolete syllabus and conventional pedagogy, lack of industry-institute linkage, lack of
research awareness and shortage of trained teachers.
On Agriculture
Six possible drivers of income for farmers’ growth, and sincere implementation of which would double farmers’ income by 2022:
1. Diversification of farm activities towards high-value crops and enterprises
2. Improving irrigation facilities to double productivity
3. Better price realization for farmers through competitive markets, value chains and improved linkage between field and fork.
4. Improvement in the terms of trade for agriculture
5. Technology up gradation
6. Shifting cultivators from farming to non-farm occupations
On Housing: Right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution to include the right to shelter
For Match the Following type questions from this detailed table:
The Government has plans for upgradation of 100 Adarsh monuments of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
Sl. No. Name of State Adarsh Monuments Phase –I (Approved) Adarsh Monuments Phase –II (Approved
1. Andhra Pradesh — Virabhadra Temple, Lepakshi Dist. Anantpu

43
Nagarjunakonda(T)
Bhuddist Remains,
Salihundum (NT)
2. Arunachal Pradesh — —
3. Assam Rang Ghar, Sibsagar (T)
4. Bihar Vaishali – Kolhua (T) Sher Shah’s Tomb, Sasaram(T)
Excavated Remains at Nalanda (T)
5. Chhattisgarh Lakshman Temple, Sirpur, Dist. Mahasamu
6. Goa Church of St. Augustine, Old Goa (NT)
7 Gujarat Rani-Ki-Vav, Patan (T) Champaner Monument, Champaner (T)
Archaeological Remains of a Harappan Por
Diu Fort (NT)
Dholavira (NT)
Sun Temple, Modhera( T)
8 Haryana — Shikh Chilli’s Tomb (T)
Jal Mahal, Narnual (NT)
9 Himachal Pradesh Masrur Rock Cut Temple (T) —
10 Jammu & Kashmir Martand Temple , Kashmir (NT) Pari Mahal, Srinagar (NT)
Leh Palace, Leh (T) Ram Nagar Palace (T)
11 Jharkhand — Ancient Tank and excavated remains, Benis
12 Karnataka Group of monuments at Hampi (T) Dariya Daulat Bagh, Shrirangpattnam (NT)
Group of Temples, Pattdakal (T) Group of Temples, Aihole (T)
Fort Bidar, Dist. Bidar (NT)
Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalal, Belur (
Shravanbelagola (NT)
Gol- Gumbaz, Bijapur (T)
13 Kerala — Bekal Fort (T)
Kudakaliu Parabmu, Thrissur (NT)
St. Anjelo Fort, Kannur, Kerala (NT)
St. Francis Church, Cochin (NT)
14 Madhya Pradesh Western Group of Temples, Khajuraho (T) Budhhist Monuments at Sanchi (T)
Royal Palace, Mandu (T) Pre-historic rock shelters of Bhimbetka (NT
Group of Temples at Amarkantak (NT)
Gwalior Fort, Gwalior (T)
Shiva Temple, Bhojpur. (NT)

44
15 Maharashtra Elephenta Caves (T) Aga Khan Palace, Pune (NT)
Daultabad Fort (T) Ajanta Caves (T)
Ellora Caves (T)
Tomb of Rabia-Duarani (Bibi-ka-Maqbara)
Buddhist Cavs, Kanheri (T)
16 Manipur — —
17 Meghalaya — —
Vangchina Group of
18 Mizoram —
Monuments, Mizoram (NT)
19 Nagaland — Remains of a fort (Dimapur Ruins), Dimapu
20 Odisha (Orissa) Sun Temple, Konark (T) Udaygiri-Khandgiri, Caves (T)
21 Punjab — Noar Mahal ki Sarai (NT)
Tombs of Mohammad Momin and of Haji J
Sanghol, Ropar (NT)
Dakkani Sarai (NT)
22. Rajasthan Kumbhal Garh Fort (T) Deeg Palace, Jaipur (T)
Chittorgarh Fort (T)
Ranthambhore Fort (NT)
Arthuna Group of Temples (NT)
Sas Bahu Temple, Nagda (NT)
23. Sikkim — —
24. Tamil Nadu Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram (T) Vellore Fort (NT)
Bahadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur (NT) Caves, Sittannavasal (T)
Fort Gingee . (T)
Muvarkoil with surrounding sub-shrines, sto
Kailash Nath Temple, Kanchipuram (NT)
25. Telangana (from June 2, 2014)` — Golkonda Fort (T)
Ramappa Temple (NT)
26. Tripura — Sculptures and rock-cut relief of Unakuti Ti
27. Uttar Pradesh Taj Mahel, Agra (T) Rani Jhansi Fort, Jhansi (T)
Fatehpur Sikri (T) Residency, Lucknow (T)
Sravasti (T) Kalinjar Fort (T)
Sarnath (T) Agra Fort (T)
Akbar’s Tomb (T)
Itimad-Ud-Oaula’s Tomb (T)

45
Site, Stupa & Monastery of the Sakyas, Prip
Lal Khan Tomb, Rajghat, Varanasi (NT)
Kushinagar (NT)
28. Uttarakhand Jogeshwara Temple (NT) Lakhamandal (NT)
Sun Temple, Katarmal (NT)
Baijnath Temple (NT)
Gopeshwar (NT)
29. West Bengal Hazardwari Place (T) Adina Masjid (NT)
Temples at Bishnupur (T)
Koch Bihar Palace (T)
30. Delhi Humayun’s Tomb (T) Safdarjung Tomb (T)
Red Fort (T) Purana Qila (T)
Qutb Complex (T)
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 18th to 24th March, 2018

ARCHIVES
GS-2
Tribal Health Care Research Programme

By: The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Science
Objective:
 To study the living conditions of tribal people
 To collect information related to health statistics
 To study dietetic habits, nature and frequency of prevalent diseases, use of common medicinal plants in the area
 To provide medical aid at the door steps of tribals
 To propagate knowledge about Ayurvedic concept of Pathyapathya including hygiene habits, dietary practice.
 To prevent diseases by adopting healthy way of living & clean environment (Swachhata)
 To collect LHTs/folk medicines/ traditional practices prevalent in the area
The targets set for 2017-18 & achievements so far are as under: –
Target (2017-18)
Population to be covered for demographic studies – 100000
Documentation of Local Health Traditions (LHT) /Folk Claims – 150
The National Health Policy 2017 targets under Health Status and Programme Impact
46
Life Expectancy and healthy life

 Increase Life Expectancy at birth from 67.5 to 70 by 2025
 Establish regular tracking of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY) Index as a measure of burden of disease and its
trends by major categories by 2022
 Reduction of TFR to 2.1 at national and sub-national level by 2025
Mortality by Age and/ or cause
 Reduce under Five Mortality to 23 by 2025 and MMR from current levels to 100 by 2020
 Reduce infant mortality rate to 28 by 2019
 Reduce neo-natal mortality to 16 and still birth rate to “single digit” by 2025
Reduction of disease prevalence/ incidence

o Achieve global target of 2020 which is also termed as target of 90:90:90, for HIV/AIDS, i.e.,- 90% of all people
living with HIV know their HIV status, – 90% of all people diagnosed with HIV infection receive sustained
antiretroviral therapy and 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression.
o Achieve and maintain elimination status of Leprosy by 2018, Kala-Azar by 2017 and Lymphatic Filariasis in
endemic pockets by 2017.
o To achieve and maintain a cure rate of >85% in new sputum positive patients for TB and reduce incidence of new
cases, to reach elimination status by 2025.
o To reduce the prevalence of blindness to 0.25/ 1000 by 2025 and disease burden by one third from current levels
 To reduce premature mortality from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory diseases by 25% by
2025
National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme

Aim: For rehabilitation of child labour including domestic helps
Under this Scheme:
 Survey is conducted on regular basis by the District Project Societies headed by District Magistrate/Collector to identify
child labour including children working as domestic helps.
 Children in the age group of 9-14 years, rescued/withdrawn from work are enrolled in the NCLP Special Training Centres,
where they are provided with bridge education, vocational training, mid-day meal, stipend, health care, etc. before being
mainstreamed into formal education system.
 Children in the age group of 5-8 years are directly linked to the formal education system through a close coordination with
the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).
 Awareness activities against the evil of child labour and enforcement of Child & Adolescent Labour (Prohibition &
Regulation) Act, 1986 are conducted.
PENCIL: Platform for Effective Enforcement of No Child Labour, a robust enforcement mechanism in the form of an online
portal
‘Study in India’ programme

Objectives
 To improve the soft power of India with focus on the neighbouring countries and use it as a tool in diplomacy.
 To boost the number of inbound International students in India.
 To double India’s market share of global education exports from less than 1 percent to 2 percent.
 Increase in contribution of international student in the form of direct spends, indirect spends, spill-over effects.
 Improvement in overall quality of higher education.
 Increase in global ranking of India as educational destination.
 To reduce the export – Import imbalance in the number of International students.
 Growth of India’s global market share of International students
47
Digital empowerment for Atal Pension Yojana

Objective: To encourage unorganised workers to make regular small savings during their working years towards pension
benefits later
Regulated by: Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)
Few recently introduced features for APY subscribers:
 Grievance Module for APY Subscribers
 APY Upgrade View / Downgrade View
 APY/NPS lite ePRAN – SOT View for Subscribers
 Aadhaar Seeding for APY Subscribers
 APY@eNPS
 Mobile Application
Four MoUs signed under aegis of DoNER for promotion of tourism in the North-East
The development of the North East Region is of prime importance for the overall inclusive growth of India, and tourism
development has always been one of our key focus areas, keeping in mind the North East’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
MoUs with Airbnb are a step towards achieving the aim of doubling tourist growth rate in the next three years, by creating more
sustainable accommodation options and enhancing the hospitality service standards in the region.
Under the MoUs, the NEC, NETDC and Airbnb agree to:
 Expand tourism in the North East of India through Airbnb’s global platform
 Improve the quality of homestay facilities and unique properties in the North East of India
 Provide and promote outstanding tourism resources in the North East of India, and
 Cooperate to improve the regulatory environment for home sharing in the North East of India
Strategic partnerships by the NERLP and NERCORMP with Airbnb:
 To generate technology-enabled livelihood opportunities in tourism and hospitality for micro-entrepreneurs in the North
East of India, and to help low-income families monetize their existing assets through home sharing.
 Airbnb will provide training to core teams of the NERLP and NERCORMP, which will further train existing and potential
hosts on home sharing, responsible hosting, hospitality standards, hygiene and basic amenities.
Between NERCORMP and HESCO (Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization) for leveraging of
community resources and appropriate local resources based technology for development.
MoU between Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
Objective: To conduct skill development training programmes for agriculture and allied sector, on a regular basis, at Krishi
Vigyan Kendra (KVKs)
The government believes that agriculture must be developed as a private enterprise so that it attracts more youth, and for this, the
Ministry is working at four levels, namely:
 Increase productivity,
 Post-harvest management and fair-prices to the farmers for their produce,
 Lower risk in agriculture,
 Strengthen and develop other aspects of farmers’ income such as horticulture, animal husbandry, beekeeping, dairying,
fisheries etc.
In view of the latest developments in agriculture, several new dimensions in agri-warehousing, cold chain, supply chain, dairy,
poultry, meat, fishery, horticulture, agricultural mechanization, micro-irrigation, hydroponic greenhouses etc. have emerged for
skilled and trained youths to gain self-employment.
Due to the low presence of agro-based industries in rural areas, it is important to increase the ratio of self-employment to
employment to 100%. Also, there is a need to study the Skill Gap Analysis in agriculture sector by the Agriculture Skill Council
of India (ASCI).
48
Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education Signs MOU with Technology Information, Forecasting & Assessment
Council for Supporting Forest Based Communities

Objective: To provide livelihood opportunities and augment income of the forest based communities + assist the industries to
optimize the utilization of forest based resources with access of technology to different users.
Through this collaboration, TIFAC shall help ICFRE to refine and up-scale the technologies developed, take technologies to the
end users including farmers, State Forest Departments, forest based industries and forest dependent communities in a more
effective manner.
Salient features:
 Prioritization of technologies developed by ICFRE in consultation with stakeholders
 Creating patent awareness in the field of forestry and environment including wood science and allied subjects for ICFRE
and its institutes
 Patent searching and filing in the field of Forestry and allied subjects
 Identifying technology gaps and commercialization of technologies
 Forest based technologies extension and transfer through stakeholder consultations
 Interaction with stakeholders on regular basis
Cabinet Approves
Opening of Missions in Africa to implement commitments of India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-III): Will enhance India’s
diplomatic outreach in the African continent and allow India to engage with Indian diaspora in African countries. Opening of new
Missions is also a step towards implementing the vision of enhanced co-operation and engagement with Africa.
North-East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) 2017: Government is incentivizing primarily the MSME Sector in order
to promote employment in the North East States – with financial outlay of Rs.3000 crores upto March, 2020.
Continuation of National Health Mission (NHM) till 2020: Salient Features –
 NHM will be the principle vehicle for the UHC (Universal Health Coverage)
 The goals/targets aligned with National Health Policy, 2017 and SDG-3.
 NHM has helped the country achieve the MDGs and will be the principal vehicle to achieve the SDG 3 targets including
the target for UHC.
 NHM will continue to strengthen the public health systems, particularly in high priority districts that include aspirational
districts.
 Shift from selective to comprehensive primary health care that includes care for common non-communicable diseases,
geriatric health care, palliative care and rehabilitative care services etc. through strengthening of the SHCs/PHCs as Health
and Wellness Centres (HWCs).
 The HWCs would provide preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative services, including NCD screening and
management and are expected to be linked to CHCs and the DHs through a two-way referral and follow up system to
reduce fragmentation and improve continuity of care. Package of twelve services including free universal screening for
common NCDs.
 Posting of a Mid-Level health provider at the level of the sub-center who is trained in primary health care and public
health related competencies.
 Emphasis on wellness by integration of AYUSH, and a focus on health promotion and prevention particularly for chronic
diseases
 Ambitious targets have been set that includes key health indicators and others to spur performance.
 Outcome oriented with increased funds earmarked for incentivizing better performance on key outcomes and health sector
reforms.
 Horizontal integration of all vertical disease programmes to ensure integrated approach to health and wellness.
 Specially crafted and differential strategies and interventions to achieve set goals
 Special focus on reducing Out Of Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) with intensification of Initiatives such as NHM Free Drugs
and Diagnostics Services Initiatives, Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme – Reduction on OOPE incorporated as
a separate target.
 Effective harnessing of available platforms for inter-sectoral convergent action on health
 Team based incentives to foster spirit of cooperation and encouragement between frontline workers.
49
 Sharpened focus on quality through Quality certification of public health facilities, Kayakalp, LaQshya. Utilisation of
public health facilities is a specific target.
 Proposed to expand basket of vaccines to all the states
 Will integrate with the proposed National Health Protection Mission under Ayushman Bharat
Impact: It will result in / facilitate the:
 Achievement of targets set for the NHM in the continuation period.
 Improvement in key health indicators like Neo-natal Mortality Rate (NMR), Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Under-Five
Mortality Rate (U5MR), Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Total Fertility Rate (TFR)
 Reduction in incidence of communicable diseases
 Reduction in Out Of Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) on health care
 Improvement in coverage and utilization of Routine Immunization services and also those for non-communicable diseases
Ayushman Bharat – National Health Protection Mission
 AB-NHPM will subsume the on-going centrally sponsored schemes –Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) and the
Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme (SCHIS)
 The scheme has the benefit cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year –
o Take care of almost all secondary care and most of tertiary care procedures
o To ensure that nobody is left out (especially women, children and elderly) there will be no cap on family size and
age in the scheme
o The benefit cover will also include pre and post-hospitalisation expenses
o All pre-existing conditions will be covered from day one of the policy
o A defined transport allowance per hospitalization will also be paid to the beneficiary.
 The target beneficiaries of the proposed scheme will be more than 10 crore families belonging to poor and vulnerable
population based on SECC database.
 The beneficiaries can avail benefits in both public and empanelled private facilities.
MoU between India and Guyana on cooperation in Renewable Energy: To establish the basis for a cooperative institutional
relationship to encourage and promote technical bilateral cooperation on new and renewable energy issues on the basis of mutual
benefit, equality and reciprocity.
Revision of the Agreement between India and Qatar: For the avoidance of double taxation and for the prevention of fiscal
evasion with respect to taxes on income
Closure of India Development Foundation of Overseas Indians: In order to enhance synergies, improve efficiencies and avoid
duplication of work
Moving official amendments in the “Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016”:
 The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016 proposes to regulate surrogacy in India by establishing National Surrogacy Board at
the central level and, State Surrogacy Boards and Appropriate Authorities in the States and Union Territories.
 The proposed legislation ensures effective regulation of surrogacy, prohibit commercial surrogacy and allow altruistic
surrogacy to the needy Indian infertile couples.
 Once the Bill is enacted by the Parliament, the National Surrogacy Board will be constituted. The States and Union
Territories shall constitute the State Surrogacy Board and State Appropriate Authorities within three months of the
notification by the Central Government.
Major impact:
 Once in effect, the Act will regulate the surrogacy services in the country and will control the unethical practices in
surrogacy, prevent commercialization of surrogacy and will prohibit potential exploitation of surrogate mothers and
children born through surrogacy.
 While commercial surrogacy will be prohibited including sale and purchase of human embryo and gametes, ethical
surrogacy to the needy infertile couples will be allowed on fulfilment of certain conditions and for specific purposes.
 All Infertile Indian married couple who want to avail ethical surrogacy will be benefitted.
 Further, the rights of surrogate mother and children born out of surrogacy will be protected.
Note: The Bill shall apply to whole of India, except the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
Continuation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) – National Higher
Education Mission
 RUSA seeks to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio of the country to 30% by 2020,
 It also seeks to increase the spending on higher education by the State Governments,
 The scheme, in its 2nd phase, aims at creation of 70 new model degree colleges and 8 new professional colleges;
Enhancing quality and Excellence in 10 select State universities and 70 autonomous colleges, providing infrastructural
support to 50 universities and 750 colleges etc.
 Improving access, equity and accessibility of higher education in Slates through reforms such as academic reforms,
governance reforms, affiliation reforms etc
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 Improve equity in higher education by providing adequate opportunities of higher education to socially deprived
communities; promote inclusion of women, minorities, SC/ST/OBCs and differently abled persons,
 To identity and fill up the existing gaps in higher education, by augmenting and supporting the State Governments’ efforts,
 Promote a spirit of healthy competition amongst states and institutions to excel in quality higher education, research and
innovation
Central Sector “Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry” for sericulture sector:
The Scheme has four components –
 Research & Development (R&D), Training, Transfer of Technology and IT Initiatives
 Seed Organizations and farmers extension centres
 Coordination and Market Development for seed, yarn and silk products and
 Quality Certification System (QCS) by creating amongst others a chain of Silk Testing facilities, Farm based & post-
cocoon Technology Up-gradation, and Export Brand Promotion
Details –
 The scheme will promote Women Empowerment and livelihood opportunities to SC/ST and other weaker sections of the
society. The scheme will help to increase productive employment from 85 lakhs to 1 crore persons by 2020.
 The scheme aims to achieve self-sufficiency in silk production by 2022. To achieve this, production of high grade silk in
India will reach 20,650 MTs by 2022 from the current level of 11,326 MTs thereby reducing imports to Zero.
 R&D interventions will include race improvement through development of improved host plant varieties and improved
disease resistant silkworm breeds by having collaborative research with reputed National Research organizations like IITs,
CSIR, IISc and international research institutes on Sericulture in Japan, China, Bulgaria etc.; Technological advancements
with respect to pre coccon and post cocoon sectors. Thrust will be given on technology upgradation and making
mechanization affordable.
GS-3
Programmes to reduce dependence of traditional biomass cooking

Census 2011: About 65.9 per cent of households depend on solid biomass, including firewood, crop residue and cow dung as
primary fuel for cooking in India.
Why is it a concern – The use of traditional biomass for cooking through simple traditional cook stove is a cause of indoor air
pollution due to incomplete combustion of biomass which produces a range of toxic products.
Programmes with a view to provide alternate cooking solutions:
The Unnat Chulha Abhiyan: Promotion of improved biomass cook stove in the country for providing a clean cooking energy
solution with a view to reduce consumption of fuel wood with higher efficiency and low emissions. So far 36,940 family type
and 849 community type improved cook stoves have been distributed.
National Biogas and Manure Management Programme (NBMMP) for setting up of family type household biogas plants for
meeting cooking energy needs of rural and semi urban areas and to save the use of firewood. About 49.6 lakh family type biogas
plants have been installed in the country so far.
Promoting solar cookers to reduce the indoor air pollution. About 7.05 lakh solar cookers have been distributed / sold through
the State Government so far.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas aims to safeguard the
health of women & children by providing them with clean cooking fuel through LPG. Under this scheme, 8 crore new LPG
connections will be provided to women’s belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families up to 2020. More than 3.45 crore
connections have been given under PMUY since the launch of the Scheme.
Bio-Medical Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2018

 Bio-medical waste generators including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, dispensaries, veterinary institutions, animal
houses, pathological laboratories, blood banks, health care facilities, and clinical establishments will have to phase out
chlorinated plastic bags (excluding blood bags) and gloves by March 27, 2019.
 All healthcare facilities shall make available the annual report on its website within a period of two years from the date of
publication of the Bio-Medical Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2018.
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 Operators of common bio-medical waste treatment and disposal facilities shall establish bar coding and global positioning
system for handling of bio-medical waste in accordance with guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board by
March 27, 2019.
 The State Pollution Control Boards/ Pollution Control Committees have to compile, review and analyze the information
received and send tis information to the Central Pollution Control Board in a new Form (Form IV A), which seeks detailed
information regarding district-wise bio-medical waste generation, information on Health Care Facilities having captive
treatment facilities, information on common bio-medical waste treatment and disposal facilities.
 Every occupier, i.e. a person having administrative control over the institution and the premises generating biomedical
waste shall pre-treat the laboratory waste, microbiological waste, blood samples, and blood bags through disinfection or
sterilization on-site in the manner as prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO) or guidelines on safe
management of wastes from health care activities and WHO Blue Book 2014 and then sent to the Common bio-medical
waste treatment facility for final disposal.
Cyber Security
National Cyber Security Policy (2013) provides for developing effective Public Private Partnership and collaborative
engagements through technical and operational cooperation and contribution for enhancing the security of cyberspace. A Joint
Working Group (JWG) for Public Private Partnership on cyber security has been set up at NSCS which is working in following
areas:
 Setting up of Information Sharing and Analysis Centres (ISACs) in critical sectors like Banking, Telecommunications and
Power
 Establishment of Centres of Excellence (CoEs) on Policy Research, Standards, Audit
 Capacity building for law enforcement agencies and cyber forensics
 Establishment testing labs for telecom and IT equipment under PPP model
The following mechanism and measures are in place to ensure digital safety and cyber security:
 Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) is designated as a National nodal agency to coordinate matters
related to cyber security incidents in the country.
 National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) has been setup to enhance the protection and
resilience of Nation’s Critical information infrastructure.
 Government has issued general guidelines for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) regarding their key roles and
responsibilities for securing applications / infrastructure and compliance Organisations are encouraged to develop their
organisation level cyber security policy.
 Public Private Partnership has been developed for cooperation and collaboration for responding cyber security incidents.
 Awareness has been created in law enforcement agencies through conducting cybercrime awareness workshops.
 Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) Project is being implemented with an objective of capacity
building in the area of Information Security, training of Government personnel and creation of mass Information Security
awareness. The project aims to train 1.14 Lakhs persons under Academic activities (formal and non-formal courses) by the
year 2020. So far more than 71000 candidates have been trained in various formal/non-formal courses in Information
Security through 52 academic and training institutions.
 Cyber forensics training labs in all north eastern states, CBI Academy Ghaziabad and cities such as Mumbai, Pune,
Kolkata and Bangalore have been setup and more than 28,000 state police from North Eastern States, Maharashtra, West
Bengal and Karnataka have been trained for dealing with cybercrime.
 Cyber Crisis Management Plan (CCMP) for countering cyber threats and cyber terrorism has been developed and so far 60
workshops have been conducted for Central Govt. Ministries/Departments, States/Union Territories and other
organisations.
 Research and development is carried out in the thrust areas of cyber security including (a) Cryptography and cryptanalysis,
(b) Network & System Security, (c) Monitoring & Forensics, and (d) Vulnerability Remediation & Assurance through
sponsored projects at recognized R&D organizations.
 Government has initiated setting up of National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) to generate necessary situational
awareness of existing and potential cyber security threats and enable timely information sharing for proactive, preventive
and protective actions by individual entities. Phase-I of NCCC has been made operational.
 Government has launched the Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre) which provides
detection of malicious programs and free tools to remove the same.
Prelims oriented Facts:
President of the People’s Republic of China: Mr. Xi Jinping
Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany: Dr. Angela Merkel
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Governor of Bihar: Shri Satya Pal Malik

First Home Minister of India: Sardar Patel
22nd March: World Water Day
24th March: World Tuberculosis Day
24th March 2018: Earth Hour
Constitution of Fifteenth Finance Commission: Under the Chairmanship of Shri N. K. Singh
Okhla Bird Sanctuary: Noida, Uttar Pradesh – home to a large number of resident, as well as migratory birds like grey-headed
fish eagle, Baikal teal, Baer’s pochard and Sarus crane. It is home to 32 species of reptiles, 7 species of amphibians and 186 plant
species.
Rooppur Nuclear Power Project: Bangladesh – A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at Moscow, Russia
between the State Atomic Energy Corporation ‘Rosatom’; the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of
Bangladesh and the Department of Atomic Energy, India.
Parivara and Talawara: Inclusion of the communities as synonym of “Nayaka’ at SI. No. 38 in the list of STs of Karnataka
Upcoming Plastic Hub – Plastic Park + Plastic Recycling unit: Deoghar District, Jharkhand
Kurangani Forest: Tamil Nadu (In news due to the forest fires that have been claiming lives)
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY): Provide
insurance cover to common people, especially poor and the under-privileged sections of the society.
World’s First Trusted Digital Repository: National Cultural Audio-visual Archives (NCAA) project of the Ministry of Culture,
Government of India, implemented by Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) – The primary objective of the
NCAA is to identify and preserve the cultural heritage of India available in audio-visual form through a process of digitization
and making it accessible to the people.
Divyang in medical profession: Approval to amend the regulation for admission to PG medical courses in order to expand the
scope of persons with disabilities getting benefit of reservation. The percentage of seats to be filled up by persons with
disabilities has been increased from 3% to 5% in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Paramparagat Krishi Vikash Yojana: To promote organic farming – 2 lakh hectares has been made suitable for organic farming
thereby benefitting 5 lakh farmers.
DeenDayal SPARSH (i.e. Scholarship for Promotion of Aptitude & Research in Stamps as a Hobby): To award annual
scholarships to children of Standard VI to IX having good academic record and also pursuing Philately as a hobby through a
competitive selection process in all postal circles.
Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (FINE) – an initiative to recognise, respect, showcase, reward innovations and to
foster a supportive ecosystem for innovators
Bilateral Exercise ‘Varuna’: Navy-to-Navy cooperative engagement between Indian and French navy
Second Film and Training Institute of India (FTII) will be set up in: Itanagar
IEC: Information, Education and Communication (IEC) in the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) {SBM-G}
Sand Mining Framework: Provide a roadmap to the States helping them to frame their policies and act as a check on illegal
mining of sand.
Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP): For improving the quality of life of senior citizens by providing basic
amenities like shelter, food, and medical case and entertainment opportunities and by encouraging productive and active ageing.
Under this Scheme, financial assistance is provided to Non-Governmental/Voluntary Organisations, Panchayati Raj Institutions
etc. for running and maintenance of projects like Old Age Homes, Physiotherapy Centres, Day Care Centres, etc.
Global Initiative for Academic Networks (GIAN): to help foreign faculty to teach some courses in the higher educational
institutions.
Literacy rates among Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) female, in the age group of 7 and above: 56.46 per
cent and 49.35 per cent respectively – In order to improve literacy rate, Saakshar Bharat, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Adult
Education and Skill Development is being implemented in rural areas of 410 districts in 26 States and one UT that had adult
female literacy rate of 50 per cent and below as per Census 2001, and including left wing extremism affected districts,
irrespective of their literacy rates, with special focus on women and other disadvantaged groups.
SwachhVidyalaya initiative: To provide separate toilets for girls and boys in all Government schools under the Swachh Bharat
Abhiyan.
Sustainable Action for Transforming Human Capital in Education (SATH-E) Project of NITI Aayog – To introduce System-
wide Governance Transformation in School Education; SATH-E aspires to be a ‘saathi’, to the educational system with the
student and the teacher at its centre
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA): Bridging gender and social category gaps in elementary education is one of the major goals –
Universal enrolment at elementary level is the primary goal
 Attempts to reach out to girls and children belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Muslims and other
marginalised communities – the districts with high concentration of population of SCs, STs and Muslims have been
identified as Special Focus Districts (SFDs). The criteria for identifying the SFDs in case of SCs and STs is a population of
25% and above, while for Muslims, it is 20% and above population.
 Has also given attention to urban deprived children, children affected by periodic migration, and children living in remote
and scattered habitations.
 Shagun portal has been launched to create a repository of best practices from the states and UTs and to enable online
monitoring of implementation of the various interventions under the programme.
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Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs): upper primary residential schools for girls belonging predominantly to the SC,
ST, Other Backward Caste and minorities – have played an important role in furthering the goal of girls’ education in
educationally backward blocks of the country.
Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) provides for opportunities to secondary stage students to build their capacity
in ICT skills and make them learn through computer aided learning process.
Saksham Scholarship Scheme: encourage economically weaker differently abled students to pursue technical education at
Diploma and Degree levels.
Mahila Shakti Kendra scheme: To empower rural women through community participation
Identification of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in the State of Maharashtra:
1. Katkaria (Kathodia)
2. Kolam
3. Maria Gond
Development of PVTGs: Enables the States to focus on activities including housing, land distribution, land development,
agricultural development, animal husbandry, construction of link roads, installation of non-conventional sources of energy for
lighting purpose, social security including Janshree Beema Yojana or any other innovative activity meant for the comprehensive
socio-economic development of PVTGs are considered under it.
Support to Tribal Research Institute (TRIs): Financial assistance is provided to strengthen the Tribal Research Institutes

o Research & Documentation: – Documentation of tribal welfare. Preservation of tribal culture among others
written medium, support to tribal artisans, exhibitions
 Training and Capacity building: (I) Laws/constitutional provisions in respect of Scheduled areas/tribal rights; (II)
Capacity building of functionaries and tribal representatives on socio-economic programs.
POSHAN: PM’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment
Key Nutrition strategies and interventions are –
 Supplementary nutrition
 IYCF(Infant and Young Child Feeding)immunisation
 Food fortification
 Adolescent nutrition
 Dietary diversification and maternal health & nutrition
Activities to be undertaken by States/UTs as part of POSHAN Abhiyaan:
 Implementation of Convergence Action Plan at State/UT Level
 Procurement of Smartphones, Tablets and Growth Monitoring Devices by States/UTs
 Roll-Out of ICDS-CAS(Common Application Software).
 Implementation of ILA(Incremental Learning Approach) and CBE(Community based events).
To enhance the employability of engineering students
 Induction Training
 Revision of Curriculum
 Mandatory Internships
 Industry Readiness
 Mandatory Accreditation
Schemes: National Employment Enhancement Mission (NEEM) and Employability Enhancement Training Program (EETP)
Partnerships: With Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Govt of India, Internshala, NETiit and LinkedIn
to provide internship opportunities and industry exposure to students for aligning their technical knowhow with industry
requirements.
Prime Minister’s Shram Award:
 Instituted in 1985, for the workers in recognition of outstanding contribution towards production, and for showing
exemplary zeal and enthusiasm in discharge of their duties in the Central/ State Governments Public Sector and
Departmental Undertakings.
 The Awards are presented to the workmen as defined in the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and employed in the
Departmental Undertakings of the Central and State Governments, Central and State Public Sector Undertakings and
private sector having minimum of 500 employees on roll and engaged in manufacturing and productive processes and
whose performance is assessable.
Barunei Hill, Odisha –
 Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar is set amid the lush greenery at the foothills of the historic Barunei hill.
 It is believed that Lord Rama visited this area and that the Pandavas stayed here during their exile.
 200 years ago in 1817, Bakshi Jagabandhu led the Paika Bidroh, which was a war of independence much before 1857.
Skill Development Institute of Oil PSUs at Bhubaneswar
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 Will offer young people short courses on a spectrum of skills ranging from simple to more complex ones related to
Artificial Intelligence, 3D printing and Advanced Robotics
 SDI will be the country’s first Skill Development Institute in the hydrocarbons sector.
 Aims to train about 50,000 youth over the next 10 years.
Important Points from – “Swarajya to Surajya”: 1st National Consultation on Strengthening of Local Self Government
A radical change is needed if cities are to provide a socio-economic environment that will be inclusive, contribute to better
quality of life, and sustain rapid growth. To achieve this following steps are necessary
 Local governments should have functional autonomy and should aim to be financially viable.
 Parastatals should not be allowed to undermine the authority of ULBs.
 Need to establish a dedicated and a specialised trained cadre to serve and cater to the complex needs of Urban local body
governance.
Participatory democracy, transparency and accountability are the key pillars for new urban governance where formal
participation procedures should be complemented by collaborative partnerships which go beyond consultation of
policies/interventions, recognizing ward committees and area sabhas as active “partners”. Innovative and effective participation
tools should be adopted to foster meaningful engagement bringing equality, liveability and democratic governance to the process
of urban transformation.
Women Science Congress – Key Points
Statistics on the condition of health of women:
 Breast and colon cancer account for 27 per cent and 22.86 per cent of all cancer-related deaths in the country → need for
easily accessible and user-friendly cancer detection kit to save women.
 More than 47 per cent of people living with HIV infection in India are women and children.
Obstacles in increased representation of women in the field of science and technology:
 Lack of encouragement
 Stereotypes
 Child care
 Competition
 Marginalisation and bias act
DISHA programme – For research in various fields of science and technology, comprising of Women Scientist
 Schemes A for Basic/Applied Sciences
 Women Scientist Schemes B for Societal benefit
 Women Scientist Schemes C for internship in Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and self-employment.
Need for three R’s for women in scientific institutions and research –
 Recruitment
 Retention
 Recognition
Quote: “We all should realize that it requires for the sunshine and the rain to create a beautiful rainbow”
North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS): To boost the Silk sector in the region
Under the scheme, among various projects of Textile sector, sericulture projects have been approved under two broad categories
– Integrated Sericulture Development Project (ISDP) and Intensive Bivoltine Sericulture Development Project (IBSDP). These
schemes aim at holistic development of sericulture in all its spheres from plantation development to production of fabrics with
value addition at every stage of production chain. These projects are intended to establish sericulture as viable commercial
activity by creating necessary infrastructure and imparting skills to the locals for silkworm rearing and allied activities in silk
production value chain.
Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS): An online web-enabled system is the platform
which primarily aims to enable submission of grievances by the aggrieved citizens from anywhere and anytime.
Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojna (PMKKKY) scheme:
 to implement various developmental and welfare projects/programs in mining affected areas that complement the existing
ongoing schemes/projects of State and Central Government
 to minimize/mitigate the adverse impacts, during and after mining, on the environment, health and socio-economics of
people in mining districts
 to ensure long-term sustainable livelihoods for the affected people in mining areas
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
 To provide deposit-free LPG connections to 5 crore women belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) with a budgetary
provision of Rs. 8000 crore and the target has now been enhanced to 8 crore with additional budgetary provision of Rs.
4,800 crore.
 The beneficiaries under the Scheme are identified through Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011.
 The Government has now decided to cover the following categories under the Scheme :-
o All SC/STs households beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana(PMAY) (Gramin)
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o Antyoday Anna Yojana(AAY)

o Forest dwellers
o Most Backward Classes (MBC)
o Tea & Ex-Tea Garden Tribes
o People residing in Islands
o People residing in river islands
12 sites identified for development under Iconic Tourist Sites Project
1. Taj Mahal & Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh)
2. Ajanta and Ellora (Maharashtra)
3. Humayun Tomb, Qutub Minar and Red Fort (Delhi)
4. Colva Beach (Goa)
5. Amer Fort (Rajasthan)
6. Somnath and Dholavira (Gujarat)
7. Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh)
8. Hampi (Karnataka)
9. Mahablipuram (Tamil Nadu)
10. Kaziranga (Assam)
11. Kumarakom (Kerala)
12. Mahabodhi Temple (Bihar)
Personalities in News:
Hindi poet Kedarnath Singh
 Awarded with Jnanpith Award in 2013
 He was known for his literary works including “Abhi Bilkul Abhi”, “Jameen Pak Rahi Hai”and “Akaal mein Saaras”
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia
 An activist for the Indian independence movement and a socialist political leader
 One of the founders of the Congress Socialist Party and editor of its mouthpiece Congress Socialist
 Wrote his PhD thesis paper on the topic of Salt Taxation in India, focusing on Gandhi’s socio-economic theory.
Quotes:
Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi
“Bilateral relations between India and China are vital for the realization of 21st Century as ‘Asian Century’”.
Vice President of India, Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu
 “We should move away from the current environment of settling scores in which each party adopts the strategy of ‘I
disrupt because you have done it before. Can we end this spiral? I think we can and we should. Let us make a new
beginning”.
 3Ds – Decentralisation, Devolution and Development go hand-in-hand for the prosperity of rural and urban areas and
the States should ensure transfer of 3 Fs -Functions, Functionaries and Funds to local governments.
 To build a new India from the bottom, the only way is to make local governments empowered, effective and functional.
 Indian corporates need to Reform, Perform and Transform so that they can open up new vistas of global opportunities
which would in turn benefit our country and its people.
Mahatma Gandhi
 “No perfect democracy is possible without perfect nonviolence at the back of it. So, let us abjure violent emotions, violent
speech and violent actions. Let us discuss, debate and decide in a dignified manner”.
On Disaster Management:
“Disaster Risk Reduction should be seen not as a cost to economic growth, but rather as a valuable asset for the country”.
There is a need to reduce disaster risk by strengthening resilience, through a six-pronged approach of
 Risk Identification
 Risk Reduction
 Preparedness
 Financial Protection
 Resilient Reconstruction
 Societal Awareness
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 25th to 31st March, 2018

ARCHIVES
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Setting up of National Academic Depository (NAD) for Digitalization of School Records

(Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human
Resources)
A 24×7 online store house of academic awards digitally lodged by various academic institutions/school boards/eligibility
assessment bodies.
CBSE has introduced “Parinam Manjusha” which acts as:-
 Academic Repository
 Facilitates Online Verification
 Students can get digital documents such as Mark Sheet, Pass Certificates and Migration Certificates of CBSE examination
through Digi Locker
Strategic plan to tackle Dengue and Chikungunya

Resources)
Prevention and control of Dengue and Chikungunya is one of the components of National Vector Borne Disease Control
Programme (NVBDCP). The strategies introduced under the programme are:
 Surveillance: Disease and Entomological Surveillance
 Case management: Laboratory diagnosis and Clinical management
 Vector management: Environmental management for Source Reduction, Chemical control, Personal protection and
Legislation
 Outbreak response: Epidemic preparedness and Media management
 Capacity building: Training, Infrastructure development and Operational research
 Behaviour Change Communication: Social mobilization and Information Education and Communication (IEC)
 Inter-sectoral coordination: Health and non-health sector
 Monitoring and Supervision: Review, field visit, feedback and Analysis of reports
 A network of 618 Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals supported by 16 Apex Referral Laboratories have been established
where dengue kits are provided free of cost.
 Advisories are issued to the States for sensitization from time to time.
 Training is given on dengue and chikungunya case management.
 Financial and technical assistance are provided to the States.
Cabinet Approves
MoU between India and Zambia: In the field of Judicial Cooperation which will further enhance good relations between the
two countries and add new dimensions in the field of judicial reforms.
MoU between India and United Kingdom and Northern Ireland: India and U.K. already have an agreement concerning the
investigation and prosecution of crime and the tracing, restraint and confiscation of the proceeds and instruments of crime
(including crimes involving currency transfers) and terrorist funds, which was signed in 1995. Both the countries desire to further
strengthen cooperation in fighting international criminality and serious organized crime.
MoU between India and South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme: For cooperation on the response to Oil and
Chemical Pollution in the South Asian Seas Region – the MoU intends to promote closer cooperation between India and other
maritime nations comprising the South Asian seas region namely Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka for protection
and preservation of marine environment in the region.
MoU between India and Canada: The MoU establishes a broad and flexible framework through which both countries can
exchange best practices and work together on training programs and technical exchanges to raise awareness on IPRs and better
protect intellectual property rights (IPRs).
Re-structuring of National Skill Development Fund (NSDF) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC):
 Ensure better corporate governance, transparency and accountability in operations of NSDC besides strengthening the
oversight role of NSDF
 The approval would lead to restructuring of composition of Board of NSDF and the NSDC to strengthen governance,
implementation and monitoring framework.
Enhancing the coverage of Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana: The informal sector workers would get social safety
net and there would be more job creation
Continuation, strengthening and establishment of Krishi Vigyan Kendras till 2019-20: KVKs would act as knowledge and
resource centre in the field of agriculture in the district and would build models of technology uptake and farmers’ empowerment
leading to support Government of India’s initiative of doubling farmers’ income.
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Union Government’s Special incentives for new Industrial units in Northeast

implementation)
North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) will play a crucial role in promoting new industrial units in the region by
providing several special incentives.
Central Capital Investment Incentive for Access to Credit (CCIIAC):
 30% of the investment in the industrial plant and machinery with an upper limit of Rs. 5 crore will be provided as the
incentive amount per unit.
 Central Interest Incentive (CII) will be available to the tune of 3% on working capital credit advanced by eligible
Banks/Financial Institutions for first 5 years from the commencement of commercial production by the Unit.
Central Comprehensive Insurance Incentive (CCII): Will provide for reimbursement of 100% insurance premium on
insurance of building and Industrial plant & machinery for 5 years from the date of commencement and commercial production
by the Unit.
Relief on GST and a unique provision has been provided for reimbursement up to the extent of Central Government share of
CGST and IGST for 5 years from the date of commencement of commercial production by the unit.
Incentive on transportation to the tune of 20% of the cost of transportation including the subsidy currently provided by
Railways/Railway PSUs for movement of goods by rail.
 On the Inland Waterways, there will be 20% incentive for finished goods
 For transportation by Air freight on perishable goods, it will be 30% of the cost of transportation from the airport nearest to
the place of production to any airport within the country.
India and China Agree to a Roadmap for Addressing Trade Imbalance

(Topic: India and its neighbourhood- relations)
The Chinese side:
 Noted India’s concern regarding the long existing trade imbalance and requests for market access of Indian products and
services
 Reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the provision of market access for Indian agricultural products pertaining to
non-basmati rice, rape-seed meals, soya-meals, pomegranate and pomegranate arils, okra, banana and other fruits and
vegetables and bovine meat expeditiously
Both the countries:
 Reaffirmed their aim to promote bilateral trade in the field of pharmaceuticals including resolution of issues of Indian
pharma products exports to Chinese markets
 Agreed to draw-up a medium and long term roadmap with action points and timelines for increasing bilateral trade
between the two countries in a balanced and sustainable manner, as the two countries are the largest emerging economies
of the world with 35% of the world’s population and around 20% of the world’s GDP but the relative volume of bilateral
trade is less than 1% of global trade.
 Agreed to strengthen cooperation within WTO, and other multilateral and regional frameworks, to maintain their common
interest. Both the sides reiterated their commitment to rules based multilateral global trade.
GS-3
National Agricultural Research System

(Topic: Indian Agriculture)
The NARS is continuously developing improved varieties, value added products, production and protection technologies which
resulted to increase production and productivity of food crops in the country.
ICAR is initiating the new research programme in the areas of Hybrid technology, Transgenic, Molecular Breeding, Gene
Editing, Agro-biodiversity and Bio-fortification etc. to fulfil the future food requirement of the ever growing population of the
country.
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Banana & Sugarcane are being cultivated in Tropical and subtropical areas of the country due to suitable agro-climatic conditions
and availability of adequate irrigation facility. The Government is encouraging banana cultivation through
 Sensitization
 Training
 Supply of quality planting material and other inputs
Govt. has introduced CHAMAN (Co-ordinated Horticulture Assessment and Management Using geoiNformatics) Scheme for 7
horticultural crops (Potato, Onion, Chilli, Tomato, Mango, Banana and Citrus) in 12 major states in 180 districts to carry out
research on horticultural crop condition studies, diseases assessment and precision farming.
Approval of Integrated Management of Public Distribution System (IM-PDS)

(Topic: Public Distribution System)
Key objectives
 To integrate PDS system/portals of States/UTs with Central System/portals
 Introduction of National Portability
 De-duplication of ration cards/beneficiary
Impact: Will bring more transparency and efficiency in distribution of food-grains as it will improve the mechanism to identify
fake/duplicate ration cards and provide the option to PDS beneficiaries to lift their entitled food-grains from the Fair Price Shops
of their choice at the national level.
Digitization of Targeted Public Distribution System: The scheme comprises digitization of ration cards/beneficiaries, online
allocation, computerisation of supply chain management, etc.
Guidelines for safe Disposal of Expired Medicines

(Topic: Environmental pollution and degradation)
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Requirements of Premises, Plant and Equipment for pharmaceutical products laid
down in Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 prescribe the requirements for disposal of waste including the
rejected drugs. Details are as under:
 The disposal of sewage and effluents (solid, liquid and gas) from the manufactory shall be in conformity with the
requirements of Environment Pollution Control Board.
 All bio-medical waste shall be destroyed as per the provisions of the Bio-Medical Waste (Management and Handling)
Rules, 1996.
 Additional precautions shall be taken for the storage and disposal of rejected drugs. Records shall be maintained for all
disposal of waste.
 Provisions shall be made for the proper and safe storage of waste materials awaiting disposal. Hazardous, toxic substances
and flammable materials shall be stored in suitably designed and segregated, enclosed areas in conformity with Central and
State Legislations.
3R – ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ for India

India is getting ready to host the 8th 3R Regional Forum in Asia and the Pacific: At Indore; Indore was ranked the cleanest
city of India according to the Swachh Survekshan 2017, the annual cleanliness survey conducted by the Ministry of Housing and
Urban Affairs since 2016.
Theme: “Achieving Clean Water, Clean Land and Clean Air through 3R and Resource Efficiency- A 21st Century Vision for
Asia-Pacific Communities”.
 The Regional 3R Forum in Asia and the Pacific was launched in 2009 in Tokyo, Japan and since then has provided a
strategic platform for addressing the needs and priorities of 3R in Asian countries and sharing best practices from the
region, including emerging concerns in waste management.
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 In the last seven years, the Forum has been organised in Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Maldives, Japan and
Australia and has been instrumental in providing innovative, effective and smart 3R based solutions.
Urban India produces an estimated 54.75 million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually.
 The Forum comes at an opportune time with the Indian government’s focus on scientific management of 100% municipal
solid waste through its ambitious Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban).
 Through this Forum, India aims to strengthen this focus through its ‘Mission Zero Waste’ approach thereby encouraging
cities, industries and other diverse stakeholders to look at waste as a resource.
 Parallely, the Forum will also recognise and reward industries and civil society organisations carrying out exceptional
work in the area of 3R for waste management through the 3R Awards scheduled for April 12.
Prelims oriented News:
Health: State subject
ISRO: Successful launch of GSLV-F08 with indigenous cryogenic stage
 India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F08) successfully launched GSAT-6A Satellite into
Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)
 GSAT-6A is a communication satellite built by ISRO to provide mobile communication services through multi beam
coverage. For this, it is equipped with S and C band transponders.
Public Financial Management System (PFMS): Provides platform for efficient management of funds through tracking of funds
and real time reporting of expenditure and receipts through Treasury and Bank Interface. PFMS is also used for Direct Benefit
Transfer (DBT) payments under MGNREGA and other notified schemes of the Government of India.
Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of 55770 fully covered tribal habitations with the safe drinking water in the country
followed by Odisha 52427, Jharkhand 53476 numbers of habitations.
SAUBHAGYA (Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojna): Aims to achieve universal household electrification in all
parts of the country in a time bound manner. Around 4 crore households are expected to get electricity connections under the
scheme.
Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY): To provide social security during old age and to protect elderly persons
aged 60 years and above against a future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market conditions. The scheme enables old
age income security for senior citizens through provision of assured pension/return linked to the subscription amount based on
government guarantee to Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
Regulation of E-Cigarettes: As per a report prepared by WHO, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) (also known as
e-cigarettes) emits nicotine, the addictive component of tobacco products. In addition to dependence, nicotine can have adverse
effects on –
 The development of the foetus during pregnancy and may contribute to cardiovascular disease
 Although nicotine itself is not a carcinogen, it may function as a “tumour promoter” and seems to be involved in the
biology of malignant disease, as well as of neurodegeneration.
 Foetal and adolescent nicotine exposure may have long-term consequences for brain development, potentially leading to
learning and anxiety disorders.
Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA): Provides strategic funding to eligible state higher educational institutions.
The objective is to achieve the target of Gross Enrolment Ratio of 30% by the year 2019-20 with equity and inclusion.
Key findings of NARSS 2017-18:
 77% of households were found to have access to toilets during the survey period
 93.4% of the people who had access to toilets used them
 95.6% of villages which were previously declared and verified as ODF were confirmed to be ODF. The remaining 4.4%
villages also had sanitation coverage of over 95%
 70% of the villages surveyed found to have minimal litter and minimal stagnant water
India’s Representative to the Executive Board of UNESCO: Professor J S Rajput, former Director NCERT
 Has a four-year term of office and 58 seats
 One of the constitutional organs of UNESCO and is elected by the General Conference.
 The executive board examines the work for the organization and the corresponding budget estimates. In practice, the
executive board is the main organ responsible for all policies and programmes of UNESCO.
 Being a member of the board enables us in principle to play a role in shaping and reviewing UNESCO’s policies and
programmes corresponding to its five major programs on education, the natural science, the social and human Sciences,
Culture and Communication and Information.
Down Syndrome: A chromosomal condition associated with intellectual and learning disabilities.
e-Tribes India: Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India, (TRIFED), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs,
has developed its own e-commerce (electronic commerce) website i.e., tribesindia.com for sale of all its products and to tap m-
commerce (mobile commerce) too.
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)
Aim: To alleviate rural poverty by organizing the rural poor women into their own institutions like Self-Help Groups and their
federations, Producers’ Collectives etc.
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 Ensure their financial inclusion

 To increase the productivity of farms and promote diversified livelihoods, especially by promoting entrepreneurship
Deen Dayal Upadhyay –Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) under DAY-NRLM
Aim: A placement Linked Skill Development scheme which seeks to build the skills of the poor rural youth and place them in
relatively higher wage employment sectors of the economy.
Provides support for establishing Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) in each district of the country in
collaboration with the Banks and the State Governments to provide training to the rural youth from the poor households to take-
up economic activities.
Mahila Kisan Sahshaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP), as a sub scheme under DAY-NRLM
Aim: Promoting agriculture based livelihoods of rural women by strengthening community institutions of poor women farmers to
promote sustainable agriculture.
MKSP focuses on agriculture, non-timber forest produce and livestock interventions. It provides three kinds of services to the
farmers, namely:
 Extension services
 Training capacity building and handholding services
 Facilitation for convergence with other line department to access the benefit from other schemes/ programmes
SARAS Aajeevika Mela: An endeavour of DAY-NRLM to provide to the rural women (huge socio-economic transformation)
producers a national platform and an opportunity to showcase their products, and seek buyers, either individuals or bulk buyers
for sale nationally / internationally.
Quotes:
The Vice President of India, Shri M, Venkaiah Naidu
On Language
 Language is a living tool – you must use it or you lose it. If we lose a language we lose an important part of cultural
identity.
 Language is a tool for transmission of culture and it is truly the life blood of a civilization.
 Mother tongue, the language of home, is the root of the huge tree of life.
 Higher education has a unique role in preparing torchbearers of tomorrow in different fields from medicine to
management. It is essential for higher educational institutions to mould the next generation by inculcating the core values
of patriotism, honesty, responsibility, discipline, compassion, respect for women and pluralism
On Women
 We need to build coalitions against gender discrimination. Government and the civil society must be active collaborators
to achieve tangible results.
 Adi Shankaracharya opens his beautiful hymn called “Saundarya Lahari” (The wave of beauty) with a clear statement on
how Lord Shiva is totally powerless without his wife Shakthi. One complements the other.
Mahatma Gandhi:
On Women
 Of all the evils for which man has made himself responsible, none is so degrading , so shocking or so brutal as his abuse of
the better half of humanity; the female sex.
 To call woman the weaker sex is a libel. It is man’s injustice to woman.
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi
On Innovation
 IPPP i.e. Innovate, Patent, Produce and Prosper – lead our country towards faster development
Schemes by Government to facilitate research and innovations –
 Introducing Modern Techniques based on Educational and Learning concepts in Atal Tinkering Labs. Students of class 6th
to 12th will be benefitted from this.
 Prime Minister Research Fellowship to around 1000 best students of BTech, MTech and MSc courses in institutes like
IITs, IISc and NIT every year. These students will be given financial assistance of about 70-80 thousand rupees per month
over a period of five years.
 Focus on providing greater autonomy to Higher Educational Institutions.
 Setting up of 20 world class Institute of Excellence
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 1st April to 7th April, 2018

ARCHIVES
GS-2
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Constitution of a High Powered Committee to examine the system of conducting Class X and Class XII examination
(Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education)
The Ministry of Human Resource Development has constituted a High Powered Committee to examine the entire system of
conducting Class X and Class XII examination conducted by the CBSE with a view to prevent leakages.
The terms of reference of the Committee are as under:
 To revisit all aspects related to the security checks built into the system for ensuring that the Question papers reach the
examinees without tampering.
 To examine and assess all areas of potential weakness in the present system of transporting question papers from the
printing presses to the examinees.
 To suggest ways in which the system can be made more secure with the use of technology and minimization of human
intervention.
Capacity Building Programme for Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) of Panchayati Raj
implementation)
Project by: Ministry of Women & Child Development
Implementation by: National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD), an autonomous body
functioning under the aegis of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.
Vision: Moving the country from “women development to women-led development”
Issue: Role of EWRs remained ineffective, despite their large presence in the directly elected local governance. The project is
aimed to work on developing EWRs as “change agents”, while improving their leadership qualities and management skills for
better implementation of various programmes of the Government.
The training of EWRs is being done through a two tier training programme –
 In the first phase, an intensive training program for EWRs of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Resource persons/Master
Trainers was organized on 27th November, 2017.
 The training in second phase is being imparted through these Master trainers.
General trainings being organized in the country for Elected Representatives do not focus on the gender component in details and
also fall short on the needs of these women representatives to address the specific challenges faced by them at the grassroots
level.
The Ministry has developed training modules regarding
 Laws for protection of women and children
 Development schemes and programmes (State and Center)
 Information Communication Technology (ICT) for the EWRs
 Participatory planning and asset creation
 Monitoring of Public Works and leadership qualities.
This targeted approach to build capacities of these grassroots leaders has been envisaged to yield more desired development
outcomes. It will help to empower the women members and heads of panchayats so that they can govern the villages more
effectively.
Deendayal Antodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission

implementation)
Aim: Alleviating rural poverty & fostering diversified livelihoods through sustainable community institutions of poor
It is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) that seeks to alleviate rural poverty through building
sustainable community institutions of the poor. The centrally sponsored programme is implemented in partnership with the State
governments.
Community Institution Building – Financial year 2017-18
 More than 82 lakh households mobilized into 6.96 lakh Self Help Group (SHGs) across the country.
 More than 4.75 crore women have been mobilized into more than 40 lakh SHGs.
 Cumulatively, these community institutions have been provided more than Rs. 4,444 crore as capitalization support.
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Mahila Kisan Shashaktikaran Pariyojana and Value Chain Initiatives

Objective: In order to promote agro-ecological practices that increase women farmers’ income and reduce their input costs and
risks, the Mission has been implementing the Mahila Kisan Shashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP).
 More than 33 lakh women farmers were being supported under this scheme.
 Further, about 8 lakh Mahila Kisans have been mobilized into 86,000 Producer Groups (PGs) which are federated into 126
Producer Companies (PCs).
 These value chain development initiatives have contributed significantly to the farmers’ income from agriculture,
horticulture, dairying, fisheries and Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) related activities.
 Small and marginal farmers producing Maize, Mango, Floriculture, Dairy, Goatery etc., have benefited significantly
through the value chain interventions across different states. As of February 2018, more than 1.05 lakh SHG members
have been covered under these interventions.
Community Livelihood Professionals
The community driven implementation strategy is the cornerstone of the Mission.
More than 1.72 lakh community members have been trained and deployed to provide support to the community institutions in a
variety of themes, such as bookkeeping, training and capacity building, financial services etc. This also includes more than
22,000 Community Livelihoods Resource Persons (CLRPs) such as Krishi Sakhi and Pashu Sakhi who provide 24 X 7 door step
extension services to the small and marginal farmers including dairy farmers.
Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme & Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana
 As part of its non-farm livelihoods strategy, DAY-NRLM is implementing Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme
(SVEP) and Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY).
 SVEP aims to support entrepreneurs in rural areas to set up local enterprises.
 Implemented in 17 States since 2016-17, about 16,600 enterprises have been supported under SVEP resulting in gainful
employment for about 40,000 persons.
Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY), was launched in August 2017 to provide safe, affordable and community
monitored rural transport services to connect remote rural villages. As of March 2018, proposals from 17 States have been
approved and 288 vehicles are operating.
Deendayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDUGKY) aims at building placement linked skills of the rual youth
and place them in relatively higher wage employment sectors of the economy.
Rural Self Employment Training Institutes: The Mission is in partnership with 31 Banks and State Governments, is supporting
Rural Self Employment Institutes (RSETIs) for skilling of rural youth to take up gainful self-employment. In FY 2017-18, a total
of 4.23 lakhs candidates have been trained and 3.34 lakhs candidates have been settled.
Independent Assessment of DAY-NRLM: Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA), was entrusted to carry out the
independent assessment of design, strategy and impacts of DAY-NRLM. As part of the study, survey of nearly 4500 households
spanning across 746 villages was conducted during January – March 2017.
The results indicate that the households in the treatment areas:
 Have a higher number of livestock assets as compared to control areas – On an average, each household in a Mission
village had more than 2.34 productive livestock assets compared to a similar household in non-Mission village
 Show a higher proclivity to save in formal institutions;
 Have a higher loan size (about 67% more than the loan size in the control areas) and are more likely to borrow from formal
financial sources; NRLM households also pay a lower rate of interest
 Have 22% higher (net) income than the households in the control areas, largely due to income from enterprises. On an
average, each NRLM village had 11 enterprises more than the non-NRLM villages – suggesting livelihood diversification
in NRLM villages.
 Participate more in PRIs – NRLM households participate 3 times more than their counterparts
Promotion of Farm Livelihoods: DAY-NRLM plans to

o Include another 5 lakh women farmers under its farm livelihoods interventions like sustainable agriculture,
livestock and NTFP based activities with major focus on North East states.
o Further, the Mission aims at supporting an additional 75000 SHG member households through farm-based value
chain initiatives.
 It would also promote 15 large size farm-based producer enterprises to provide market linkages to women producers.
 In addition, organic cultivation will be promoted in 1000 village clusters across States.
Promotion of Non-Farm Livelihoods: It is also expected that Start Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) will
support an additional 25000 entrepreneurs during the year 2018-19. In addition, it is expected that by March 2019, about 1500
vehicles will be operating across 17 States under Aajeevika Gram Express Yojana (AGEY).
Setting up of Rural Haats: Development of haats has emerged as one of the most important strategies to market SHG products
and agricultural produce. To facilitate marketing of rural produce, it is proposed to set up haats at village and block levels in
convergence with MGNREGS and the District and State level using DAY-NRLM resources. It is proposed to set up 4567 rural
haats across the country during FY 2018-19
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Enabling rural poor’s access to formal sources of finance: The Mission will continue to promote access of SHGs to bank
credit and other financial services. In FY 18-19, it is planned to link 22 lakh SHGs to bank credit for total loan amount of Rs.
42500 crores, taking the SHG Bank loan outstanding to Rs. 75000 crore. The Mission will make efforts to expand Banking
services to underserved regions through alternate channels in partnerships with various banks.
Deendayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana: More emphasis will be placed on long-term training for better placement
outcomes. The Industries will be invited to partner as Project Implementing Agency (PIA) and/or own a training batch and will
have proactive engagement with Industry heads through workshops & conferences. It is envisaged that the increased engagement
of Institutions of MSME & other prestigious Government Institutions for taking up DDUGKY program will lead to high end
training with better salaries & District-wise survey for skilled manpower requirement.
Rural Self Employment Training Institutes:

o An increased involvement of State Government has been envisaged in planning and implementation of skill
development of rural poor through RSETIs. This would facilitate better mobilization (using Kaushal Panjee app)
and identification of needy candidates in rural poor households.
o The mission is launching Standard Operating Procedures for greater transparency, efficiency and Quality
assurance in the implementation of skill training in RSETIs.
 Mission is facilitating partnership of Industry Bodies with RSETIs to enable scaling up of rural entrepreneurs.
Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups

implementation)
There are 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) notified as on date in the country. The criteria followed for
determination of PVTGs are as under:
 A pre-agriculture level of technology;
 A stagnant or declining population;
 Extremely low literacy; and
 A subsistence level of economy.
Development of PVTGs:
 Covers the 75 identified PVTGs among Scheduled Tribes in 18 States/ UT of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
 It is a flexible scheme and covers funding for activities like housing, land distribution, land development, agricultural
development, animal husbandry, construction of link roads, and installation of non-conventional sources of energy for
lighting purpose, social security including Janshree Beema Yojana or any other innovative activity meant for the
comprehensive socio-economic development of PVTGs.
 Priority is also assigned to PVTGs under the schemes of Special Central Assistance (SCA) to Tribal Sub-Scheme (TSS),
Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution, Grants-in-aid to Voluntary Organisations working for the welfare of
Schedule Tribes and Strengthening of Education among ST Girls in Low Literacy Districts.
Digital Initiative for Ease of Export

implementation)
Launched by: IC, the official export certification body of Government of India
Aim: To keep pace with changing dynamics of the world.
 For credible inspection and certification
 To strengthen the confidence on Indian produce, three portals have been developed to reduce transaction time and cost in a
transparent manner – provide an opportunity for ease of export and plays an important role in the Go Green initiative by
reducing paper usage and saving millions trees.
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 To provide fast, efficient and transparent services for ease of doing business in all sectors the complete export food chain
has been integrated in this digital platform. Primary production, chain catch, aquaculture pond, dairy farms and apiaries are
all linked. Processing units, testing laboratories, official controls and exports have complete traceability.
 One lab one assessment portal provides unified approach to all stakeholders like accreditation bodies, regulators and
laboratories by bringing them together on a common platform. Simplified procedures for granting joint certification and
joint decisions helps in reducing cost, time and multiplicity of assessment.
 The Export Alert Monitoring portal monitors non compliances raised by importing countries. The portal will enable
monitoring of alerts and action taken by multiple organizations involved in initial certification in the food safety &
biosecurity and analysing the trend, understanding the trade barriers to reduce the alerts and enhance the export trade.
Cabinet Approves:
Cooperation Arrangement between India and Afghanistan for cooperation in the field of food safety and related
areas: The areas of cooperation include the following:
 Establishment of a mechanism of information exchange and communication;
 Facilitating technical exchange on identified topics of interest especially about import procedures, quality control
operations, sampling, testing, packaging and labeling
 Facilitating/organization of joint seminars, workshops, visits, lectures, training programme, etc.
MoU between India and Iran on the establishment of an expert group on trade remedy measures: will promote cooperation
between the two countries in area of trade remedies such as exchange of information, capacity building activities, cooperation in
investigations related to anti-dumping and countervailing duty, etc.
MoU between India and Canada to foster cross-border partnerships focused on research excellence and industry-
academic collaboration: The MoU enables Indian and Canadian researchers to undertake graduate level academic research
mobility and cross-border industry-academic cooperation.
MoU between India and United Arab Emirates on Technical Cooperation in Rail Sector: The MoU will provide a platform
to Indian Railways to interact and share the latest developments and knowledge in the railway sector. The MoU will facilitate
exchange of information, expert meetings, seminars technical visits and implementation of jointly agreed cooperation projects.
Rightsizing the Competition Commission of India: The proposal is expected to result in reduction of three Posts of Members
of the Commission in pursuance of the Governments objective of “Minimum Government – Maximum Governance”.
Protection of Human Rights (Amendments) Bill, 2018: Salient Features:
 It proposes to include “National Commission for Protection of Child Rights” as deemed Member of the Commission;
 It proposes to add a woman Member in the composition of the Commission;
 It proposes to enlarge the scope of eligibility and scope of selection of Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission
as well as the State Human Rights Commission; and
 It proposes to incorporate a mechanism to look after the cases of human rights violation in the Union Territories.
 It proposes to amend the term of office of Chairperson and Members of National Human Rights Commission and State
Human Rights Commission to make it in consonance with the terms of Chairperson and Members of other Commissions.
GS-3
BS-VI fuel will bring down sulphur level by 80 percent from current BSIV levels
(Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation)
Objective: To proactively advance the roll-out of BS-VI fuel in Delhi from April 2018, instead of April 2020 after taking stock
of the alarming pollution situation in Delhi in winters.
 BS-VI fuel will bring down sulphur by 5 times from the current BS-IV levels – this is an 80 percent reduction which
makes it extremely clean.
 It will improve emissions from the existing fleet, even from the older vehicles on road.
 BS-VI is as clean as CNG or even cleaner than CNG in some respects
With the introduction of BSVI, India joins the small list of Asia – Pacific nations -Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Australia,
New Zealand, Philippines and China. China is using it only for heavy vehicles.
5th April: National Maritime Day
7th April: World Health Day
Dark Net: Was used for sale and purchase of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances
Utkal Divas – Odisha Formation Day (Konark Sun Temple is Odisha’s pride)
Commonwealth Games:
 Gold Medal in the Women’s 53 kg weightlifting event: Weightlifter K Sanjita Chanu
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 Won a bronze in Weightlifting: Weightlifter Deepak Lather (youngest Indian weightlifter to claim a Commonwealth
Games medal)
 Gold Medal in the Men’s 77 kg weightlifting event: Sathish Kumar Sivalingam
Swadhar Greh Scheme: Targets the women victims of difficult circumstances who are in need of institutional support for
rehabilitation so that they could lead their life with dignity. The Scheme envisages providing shelter, food, clothing and health as
well as economic and social security for these women.
Mahila Shakti Kendra: To empower rural women through community participation
The scheme is envisaged to work at various levels, and at the National level (domain based knowledge support) and State level
(State Resource Centre for Women) technical support to the respective governments on issues related to women is provided.
 Student volunteers will play an instrumental role in awareness generation regarding various important government
schemes/ programmes as well as social issues.
 District Level Centre for Women (DLCW) has also been envisaged for 640 districts to be covered in phased manner.
These centres will serve as a link between village, block and state level in facilitating women centric schemes and also
give foothold for Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme at the district level.
POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission): under Innovation component, envisages undertaking activities to be
implemented intended to improve the service delivery system, capacity building of front line functionaries and community
engagement for better nutritional outcomes.
PM Ujwala Yojana: To prevent pollution and facilitate the healthy atmosphere in the families of poor people – the objective of
the central government to give gas connections to 5 crore families by 2019.
Indian Railways inducts New Machine 09-3x Dynamic Tamping Express: It is a latest high output integrated tamping machine
having multiple functions, so far being carried out by different machines. These machines have been manufactured in India under
MAKE IN INDIA initiative with imported components. 42 more such machines have been planned to be included in Indian
Railway maintenance fleet over next three years.
 Measure pre & post track geometry
 Correct the track to required geometry
 Can tamp three sleepers simultaneously
 Stabilize and measure post tamping track parameters under load to ensure quality of work done. This eliminates the need
for a separate stabilisation machine which reduces operating costs and track possession time.
 This machine will vibrate & compact the loose stone ballast after tamping for safe movements of trains.
This will further improve the safety, reliability and economy in maintenance of tracks over Indian Railways. This will also
eliminate manual measurement of track quality after maintenance.
Mechanism for marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum Support price (MSP) and development of
Value chain for MFP: objective of providing fair price to MFP gatherers, enhance their income level and ensure sustainable
harvesting of MFPs. The MSP scheme seeks to establish a framework to ensure fair prices for the produce collected by them,
assurance of buying at a particular price, primary processing, storage, transportation etc., while ensuring sustainability of the
resource base.
Establishment of the first multipurpose “Van Dhan Vikas Kendra” on pilot basis: in Bijapur District of Chhattisgarh State for
providing skill upgradation and capacity building training and setting up of primary processing and value addition facility. This
Kendra to start with will have processing facility for Tamarind brick making, Mahua flower storage facility and chironjee
cleaning and packaging.
Satellites launched by ISRO in the last four years
 Communication satellites carried communication transponders in different frequency bands of C, Extended C, Ku,
Ka and S-band for telecommunication, broadcast and mobile communication services.
 Navigation satellites were part of the indigenous constellation NavIC, India’s own regional navigation system. Navigation
satellites carried navigation payloads in L and S-bands for providing position, navigation and timing services.
 Earth Observation satellites are used for deriving inputs for Natural Resource Management, Disaster Management,
Cartographic Applications, Weather, Climate and Ocean Studies.
 Astrosat (Science payload) is a unique multi wavelength observatory in space. It provides an opportunity for observation
of celestial sources in Ultra-Violet, Optical and X-ray wavelength bands.
 ISRO has launched satellites for Technology demonstration and student satellites to encourage young generation to work
in the field of space.
Baobab sapling planted in the gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan: It was gifted by the University of Madagascar as a gesture of
goodwill in return for the Neem tree that the President planted at the University campus in Antananarivo during his State visit to
Madagascar in March.
 Has a life span of over 2000 years
 High in medicinal and nutritional properties, quite like the Neem tree
Trishul Special Olympics & Paralympic Games: For Special Children – a total 69 Children between ages 7 and 18 yrs, of
Special Schools supported by the AFWWA (Air Force Wives Welfare Association) will be receiving training from Special
Olympics Bharat, Resource Team on Athletics, Bocce, Powerlifting and Roller Skating
Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan (RAA):
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 A convergent framework across School Education and Higher Education aiming to encourage children towards learning
Science and Mathematics and to develop their interest through activities related to Science and Mathematics.
 One of the interventions under RAA is strengthening of school Science and Mathematics laboratories, through the
Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA).
 Important interventions i.e. Science Fair/Exhibition and Talent Search at district level; mathematics and science kits to
schools, visit to higher institutions of students and learning enhancement of students have been approved.
Atal Innovation Mission is establishing Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs) in schools across India. The objective of this
scheme is to foster curiosity, creativity and imagination in young minds; and inculcate skills such as design mindset,
computational thinking, adaptive learning, physical computing etc.
Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching (PMMMNMTT) aims at addressing
comprehensively all issues related to teachers, teaching, teacher preparation, professional development, curriculum design, and
developing assessment & evaluation methodology, research in developing effective Pedagogy.
Government has taken up far-reaching education reforms to improve quality and access to education
Aimed at expanding access to quality education, new premier higher education institutions have been opened across the country,
marking the highest ever such expansion in the history after Independence.
SWAYAM MOOCs portal ( (Study Webs of Active learning for Young Aspiring Minds) is an indigenous MOOCs portal
that provides high quality education – anyone, anytime, anywhere at no cost- has been made operational. The portal has courses
by the best teachers in the country and offers video lectures, e-reading material, discussion forum and assessment system –
resulting in award of credits to the successful learners. Up to 20 % credit transfer into the academic record of students, is allowed
now, for the courses taken on the SWAYAM portal.
The initiative of National Digital Library (NDL) is a virtual repository of learning resources with a single window search
facility. It has already brought together 15 million digital books and journals and 31 lakh learners are using this facility. It
supports all academic levels including researchers and life-long learners, all disciplines, all popular form of access devices and
differently abled learners.
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) is a new initiative to make use the knowledge base in the higher educational institutions for
plugging technology gaps in the rural areas. In this year, 750 institutions are being selected on challenge mode. This is expected
to enrich rural India by way of customising existing technology as per local needs and also by improving the implementation of
existing government schemes.
Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching (PMMMNMTT) scheme has been launched
to address the issues of supply of qualified teachers, attracting talent into teaching profession, raising the quality teaching in
schools and colleges.
Constitution of a Committee to draft National Education Policy under the Chairmanship of eminent scientist Dr. K.
Kasturirangan
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme: To promote mutual understanding between States & UTs in India which have
diverse cultures, traditions, languages etc., through a process of sustained mutual engagement between the people. All States and
UTs are paired with each other for a period of one year, after which the pairing would change. The objective is to break the
inhibitions arising from diversity in culture through participative appreciation and engagement by people so that a spirit of
oneness is created in the process for the nation.
Under Swachh Bharat programme: To promote Swachhta in the form of an attitude of zero tolerance to anything unhygienic.
It has initiated Swachhta Rankings of Higher Educational Institutions and Swachhta Action Plans have been prepared.
Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) is an initiative to garner best international knowledge and experience into the
country’s higher education so as to enable Indian students & faculty to interact with best academic and industry experts from
across the world.
IMPRINT India is an effort to direct research in the premier institutions into areas of social relevance. 10 such domains have
been identified which could substantially impact the living standards of the rural areas
The Uchchtar Avishkar Yojana (UAY) has been launched to promote industry specific need-based research so as to keep up
the competitiveness of Indian industry in the global market.
Prime Minister Research Fellows (PMRF) scheme is launched to support 1000 bright undergraduate students every year, for
direct admission in the research programmes in the reputed institutions like IISc, IITs. The fellowship carries a lot of social
recognition and it ranges from Rs 70,000 to 80,000 per month for 5 year period.
Smart India Hackathon initiative is to promote innovation in the students by encouraging out of the box solutions for common
problems faced by the society at large.
National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is the biggest ranking exercise launched in 2015, in which more than
3,500 institutions participated. It is one of the biggest efforts for bringing in accountability and transparency in the higher
educational institutions. The ranks are released in the various categories of institutions namely Universities, Engineering,
Management, Pharmacy etc..
Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA): for creation of a fund with government equity of Rs. 1000 crores, to give a big
push for building up robust higher educational institutions. The HEFA would finance the academic and research infrastructure
projects through a 10 year loan.
Rashtriya Uchchatar Siksha Abhiyan (RUSA): To provide more assistance for infrastructure to Universities and Colleges,
creation of Model Degree colleges, Cluster universitites, Upgradation of autonomous colleges and Vocationalisation of higher
education.
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Vidyalaxmi portal provides one-window clearance for the Education Loans with Interest Subvention.
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) provides assistance to State Governments and UTs to ensure free and compulsory quality
elementary education for all children in the age group of 6-14 years in accordance with the provisions of the Right of Children to
Free and Compulsory (RTE) Act, 2009.
Preference for opening of school is given to tribal areas, and areas with high concentration of Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled
Tribe (ST) and minority population. Under the SSA, the districts with high concentration of population of SCs, STs and Muslims
have been identified as Special Focus Districts (SFDs). The criteria for identifying the SFDs in case of SCs and STs is a
population of 25% and above, while for Muslims, it is 20% and above population.
Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs):
 Residential schools at upper primary level for girls belonging to disadvantaged groups such as SC, ST, OBC, Minority and
BPL.
 Aims to reduce gender gap at elementary education and is operational in Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs).
Note: The dropout rate of girls at primary level has been steadily decreasing in the last three years.
Six monuments / historical sites in North Eastern States identified for listing under World Heritage Site:
1. Apatani Cultural Landscape, Arunachal Pradesh
2. Iconic Saree Weaving Clusters of India
3. Moidams – the Mound – Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty, Assam
4. Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh
5. River Island of Majuli in midstream of Brahmaputra River in Assam
6. Thembang Fortified Village, Arunachal Pradesh
Person in News
Babu Jagjivan Ram
 An Indian independence activist and politician from Bihar.
 He was instrumental in foundation of the All-India Depressed Classes League, an organisation dedicated to attaining
equality for untouchables, in 1935 and was elected to Bihar Legislative Assembly in 1937, after which he organised the
rural labour movement.
 In 1946, he became the youngest minister in Jawaharlal Nehru’s interim government, the first cabinet of India as a Labour
Minister and also a member of Constituent Assembly of India, where he ensured that social justice was enshrined in the
Constitution.
 He was the Defence Minister of India during the Indo-Pak war of 1971, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh.
 His contribution to the Green Revolution in India and modernising Indian agriculture, during his two tenures as Union
Agriculture Minister are still remembered, especial during 1974 drought when he was asked to hold the additional
portfolio to tide over the food crisis.
Quotes
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu
On Science & New India
 We need a scientific renaissance in our country and the excellence and quest for the best should be the goal posts of the
new India.
 The spirit of enquiry and the spirit of enhancing public wellbeing should be the guiding principles.
 The new India will be a scientific India and it will be a technological India. It will be an India that will be sustained by
knowledge and science, what is called as ‘Gyana’ and ‘Vigyana’ in Indian parlance
 Scientific approach that relies on evidence and raising relevant questions and seeking answers should be internalized
 Students should be encouraged to ‘discover’ rather than be ‘told’ the answers and rote memorization should be
discouraged. We have to bring back the fun into the learning process and the joy of knowing, the joy of discovering, and
the joy of innovating lies at the core of scientific temper. This should be the heart of the schooling and educational
processes at various levels
 Quoting Confucius, the Vice President said that teaching, learning process should be reoriented keeping in view the basic
principles encapsulated in his famous saying “I learn and I forget; I see and I remember; I do and I understand”.
Must Read: E-Way Bill + MNREGS
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 8th to 14th April, 2018

ARCHIVES
GS-2
Launch of online dashboard to monitor public grievances on real time basis

implementation)
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 The dashboard will monitor public grievances on real time basis and periodically review progress of systemic reforms.
 The systemic reforms and their monitoring metrics, catering to grievance issues are highlighted on the dashboard. This will
enable concerned Ministries/Departments to monitor implementation of these reforms.
Pradhan MantriAwasYojana – Gramin (PMAY-G)

implementation)
The erstwhile rural housing programme, Indira AwaasYojana (IAY), was restructured into PMAY-G.
To achieve “Housing for All by 2022”, a target of completing one crore PMAY-G new pucca houses in rural areas by 31st
March, 2019 and 2.95 crore pucca houses by 2022 was set. Of these, 51 lakh houses were to be completed by 31st March, 2018,
which included completion of expected 2 lakh incomplete IAY houses as well.
Construction of bigger and better houses has been possible due to
 Transparent beneficiary selection
 Capacity building of beneficiaries
 Timely availability of funds to the beneficiaries
 Structured monitoring and course-correction based on the feedback on implementation
Facilitated by payment of assistance directly into the beneficiary account through IT-DBT platform directly from single State
Nodal Account maintained at the State level. Use of IT-DBT platform has ensured transparent, hassle-free and quality
programme implementation. Payment to beneficiaries under PMAY-G, is routed through Public Financial Management System
(PFMS).
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) has led to:
 Reduction in time and cost in house construction
 Transparency leading to stoppage of leakages
 Ease in tracking fund flow to beneficiaries
 Better quality of construction of houses.
Pucca houses constructed under PMAY-G with facilities like toilet, LPG connection, electricity connection, drinking water etc. is
changing rural landscape at a very fast pace
Launch of e-FRRO scheme

implementation)
e-FRRO: e-Foreigners Regional Registration Office – to provide fast and efficient services to foreigners visiting India so that
they have a pleasant experience of their stay here.
Aimed at building a centralized, transparent online platform for the foreigners to avail visa related services and to provide
Faceless, Cashless and Paperless services to the foreigners with user friendly experience
 The e-FRRO scheme would be a quantum jump in improving the ease of service delivery with respect to foreigners
visiting and staying in India.
 In the new system, foreigners would be able to get as many as 27 Visa and Immigration related services in India from the
comfort of their place of stay.
 Using the e-FRRO application, foreigners can apply online on the portal and obtain the service(s) through email/post
without appearing in person at the FRO/FRRO office.
Cabinet Approves
MoU between India and the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland: on the return of Illegal Migrants
 Will facilitate that the Visa Free Agreement for holders of Diplomatic passports as well as liberalization of UK Visa
Regime for those who are travelling to the UK legally, after conclusion of the MoU
 It will ensure the return of persons who have no lawful basis to be in the territory of the other Party after verification of
nationality to its satisfaction.
 It will help in streamlining the procedure of return of nationals who are caught to be staying illegally, belonging to the
other party in a specified time-frame.
Headquarters (Host country) Agreement between India and the International Solar Alliance
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 The Headquarters Agreement will institutionalize the functional arrangements between India and ISA.
 It will help in smooth transition of ISA as international inter-governmental organization.
 Creation of ISA will lead to accelerated solar technology development and deployment in ISA member countries including
India.
Exploration and Exploitation of Coal Bed Methane (CBM) from areas under Coal Mining Lease allotted to Coal India
Limited (CIL) and its Subsidiaries
 The decision is in line with the Government’s initiatives of ‘Ease of Doing Business’. It will expedite the exploration and
exploitation of CBM, enhance the availability of natural gas and reduce the gap in demand and supply of natural gas.
 The increased development activities for exploration and exploitation of CBM gas reserves in-and-around the block will
generate economic activities which in turn has potential to create employment opportunities in CBM operations and in the
industries.
MoU between India and the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland on the return of Illegal Migrants
 The MoU will facilitate that the Visa Free Agreement for holders of Diplomatic passports as well as liberalization of UK
Visa Regime for those who are travelling to the UK legally, after conclusion of the MoU.
 It will ensure the return of persons who have no lawful basis to be in the territory of the other Party after verification of
nationality to its satisfaction.
 It will help in streamlining the procedure of return of nationals who are caught to be staying illegally, belonging to the
other party in a specified time-frame.
MoU between Indian Army and Axis Bank

(Topic: India and its neighbourhood relations)
 MoU will benefit a large number of serving and retired Army personnel who are having their accounts with Axis bank; and
also provide them an opportunity to access modern banking facilities.
 Army personnel will get free personal accident death cover and free permanent total disability cover of Rs 30 lakh and free
educational cover of up to Rs 2 Lakh for children between the age of 12 and 20 years.
India signs MoU with Republic of Korea

On: Mutual Recognition of Certificates of Competency of Seafarers
This paves the way for the two governments to mutually recognize the certificates of maritime education and training,
competency, endorsements and medical fitness of seafarers issued by each other.
Indian Consortium and Saudi Aramco Sign MoU

An Indian Consortium consisting of IOCL, BPCL and HPCL and Saudi Aramco signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
to jointly develop and build an integrated refinery and petrochemicals complex, Ratnagiri Refinery & Petrochemicals Ltd.
(RRPCL) in the State of Maharashtra. Saudi Aramco may also seek to include a strategic partner to co-invest in the project.
 The strategic partnership brings together crude supply, resources, technologies, experience and expertise of these multiple
oil companies with an established commercial presence around the world.
 The refinery will be capable of processing 1.2 million barrels of crude oil per day (60 million metric tonnes per annum, or
MMTPA).
 It will produce a range of refined petroleum products, including petrol and diesel meeting BS-VI fuel efficiency norms.
 The Refinery will also provide feedstock for the integrated petrochemicals complex, which will be capable of producing
approx. 18 million tonnes per annum of petrochemical products.
 RRPCL will rank among the world’s largest refining & petrochemicals projects and will be designed to meet India’s fast-
growing fuels and petrochemicals demand. The project cost is estimated at around Rs.3 lakh crore (USD 44 billion).
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AIIB decides to invest $140M to improve Rural Connectivity in India

Aims to improve the rural road connectivity and management for residents of about 5,640 villages who use the rural roads for
daily activities – approximately 1.5 Million rural residents in State of Madhya Pradesh are going to directly benefit from
improved livelihoods, education and mobility
 Livelihoods of the rural population will be improved by expanding income earning opportunities through better farm-to-
market road connections.
 Moreover, more children are expected to enroll in higher education programs and school attendance is expected to further
improve.
 The road maintenance pilot under the Project will employ more women, contributing to gender equality and income
generation
 The Project also aims to improve durability and accessibility, and enhance resilience to climate change of the gravel
surfaced rural road in State of Madhya Pradesh while building the capacity of the State to manage its rural road network
and road safety.
The planned activities under the Project are:
 Upgrading the gravel surfaced roads to a sealed surface standard.
 Providing additional linkages to villages with potential for high growth
 Enhancing institutional capacity through implementing/upgrading a rural road asset management system and strengthening
design and research and quality assurance capacity of the implementation agency
 Developing road safety management capacity with road accident data management system and piloting a comprehensive
road safety program.
 Supporting design, implementation and management
GS-3
Indian Railways setting new Benchmarks in Environmental Management

Pursuing sustainable growth through preserving the environment is one of the hallmarks of Indian Railways. To further spread its
green initiatives, Indian Railways had entered into partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
CII’s GreenCo Rating System: A first-of-its-kind rating in the world that facilitates companies in improving their overall green
performance
 GreenCo focus on major environmental areas including- energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, waste
management, resource conservation, green supply chain, product stewardship and life cycle assessment.
 GreenCo has helped Indian Railways bring in a focused approach towards green practices by strengthening its energy
conservation initiatives, facilitating renewable energy opportunities, water management and waste management.
MNRE calls for ‘Expression of Interest’ for first offshore wind energy project of 1000 MW capacity
(Topic: Infrastructure: Energy)
 The National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) an autonomous body under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
(MNRE) has called for ‘Expression of Interest’ (EoI) for the first offshore wind energy project of India.
 The global EoI is intended to shortlist prospective offshore wind energy developers for a 1000 MW offshore wind energy
project in Gulf of Khambat, off the coast of Gujarat.
 The proposed area is located 23-40 km seaward side from Pipavav port. MNRE plans to install at least 5 GW of offshore
wind capacity by 2022.
The first offshore LiDAR was installed in Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat for measurement of wind resource and National
Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) is collecting wind speed data from November, 2017 onwards. Areas off the coasts of Gujarat
and Tamil Nadu are two identified areas for development of offshore wind power. The second LiDAR would be installed off
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Tamil Nadu coast by September, 2018. In addition NIWE is planning to set up few more LiDARs for assessment of offshore
wind resources. Besides necessary Geo-Technical and Geo-Physical studies off the coast of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are
underway.
At global level, it has been observed that, offshore wind energy while being better than onshore wind in terms of efficiency is
also becoming competitive and comparable in terms of tariffs. With a large energy market in India, the EoI is expected to evince
keen interest from leading players of offshore wind turbine manufacturers and developers. Indian industry can also participate
along with suitable tie up with global players.
PSLV-C41 successfully launches IRNSS-1I navigation satellite

(Topic: Awareness in the fields of Space)
 In its forty third flight, ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C41 successfully launched the 1,425 kg IRNSS-1I
Navigation Satellite today from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota.
 IRNSS-1I is the latest member of the ‘Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)’ system. NavIC, also known as
Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), is an independent regional navigation satellite system designed to
provide position information in the Indian region and 1,500 km around the Indian mainland.
Till now, PSLV has successfully launched 52 Indian satellites and 237 customer satellites from abroad.
Prelims Oriented News:
8th Theatre Olympics aimed to showcase the rich heritage and culture across the length and breadth of the country.
Founder of Homoeopathy: Dr. Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann
World Homeopathy Day: 10th April
Pradhan Mantri Ujwala Yojana:
 Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is a scheme of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas for providing LPG connections to
women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.
 Under the scheme, five crore (now 8 crores) LPG connections are to be provided to BPL households. The identification of
eligible BPL families will be made in consultation with the State Governments and the Union Territories.
 Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) aims to safeguard the health of women & children by providing them with a
clean cooking fuel – LPG, so that they don’t have to compromise their health in smoky kitchens or wander in unsafe areas
collecting firewood.
Budget 2018 Update: Initially, government target was to provide free LPG connections to about 5 crore poor women. But now
the target of providing free connection increased to 8 crore poor women.
E-way Bill: As per the decision of GST Council, e-Way Bill system for all inter-State movement of goods has been rolled-out. It
is expected that trade and industry will be further facilitated insofar as the transport of goods is concerned, thereby eventually
paving the way for a nation-wide single e-Way Bill system
NHAI signs agreement for its First International Project: To provide seamless vehicular movement for enhancing trade,
business, health, education and tourism between Indian, Myanmar and Thailand, the National Highways Authority of India has
signed an agreement for upgradation of Yagyi – Kalewa section of highway (Milepost 40/0 to Milepost 115/5) in Myanmar to
two lane with earthen shoulder.
“Satyagrah se Swachhagrah” campaign:

o Mahatma Gandhi launched the Champaran Satyagrah over a century ago, on 10th April, 1917 against the
Britishers to fight for the rights of farmers who were forced to undertake indigo cultivation.
o April 10th, 2018 marks the end of the centenary year celebrations of the Champaran Satyagrah, and is going to be
celebrated through the “Satyagrah se Swachhagrah” campaign.
o Swachhagrahis are the ‘foot soldiers’ and motivators to implement the Community Approaches to Sanitation
(CAS) at the village level. Swachhagrahis are key to driving progress towards achieving an open defaecation free
nation.
 Swatch Bharat Leads to Swasth Bharat and Samruddhi Bharat
CWG Updates:
 Indian women’s Table Tennis team won the Gold Medal at the Commonwealth Games
 Weightlifter Vikas Thakur on winning the Bronze medal
 Punam Yadav won the Gold Medal in the 69 Kg women’s weightlifting event.
 Manu Bhaker bagged a Gold in the women’s 10m Air Pistol event.
 Heena Sidhu won the Silver in the women’s 10m Air Pistol event.
 Ravi Kumar has won the Bronze in the men’s 10m Air Rifle event.
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 Tejaswini Sawant won Gold in the women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions event.
 Anjum Moudgil bagged the Silver in the women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions event
MUDRA Yojana:
 To “fund the unfunded” by bringing such enterprises to the formal financial system and extending affordable credit to
them
 It enables a small borrower to borrow from all Public Sector Banks such as PSU Banks, Regional Rural Banks and
Cooperative Banks, Private Sector Banks, Foreign Banks, Micro Finance Institutions (MFI) and Non-Banking Finance
Companies (NBFC) for loans upto Rs 10 lakhs for non-farm income generating activities.
 As on 23rd March, 2018, 4,53,51,509 loans have been sanctioned, amounting to Rs. 2,28,144.72 Crore. The total amount
disbursed under this scheme is Rs. 220596.05 Crore
 Loan of upto Rs. 50000 is given under sub-scheme ‘Shishu’ between Rs. 50,000 to 5 Lakhs under sub-scheme ‘Kishore’
and between Rs. 5 Lakhs to Rs.10 Lakhs under sub-scheme ‘Tarun’.
Locate it on the map:
 Malabo
 Equatorial Guinea
 Swaziland
 Zambia
Person in News
Mahatma Phule
 An Indian social activist, a thinker, anti-caste social reformer and a writer from Maharashtra
 His work extended to many fields including eradication of untouchability and the caste system, women’s emancipation and
the reform of Hindu family life.
 In 1873, Phule, along with his followers, formed the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Seekers of Truth) to attain equal
rights for people from lower castes.
 Phule is regarded as an important figure of the social reform movement in Maharashtra.
 He and his wife, Savitribai Phule, were pioneers of women’s education in India. He is most known for his efforts to
educate women and lower caste people. The couple were among the first native Indians to open a school for girls in India.
Dr B.R. Ambedkar
 An Indian jurist, economist, politician and social reformer who inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement and campaigned
against social discrimination against Untouchables (Dalits), while also supporting the rights of women and labour
 He was Independent India’s first law minister, the principal architect of the Constitution of India and a founding father of
the Republic of India
Quotes:
PM Narendra Modi, at the Eighth Regional 3R Forum in Asia and the Pacific
“The mantra of 3R – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle- is at the heart of any vision towards the sustainable development of mankind.
All stakeholders –producers, consumers and the State alike must adhere to this golden principle which can contribute
significantly in solving the twin challenges of waste management as well as the sustainable development”.
3R FORUM: Aims and Objectives
 Aims to address how 3R and resource efficiency measures can provide complementary benefits in making cities and
countries clean, smart, liveable and resilient.
 Aims to generate policy-level, institutional level and technological insights towards effective implementation of 3R
and resource efficiency to foster circular economic development, sustainable change in current use of natural resources
and ultimately achieve a zero waste society.
 Seeks to engage the public and private sector to explore various partnership opportunities in areas of 3R and waste
management for moving towards a zero waste society.
 The Forum further provides an opportunity to establish insightful linkages between the principles of 3R and resource
efficiency and the objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission).
 Through this Forum, India aims to strengthen this focus through its ‘Mission Zero Waste’ approach thereby encouraging
cities, industries and other diverse stakeholders to see look at waste as a resource.
8TH Regional 3 R Forum
 MoHUA is actively promoting the concept of source segregation, both at household level and by bulk waste generators, to
not only reduce the total amount of waste going into landfills, but also to ensure improved quality of input waste going into
waste processing plants
 MOHUA is also actively promoting a variety of decentralised composting options among waste generators, including
enforcing mandatory compliance by bulk waste generators for on-site processing of their wet waste generated.
Parallely, MoHUA is encouraging the recycle and reuse of dry waste for higher value and earning potential.
On Internal Security
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 CRPF is truly the strongest pillar of the country’s internal security apparatus.
 Ballot is infinitely more powerful than the bullet
 Terrorism, the enemy of humanity must be rooted out
 Peace is the pre-condition for progress and development
On Energy
India’s Energy Future has four pillars –
 Energy Access
 Energy Efficiency
 Energy Sustainability
 Energy Security
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 15th to 21st April, 2018

ARCHIVES
GS-2
Scheme of Electoral Bonds

implementation)
Electoral Bond is a bearer instrument in the nature of a Promissory Note.
 The Purchaser is allowed to buy electoral bond (s) only on due fulfilment of all the extant KYC norms and by making
payment from a bank account. The Bond does not carry the name of payee or any other details by which the buyer can
be identified.
 Likewise no detail of political party depositing the bonds is noted on the electoral bonds. Thus, any particular bond
cannot be identified or associated with any particular buyer or political party deposits it.
 The Electoral Bonds have some built in security features to eliminate chances of forgery or presentation of fake bonds.
These include a random serial number invisible to the naked eye. This number is not noted by the SBI in any record
associated with buyer or political party depositing a particular electoral bond. It is, thus not linked to any party
transaction when the Bank issues a bond to the buyer. As such the number is not being used or can be used to track the
donation or the buyer.
Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi writes to Chief Ministers of all States/UTs highlighting necessary steps for dealing with
sexual offences
(Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States)
 All police officers should be re-trained on various aspects of sexual offences particularly those related to collection and
preservation of evidence.
 Instructions may be issued to all police officers that utmost priority is to be given to complete the investigation of cases
of sexual offences against children strictly as per the timelines of Law.
 State Governments must take strict action against those police officers who are found to be obstructing the investigation
or colluding with the perpetrators of such cases.
 A quick and timely professional investigation is the only method in which a potential offender can be deterred but this
can be done only by the states as the police department is the state subject. Forming a special cell only for sexual
offences or specially for sexual offences on children, would be a significant step in this regard.
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Digital Advancement of Rural Post Office for a New India (DARPAN) Project
implementation)
Aims: To connect all 1.29 lakh Rural Branch Post Offices in the country, to enable them to do online Postal and Financial
Transactions
Hand held devices with SIM connectivity and solar power backup are being installed in all Branch Post Offices in the Country.
The total project cost is more than Rs.1300 crores. 61,941 Branch Post Offices have been rolled out under DARPAN Project.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)

implementation)
Aim: A nationwide plan in India to provide good all-weather road connectivity to unconnected villages
Since its inception in 2000, has been able to provide connectivity to 1,52,124 habitations (85.37% against 1,78,184 eligible
habitations).
Improving roads, improving lives: PMGSY not only strives to build roads but good quality roads.
Transparency: The scheme has put in place a Citizen Feedback system through the MeriSadak App. This provides a direct
interfa ce with the citizens and this G2C platform enables citizens to provide real time feedback on the implementation of the
PMGSY programme.
Green roads: Use of non-conventional, locally available construction materials (waste plastic, cold mix, fly ash, jute and coir
geo-textiles, iron and copper slag, cell filled concrete, panelled cement concrete etc.) and “Green Technologies” have been
encouraged for climate resilient roads in PMGSY.
Use of IT: Satellite imagery is being used to verify the completion of road length being reported by States on the programme
software i.e. OMMAS as well as to verify habitation connectivity. Further use of geo spatial technology for mapping rural roads
built under PMGSY are being geo mapped using remote sensing technology, through NRSC and CGARD –NIRD.
Key Priorities for PMGSY for financial year 2018-19
 Accordingly, Ministry has set a target of construction of 61,000 kms road length by providing connectivity to 19,725
habitations during the financial year 2018-19.
 Similarly, a target of about 12,000 kms has been set for construction of roads using green technologies.
 During the financial year 2018-19, about 8,670 inspections of National Quality Monitors and 35,630 inspections of State
Quality Monitors are targeted to be completed.
Visit of Prime Minister of India to Sweden

A new trend in Indian diplomacy — Collective engagement with key regional groups
In Stockholm, Modi met the leaders of the Nordic group — Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden — both collectively
and individually. This marks an end to the prolonged Indian neglect of a very important sub-region that has always punched way
above its weight in the world.
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Swedish counterpart has agreed upon a joint action plan (JAP) for both countries
to take forward a wide range of initiatives in defence, trade and investment, counterterrorism, renewable energy, smart
cities, women’s skill development, space and science and healthcare.
 Characterising the JAP as a “win-win partnership” for New Delhi and Stockholm, Mr. Modi underscored the critical role of
the defence sector and security initiatives as a pillar of the bilateral relationship.
 On counterterrorism, Mr. Modi and Mr. Löfven emphasised that the global counterterrorism legal framework should be
regularly updated to address the changing threat of terrorism with strength.
 Under the Sweden-India Innovation Partnership for a Sustainable Future, the Swedish government will kick start
Innovation Partnership by providing up to 50 million Swedish kronor (over $59 million) for innovation cooperation in the
field of smart cities and sustainability.
Sweden India Joint Action Plan
To further promote bilateral cooperation, they decided on the following India-Sweden Joint Action Plan, under which India and
Sweden, through relevant ministries, agencies and actors, aim to:
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Innovation
 Initiate a multi-stake holder Innovation Partnership for a Sustainable Future, underpinning our mutual commitment to
drive prosperity and growth and address societal challenges such as climate change and sustainable development
through innovation.
 Carry out dialogue and cooperative activities in the field of intellectual property rights under the MoU signed between
the Swedish Patent Registration Office and the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion of India.
Trade and investment
 Encourage trade and facilitate investment in both directions, such as Sweden’s investment in India through ‘Invest India’
and Indian investment in Sweden through ‘Business Sweden’. –
 Encourage the work of the India-Sweden Business Leaders Round Table (ISBLRT) to further strengthen India-Sweden
business cooperation within inter alia smart cities, digitization, skills development and defence, and to move its relations,
ideas, partnerships and recommendations forward.
Smart Cities and Next Generation Transport
 Exchange knowledge and explore cooperation on smart cities, including transit-oriented urban development, air
pollution control, waste management, waste-to-energy, waste-water treatment, district cooling and circular economy,
including through dialogue and capacity building. –
 Exchange know-how and explore cooperation in the areas of electro-mobility as well as renewable fuels.
 Exchange know-how and explore cooperation in the area of railways, such as railway policy development, safety, training
and operation and maintenance of railways.
Smart, sustainable and renewable energy
 Engage and seek mutual collaboration on the demonstration and development of smart grid technologies such as smart
metering, demand response, power quality management, distribution automation, electric vehicle/charging
infrastructure as well as renewable integration, through research, capacity building, policy cooperation and learning on
market design prerequisites including business models.
 Expand research, innovation and business cooperation on new innovative energy technologies through the India-Sweden
Innovations’ Accelerator, focusing on technologies to utilise renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Women’s skills development and empowerment
 Encourage joint efforts towards women’s empowerment by skilling employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for
women through projects such as “Kraftsamla”- a project undertaken by Swedish and Indian actors in Pune, Maharashtra
which provides skills training for women in jobs suitable for industry such as forklift drivers, warehouse managers,
assembly operators and more.
Defence
 Explore the finalization of a bilateral agreement on exchange and mutual protection of classified information for
cooperation in the defence area.
 Enhance Indo-Swedish dialogue on defence cooperation. Proceed with India-Sweden defence seminars in India and
Sweden in 2018-19 and explore, together with the ISBLRT, opportunities for investment in Defence Production Corridors
in India
 Encourage industry partners to develop supply chains for small and medium sized enterprises (SME) with major Defence
& Aerospace Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
Space and science
 Acknowledge the importance of bilateral cooperation on space research, technology, innovation and applications.
Encourage the space agencies and other space entities to enhance space cooperation under the Memorandum of
Understanding, particularly in Earth observation, planetary exploration and satellite ground station activities, through
inter alia an Indo-Swedish Space Seminar and a visit by an Indian delegation to Swedish space establishments.
 Explore possible collaboration between the European Spallation Source (ESS), hosted by Sweden, and Indian partners.
Health and Life Sciences
 Enhance collaboration on the priority issues identified in the field of health, such as health research, pharmacovigilance
and anti-microbial resistance, under the Memorandum of Understanding in the field of health care and public health.
India-US Strategy Energy Partnership Joint Statement

The Partnership affirms the strategic importance of energy cooperation to the U.S.-India bilateral relationship and sets the stage
for deeper and more meaningful engagements through government and industry channels.
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 Through the Partnership, the United States and India collectively seek to enhance energy security, expand energy and
innovation linkages across our respective energy sectors, bolster our strategic alignment, and facilitate increased
industry and stakeholder engagement in the energy sector.
 Under the Partnership, the United States and India will pursue four primary pillars of cooperation:

o
 Oil and Gas
 Power and Energy Efficiency
 Renewable Energy and Sustainable Growth
 Coal
o Elevates the role of energy in advancing shared goals, including
 universal energy access,
 strengthened energy security
 increased energy efficiency.
The Partnership will create important opportunities for advancing favorable policies and commercial investments in support of
these goals, including in natural gas markets.
 India and the United States are engaged in the implementation of the 2008 Agreement for cooperation concerning
peaceful uses of nuclear energy, which represents an important milestone in our strategic relationship.
UK-India Joint Statement during the visit of Prime Minister to UK

UK and India share a global outlook and commitment to a rules-based international system that strongly opposes unilateral
actions that seek to undermine that system through force or coercion.
The United Kingdom and India will make commitments to help create a more sustainable, prosperous, secure and fairer future for
all Commonwealth citizens by taking action:
 To promote coordinated global action to tackle plastic pollution including through the Commonwealth and India’s role as
host of World Environment Day 2018
 To provide practical support to help Commonwealth member-states boost cyber security capacity;
 To help Commonwealth member-states implement the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement by
providing technical assistance and increased support for the Commonwealth Small States’ offices.
India Signs Loan agreement with World Bank for usd 48 million for Meghalaya Community – Led Landscapes
Management Project:
implementation)
Objective of the Project: To strengthen community-led landscapes management in selected landscapes in the State of
Meghalaya.
The Project consists of three components:
 Strengthening Knowledge and Capacity for Natural Resource Management
 Community-led landscape planning and implementation
 Project Management and Governance
Why Meghalaya?
Meghalaya’s natural resource such as land, water sources and forests is a source of livelihood for a majority of the population in
the State. The Project will help manage these depleting resources, by strengthening the communities and traditional institutions.
Restoration of degraded and highly degraded landscapes under the Project will increase water for local communities and improve
the soil productivity which will in turn increase incomes and reduce poverty.
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GS-3
Launch of Star-Rating Protocol of Garbage Free Cities

Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) focuses on two key objectives-
 Eradication of open defecation
 100% scientific solid waste management (SWM) across all 4041 statutory towns and cities
The 7-star rating is innovatively designed on a SMART (Single metric, Measurable, Achievable, Rigorous verification and
Targeted towards outcomes) approach – making it the first-of-its kind rating tool for assessing cleanliness of cities and towns in
India. The system, based on 12 parameters, builds on the spirit of healthy competition among cities and the aspirations of cities to
progress towards higher standards of “Swachhata” and its sustainability.
It is a single metric rating system, based on 12 parameters:
1. Door-to- Door Collection
2. Segregation at source
3. Sweeping of public, commercial and residential areas (no visible eyesores on
4. streets)
5. Waste Storage Bins, Litter Bins and material recovery facility
6. Bulk Waste Generators compliance
7. Scientific Waste Processing, Scientific Landfilling and C&D Waste Management
8. User Fees, Penalties, Spot Fines for littering and Enforcement of Ban on Plastic
9. Citizen grievance redressal and feedback system
10. Eradication of crude dumping of garbage and dump remediation
11. Cleaning of storm drains and surface of water bodies
12. Waste Reduction
13. Visible beautification in the city.
Key Features of 7-star rating-Designed on a SMART approach:
 SINGLE METRIC – Rating criteria encapsulates all components of MSWM as well as plastic waste, waste in drains and
water bodies
 MEASURABLE – Criteria under each star rating has measurable parameters (e.g.% of HHs covered by D2D collection, % of
waste processed, etc.)
 ACHIEVABLE – Each criteria and associated parameter has been devised to ensure that it is realistically achievable by
cities.
 RIGOROUS VERIFICATION – Robust 2-step verification mechanism of both self-declaration and third party verification.
Cities rated 1, 2 and 4-star must carry out self-assessment and self-verification, while 3-star, 5-star and 7-star cities will
need to be certified through an independent third party. Moreover, a city should be ODF before going for 3-star and
above certification.
 TARGETED TOWARDS OUTCOMES – Based on verifiable outcomes rather than inputs and processes (e.g. remediation of
dumpsites, regular sweeping, collection of user charges, etc.)
Strengths of star rating protocol
 Outcome-based tool rather than process based, hence will enable institutionalization of good practices such as source
segregation, scientific waste processing, penalties & spot fines for littering, and compliance of bulk waste
generators, etc.
 Designed to enable cities to gradually evolve into a model (7-star) city, with progressive improvements in their overall
cleanliness
 At the 7-star level, 3R components of 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) incorporated.
National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

Objective: To play a crucial role in addressing the increasing air pollution across the country in a comprehensive manner –
 comprehensive management plan for prevention,
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 control and abatement of air pollution

 augmenting the air quality monitoring network across the country.
Focuses on:
 Collaborative and participatory approach covering all sources of pollution and coordination between relevant Central
Ministries, State Governments, local bodies and other stakeholders
 Intensive awareness, training and capacity-building drive, with specific impetus on augmentation of manpower and
infrastructure facilities of CPCB and SPCB under the capacity building component of NCAP.
Technology is one of the critical elements of NCAP: solutions that are nationally acceptable, but more importantly, which are
locally possible
Key components of NCAP include –
 City-specific air pollution abatement action plan for 100 polluting cities of the country similar to one for Delhi,
 Increasing the number of monitoring stations, data dissemination, public participation on planning and implementation
 Setting up of Air Information Centre for data analysis, resource apportionment studies, setting up of national inventory,
guidelines for indoor air pollution and setting up of rural monitoring stations.
Environment Ministry notifies Plastic Waste Management (amendment) rules

The amended Rules lay down that the phasing out of Multilayered Plastic (MLP) is now applicable to MLP, which are “non-
recyclable, or non-energy recoverable, or with no alternate use.”
 Prescribe a central registration system for the registration of the producer/importer/brand owner.
 Any mechanism for the registration should be automated and should take into account ease of doing business for
producers, recyclers and manufacturers.
 The centralised registration system will be evolved by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for the registration of the
producer/importer/brand owner.
 A national registry has been prescribed for producers with presence in more than two states
 A state-level registration has been prescribed for smaller producers/brand owners operating within one or two states
Framing of New Draft Coastal Regulation Zone Notification

The salient features of the draft CRZ Notification, 2018 and changes with respect to CRZ Notification, 2011, are as under:-
1. The High Tide Line (HTL) has been demarcated by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) and
shall be reckoned as a universal standard for the HTL for all regulatory purposes under the CRZ Notification, 2018.
2. Hazard line mapping has also been carried out by Survey of India. The Hazard Line has, however, been delinked from the
CRZ regulatory regime and shall be used only as a tool for Disaster Management and planning of adaptive and mitigation
measures.
3. CRZ limits on land along the tidal influenced water bodies has been proposed to be reduced from 100 meters or the width
of the creek, whichever is less, to 50 meters or the width of the creek, whichever is less.
4. A No Development Zone (NDZ) of 20 meters has been proposed to be stipulated for all Islands close to the main land coast
and for all Backwater Islands in the main land.
5. For CRZ-III areas, two separate categories have been proposed viz.:
 CRZ-III A – Densely populated rural areas with a population density of 2161 per square kilometre as per 2011 Census.
Such areas shall have an NDZ of 50 meters from the HTL as against 200 meters from the HTL stipulated in the CRZ
Notification, 2011.
 CRZ-III B – Rural areas with population density of below 2161 per square kilometre as per 2011 Census. Such areas shall
continue to have an NDZ of 200 meters from the HTL.
1. The procedure for CRZ clearances has been simplified and delegations have been made at various levels for
recommending/according CRZ clearances to the projects/activities. Only such projects/activities, which are located in the
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CRZ-I & IV areas, shall be dealt with for CRZ clearance by the MoEF&CC. For all other project activities located in CRZ-II/III
areas, CRZ clearance shall be considered at the level of the CZMA.
2. As per CRZ, 2011 Notification, for CRZ-II areas, Floor Space Index (FSI) or the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) had been frozen at 1991
Development Control Regulation (DCR) levels. In the Draft CRZ, 2018 Notification, it has been proposed to de-freeze the
same and permit FSI for construction projects, as prevailing on the date of the new Notification.
3. Temporary tourism facilities such as shacks, toilet blocks, change rooms, drinking water facilities etc. have been proposed in
Beaches. Such temporary tourism facilities are also proposed to be permissible in the No Development Zone (NDZ) of the
CRZ-III areas.
4. Wherever there is a National or State Level Highway passing through the NDZ in CRZ-III areas, temporary tourism facilities
have been proposed to be taken up on the seaward site of the roads. On the landward side of such roads in the NDZ,
Resorts/Hotels and other tourism facilities have also been proposed to be permitted subject to the extant regulations of the
concerned State.
5. Regulated limestone mining is proposed to be permitted, subject to strict Environmental safeguards, in areas adequately
above the height of HTL, based on recommendations of reputed National Institutes in the Mining field.
GSLV-F10/Chandrayaan-2 Mission
(Topic: Achievements in Space)
Chandrayaan-2, India’s second mission to the Moon is a totally indigenous mission comprising of an Orbiter, Lander and Rover.
 After reaching the 100 km lunar orbit, the Lander housing the Rover will separate from the Orbiter.
 After a controlled descent, the Lander will soft land on the lunar surface at a specified site and deploy a Rover.
 The mission will carry a six-wheeled Rover which will move around the landing site in semi-autonomous mode as decided
by the ground commands. The instruments on the rover will observe the lunar surface and send back data, which will be
useful for analysis of the lunar soil.
 The Chandrayaan-2 weighing around 3290 kg and would orbit around the moon and perform the objectives of remote
sensing the moon. The payloads will collect scientific information on lunar topography, mineralogy, elemental
abundance, lunar exosphere and signatures of hydroxyl and water-ice.
Government’s new policy paying dividends in containing Left Wing Extremism

(Topic: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security)
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been implementing the ‘National Policy and Action Plan’ since 2015 to combat
Left Wing Extremism (LWE). This envisages a multi-pronged strategy involving security and development related measures.
Significant features of the new policy: Zero tolerance towards violence coupled with a big push to developmental activities so
that benefits of development reached the poor and vulnerable in the affected areas.
 MHA had categorized 106 districts in 10 states as Left Wing Extremism affected. These districts are covered under the
Security Related Expenditure Scheme (SRE) of the MHA for the purpose of reimbursement of security related
expenditure like transportation, communication, hiring of vehicles, stipend for surrendered Maoists, temporary
infrastructure for forces etc. to the states.
 Out of 106 districts, 35 districts which accounted for 80-90 % of country-wide LWE violence were categorized as ‘Most
Affected Districts’. This categorization provided the basis for focused deployment of resources – both security and
development related.
 Over the last few years, a number of districts have been carved into smaller districts. This has resulted in the
geographical area of the 106 SRE districts to be spread over 126 districts and that of the 35 most affected districts to be
expanded to 36 districts.
Over the last four years, there has been a substantial improvement in the LWE scenario:
 Incidents of violence have seen a 20% decline with a 34% reduction in related deaths in 2017 as compared to 2013.
 The geographical spread of LWE violence also shrunk from 76 districts in 2013 to just 58 districts in 2017.
 Besides, just 30 of these districts account for 90% of the LWE violence in the country. At the same time certain new
districts have emerged as the focus of expansion by the Left Wing Extremists.
Please Note:
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21st April: Civil Services Day

Kayakalp awards: Awarded for people’s work in maintaining high standards of sanitation and hygiene in public health facilities
Southwest Monsoon:
Owes its origin to the great difference of temperature which exists during the summer months between the heated land surface of
India and the surrounding oceans –
 The warm air over the land rises
 Damp air from the sea flows into India to take its place
…thus resulting in the strong south-west winds, the rainfall itself being due to the cooling of the air as it rises over India.
POSHAN Abhiyaan: targets reduction in the level of under-nutrition and other related problems by ensuring convergence of
various nutrition related schemes. It will monitor and review implementation of all such schemes and in this endeavour.
Mandates under National Council on India’s Nutritional Challenges
 Provide policy directions to address India’s nutritional challenges through coordinated inter-sectoral action.
 Coordinate and review convergence between Ministries.
 Review programmes for nutrition on a quarterly basis
Atal Amrit Abhiyan: Seeks to provide access to quality medical care to 3.2 crore people
Atal Tinkering Labs: Under the Atal Innovation Mission of the NITI Aayog, they were envisioned as innovative makerspaces,
setup across India, in every school, accessible to every child. Equipped with modern technologies to help navigate and impart
crucial skills in the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the ATLs are at the vanguard of the promoting scientific temper and
an entrepreneurial spirit in children today.
‘Study in India’ portal: Institutes of National Importance to be opened to foreign students in the first ever initiative of its kind;
160 Institutions offer 15,000 seats under the programme in the first round
Creation of District Plan: To involve the districts more actively in the growth of the Indian economy and to formulate a common
development vision starting from the district level, through a participatory mechanism
 There is need to create resource based plans, for the districts based on a bottom-up approach and implement the plan
by going beyond a silo-ed mind-set.
 An addition of 3% growth at the district level will ensure that USD 5 trillion target for the Indian economy becomes
achievable.
 The Plan will provide specific interventions taking into account resources, strengths of the districts, sectoral interventions
for agriculture including mapping of cropping pattern, industry including MSME and services relevant for the districts,
skilling initiatives, Ease of Doing Business, access to credit and convergence of existing efforts in public and private
sectors.
 Active participation of the State governments and district administration will be sought for effective implementation of
the plan.
e-Vidhan: is a mission mode project to digitize and make the functioning of State Legislatures in India paperless. It is a part of
the broader Digital India Programme of the Government and is likely to contribute to the cleanliness & environment by reducing
the use of papers to a great extent.
Cabinet approves the restructured Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan:
 The approved scheme of RGSA will help more than 2.55 lakh Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to develop governance
capabilities to deliver on SDGs through inclusive local governance with focus on optimum utilisation of available
resources.
 The key principles of SDGs, i.e. leaving no one behind, reaching the farthest first and universal coverage, along with
gender equality will be embedded in the design of all capacity building interventions including trainings, training modules
and materials.
 Priority will be given to subjects of national importance that affects the excluded groups the most, e.g. poverty, primary
health services, nutrition, immunization, sanitation, education, water conservation, digital transactions etc.
 The scheme is designed keeping in view programmatic convergence with Mission Antyodaya GPs and 115 Aspirational
districts as identified by NITI Aayog. As Panchayats have representation of Schedule Castes, Schedule Tribes and women,
and are institutions closest to the grassroots, strengthening Panchayats will promote equity and inclusiveness, along with
Social Justice and economic development of the community.
 Increased use of e-governance by PRIs will help achieve improved service delivery and transparency. The scheme will
strengthen Gram Sabhas to function as effective institutions with social inclusion of citizens particularly the vulnerable
groups. It will establish the institutional structure for capacity building of PRIs at the national, state and district level with
adequate human resources and infrastructure. Panchayats will progressively be strengthened through incentivisation on
the basis of nationally important criteria which will encourage competitive spirit among them.
Personality in News
Adi Shankaracharya: Hinduism’s Greatest Thinker
 Was an early 8th century Indian philosopher and theologian who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta
 He is credited with unifying and establishing the main currents of thought in Hinduism
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 His works in Sanskrit discuss the unity of the ātman and Nirguna Brahman “brahman without attributes”.
 He also explained the key difference between Hinduism and Buddhism, stating that Hinduism asserts “Atman (Soul, Self)
exists”, while Buddhism asserts that there is “no Soul, no Self”.
 He is reputed to have founded four mathas (“monasteries”), which helped in the historical development, revival and
spread of Advaita Vedanta of which he is known as the greatest revivalist
Quotes
Education
Advised the students to remember the seven sins mentioned by Mahatma Gandhi –
 Wealth without work
 Pleasure without conscience
 Knowledge without character
 Commerce without morality
 Science without humanity
 Religion without sacrifice
 Politics without principle
Agriculture
 India must equip farmers with knowledge, insights and products.
 You must ‘dialogue’ with farmers, ‘discover’ new products and practices and ‘disseminate’ new insights and knowledge
for development
 For a better India, we should be serious about –
 Farmer’s incomes
 Farm productivity
 Long term environmental sustainability
Swarajya
 Translating “legislative intent” into “programmatic content” and demonstrating to the common citizens what “Surajya”
actually looks like in day to day administration, the civil services have an enormous opportunity today.
 A clean, competent, people-friendly, proactive administrative leadership is the need of the hour. There is a need for
honest introspection into the effectiveness and efficiency of our administrative structures and processes.
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 22nd to 28th April, 2018

ARCHIVES
GS-2
Promulgation of Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance, 2018

implementation)
Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance, 2018 (“the Ordinance”) lays down the measures to empower Indian authorities to attach
and confiscate proceeds of crime associated with economic offenders and the properties of the economic offenders and thereby
deter economic offenders from evading the process of Indian law by remaining outside the jurisdiction of Indian courts.
Need for the Ordinance: As there have been instances of economic offenders fleeing the jurisdiction of Indian courts,
anticipating the commencement, or during the pendency, of criminal proceedings. The absence of such offenders from Indian
courts has several deleterious consequences
 Hampers investigation in criminal cases
 Wastes precious time of courts of land
 Undermines the rule of law in India
The Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance, 2018, inter alia provides for–
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 Making an application before the Special Court for a declaration that an individual is a fugitive economic offender;
 Attachment of the property of a fugitive economic offender and proceeds of crime;
 Issue of a notice by the Special Court to the individual alleged to be a fugitive economic offender;
 Confiscation of the property of an individual declared as a fugitive economic offender or even the proceeds of crime;
 Disentitlement of the fugitive economic offender from defending any civil claim; and
 Appointment of an Administrator to manage and dispose of the confiscated property under the Act
Launch of Atal New India Challenges

implementation)
Why: Came into being following Prime Minister’s clarion call to bring innovations and technologies relevant to the people.
Applicants showing capability, intent, and potential to productize technologies will be awarded grants up to Rs. 1 crore. This
grant support will be supplemented by mentoring, handholding, incubating and other support as needed at various stages of
commercialisation while generating wider deployment.
Under the Atal New India Challenge, which shall be run in collaboration with five ministries, AIM will invite prospective
innovators/MSMEs/start-ups to design market-ready products, using cutting edge technologies or prototypes across 17 identified
focus areas, namely,
 Climate-smart agriculture
 Fog vision system for road and rail
 Prevention of Rail failure using emerging technologies
 Predictive maintenance of Rolling Stock
 Alternate fuel based transportation
 Smart Mobility
 Electric Mobility
 Safe transport
 Instant Portable Water Quality Testing
 Affordable Desalination / Recycling Technology
 Waste management recycling / reuse
 Garbage composition devices
 Quality of compost
 Decentralized composting
 Mixing blades for composting
 Waste in public spaces
 Dissuading public littering
Launch of Van Dhan Scheme

implementation)
Under: Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Value addition assumes critical importance in ensuring remunerative prices to the tribals in this approach. Three stage value
additions would be the corner stone for enhancing incomes of the tribals under the scheme.
Under Van Dhan, 10 Self Help Groups of 30 Tribal gatherers is constituted. They are then trained and provided with working
capital to add value to the products, which they collect from the jungle. Working under the leadership of Collector these groups
can then market their products not only within the States but also outside the States. Training and technical support is provided
by TRIFED. It is proposed to develop 30,000 such centres in the country.
The establishment of “Van Dhan Vikas Kendra” is for providing skill upgradation and capacity building training and setting up
of primary processing and value addition facility.
This first model Van Dhan Vikas Kendra in Bijapur is being implemented for training of 300 training beneficiaries with a total
outlay of Rs.43.38 lakhs for training, providing equipment’s & tools for primary level processing and infrastructure & building
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for housing the Kendra. This Kendra to start with will have processing facility for Tamarind brick making, Mahua flower storage
facility and chironjee cleaning and packaging.
The Van Dhan Vikas Kendras will be important milestone in economic development of tribals involved in collection of MFPs by
helping them in optimum utilization of natural resources and provide sustainable MFP-based livelihood in MFP-rich districts.
Cabinet Approves
Memorandum of Understanding between India and Sao Tome and Principe: For Cooperation in the field of Traditional
Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy – enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries
MoU between India and World Health Organisation: encourage cooperation between India and WHO to facilitate in
improving the public health status of the people in India.
MoU on cooperation in the field of regulation of medical products for human use amongst the medicine regulatory agencies
of the BRICS countries – would facilitate better understanding about the regulatory aspects between the parties and could help in
increasing India’s export of medical products to BRICS countries.
Declaration of Scheduled Areas in respect of Rajasthan under Fifth Schedule to the Constitution of India: will ensure that
the Scheduled Tribes of Rajasthan will get benefits of protective measures available under the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution
of India.
 The Scheduled Areas were first notified in the year 1950.
Restructured National Bamboo Mission under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): The restructured
NBM strives to –
 To increase the area under bamboo plantation in non-forest Government and private lands to supplement farm income and
contribute towards resilience to climate change.
 To improve post-harvest management through establishment of innovative primary processing units, treatment and
seasoning plants, primary treatment and seasoning plants, preservation technologies and market infrastructure.
 To promote product development at micro, small and medium levels and feed bigger industry.
 To rejuvenate the under developed bamboo industry in India.
 To promote skill development, capacity building, awareness generation for development of bamboo sector
Impact: Bamboo plantation will contribute to
 Optimizing farm productivity and income thereby enhancing livelihood opportunities of small & marginal farmers
including landless and women as well as provide quality material to industry
 The Mission will not only serve as a potential instrument for enhancing income of farmers but also contribute towards
climate resilience and environmental benefits
 Help in creating employment generation directly or indirectly in both skilled and unskilled segments.
India signs loan agreement with World Bank for US$ 125 million for “Innovate in India for Inclusiveness Project”
Objective: To nurture indigenous innovation, foster local product development and accelerate commercialization process by
bridging critical skill and infrastructure gaps to promote affordable and innovative healthcare products generation for inclusive
development and increasing competitiveness in India.
The project would support consortia of public, private, and the academic institutions to overcome the key market failures
currently holding back the development of an innovative biopharmaceutical and medical devices industry in India.
The project consists of the following parts:
 Strengthening of pilot-to market innovation ecosystem
 Acceleration of the pilot –to-market process for specific products and
 Project Management and monitoring & Evaluation
Signing of Legal Agreements between Govt. of India and World Bank on National Biopharma Mission
Towards strengthening the emerging biotechnology enterprise in India, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science
& Technology has initiated the Mission programme entitled: Industry-Academia Collaborative Mission for Accelerating
Discovery Research to Early Development for Biopharmaceuticals – “Innovate in India (i3) Empowering biotech entrepreneurs
& accelerating inclusive innovation”.
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Implemented by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) – a Public Sector Undertaking of
Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
Aim: To make India a hub for design and development of novel, affordable and effective biopharmaceutical products such as
vaccines, biologics and medical devices for combating public health concerns. This Programme of DBT would strengthen
 Translational capability of academic researchers
 Empower bio-entrepreneurs and SMEs by decreasing the cost and risk during early stages of product development
 Elevate the innovation quotient of the industry
The global experience of World Bank would be instrumental in building sustained global linkages, technical assistance and
knowledge flow between public private partners for business promotion in biotech sector.
GS-3
Achieving Land Degradation Neutrality by 2030 A Critical Need

Why:
 Nearly 24 billion tonnes of fertile soil and 27, 000 bio-species are lost every year
 Nearly 30 per cent of the world’s population lives in dry areas
 8 out of 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are in drylands
Schemes launched for capacity-building of the stakeholders at multiple levels to arrest Land Degradation –
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):
 To provide insurance coverage and financial support to the farmers in the event of failure of any of the notified crop as a
result of natural calamities, pests & diseases.
 To stabilise the income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming.
 To encourage farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices.
 To ensure flow of credit to the agriculture sector.
National Food Security Mission (NFSM): To bring about significant yield gain to the farmers resulting into increase in their
income level; the Mission has target of additional production of 25 million tonnes of foodgrains comprising 10 million tonnes of
rice, 8 million tonnes of wheat, 4 million tonnes of pulses and 3 million tonnes of coarse cereals
Soil Health Card Scheme: Meant to give each farmer soil nutrient status of his/her holding and advice him/her on the dosage of
fertilizers and also the needed soil amendments, that s/he should apply to maintain soil health in the long run.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PKSY): To ensure access to some means of protective irrigation to all agricultural
farms in the country, to produce ‘per drop more crop’, thus bringing much desired rural prosperity.
Swacch Bharat mission: Eliminating open defecation through the construction of household-owned and community-owned
toilets and establishing an accountable mechanism of monitoring toilet use.
National Rural Drinking Water Programme: Ensuring provision of safe and adequate drinking water supply through hand-
pumps, piped water supply etc. to all rural areas, households and persons.
Desertification
Addressed for the first time in 1977 in the United Nations Conference on Desertification. This was followed by the adoption of
the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Paris on 17th June 1994. The Convention entered into force in
December 1996.
 It is one of the three Rio Conventions, along with United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
 India became a signatory to the Convention on October 14, 1994 and ratified it on December 17, 1996.
 The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the nodal Ministry to co-ordinate all issues
pertaining to the Convention.
24th April: National Panchayati Raj Day
Justice Bindal Committee related to: Providing recommendations to Inter Country Parental Child Removal Disputes Resolution
Authority
 Authority: To provide a one window solution in cases of inter country removal and retention of Children
 The Committee has recommended that the Authority may examine the inter country cases of removal and retention of
children vis-a-vis the cultural context, merit of the case, and the best interest of the Child.
Government of India and World Bank Signs Agreement to Improve Rural Road Network in Madhya Pradesh: to improve the
durability, resilience and safety of the gravel surfaced rural roads and enhance the capacity of the state to manage its rural roads
network.
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m-Awas: Mobile App (m-Awas) for allotment of General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) through Automated System
of Allotment (ASA) – The app will facilitate the applicants of the Central Government accommodation in Delhi as well as those
who are in waiting list, to apply for allotment, view waiting list and the allotment lists.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) granted First Licence to M/s Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Ltd for Liquid Chlorine on
All India basis: This product is in liquid form and stored in metal containers. It is usually used as a gas obtained by evaporating
the liquid from the metal container. It is used mainly in paper, pulp, textile bleaching, water sterilization and manufacture of
chemicals.
First city to run on 100% Renewable Energy during Daytime: Diu – Diu had been importing 73% of its power from Gujarat
until last year. It has now adopted a two-pronged approach whereby a 9 MW solar park spread over 50 hectares rocky barren land
has been developed besides installing solar panels on the roof tops on 79 government buildings thereby generating 1.3 MW
annually. To further enhance its solar capacity, Diu offers its residents a subsidy of Rs 10, 000-50,000 for installing 1-5KW roof
top solar panels. Diu is saving about 13,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year. Due to low-cost solar energy, power tariffs
have been cut in residential category by 10% last year and 15% this year.
Quotes:
The Vice President of India, Shri Naidu
On Environment
 Environment protection and Economic development must go together.
 Fundamental principle of forest management should be based on conservation and sustainable utilization of natural
resources.
 The symbiotic association of man and forest is deeply embedded in the religious and the socio-cultural mind set of our
countrymen and it is getting disturbed in recent times due to increasing demand of natural resources and lack of
understanding about Mother Nature.
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 29th April to 6th May, 2018

ARCHIVES
GS-2
HRD Ministry notifies 75 National Resource Centres (NRCs) for online refresher programmes for Higher Education
faculty through SWAYAM

For online professional development of 1.5 million higher education faculty using the MOOCs platform SWAYAM
 All in-service teachers, irrespective of their subject and seniority will have an enabling opportunity to keep abreast of the
latest developments in their disciplines through the technology based online refresher course.
 It is highly flexible and can be done at one’s own pace and time
 The NRCs will revolutionize professional development of faculty by catering to massive numbers by leveraging ICT and
online technology platform of SWAYAM.
Cabinet approves
Doubling of Investment Limit for Senior Citizens from Rs. 7.5 lakh to Rs.15 lakh under Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandan
Yojana (PMVVY) as part of Government’s commitment for financial inclusion and social security.
 Investment limit of Rs 7.5 lakh per family in the existing scheme is enhanced to Rs 15 lakh per senior citizen in the
modified PMVVY, thereby providing a larger social security cover to the Senior citizens. It will enable upto Rs.10000
Pension per month for Senior Citizens.
 PMVVY is being implemented through Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to provide social security during old age
and protect elderly persons aged 60 years and above against a future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market
conditions.
 The scheme provides an assured pension based on a guaranteed rate of return of 8% per annum for ten years, with an
option to opt for pension on a monthly / quarterly / half yearly and annual basis. The differential return, i.e. the difference
between the return generated by LIC and the assured return of 8% per annum would be borne by Government of India as
subsidy on an annual basis.
Mutual Recognition Agreement between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and the South African Institute
of Chartered Accountants:to establish a mutual co-operation framework for
 The advancement of accounting knowledge
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 Professional and intellectual development

 Advancing the interests of their respective members
 Positively contributing to the development of the accounting profession in South Africa and India.
Continuation of Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana up to 2019-20: Aims at correcting the imbalances in the
availability of affordable tertiary healthcare facilities in different parts of the country in general, and augmenting facilities for
quality medical education in the under-served States in particular.
 Setting up of new AIIMS would not only transform health education and training but also address the shortfall of health
care professionals in the region.
 Upgradation programme broadly envisages improving health infrastructure through construction of Super Specialty
Blocks/Trauma Centers etc. and procurement of medical equipment for existing as well as new facilities on Central and
State share basis.
 Will lead to employment generation for nearly 3000 people in various faculty & non-faculty posts in each of the AIIMS.
Further, indirect employment generation will take place due to facilities & services like shopping centre, canteens, etc.
coming in the vicinity of new AIIMS. Expected to generate substantial employment in the construction phase as well.
PMSSY has two components –
 Setting up of AIIMS-like institutions
 Up-gradation of existing State Government Medical College (GMCs)
Accession to the Protocol under WHO Framework Convention on tobacco control to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco
products: It will be applicable to both smoking and chewing or smokeless tobacco (SLT) forms as negotiated and adopted under
Article 15 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). India is a party to
WHO FCTC. The protocol:
 Lays down obligations of the parties. It spells out supply chain control measures that must be adopted by the parties viz.
licensing of manufacture of tobacco products and machinery for manufacturing of tobacco products, due diligence to be
kept by those engaged in production, tracking and tracing regime, record keeping, security; and measures to be taken by
those engaged in e-commerce, manufacturing in free-trade zones and duty free sales.
 Lists out offences, enforcement measures such as seizures and disposal of seized products
 Calls for international cooperation in information sharing, maintaining confidentiality, training, technical assistance and
cooperation in scientific and technical and technological matters.
Impact:
 Elimination of illicit trade in tobacco products through strengthened regulation will help in strengthening comprehensive
tobacco control, leading to reduction in tobacco use which in turn, will result in reduction in disease burden and mortality
associated with tobacco use.
 Accession to such treaty will provide actionable alternatives against such prevailing practices that are affecting public
health at large.
 India, being at the forefront of tobacco control, would be able to influence the international organizations including World
Custom Organization in controlling such illicit trade.
The protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products is a path breaking initiative in strengthening global action against
tobacco and is also a new legal instrument in public health. It is a comprehensive tool to counter and eventually eliminate illicit
trade in tobacco products and to strengthen legal dimensions for international health cooperation.
Background:
The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) is the first international public health treaty negotiated
under the auspices of the WHO.
Objective: To provide a framework for supply and demand reduction measures for tobacco control at the national, regional and
global levels.
Financial assistance to sugar mills for clearing cane dues of farmers:
Why: Due to higher sugar production against the estimated consumption during the current sugar season 2017-18, the domestic
sugar prices have remained depressed since the commencement of the season. Due to depressed market sentiments and crash in
sugar prices, the liquidity position of sugar mills has been adversely affected, leading to accumulation of cane price dues of
farmers which have reached to more than Rs.19,000 crore.
In order to stabilize sugar prices at reasonable level and to improve liquidity position of mills thereby enabling them to clear cane
price dues of farmers, Government has taken following steps in past three months:
 Increased customs duty on import of sugar from 50% to 100% in the interest of farmers.
 Imposed reverse stock holding limits on producers of sugar for the months of February and March, 2018.
 Government has also fully withdrawn the customs duty on export of sugar to encourage sugar industry to start exploring
possibility of export of sugar.
 In view of the inventory levels with the sugar industry and to facilitate achievement of financial liquidity, mill-wise
Minimum Indicative Export Quotas (MIEQ) have been fixed for sugar season 2017-18. Export Quotas of 20 Lakh tonnes
of all grades of sugar; viz. raw, plantation white as well as refined, have been prorated amongst sugar factories by taking
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into account their average production of sugar achieved by the sugar mills during last two operational sugar seasons and
the current season (up to February,2018).
 Further, to facilitate and incentivize export of surplus sugar by sugar mills, Government has allowed Duty Free Import
Authorization (DFIA) Scheme in respect of sugar.
Renaming and restructuring of Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP) as Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas
Karyakram (PMJVK)
 The restructured programme would provide better socio economic infrastructure facilities to the minority communities
particularly in the field of education, health & skill development as compared to the present situation, which would further
lead to lessening of the gap between the national average and the minority communities with regard to backwardness
parameters.
 The flexibility introduced in the programme will enable addressing important issues that would result in speedier
implementation leading to greater inclusiveness of the minority communities.
 The criteria for identification of Minority Concentration Towns and Clusters of Villages have been rationalized by
lowering the population percentage criteria of Minority Communities and fulfilment of backwardness parameters in the
following manners:-
o Earlier only those Towns which were found backward in terms of both in Basic Amenities and Socio-economic
parameters were taken up as MCTs. Now, the Towns which were found backward in either or both of the criteria
have been taken up as MCT.
o Earlier only those Cluster of Villages which were having at-least 50% population of Minority Community were
taken. Now the population criterion has been lowered to 25%.
Continuation of Umbrella Scheme ‘Green Revolution — Krishonnati Yojana’ in Agriculture Sector:
These schemes look to develop the agriculture and allied sector in a holistic and scientific manner to increase the income of
farmers by enhancing production, productivity and better returns on produce. The Schemes/Missions focus on
creating/strengthening of infrastructure of production, reducing production cost and marketing of agriculture and allied produce.
The Schemes that are part of the Umbrella Schemes are:-
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH):
 To promote holistic growth of horticulture sector
 To enhance horticulture production
 Improve nutritional security and income support to farm Households
National Food Security Mission (NFSM), including National Mission on Oil Seeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP):
 To increase production of rice, wheat, pulses, coarse cereals and commercial crops, through area expansion and
productivity enhancement in a suitable manner in the identified districts of the country
 Restoring soil fertility and productivity at the individual farm level and enhancing farm level economy
 Augment the availability of vegetable oils and to reduce the import of edible oils.
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Promoting sustainable agriculture practices best suitable to the specific
agro-ecology focusing on integrated farming, appropriate soil health management and synergizing resource conservation
technology.
Submission on Agriculture Extension (SAME):
 To strengthen the ongoing extension mechanism of State Governments, local bodies etc., achieving food and nutritional
security and socio-economic empowerment of farmers
 To institutionalize programme planning and implementation mechanism
 To forge effective linkages and synergy amongst various stake-holders
 To support HRD interventions
 To promote pervasive and innovative use of electronic / print media, inter-personal communication and ICT tools, etc.
Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Material (SMSP):
 To increase production of certified / quality seeds
 To increase SRR
 To upgrade the quality of farm saved seeds
 To strengthen the seed multiplication chain
 To promote new technologies and methodologies in seed production, processing, testing etc.,
 To strengthen and modernizing infrastructure for seed production, storage, certification and quality etc.
Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM)
 To increase the reach of farm mechanization to small and marginal farmers and to the regions where availability of farm
power is low
 To promote ‘Custom Hiring Centres’ to offset the adverse economies of scale arising due to small landholding and high
cost of individual ownership
 To create hubs for hi-tech and high value farm equipment
 To create awareness among stakeholders through demonstration and capacity building activities
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 To ensure performance testing and certification at designated testing centres located all over the country.
Sub Mission on Plant Protection and Plan Quarantine (SMPPQ)
 To minimize loss to quality and yield of agricultural crops from the ravages of insect pests, diseases, weeds, nematodes,
rodents, etc. and to shield our agricultural bio-security from the incursions and spread of alien species
 To facilitate exports of Indian agricultural commodities to global markets
 To promote good agricultural practices, particularly with respect to plant protection strategies and strategies.
Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Census, Economics and Statistics (ISACES)
 To undertake the agriculture census, study of the cost of cultivation of principal crops
 To undertake research studies on agro-economic problems of the country
 To fund conferences/workshops and seminars involving eminent economists, agricultural scientists, experts and to bring
out papers to conduct short term studies
 To improve agricultural statistics methodology and to create a hierarchical information system on crop condition and crop
production from sowing to harvest.
Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Cooperation (ISAC)
 To provide financial assistance for improving the economic conditions of cooperatives, remove regional imbalances and to
speed up – cooperative development in agricultural marketing, processing, storage, computerization and weaker section
programmes
 To help cotton growers fetch remunerative price for their produce through value addition besides ensuring supply of
quality yarn at reasonable rates to the decentralized weavers.
Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Marketing (ISAM)
 To develop agricultural marketing infrastructure
 To promote innovative and latest technologies and competitive alternatives in agriculture marketing infrastructure
 To provide infrastructure facilities for grading, standardization and quality certification of agricultural produce
 To establish a nationwide marketing information network; to integrate markets through a common online market platform
to facilitate pan-India trade in agricultural commodities, etc.
National e-Governance Plan (NeGP-A):
 To bring farmer centricity & service orientation to the programmes
 To enhance reach & impact of extension services
 To improve access of farmers to information & services throughout crop-cycle
 To build upon, enhance & integrate the existing ICT initiatives of Centre and States
 To enhance efficiency & effectiveness of programs through making available timely and relevant information to the
farmers for increasing their agriculture productivity.
9th India-Japan Energy Dialogue

Both Japan and India, as the third and the seventh largest economies respectively,
 Recognized that having access to reliable, clean and economical energy is critical for their economic growth and in
achieving this, both Ministers agreed on further strengthening of bilateral energy cooperation for energy development of
both countries, while also contributing to worldwide energy security, energy access and climate change issues.
 With a view to implement Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the aegis of the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) recognized the importance of development and deployment of next generation
technologies including hydrogen to realize de-carbonization.
 Appreciated the relevance of the grid stability given the high penetration of variable renewable energy. Both countries
agreed to initiate the discussion towards development of Electric Vehicles (EVs) by collaborating with “Policy dialogue on
next generation/Zero emission vehicles”.
 Reiterated the continued importance of coal-based electricity generation in the energy mix in both the countries and also
agreed to promote the cooperation on environmental measures for coal-fired power plants.
 Confirmed their commitment to work together in promoting well-functioning energy markets and affirmed to promote
transparent and diversified Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) market through the relaxation of destination clause.
Note:
First ever Ladies Special train in the world: Ran between Churchgate and Borivali on 5th May, 1992
Exercise Harimau Shakti 2018: Between the Indian Army and the Malaysian Army
Oldest scientific department in the country: Survey of India set up in 1767
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Has been brought on board to facilitate the Ganga rejuvenation task by using Geographic Information System (GIS)
technology – to strengthen planning and implementation at national/state/local levels
 Use of Digital Elevation Model (DEM) technology would ensure accurate data collection, an important aspect for river
basin management planning, and enable identification of entire topography of an area making it easy for policy makers to
analyse the available data thereby supporting the decision-making process.
 Critical hotspots are also easily identified through this technology.
 Will also ensure decentralisation- The data collected and subsequent actions taken by the government can easily be shared
with the local public through geo portals and mobile apps.
 The technology will also enable people to send their feedback up to the national level thereby providing an interactive and
transparent platform.
 For effective discharge management, outlet of sewerage and other discharges from all units – industrial, commercial and
all types of other institutions will be mapped from the source outlet to the public drainage network.
 High resolution GIS enabled data will help in regulating the proposed protected and regulatory zones along the banks of
river.
NITI Aayog to Collaborate with IBM: To develop a crop yield prediction model using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide real
time advisory to farmers in Aspirational Districts. The partnership aims to work together towards use of technology to provide
insights to farmers to improve crop productivity, soil yield, control agricultural inputs with the overarching goal of improving
farmers’ incomes.
 Scope of this project: To introduce and make available climate-aware cognitive farming techniques and identifying
systems of crop monitoring, early warning on pest/disease outbreak based on advanced AI innovations.
 Includes deployment of weather advisory, rich satellite and enhanced weather forecast information along with IT & mobile
applications with a focus on improving the crop yield and cost savings through better farm management
 10 Aspirational Districts: Across the States of Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and
Uttar Pradesh
Buddha Purnima:
 Marks the birthday of Lord Buddha
 Constitution also takes inspiration from the teachings of Lord Buddha and emphasizes equality, justice and liberty for all
citizens.
Kerala:
 Land of Adi Shankara, the greatest exponent of Advaita philosophy
 Land of Cheraman Juma Masjid, the very first mosque in India
 Land of Thomas the Apostle who walked this land in the sixth century AD
 Land where the Hindu rulers like Sthanu Ravi Varma of Venad gifted a plot of land in the 9th century AD to build a
church.
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas
 Run by Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti under Union Ministry of Human Resource Development
 Navodaya Vidyalayas were started in 1986 to provide modern quality education to the talented children predominantly
from rural areas and that have produced, for many years, excellent results.
 The concept of opening a JNV in every district of India was born as a part of the National Policy on Education, 1986 with
an aim of providing excellence coupled with social justice
GOBAR (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources) – DHAN scheme: The scheme aims to positively impact village
cleanliness and generate wealth and energy from cattle and organic waste
 Create new rural livelihood opportunities
 Enhance income for farmers and other rural people
 Generation of energy from cattle waste
The scheme envisages the implementation of 700 bio-gas units in different states of the country in 2018-19.
Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) comprises two main components for creating clean villages –
 Creating open defecation free (ODF) villages
 Managing solid and liquid waste in villages
Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana’- Saubhagya: To achieve universal household electrification in the country by
31st December 2018.
National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC): Repository of nation-wide water resources data
 To provide a ‘Single Window’ source of updated data on water resources & allied themes
 Provide value added products and services to all stakeholders for its management and sustainable development
 To empower, inform and enrich every citizen with up-to-date and reliable water data (other than classified data) and
information through web based India Water Resources Information System (India-WRIS) on a GIS platform in Public
Domain
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 To develop value added products and services for all aspects of integrated water resources management serving the nation
through research, capacity building, linkages, outreach and better governance in water resources sector.
 Collaborate with leading research institutes nationally as well as internationally to provide technical support to other
central and state organizations dealing with water, emergency response for hydrological extremes.
Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act 2016 (RERA): Seeks to protect the interests of home buyers and also boost
investments in the real estate sector
 To create a more equitable and fair transaction between the seller and the buyer of properties, especially in the primary
market
 To make real estate purchase simpler, by bringing in better accountability and transparency, provided that states do not
dilute the provisions and the spirit of the central act.
 Will give the Indian real estate industry its first regulator – The Real Estate Act makes it mandatory for each state and
union territory, to form its own regulator and frame the rules that will govern the functioning of the regulator.
Maharashtra was the first & the only state in India to commence on-line registration of new & ongoing Real Estate projects on
the mid-night of 30th April/1stMay 2017. Maharashtra is also the only state in India so far to have the maximum number of Real
Estate projects (more than 16,000) registered.
RERA Explained: Link 1
Quotes:
Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation –
On Education: “I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the culture of all lands
to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any”.
On Sustainable development: The earth has enough for everyone’s need but not for everyone’s greed.”
Shri Ram Nath Kovind, President of India:
On Research & Development: Research and Innovation is the bedrock of advancing knowledge, and knowledge alone holds the
key to finding solutions to the problems we face in our world, nation and society.
On Healthcare & Disease Control: As societies evolve, economies develop and population patterns change, countries go through
epidemiological transitions. India too is experiencing such a transition. It is marked by three challenges in disease control. And
we have to manage all three simultaneously.
First, India has to reduce maternal and infant mortality as well as communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, vector-borne
diseases such as malaria, water-borne diseases such as cholera, diarrhoeal diseases, and vaccine-preventable like measles and
tetanus.
Second, India has to find an answer to the rise in non-communicable or lifestyle diseases – like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases,
and many cancers.
Third, we need to develop systems to detect and cope with new and re-emerging infectious diseases like HIV, avian flu and
H1N1 influenza. In a globalised world, with people travelling in and out of our country in larger and larger numbers, a few small
cases can very quickly scale up into a large outbreak.
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 6th May to 12th May, 2018

ARCHIVES
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TRIFED goes digital for Inventory Management and Sales

(Topic:
implementation.
 Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these
schemes)
Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation (TRIFED) of Ministry of Tribal Affairs has operationalised Retail
Inventory Software (RIS) in all its Tribes India Outlets, Regional Offices and Head Office for inventory control.
 Will streamline the entire retail operations from purchases upto sales by automating the transaction process and tracking
important purchase, stocks and sales data
 Implementation of RIS software will bring greater transparency and control over various transactions under Retail sale
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The various stages of retail sale process included in the Retail Inventory Software (RIS) include item selection for vendor at
Regional Offices, request for code generation for selected items, generation of purchase order, stock and inventory details
through POS and inventory management, monitoring of sale/purchase at regional office and report generation of sales/purchase at
Head Office among others.
Van Dhan Vikas Kendras by TRIFED

(Topic:
implementation.
schemes)
TRIFED will facilitate establishment of MFP-led multi-purpose Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, a cluster of 10 SHGs comprising of 30
tribal MFP gatherers each, in the tribal areas. About 3000 such Van Dhan Kendras are proposed to be set up in two years in the
forested Tribal Districts of the country.
Aim:
Mainstream the tribal community by promoting primary level value addition to MFP at grassroots level: Through this
initiative, the share of tribals in the value chain of Non-Timber Forest Produce is expected to rise from the present 20% to around
60%.
Promote MFPs – centric livelihood development of tribal gatherers and artisans: MFP or what may be more aptly referred
to as Non Timber Forest Produces (NTFPs) are the primary source of income and livelihood for about 5 crore tribal people in the
country.
A typical Van Dhan Vikas Samuh would have the following facilities:
 Provision for required building/ infrastructure support to be established in one of the beneficiary’s house/ part of house or
Government/ gram panchayat building
 Equipment/ Tool Kit comprising of equipment such as small cutting and sieving tools, decorticator, dryer, packaging tool
etc. based on MFPs available in the area
 Fully equipped training facilities for a batch of 30 trainees with provision for raw material for training purpose and supply
of trainee kits (comprising of bag, scribbing pad, pen, brochures, training manual, booklet etc)
 Provisioning of working capital for the SHGs through tie up with financial institutions, banks, NSTFDC etc
o A cluster of ten such SHGs within the same village shall form a Van Dhan Vikas Kendra. Subject to successful
operations of the samuhs in a Kendra, common infrastructure facilities (pucca Kendra) may be provided to the
Kendra in the next phase in terms of building, warehouse, etc. for use of the samuh members
o An illustrative list of major MFPs which may be covered under the initiative are tamarind, mahua flower, mahua
seed, hill broom, chironjee, honey, sal seed, sal leaves, bamboo split, myrobalan, mango (amchur), aonla
(churan/candy), seed lac, tez patta, cardamom, black pepper, turmeric, dry ginger, cinnamon, coffee, tea, sea
buckthorn tea, etc. Apart from these, any other MFP with potential for value addition may be included.
India signs 200 million US Dollar Loan Deal with World Bank for National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan)
(Topic:
implementation.
 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health)
The loan would help the Government of India in achieving its goal of reducing stunting in children 0-6 years of age from
38.4% to 25% by the year 2022.
POSHAN Abhiyaan: PM’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment
A large component of POSHAN Abhiyaan involves gradual scaling-up of the interventions supported by the ongoing World
Bank assisted Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Systems Strengthening and Nutrition Improvement Project
(ISSNIP) to all districts in the country over a 3-year period.
With a focus on improving the coverage and quality of ICDS nutrition services to pregnant and lactating women and children
under 3 years of age, the project will include
 Investments in improving the skills and capacities of ICDS staff and community nutrition workers,
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 Instituting mechanisms of community mobilization and behavior change communication,

 Strengthening systems of citizen engagement and grievance redress
 Establishing mobile technology based tools for improved monitoring and management of services for better outreach to
beneficiaries during the critical 1,000 day window for nutrition impact
 Ensure convergence of all nutrition related schemes and provide performance based incentives to states and community
nutrition and health workers, facilitating a focus on results.
NITI Aayog and Google sign SoI

implementation)
Aim: To foster growth for India’s nascent artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) ecosystem
The NITI Aayog has been entrusted to setup a national programme to conduct research and development in frontier technologies
such as AI. NITI Aayog has been developing India’s national strategy on AI along with the National Data and Analytics Portal to
enable the wide deployment and use of AI.
NITI’s partnership with Google will unlock massive training initiatives, support startups and encourage AI research through PhD
scholarships, all of which contributes to the larger idea of a technologically-empowered New India.
Google and NITI Aayog will work on the following initiatives:
 Organise trainings for relevant government functionaries to introduce them to open source AI tools with the goal of
enabling more effective governance.
 Awarding grants and scholarships to researchers, scholars and university faculty conducting cutting edge research in the
field of AI/ML in India
 Organising AI/ML study jams for students and developers based on Google’s Machine Learning Crash Course (MLCC) on
the fundamentals of machine learning
 Incubating Indian AI/ML startups in a program where they will be mentored by Google to better leverage AI in their
respective business models.
 Organise a Hackathon focused on using AI/ML and open data sets to solve key challenges within agriculture, education,
healthcare, etc. in India
India and Guatemala agree to support each other for Non-permanent membership of UNSC
(Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests)
Agreeing to push the ‘complementary’ and ‘not competitive’ nature of bilateral relations to a new level for mutual benefit from
the emerging opportunities in both the countries, India and Guatemala have agreed to support each other’s candidature for Non-
Permanent Membership in the United Nations Security Council.
Guatemala will support India’s candidature for UNSC membership for 2021-22 while New Delhi will do so for 2031-32 for
Guatemala.

o Both sides agree to take ‘complementary’ relationship to a new high taking advantage of emerging opportunities in
both countries
o Governance issues, terrorism in different forms, poverty, and economic disparities identified as common
challenges
o Indian side agreed to the Guatemala’s request for supplying solar panels to its airports.
 Both the sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding for training of diplomats and a Letter of Intent for training
Guatemalan English Teachers in India.
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NABH (Nextgen Airports For Bharat) Nirman initiative

(Topic: Infrastructure: Airports)
The government is committed to the building of airport capacity as part of NABH (NextGen Airports for BHarat) Nirman
initiative
Three key aspects of NABH Nirman:
 Fair and equitable land acquisition
 Long-term master plan for airport and regional development
 Balanced economics for all stakeholders
Key Focus Areas under UDAN Scheme:
 Improving passenger amenities
 Promoting cargo handling facilities
 Early operationalisation of 56 new airports
 Improving regional connectivity
 Improving passenger services
Prelims oriented News
National Technology Day: 11th May
International Nurses Day: 12th May
 International Nurses Day is an occasion for the entire nursing community to remember Florence Nightingale and renew
their commitment to her ideals. Florence Nightingale had established nursing as a service to humanity. She motivated
nurses to follow the path of dedication, commitment and compassion.
 At present, there are 1.7 nurses per 1,000 people in India, but the world average is 2.5 nurses.
Antigua (old) Guatemala city
 Declared as a World Heritage City by the UNESCO in 1979
 Antigua Guatemala was the third capital built by the Spanish rulers since their invasion of Guatemala in 1524. The first
two capitals had to be abondoned by 1541 on account of resistance from the local warriors and natural calamities
respectively. Old Guatemala witnessed series of earthquakes since 1565 and was destroyed by earthquake Santa Marta in
1773 forcing the shifting of capital to the present Guatamela City.
 Shri Naidu referred to the ancient Mayan civilisation of Guatemala and the Indus civilisation of India and stressed on
the need to preserve the rich cultural roots which would in turn guide the present and future generations.
Health Assurance programme
 Under Ayushman Bharat
 The scheme will provide a cover of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family
 Will be targeted to cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karykram (PMJVK):
 The Minority Affairs Ministry will construct schools, colleges, ITIs, skill development centres, multi-purpose community
centres “Sadbhav Mandap”, “Hunar Hub”, hospitals, business centres, etc. on waqf properties across the country.
 Has provision to utilise Waqf properties for various infrastructure for socio-economic-educational empowerment of the
society.
One Stop Centres (OSCs): For women affected by violence; Purpose of these OSCs is to facilitate integrated services for women
affected with violence such as police assistance, medical aid, psycho-social counselling, legal aid/counselling, temporary stay for
5 days etc. such that aggrieved women can avail services under one roof.
World’s highest battlefield: Siachen – President Kovind becomes first President of India to visit Siachen in 14 years
Quote:
Hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind
Technology is Destiny, but Technology must also be Equity
New technologies should have three attributes in common –
 First, they offer solutions that are necessary in the Indian context, and contribute to the social and economic needs of our
people.
 Second, they achieve all this at competitive price points.
 Third is the most critical, they don’t compromise on quality.
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 13th May to 19th May, 2018

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Role of Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) in revolutionizing Common Service Centre Movement
implementation)
CSC VLEs are enabling the disbursement of entitlement and pension to various citizens living in far flung areas of the country
Numbers:
 2.92 lakh CSCs across the country
 54,000 women VLEs are working hard to achieve the goals of Digital India mission in rural areas.
 In just 4 years, the total transactions of VLEs have increased from just one Cr (in year 2013-14) for an amount of 180 Cr to
17.83 Cr for an amount of Rs. 19,000 Cr in 2017-18.
 CSCs have given employment to more than 10 lakh people in India.
Cabinet apprised of MoU between India and France on Technical Cooperation in the field of railways
The MoUs provide a platform for Indian Railways to interact and share the latest developments and knowledge in the railway
sector. The MoUs facilitate exchange of technical experts, reports and technical documents, training and seminars/workshops
focusing on specific technology areas and other interactions for knowledge sharing.
The MoU will provide a framework of cooperation for focused approach in following key areas:-
 High speed and semi-high speed rail;
 Station renovation and operations;
 Modernisation of current operations and infrastructure;
 Suburban trains
Cabinet approves
MoU between India and Morocco in the legal field: The MoU will give an opportunity to the Lawyers, Law Officers and law
students to discuss issues in the field of law and justice in seminars, symposiums and workshops arranged by authorities of India
and Morocco.
MoU between the India and Swaziland on cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine: The MoU covers the following
areas of cooperation:-
 Drugs & Pharmaceutical products;
 Medical Consumable products;
 Medical Research;
 Medical Equipment;
 Public Health;
 Communicable Disease Control & Surveillance;
 Health Tourism
MoU between India and Suriname for cooperation in the field of electoral management and administration: Including
exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of organizational and technical development of electoral process; support in
exchanging information, institutional strengthening and capacity building, training of personnel, holding regular consultations
etc.
MoU between India and Equatorial Guinea for Cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine: The
Traditional Systems of Medicine in India are well organized, codified and well documented comprised of Ayurveda, Yoga &
Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy. These systems hold tremendous potential in the global health
scenario. The Ministry of AYUSH having the mandate to promote, propagate and globalize these Traditional Systems has taken
effective steps by entering into MoU with Malaysia,Trinidad & Tobago, Hungry, Bangladesh, Nepal, Mauritius, Mongolia, Iran
and Sao Tome & Principe for cooperation in the field of Traditional Medicine.
MoU on Cooperation in the field of Medicinal Plants between India and Equatorial Guinea: India is one of the richest
countries in the world in terms of biodiversity, having 15 agro-climatic zones.
 Out of the 17000-18000 species of flowering plants, more than 7000 are estimated to have medicinal usage in folk and
documented systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha & Homoeopathy (AYUSH System of Medicine).
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 About 1178 species of medicinal plants are estimated to be in trade of which 242 species have annual consumption levels
in excess of 100 metric tonnes/year.
 Medicinal plants are not only a major resource base for the traditional medicine & herbal industry but also provide
livelihood and health security to a large segment of Indian population.
 There is global resurgence in traditional and alternative health care systems resulting in world herbal trade which stands at
US$ 120 billion and is expected to reach US$ 7 trillion by 2050.
 Moreover, there are a large number of medicinal plants, particularly those found in tropical region, which are common to
the two countries given similar geo-climatic factors.
MoU between India and Morocco in the field of Mining and Geology: The MoU will provide an institutional mechanism
between India and Morocco for cooperation in the field of geology and mining. The activities involved in the cooperation viz.
development of geological infrastructure, promotion of mining and geology, training programs and establishment of geological
data bank would serve the objective of innovation.
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National Policy on Biofuels – 2018

(Topic: Environment and Ecology; Biodiversity; Pollution)
The Policy categorises biofuels as “Basic Biofuels” viz.
 First Generation (1G) bioethanol & biodiesel– made from sugar + starch + oil + animal fats + food crops like corn,
sugarcane, sugar beet, wheat and sorghum (made from feedstocks that can also be consumed as human food)
 “Advanced Biofuels” – Second Generation (2G) ethanol, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) to drop-in fuels – made from
non-food crops + agricultural waste + wood chips (not normally used for human consumption)
 Third Generation (3G) biofuels, bio-CNG etc. to enable extension of appropriate financial and fiscal incentives under each
category – made from algae + other biomass sources
Raw materials: The Policy expands the scope of raw material for ethanol production by allowing use of Sugarcane Juice, Sugar
containing materials like Sugar Beet, Sweet Sorghum, Starch containing materials like Corn, Cassava, Damaged food grains like
wheat, broken rice, Rotten Potatoes, unfit for human consumption for ethanol production.
Appropriate Pricing: Farmers are at a risk of not getting appropriate price for their produce during the surplus production phase.
Taking this into account, the Policy allows use of surplus food grains for production of ethanol for blending with petrol with
the approval of National Biofuel Coordination Committee.
Funding Scheme: With a thrust on Advanced Biofuels, the Policy indicates a viability gap funding scheme for 2G ethanol Bio
refineries of Rs.5000 crore in 6 years in addition to additional tax incentives, higher purchase price as compared to 1G biofuels.
Supply Chain Mechanism: The Policy encourages setting up of supply chain mechanisms for biodiesel production from non-
edible oilseeds, Used Cooking Oil, short gestation crops.
Roles and responsibilities of all the concerned Ministries/Departments with respect to biofuels has been captured in the Policy
document to synergise efforts.
Expected Benefits:
Reduce Import Dependency: One crore lit of E10 saves Rs.28 crore of forex at current rates. The ethanol supply year 2017-18
is likely to see a supply of around 150 crore litres of ethanol which will result in savings of over Rs.4000 crore of forex.
Cleaner Environment: One crore lit of E-10 saves around 20,000 ton of CO2 emissions. For the ethanol supply year 2017-18,
there will be lesser emissions of CO2 to the tune of 30 lakh ton. By reducing crop burning & conversion of agricultural
residues/wastes to biofuels there will be further reduction in Green House Gas emissions.
Health benefits: Prolonged reuse of Cooking Oil for preparing food, particularly in deep-frying is a potential health hazard and
can lead to many diseases. Used Cooking Oil is a potential feedstock for biodiesel and its use for making biodiesel will prevent
diversion of used cooking oil in the food industry.
MSW Management: It is estimated that, annually 62 MMT of Municipal Solid Waste gets generated in India. There are
technologies available which can convert waste/plastic, MSW to drop in fuels. One ton of such waste has the potential to provide
around 20% of drop in fuels.
Infrastructural Investment in Rural Areas: It is estimated that, one 100klpd bio refinery will require around Rs.800 crore
capital investment. At present Oil Marketing Companies are in the process of setting up twelve 2G bio refineries with an
investment of around Rs.10,000 crore. Further addition of 2G bio refineries across the Country will spur infrastructural
investment in the rural areas.
Employment Generation: One 100klpd 2G bio refinery can contribute 1200 jobs in Plant Operations, Village Level
Entrepreneurs and Supply Chain Management.
Additional Income to Farmers: By adopting 2G technologies, agricultural residues/waste which otherwise are burnt by the
farmers can be converted to ethanol and can fetch a price for these waste if a market is developed for the same. Also, farmers are
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at a risk of not getting appropriate price for their produce during the surplus production phase. Thus conversion of surplus grains
and agricultural biomass can help in price stabilization.
Background:
Aim: Promote biofuels in the country
By: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy during the year 2009
Biofuels in India are of strategic importance as it augers well with the ongoing initiatives of the Government such as Make in
India, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill Development and offers great opportunity to integrate with the ambitious targets of
doubling of Farmers Income, Import Reduction, Employment Generation, Waste to Wealth Creation. Biofuels programme in
India has been largely impacted due to the sustained and quantum non-availability of domestic feedstock for biofuel production
which needs to be addressed.
1G: Most common first-generation biofuels include:
Biodiesel – extraction of vegetable oils, with or without esterification, from the seeds of plants like soybean, rape (canola) and
sunflower
Ethanol – fermentation of simple sugars from sugar crops (sugarcane) or starch crops (corn, wheat)
Biogas – anaerobic fermentation of organic waste and crop residues as energy crops
As with any industry, certain concerns (in this case related to cost and inefficiency) arose out of first-generation biofuel
production. This evolution naturally led to second-generation biofuels.
2G: Second-generation non-food feedstocks include woody crops and agricultural residues or waste, which are a little more
difficult to extract. For this reason, advanced conversion technologies are needed in the process, which is also why second-
generation biofuels are known as “advanced biofuels.”
Second-generation technologies cover a wider range of biomass resources, from agriculture to forestry and waste materials. One
well-known second-generation technology is called lignocellulosic processing, which uses forest materials.
3G:
Impressive diversity: Algae can produce such fuels as biodiesel, butanol, gasoline (petrol), ethanol, and even jet fuel!
Higher yields: Algae is capable of producing much more than its other feedstock counterparts, and with lower resource inputs.
By some estimates, algae can produce 10-fold what even the best conventional feedstocks can generate.
The capital and operating costs of third-generation production are the highest. This subsector requires additional research and
development to reach the point of being a sustainable method of consistent biofuel production on a commercial scale, but the
potential is highly promising
4th generation biofuel (4G): Made from specially engineered plants or biomass – to:
 Produce sustainable energy
 Capture and store carbon dioxide (they are carbon-negative; take away more carbon dioxide than it produces)
Do Read: Link 1
Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP)

Realizing the need for developing the green skills, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) is
utilising the vast network and expertise of Environmental Information System (ENVIS) hubs and Resource Partners (RPs).
Aims to: Get 80, 000 people imparted green skills and in filling the skill gaps in the environment sector
Objective: The programme endeavours to develop green skilled workers having technical knowledge and commitment to
sustainable development.
The number of people to be employed under GSDP will be increased to cover 2.25 lakh people next year and to about 5 lakh
people by the year 2021
It will help in the attainment of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs), as well as Waste Management Rules (2016).
Review of Skill Development in Aviation Sector & Progress being made on developing National Air Cargo Policy
(Topic: Infrastructure: Airports)
The demand for aviation skilled personnel has been rising commensurately with the boom in the civil aviation sector witnessed in
the last 3-4 years. Recognizing this demand and to bolster the Skill India Mission, Shri Suresh Prabhu made the following
observations:
 Steps must be taken so as to have skill development centres across all States.
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 Institutional strengthening – In the context of training, the existing institutional structure should be strengthened further to
ramp up the training. The business model of the Aviation University should be re-looked keeping in mind the vast demand
for the human skilled resources in the coming years. As per a study, by 2035, the Indian Civil Aviation sector would
require 0.8 to 1 million personnel directly and another 3 million indirectly.
 Training process re-engineering – outline actionable ideas to modify the existing training process to enhance the quality of
the output as well as to make the system more efficient
 A comprehensive development plan on skill development should be prepared along with funding related strategies that will
aid the capacity building required in the sector
Recognizing the need for increasing air cargo industry size in India, the Sh. Prabhu made the following observations:
 Sufficient land should be earmarked in the upcoming airports for cargo operations.
 Should create air cargo trans-shipment hubs in India – sourcing cargo from neighbouring states and partner countries
 The policy should aim at creating inter-modal hubs and should have air-sea, air-road, air-inland waterways connectivity
 Geographical location and distinct products related to that location should be kept in mind while developing the cargo
policy
National Wind-solar Hybrid Policy

(Topic: Infrastructure – Energy)
By: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Objective of the policy is to provide a framework for promotion of large grid connected wind-solar PV hybrid system for
efficient utilization of transmission infrastructure and land
Aims at reducing the variability in renewable power generation and achieving better grid stability
The Policy seeks to
 Promote new hybrid projects as well as hybridisation of existing wind/solar projects. The existing wind/solar projects can
be hybridised with higher transmission capacity than the sanctioned one, subject to availability of margin in the existing
transmission capacity.
 Provides for procurement of power from a hybrid project on tariff based transparent bidding process for which
Government entities may invite bids
 Permits use of battery storage in the hybrid project for optimising the output and further reduce the variability
 Mandates the regulatory authorities to formulate necessary standards and regulations for wind-solar hybrid systems
Launch of Intellectual Property mascot – IP Nani

(Topic: Issues relating to intellectual property rights)
Mascot IP Nani is a tech-savvy grandmother who helps the government and enforcement agencies in combating IP crimes with
the help of her grandson “Chhotu” aka Aditya. The IP mascot will spread awareness about the importance of Intellectual Property
Rights (IPRs) among people, especially children, in an interesting manner.
This character is also in line with the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) campaign for the World IP Day which
celebrates the brilliance, ingenuity, curiosity and courage of the women who are driving change in our world and shaping our
common future. It also highlighted that how a strong IP system can support innovative and creative women and indeed everyone
in their quest to bring their amazing ideas to the market.
Objective of National IPR Policy: IPR Awareness: Outreach and Promotion”. Under this objective, one of the key focus areas is
awareness on IPR for school children, as it is essential to nurture creativity and the ability to innovate starting out from a young
age.
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Prelims oriented news:

Prime Minister of Malaysia: H. E. Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad
Botanical Garden of India Republic (BRIG) project: Help preserve the endangered vegetation in the country.
Recent Cyclonic Storm over Gulf of Aden: SAGAR
Samarth – Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector
Objective: To provide demand driven, placement oriented National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) compliant skilling
programmes to incentivize and supplement the efforts of the industry in creating jobs in the textiles sectors.
Target: The scheme targets to train 10 lakh persons (9 lakh in organised and 1 lakh in traditional sector) over a period of 3 years
(2017-20), with an outlay of Rs. 1300 crore.
Establishment of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation at Bhopal
To provide rehabilitation services to the persons with mental illness, capacity development in the area of mental health
rehabilitation, policy framing and advanced research in mental health rehabilitation.
 NIMHR will be the first of its kind in the country in the area of mental health rehabilitation.
 It will serve as an institution of excellence to develop capacity building in the area of mental health rehabilitation and also
help the Government to develop models for effective rehabilitation of persons with mental illness.
Mt. Bhagirathi-II:
 Located in the Garhwal Himalayas in Gangotri National Park
 Indian Army Women Officers’ Mountaineering Expedition to Mt. Bhagirathi-II (6512 metres) consisting of nine women
officers has begun – The expedition aims at encouraging women in the field of adventure where dauntless courage, will-
power and determination is put to test. The Indian Army women officers are exploring their maximum potential in the field
of adventure sports.
 Locate it on the map
National Geoscience Awards: Started in 1966 by the Ministry of Mines
 Geological Survey of India, the leading geoscientific survey organisation in the country, was founded in 1851. It was the
world’s second such survey organisation.
 In March 2020, India will host the 36th International Geological Congress. This is the biggest geological conference in the
world.
Atal Pension Yojana: Subscribers base crosses 1 crore mark on completion of 3 years of launch of the Scheme
 A guaranteed Pension Scheme for citizens of India
 Focused on the unorganised sector workers which constitute more than 85% of workforce
 Under the APY, the guaranteed minimum pension of Rs. 1,000/- or 2,000/- or 3,000/- or 4,000/ or 5,000/- per month will
be given at the age of 60 years depending on the contributions by the subscribers.
 The Spouse of the Subscriber is also eligible for pension and the nominee would be receiving the accumulated pension
wealth.
“AYUSH” finds a place in English Language:
 Acronym for five traditional and complementary systems of medicine, namely Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani,
Siddha and Homoeopathy
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 As approved by the Commission, the word ‘ayush’ will have the meaning “Traditional and Non-Conventional Systems of
Health Care and Healing which include Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, Homoeopathy etc.
India participates for the first time at the Meeting of Cultural Ministers of the SCO held in Sanya, Hainan province, China
The main objectives of the SCO are to strengthen relations among member states; promote cooperation in various fields like
political affairs, economics, and education, culture, tourism, environment protection etc. and promote regional peace, security,
and stability among others. India attaches special importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, cultural, political, security,
economic and people-to-people interaction in the region.
 India became full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on 9th June, 2017 during the SCO Heads
of State Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan.
 An eight-member multilateral organization, established on 15 June 2001 in Shanghai, China by the leaders of China,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
 SCO represents approximately 42% of the world’s population, 20% of its GDP and 22% of the landmass.
National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM)
Seeks to reduce poverty and vulnerability of the urban poor through access to gainful self-employment and skilled wage
employment opportunities
 Provide social security
 Strengthen tenure security
 Improve basic infrastructure and public services in informal settlements where urban poor are concentrated
 Reduce vulnerability
 Improve working conditions
Indian Railways fits specially designed aerators in basin-taps of Tejas Express as a step towards water conservation
 The aerators through their fine pores break the stream of incoming water into fine water sub-streams.
 Hence, while the outflowing water is sufficient for utilisation towards cleanliness, the aerators prevent wastage of water by
reducing excess water flow.
Quotes:
Swachh Bharat and Swastha Bharat must be mass movement
 Media should take the truth into the society with courage and enthusiasm
 Media should dedicate itself to a new TRP philosophy of promotion of Truth in a Responsible and Professional manner
 Media should be a Means of Empowerment for Development through Informed Actions
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Radha Mohan Singh
 During the last decade, India has attained first position with around 14% average annual growth in the export of fish &
fishery products. Fish production in India has also grown by 27% in 2014-18 as compared to 2010-14.
 Government has made a budget provision of Rs 7,522.48 crore for the establishment of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Infrastructure Development Fund (FAIDF) which has the potential to benefit 40 lakh marine and inland fishermen,
especially women, self-help groups, weaker sections by making available modern infrastructure facilities and increased
value of the produce.
 Owing to low prospects of fisheries production along the coast, the government has decided to promote deep sea fishing
and has introduced a sub-component ‘Assistance for Deep Sea Fishing’ under the Blue Revolution: under this scheme,
self-help groups of traditional fishermen are being given 50 per cent of the vessel cost i.e. the central assistance of Rs 40
lakh for vessel costing up to Rs 80 lakh. Advanced and modern deep sea fishing vessels will be built in the country by
indigenous technology.
 National Policy on Marine Fisheries: will promote the integrated development of marine fisheries in the country for the
next 10 years. State governments should take all necessary steps to ensure sustainable fishing. There is a need to fix fleet
size, gear size, minimum legal size of fish, and minimum net size in their respective territorial waters to ensure proper
utilization of marine fishery resources through fisheries management.
Essential for physical and social infrastructure in the North Eastern Region (NER)
HIRA: NITI Aayog has recently launched the ‘NITI Forum for the North East’ which envisages that development projects in the
NER will be based on the concept of “HIRA” (Highways, Inland Waterways, Railways and Airways)
Three ‘I’s are important: Institutions; Information and Infrastructure
 Supply-driven approach to infrastructure development has overlooked the local developmental aspirations in NER. Besides
mega infrastructure projects, micro-interventions like e.g. storage facilities could help optimize the utilization of local
resources for promoting entrepreneurship and job creation. Need to have a bottom-up approach rather than the top-down
approach for developing the required infrastructure – there is need to have in place grass root R&D facilities at par with
global standards. Local engagement is the key.
 Proper pricing, efficient supply of raw materials and product diversification can support the local industries to catch-up.
Agri-based value chains have higher prospects in the NER.
 Special attention needs to be paid for extending digital connectivity across the region especially digital solutions for
remote areas.
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 NER has great potential for developing Green and Clean Energy based on generating Solar Energy.
 There should be provisions for addressing the specific financing requirements of the aspirational areas so as to ensure
balanced regional development in the NER.
 There should be a dedicated think tank for the NER at the Central Government level.
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 20th to 26th May, 2018

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UGC (Online Courses) Regulations, 2018

(Topic:
implementation.
Resources)
Higher Educational Institutions can now offer Certificate, Diploma and Degree Programmes in full-fledged online mode in line
with their regular programs.
 The Higher Educational Institutions will be eligible to offer Online Programmes if they have been in existence for at least
five years and are accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with a valid minimum score
of 3.26 on a 4-point scale; and should be in the top-100 in overall category in the National Institutional Ranking
Framework (NIRF) for at least two years in the previous three years.
 This initiative is a big step towards attaining the targeted GER of 30% by the year 2020.
Launch of SamagraSiksha
(Topic:
implementation.
Resources)
An integrated Scheme for school education extending support to States from pre-school to senior secondary levels
 The Scheme is a paradigm shift in the conceptual design of school educationby treating ‘school’ holistically as a
continuum from pre-school, primary, upper primary, secondary and senior secondary levels.
 Emphasis on Integration of two T’s – Teacher and Technology in the new scheme will help improve quality of education
 Scheme will focus on strengthening this crucial pillar by making SCERTs and DIETs the nodal agencies for teacher
training. These institutions would be strengthened to emphasize the integration of in-service and pre-service training
structures in States to make it need-focused and dynamic. This would strengthen the quality of teaching in schools across
levels.
 “DIKSHA”- the national digital platform for teachers would put high quality teaching learning resources for ready use
of teachers. The Scheme will support ‘Operation Digital Board’ in all secondary schools over a period of 5 years, so as to
enhance the use of digital technology through smart classrooms, digital boards and DTH channels. The Digital initiatives
like ShaalaKosh, Shagun, ShaalaSaarthi will be strengthened.
Cabinet apprised of the MoU between India and Angola: For promoting bilateral cooperation in the field of Electronics and
Information Technology
Cabinet Approves
MoU signed between India and France in the field of Renewable Energy:
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 Both sides aim to identify research/ demonstration/ pilot project between National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), India
and Commissariat aI’EnergieAtomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), France in the mutually identified areas.
 Based on mutual agreement, both parties would work for implementation & deployment of pilot project in ISA member
countries.
 Collaboration may occur through several means, including joint research projects, joint R&D, joint workshops, Research
and Technology exchange including exchange of domain experts.
 The MoU also aims for exchange of expertise and networking of information.
MoU between India and Denmark on Food Safety Cooperation:
 Help deepen bilateral ties, mutual understanding and trust, eventually strengthening both sides in their capacity building
efforts towards food safety
 Promote understanding of the best practices in the areas of food safety in both countries and in faster resolution of issues
related to food safety.
 Help improve food safety standard setting by getting access to best practices and facilitating food trade of important
commodities.
MoU between India and Morocco on India-Morocco cooperation in Renewable Energy:
 Both sides aim to establish the basis for a cooperative institutional relationship to encourage and promote technical
bilateral cooperation on new and renewable energy issues on the basis of mutual benefit, equality and reciprocity.
 The MoU envisages establishing a Joint Working Committee to review, monitor and discuss matters relation to areas of
cooperation.
 The MoU aims for exchange of expertise and networking of information.
MoU between India and Singapore on Cooperation in the field of Personnel Management and Public Administration:
The MoU aims at improving the current system of governance, particularly in the areas of Workforce, Workplace and Jobs,
Public Service Delivery, Human Resource Management, Public Sector Reform, Leadership/ Talent Development and E-
Governance/Digital Government
 Provide a framework for cooperation between India and Singapore in the field of Public Administration and Governance
Reforms.
 Aims at achieving excellence in public administration, good governance and public service reform, which in turn, would
ensure and promote greater public accountability
 Aims to bring about innovative best practices, so as to achieve excellence in public administration in the context of
improving online public service delivery
Provision of mobile connectivity in Left Wing Extremism Areas:
 This network would be used by the security personnel deployed in LWE affected areas.
 Project will also provide the mobile services to help the residents in unconnected inhabited villages which would improve
the economic activities in the region.
 It will give impetus to the e-Governance activities in the backward and LWE affected area with the availability of digital
mobile connectivity.
USOF scheme for provision of mobile services in Meghalaya under CTDP for North Eastern Region: Implementation of a
Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan (CTDP) for the North Eastern Region (NER) in Meghalaya
 Strengthening of telecom network will result in increased the penetration of mobile connectivity in Meghalaya resulting in
affordable and equitable access of communication, information and governance to people.
 Providing access to public mobile network to hitherto unreached people of Meghalaya will empower citizens with benefits
of ICTs for furthering socio-economic developments.
 The innovative skill of uncovered areas will increase through broadband and internet access.
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Model Agriculture Produce and Livestock Contract Farming and Services (Promotion & Facilitation) Act, 2018
(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; e-technology in the aid of
farmers)
Objective: With a view to integrate farmers with bulk purchasers including exporters, agro- industries etc. for better price
realization through mitigation of market and price risks to the farmers and ensuring smooth agro raw material supply to the agro
industries
Salient features of Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 are:
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 The Act lays special emphasis on protecting the interests of the farmers, considering them as weaker of the two parties
entering into a contract.
 In addition to contract farming, services contracts all along the value chain including pre-production, production and post-
production have been included.
 “Registering and Agreement Recording Committee” or an “Officer” for the purpose at district/block/ taluka level for
online registration of sponsor and recording of agreement provided.
 Contracted produce is to be covered under crop / livestock insurance in operation.
 Contract framing to be outside the ambit of APMC Act.
 No permanent structure can be developed on farmers’ land/premises
 No right, title of interest of the land shall vest in the sponsor.
 Promotion of Farmer Producer Organization (FPOs) / Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) to mobilize small and marginal
farmers has been provided
 FPO/FPC can be a contracting party if so authorized by the farmers.
 No rights, title ownership or possession to be transferred or alienated or vested in the contract farming sponsor etc.
 Ensuring buying of entire pre-agreed quantity of one or more of agricultural produce, livestock or its product of contract
farming producer as per contract.
 Contract Farming Facilitation Group (CFFG) for promoting contract farming and services at village / panchayat at level
provided.
 Accessible and simple dispute settlement mechanism at the lowest level possible provided for quick disposal of disputes.
 It is a promotional and facilitative Act and not regulatory in its structure
Prelims Oriented Notes:
Competition Commission of India: To eliminate practices having adverse effect on competition, promote and sustain
competition, protect the interests of consumers and ensure freedom of trade in the markets of India.
Must Read: Link
Ancient Dance Drama “Ashtapadiyattam”
 It is “Gita Govindam” written by 12th century poet Jayadeva (considered the founding father and one amongst the pioneers
of Bengali literature), in Guruvayur, Kerala
 Gita Govindam’s unusually wide appeal comes from the story of Sri Krishna and his love for Radha.
 Although the ‘Ashtapadiyattam’ in its original form is no longer in existence, it can be found in various parts of India in
various forms- like Mohiniattamand Kathakaliin Kerala,Bharatanatyam in Tamil Nadu,Kuchipudi in Andhra Pradesh,
Manipuri in Manipur and Odissi in Orissa.
 It became an essential element of Sri Chaitanya’s movement in Bengal, inspired Yakshagana dances and became the
genesis of an entire genre of music called “Sopana sangeetham” as Jayadeva’s ashtapadis were sung on temple stairs.
Panchama Veda or the fifth Veda: Bharatha Muni’s Natya Shastra, composed around the 2nd century BC
“Advaita” philosophy: Adi Shankara
Mission Innovation:
 A global platform of 23 countries and European Union aimed at accelerating clean energy innovations through enhanced
Government funding, greater public-private sector partnership and enhanced global cooperation.
 India is founding member of Mission Innovation and part of the Steering Committee besides co-lead of innovation
challenges on smart grids, off grids and sustainable bio-fuels.
Green Good Deeds: A societal movement with joint efforts by the BASIC countries in combating climate change
 BASIC countries – A bloc of four countries – Brazil, South Africa, India and China, formed by an agreement on
November 28, 2009. The four committed to act jointly at the Copenhagen climate summit.
International Day for Biodiversity (IBD)
On: 22nd May
2018 Theme: Celebrating 25 years of action on biodiversity
Common Service Centres (CSCs):
Acts as access points for delivery of various electronic services to villages in India, are set to be expanded to 2.50 lakh gram
panchayats by the year end
The CSC movement had transformed into a movement of change bringing services like banking, pensions, digital literacy and
telemedicine to rural and remote villages through electronic infrastructure.
 DigiGaon or Digital Village is conceptualised as a connected village where citizens can avail various e-Services of the
Central Government, state Governments and private players in a rural and remote villages in the country.
 These DigiGaons are projected to be change agents, promoting rural entrepreneurship and building rural capacities and
livelihoods through community participation and collective action.
 The digital villages have been equipped with solar lighting facility in their community center, LED assembly unit, sanitary
napkin unit (with active participation on Asha and Anganwadi workers) and Wi-fi choupal (rural Wi-Fi infrastructure and
a slew of suitable applications).
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 These villages would also have the regular CSC services like banking, health, education, financial services, and a host of
other services.
BrahMos: Supersonic cruise missile
 A joint venture between DRDO of India and NPOM of Russia
 Can be launched from submarine, ships, aircraft, or land.
 It is the fastest supersonic cruise missile in the world
 Has emerged as the ultimate weapon of choice in modern warfare with its unmatched speed, precision and firepower
 The name BrahMos is a portmanteau formed from the names of two rivers, the Brahmaputra of India and the Moskva of
Russia.
 In 2016, as India became a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), India and Russia are now
planning to jointly develop a new generation of Brahmos missiles with 600 km-plus range and an ability to hit protected
targets with pinpoint accuracy.
Workshop on Artificial Intelligence to study the strategic implications of AI in national security perspective, in global context
–
 To establish tactical deterrent in the region.
 To support its peaceful and commercial use.
 To mitigate catastrophic risk.
 To visualize potential transformative weaponry of future.
 To facilitate in keeping a check on non-state actors.
 To develop intelligent, autonomous robotic systems.
 To enhance capabilities for collection and analysis of data and also creation of data.
 To bolster cyber defence
Must Read: Link
Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini (INSV Tarini): The first-ever Indian circumnavigation of the globe by an all-women crew
130 years of Indian Railways iconic station: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus building:
 Was originally planned as the office of GIP (Great Indian Peninsular) Railway
 Most photographed building after Taj Mahal
 Designed by Frederick William Stevens
 Named after Queen Empress Victoria. Later in 1996, it was renamed as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. It was again
renamed as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in July 2017.
 In 2004, UNESCO has enlisted this building as World Heritage Site for its architectural splendour.
DigiYatra:
 An industry-led initiative coordinated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in line with the Digital India vision to transform
the nation into a digitally empowered society
 Aims to transform the flying experience for passengers and position Indian Aviation amongst the most innovative aviation
networks in the world
 The passenger will have choice to opt for the facility.
Key features are:
 Digitize air-travel experience: Use of digital technology for enhanced and seamless passenger experience all the way from
ticket booking to airport entry check, security check and aircraft boarding
 Single-point verification: Passengers enrol in to DigiYatra program through AirSewa, and a DigiYatra verified passenger
gets hassle free entry at airport through E-Gates. The ID verification will be done by the BCAS-approved Government ID.
At the entry gate a single token for the passenger is created.
 Value-added services: like ground transportation, special services at airport, in-flight, etc. and many other value added
services for passengers in future will also be delivered through the DigiYatra programme.
 Enhanced security: The programme also enhances security while providing convenience to the passenger
 Technical Standards formulated: Ministry of Civil Aviation has finalized the technical standards for DigiYatra which will
be published shortly. Airports such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Varanasi and Vijayawada will roll out this
programme in phases by January 2019.
AirSewa app: AirSewa app brings together all the stakeholders on a common platform to ensure timely and effective handling of
customer grievances and to disseminate real-time data.
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Link: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nipah-virus-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/64255948.cms
Quote:
Father of the nation, Gandhiji –
“I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the culture of all lands to be blown
about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any”
Along with “gross national income”, we must focus on how science and technology can foster greater “happiness” and better
quality of life as well as harmonious inclusive societies.
Three qualities to achieve excellence:
 First is the willingness to learn from each and every person, institution and learning resource we can access
 The second is the ability to probe, analyse and synthesize;
 The third quality is to search for a completely out of the box solution that answers the problem at hand.
 It is transmitted when blood, semen or another body fluid from a person infected with the Hepatitis B virus, enters the
body of someone who is not infected. This can happen through sexual contact; sharing needles/syringes, needle injuries;
or other invasive equipment; or from mother to baby at birth.
 There is no specific treatment for acute Hepatitis B disease. Clinical management is based on supportive therapy and
relief of symptoms.
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It is estimated that about 780,000 people die each year due to consequences of Hepatitis B, such as liver cirrhosis and liver
cancer.
PRAAPTI (Payment Ratification and Analysis in Power procurement for bringing Transparency in Invoicing of generators):
 To bring transparency in power purchase transactions between Generators and Discoms
 Allow users to know the details related to the payments made by the Discoms to the power generation company and
when they were made
 Enable the consumers to evaluate financial performance of their Discoms in terms of payments being made to the
generation companies.
Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana: To “fund the unfunded” by bringing such enterprises to the formal financial system and
extending affordable credit to them.
Under the aegis of Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, MUDRA has already created the following products / schemes.
Shishu: covering loans upto 50,000/-
Kishor: covering loans above 50,000/- and upto 5 lakh
Tarun: covering loans above 5 lakh and upto 10 lakh
The new cloud-enabled National Data Centre aims to offer round-the-clock operations with secure hosting for various e-
governance applications of Central and State Governments and has ability to support 35,000 virtual servers.
Agriculturist has been defined to mean an individual or an HUF who undertakes cultivation of land-
 By own labour
 By the labour of family
 By servants or wages payable in cash or kind or by hired labour under personal supervision or the personal supervision of
any member of the family
Refer: Link 1
Quotes
 Both science and religion are the tools in the hands of the people in their quest for prosperity and internal peace.
Scientific advancements illuminate our understanding of the universe, whereas the religion provides answers to the
unexplored universe.
 The issues of ‘mind and soul’ and the relentless internal unrest and lack of internal peace constitute this vast unexplored
universe. It is the religion which provides some answers to these raging issues.
 The process of questioning and seeking solutions lies at the heart of research. Human progress is not possible without
the quest for deeper understanding of the world around. Research and innovation make us grow and they transform the
world we inhabit.
 The Indian word for education is “Vidya”. This means, literally, “knowing what it is”. Please note that the emphasis is on
“knowing” not on being “taught” what it is. The learners must become active explorers, researchers who try to find out
the truth.
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 3rd June to 9th June, 2018

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Launch of ‘JANAUSHADHI SUVIDHA’ – Oxo-biodegradable Sanitary Napkin

Why: According to the National Family Health Survey 2015-16, about 58 percent of women aged between 15 to 24 years use
locally prepared napkins, sanitary napkins and tampons. Further, about 78 percent women in urban areas use hygienic methods of
protection during menstrual period; only 48 percent women in rural areas have access to clean sanitary napkins.
Under: Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
Affordable sanitary napkins at Rs. 2.50 per pad now available at over 3600 Janaushadhi Kendras functional in 33 States/UTs
across India
Ensure Affordability, Hygiene as well as Ease of use and disposal for them
 Jan Aushadhi Suvidha comes with a special additive, which makes it biodegradable when it comes in contact with oxygen
after being discarded. This would ensure ‘Swachhta, Swasthya and Suvidha’ for the underprivileged Women of India
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 The average price of sanitary napkins available in the market today is around Rs. 8 per pad, whereas now with the launch
of the SUVIDHA napkins at Rs. 2.50 per pad, this will go a long way in making the basic hygiene requirement aid for
Women affordable for the underprivileged sections.
 One of the most important requirement in ensuring the Health Security to that section of Women in India who still use
unhygienic aids during menstrual period due to non-affordability of some of the popular brands of sanitary napkins
available in the market today. Such unhygienic aids cause fungal infections, Reproductive Tract Infection, Urinary Tract
Infection, Cervical cancer and also make women vulnerable to infertility.
Ministries of MSME and Ayush Sign MoU for the Development of Ayush Enterprises
The MoU will create synergies through the institutions and schemes of both ministries for the development of AYUSH
enterprises in the country.
Objective: To position India as a world leader in “Holistic Healthcare”.
 AYUSH is a rising sector, having immense potential for preventive, curative and rehabilitative health and has been part of
India’s socio-cultural heritage.
 AYUSH industry include the Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy drug manufacturing units as well as the
healthcare delivery centers in public & private sectors and are essentially dominated by MSMEs, which need handholding
support in the areas of entrepreneurship development, capacity building and financial assistance in order to grow and
increase the market share of AYUSH.
 The domestic market for AYUSH sector has been increasing steadily over the past decade. There is also an acceptance of
traditional medicines worldwide. Therefore, export of AYUSH products like food supplements, nutraceuticals and herbal
extracts has increased significantly.
In order to benefit from this the Ministries of MSME and AYUSH have agreed to join hands for developing enterprises in this
sector. Both Ministries will organize regional workshops for entrepreneurship development in AYUSH sector and Ministry of
MSME will frame new schemes for AYUSH industries to get the benefits of SIDBI.
Cabinet Approves
Extension of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Netherlands on technical cooperation in the field
of Spatial Planning, Water Management and Mobility Management: to promote and strengthen the collaboration between the
signatories in the areas of Spatial Planning, Water Management and Mobility Management on the basis of equivalence,
affordable housing, smart city development, geographical information system (GIS) for water supply & sewerage system, waste
water reuse and recycle, conservation of fresh water by artificial recharge of aquifer, integrated solid waste management and
heritage conservation and mutual benefit, taking into account the practical needs of both the countries.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Denmark on technical cooperation in the field of Sustainable
and Smart Urban Development: To promote bilateral cooperation in the field of sustainable and smart urban development on
the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefit through exchange of knowledge, institutional cooperation, research & development
and commercial relations on related issues. Areas of cooperation include smart urban solutions, liveability, sustainable and
integrated urban planning, re-development and land use, integrated solid waste management including waste to energy,
sustainable transport systems, water and sanitation management, energy efficiency, resource mobilization and other related areas
mutually agreed upon.
Between India and United Kingdom on technical cooperation in the field of Sustainable Urban Development: To facilitate
and strengthen India-UK institutional cooperation in the field of sustainable urban development. The areas of cooperation include
smart cities development, solid waste management, green affordable housing, waste water management, capacity building of
urban institutions, skill development in urban areas, urban mobility, intelligent transport system and transit-oriented development,
innovative access to finance and other related areas as mutually agreed upon by the Contracting Parties.
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III Continuation Programme – Phase 6 – Thirty Operational Flights of PSLV: The
Programme will also meet the launch requirement of satellites for Earth observation, Navigation and Space Sciences. This will
also ensure the continuity of production in Indian industry.
Memorandum of Understanding between India and Oman on Cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space: Enable the
following areas of cooperation such as, space science, technology and applications including remote sensing of the earth; satellite
based navigation; Space science and planetary exploration; use of spacecraft and space systems and ground system; and
application of space technology.
Agreement between India and France on technical cooperation in the field of Sustainable Urban Development: To
promote technical cooperation in the areas of smart cities development, development of urban mass transportation systems, urban
settlements and utilities (water supply and sewerage systems), disposal and treatment of solid waste, landfill remediation,
management of non-revenue water, water reuse & recycle, technology transfer, conservation of fresh water by artificial recharge
of aquifer, circular economy, mass housing, green housing, urban planning, heritage, human resource development, capacity
building and other related areas as mutually agreed by the Contracting Parties.
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Achievements of Power Ministry during last 4 years

(i) Generation capacity-
 1 Lakh MW generation capacity added. (2,43,029 MW in March 2014 to 3,44,002 MW in March 2018)
 India emerges as net exporter of electricity. 7203 MU supplied to Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar in FY 2017-18.
 Energy deficit reduced from 4.2 per cent (in FY 2013-14) to 0.7 per cent (in FY 2017-18)
(ii) One Grid One Nation-
 Expansion of transmission grid by 1 lakh ckm
 Highest ever transformation capacity addition of 86,193 MVA in FY 2017-18
 26 projects worth Rs. 48,427 crore awarded through Tariff Based Competitive Bidding
 Inter-regional transfer capacity addition more than tripled (16,000 MW in FY 2010-14 and 50,500 MW in FY 2014-18)
(iii) Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGKY)
 100 per cent of village electrification
 Outlay of Rs. 75,893 crore
 Funds to states increased by 2.5 times (Rs. 10,873 crore in FY 2010 -14 and Rs 24,890 crore in 2014-18)
 2,56,750 km HT and LT lines
 4,09,989 distribution transformers
(viii) Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS)
 Outlay of Rs. 65,424 crore
 1376 towns IT enabled
 1900 additional towns under progress
 1156 towns reported reduction in AT&C losses
 1,29,093 km HT and LT lines
 66,947 distribution transformers
(vii) UDAY
 More than Rs 20,000 crore interest cost saved by DISCOMs under UDAY
 Reduction in AT&C losses in 17 states within one year of operation
 Revenue gaps bridged by 33 per cent in one year of operation
 India’s rank improved to 29 in 2018 from 111 in 2014on World Bank’s Ease of Getting Electricity Ranking.
(vi) SAUBHAGYA
 Launched for universal electrification
 Camps organised at village level. Minimum documentation required
 Special drive for economically weaker sections under Gram Swaraj Abhiyan
 60.34 lakh households electrified since 11th Oct, 2017
(ix) Power for All 24*7 –
 Joint initiative of Govt. of India and State Govts.
 Roadmap for 24*7 power supply prepared. States ready to ensure 24*7 Power for all from 1st April, 2019.
(x) Focus on North-East region-
 Electrification of 5855 villages and intensive electrification of 9004 villages completed.
 130 towns IT enabled.
 52.28 lakh LED bulbs distributed under UJALA
 Rs. 9866 crore projects undertaken for strengthening/development of intra-state transmission
(iv) UJALA
 107 crore LED bulbs distributed
 30.01 crore LED bulbs distributed under UJALA resulting in saving of 15,500 crore per year
 77.99 crore additional LED bulbs distributed by industry.
 87 per cent reduction in LED bulb procurement cost through demand aggregation.
(v) 4376 MW hydel capacity addition (FY 2014-18)
Innovations and Initiatives-
Electric vehicles –
 No licence required for charging stations
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 Procurement of 10,000 e-vehicles for Government institutions

Smart Metering-
 Procurement of 50 lakh smart meters done.
 1 crore prepaid meters under procurement
Energy efficiency-
 Star labelling program saved energy worth Rs. 22,500 crore.
 Energy efficiency measures through PAT in large industries saved energy worth Rs. 9500 crore
 Energy Conservation Building Code for energy efficient buildings launched in June, 2017
Digital initiatives-
 e-Bidding and e-Reverse Auction for short and medium term procurement of power.
 Enabling payments through NPCI platforms such as BHIM, BBPS, Bharat QR etc. More than 24 crore digital transactions
in FY 2017-18 for electricity bill payments.
To bring transparency and to disseminate information to public at large following Apps are launched by the Ministry of
Power:
1. SAUBHAGYA – App for tracking household electrification.
2. VidyutPravah – The Mobile/Web App provides real time information of current demand met, shortages if any, surplus
power available and the prices in Power Exchange.
3. UJALA (UnnatJyoti by Affordable LED`S for All) – App provides real time updates on the LED distribution happening
across the country.
4. UrjaMitra – monitoring of power availability and sending power cut information through SMS
5. MERIT– information pertaining to marginal variable cost and source wise purchase of electricity.
6. UDAY- Allows people to compare DISCOMs on the basis of 26 major performance parameters.
7. URJA (Urban Jyoti Abhiyaan) – It is an informative App for Urban Distribution Sector. It captures Consumer centric
parameters from the IT systems created under IPDS.
8. TARANG (Transmission App for real time monitoring & Growth) – It is an IT Web/mobile based platform to provide
status of both inter and intra state Transmission Projects in the country. This platform also shows the prospective interstate as
well as intra state Transmission Projects.
9. DEEP e-bidding (Discovery of Efficient Electricity Price) – The 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.
10. Ash Track- linking fly ash users and power plants for better ash utilisation.
“Methanol Economy”: NITI Aayog

What is it?
 Methanol Economy is the “Bridge” to the dream of a complete “Hydrogen based fuel systems”.
 Methanol is a scalable and sustainable fuel, that can be produced from a variety of feedstocks like Natural Gas, Coal
(Indian High Ash Coal), Bio-mass, Municipal Solid waste and most importantly from CO2.
 The Concept of “Methanol Economy” is being actively pursued by China, Italy, Sweden, Israel, US, Australia, Japan and
many other European countries. 10% of fuel in China in transport Sector is Methanol.
Why?
 Methanol is an alternative fuel for internal combustion and other engines, either in combination with gasoline or directly
(“neat”).
 Methanol is less expensive to produce sustainably and is a less expensive way to reduce the carbon footprint.
 Methanol burns efficiently in all internal combustion engines, produces no particulate matter, no soot, almost nil SOX and
NOX emissions (NEAR ZERO POLLUTION). The gaseous version of Methanol – DME can blended with LPG and can
be excellent substitute for diesel in large buses and trucks. To adopt Methanol as a transport fuel, it requires minimal
infrastructure modifications and capital both in vehicles and in terminal and distribution infrastructure.
Why does Methanol have the potential to be an enduring solution to human energy needs?
Because the beltched out C02 (greenhouse gas emission) both from using Methanol and while producing Methanol can be tapped
back to produce Methanol. Thereby a seamless loop of CO2 sequestration cycle is created to perpetually burn fuels without
polluting the environment at all.
NITI Aayog’s plan
NITI Aayog has drawn out a comprehensive plan to replace 20% of crude imports from Methanol alone. Adopting Methanol in
this scale would bring down pollution in the country by more than 40% and not to forget the benefits from import substitution.
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Indian Railways alone burns three billion litres of diesel every year. Plans are in place to convert 6000 diesel railway engines to
work on 100% Methanol and make railways a carbon neutral organisation.
India by adopting Methanol can have its own indigenous fuel at the cost of approximately Rs. 19 per litre at least 30% cheaper
than any available fuel. Methanol fuel can result in great environmental benefits and can be the answer to the burning urban
pollution issue.
Please Note:
June 21st: International Yoga Day
June 5th: World Environment Day; Prime Minister’s ‘mantra’ of 6 Rs –
 Reduce
 Recycle
 Reuse
 Retrieve
 Recover
 Redesign
 Remanufacture
First World Bicycle Day: 3rd June
Gulf of Aden
 Also known as the Gulf of Berbera
 Amidst Yemen to the north, the Arabian Sea and Guardafui Channel to the east, Somalia to the south, and Djibouti to the
west
 In the northwest, it connects with the Red Sea through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, and in the southeast, it connects with the
Indian Ocean through the Guardafui Channel
Socotra, Yemen – A very Severe Cyclonic Strom Mekenu – Operation NISTAR

Agni-5 missile: Long range ballistic missile
 Intercontinental ballistic missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India
 Other intercontinental missile countries: P5+Israel
 Canister based (Road mobility, all weather, flexible launching) [Others: Shaurya, Brahmos (Only supersonic cruise missile
in the world)]
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 Range: >5ooo km
 3 stage solid propellant
 Nuclear warhead
 Usage: small satellites, shoot down enemy satellites in short range
Ganga Praharis: A new grassroot-level volunteer workforce is out there to protect the bio-diversity of river Ganga. A group of
427 trained volunteers are reaching to each and every house in areas along river Ganga to educate them about the importance of
protecting river’s bio-diversity. They are spread over Ganga basin states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar and
West Bengal.
Zigzag technology: To reduce carbon emissions from burning of bricks in brick kilns
As part of the Nationally Determined Contributions, India is committed to reducing thirty-three to thirty-five percent of
emission intensity of its GDP during 2005 to 2030.
India’s Journey in Renewable Energy
 Globally, India stands 4th in wind power 5th in renewable power and 6th in solar power installed capacity.
 India is well on track to achieving 175 GW target of installed renewable energy capacity.
 KUSUM – Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan Scheme
 SRISTI – Sustainable Rooftop Implementation for Solar Transfiguration of India – new scheme for solar rooftop
 Transparent bidding and facilitation for procurement of solar and wind power through tariff based competitive bidding
process have led to significant reduction in cost of solar and wind power.
Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM)
 One of the several initiatives that are part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change
 To establish India as a global leader in solar energy, by creating the policy conditions for its diffusion across the country as
quickly as possible
 21 MW Solar PV projects have been undertaken with meticulous planning by Indian Navy towards achieving the GOI
target of 100 GW by 2022
Ministry of Railways PSU IRCTC introduces bagasse based food packaging to commemorate World Environment Day 2018 –
Bagasse, the fibrous remains left behind after extracting sugarcane juice, is being used to make disposable cutlery and containers
in which meals will be served. Provision will be made to collect the used packaging which will then be processed for disposal
through composting to ensure environmental sustainability.
Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the largest behavior change programme in the world, the rural sanitation coverage of India
has now risen to 85%. Through mobilization of rural communities, 7.4 crore toilets have been built across rural India, and as an
outcome, over 3.8 lakh villages and 391 districts have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF). This is significant because,
under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), sanitation coverage has increased to more than double the coverage at the time of
the launch of the Mission.
Krishi kalyan Abhiyaan: To aid, assist and advice farmers on how to improve their farming techniques and raise their incomes
 Will be undertaken in 25 Villages with more than 1000 population each in Aspirational Districts identified in consultation
with Ministry of Rural Development as per directions of NITI Ayog.
 In districts where number of villages (with more than 1000 population) is less than 25, all villages will be covered.
 Various activities to promote best practices and enhance agriculture income:
o Distribution of Soil Health Cards to all farmers
o 100% coverage of bovine vaccination for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in each village
o 100% coverage of Sheep and Goat for eradication of Peste des Petits ruminants (PPR )
o Distribution of Mini Kits of pulses and oilseeds to all
o Distribution of Horticulture/Agro Forestry/Bamboo plant @ 5 per family(location appropriate)
o Making 100 NADAP Pits in each village
o Artificial insemination saturation
o Demonstration programmes on Micro- irrigation
o Demonstrations of integrated cropping practice
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana –
 For extending the coverage of irrigation ‘Har Khet ko pani’ and improving water use efficiency ‘More crop per drop’ in a
focused manner with end to end solution on source creation, distribution, management, field application and extension
activities
 PMKSY has been formulated amalgamating ongoing schemes viz.
o Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) of the Ministry of Water Resources,
o River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (MoWR,RD&GR)
o Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) of Department of Land Resources (DoLR)
o On Farm Water Management (OFWM) of Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC)
President Approves Promulgation of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018: Link 1 + Link 2
Drop in Maternal Mortality Rate: According to the just released SRS bulletin (2016), India has shown impressive gains in
reduction of Maternal Mortality with 22% reduction in since 2013. Nearly one thousand fewer women now die of pregnancy
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related complications each month in India. Maternal Mortality Ratio of India has declined from 167 in 2011-2013 to 130 in 2014-
2016.
Consumer Protection Bill, 2018: The Bill provides for setting up of an executive agency to be called Central Consumer
Protection Authority (CCPA), which will look into unfair trade practices, misleading advertisements etc., provision for
‘mediation’ as an alternate disputes resolution mechanism to facilitate quick disposal of consumer disputes, provision for product
liability action arising out of injury to a consumer from a defective product and several provisions relating to simplification of the
adjudication process in the consumer Commissions.
New Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016: The new Act has provisions of bringing under compulsory certification
regime any goods or article of any scheduled industry, process, system or service which it considers necessary in the public
interest or for the protection of human, animal or plant health, safety of the environment, or prevention of unfair trade practices,
or national security. It also provides for notifying multiple types of conformity Assessment Schemes, including Self declaration
of conformity, to facilitate ease of doing business for the manufacturers. It has provision for making hallmarking of the precious
metal articles mandatory.
INGRAM under National Consumer Helpline launched to provide a common IT platform for various stake holders involved in
the Consumer Grievance Redressal Mechanism and for disseminating information to consumers.
About Cyclone: Link 1 + Link 2 + Link 3 + Link 4 + Link 5
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 10th June to 16th June, 2018

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To be launched: Solar Charkha Mission

implementation)
By: Ministry of Micro Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME)
 The Mission will cover 50 clusters and every cluster will employ 400 to 2000 artisans
 15 new state-of-the-art technology centers are being set up all over the country including North-East
 Work being done by the Ministry has promoted Ease-of-Doing-Business with the setting up of 4 portals: ‘MSME
Sambandh’, MSME Samadhaan, Udyog Aadhaar and Udyam Sakhi
To be launched: Composite Water Management Index

implementation)
NITI Aayog has come up with the Composite Water Management Index as a useful tool to assess and improve the performance
in efficient management of water resources.
 This index is an attempt to inspire States and UTs towards efficient and optimal utilization of water, and recycling thereof
with a sense of urgency.
 The index can be utilised to formulate and implement suitable strategies for better management of water resources.
Cabinet approves
Agreement between India and Peru: The agreement aims to establish the basis for a cooperative institutional relationship to
encourage and promote technical bilateral cooperation on new and renewable issues on the basis of mutual benefit equality and
reciprocity.
Repositioning of North Eastern Council:
 Has approved the proposal of Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) for the nomination of the
Union Home Minister as ex-officio Chairman of North Eastern Council (NEC) – a statutory body with Governors and
Chief Ministers of all the eight North Eastern States as its Member
 The Cabinet also approved that Minister of State (Independent Charge); Ministry of DoNER would serve as Vice
Chairman of the Council.
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 Under the new arrangement with Home Minister as Chairman and Minister of DoNER as Vice Chairman, NEC and all the
Governors and Chief Ministers of North Eastern States as Member would provide a forum for discussing inter-state
matters more comprehensively and also consider common approaches to be taken in future.
 NEC can now also perform the tasks undertaken by the various Zonal Councils to discuss such inter-State issues as drug
trafficking, smuggling of arms and ammunition, boundary disputes etc.
 Background: NEC was established under the North Eastern Council Act, 1971 as an apex level body for securing
balanced and coordinated development and facilitating coordination with the States.
Proposal for enactment of Dam Safety Bill, 2018: It will help all the States and Union Territories of India to adopt uniform
dam safety procedures which shall ensure safety of dams and safeguard benefits from such dams. This shall also help in
safeguarding human life, livestock and property.
 The Bill provides for proper surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of all specified dams in the country to
ensure their safe functioning.
 The Bill provides for constitution of a National Committee on Dam Safety which shall evolve dam safety policies and
recommend necessary regulations as may be required for the purpose.
 The Bill provides for establishment of National Dam Safety Authority as a regulatory body which shall discharge
functions to implement the policy, guidelines and standards for dam safety in the country.
 The Bill provides for constitution of a State Committee on Dam Safety by State Government.
 Background: Due to lack of legal and institutional architecture for dam safety in India, dam safety is an issue of concern.
Unsafe dams are a hazard and dam break may cause disasters, leading to huge loss of life and property. The Dam Safety
Bill, 2018 address all issues concerning dam safety including regular inspection of dams, Emergency Action Plan,
comprehensive dam safety review, adequate repair and maintenance funds for dam safety, Instrumentation and Safety
Manuals. It lays onus of dam safety on the dam owner and provides for penal provisions for commission and omission of
certain acts.
MoU between the ICMR and INSERM, France: The MoU aims at cooperation in areas of common interest within the
medical, life sciences and health research fields. Based on scientific excellence on both sides, the parties have agreed to have a
specific focus upon:
 Diabetes and Metabolic disorders;
 Bio-ethics with focus on Ethics and regulatory issues of Gene editing techniques;
 Rare diseases
Three Year Action Plan of Agricultural Education Division & ICAR Institutes
 The scheme is aimed to generate quality human resources from the institutions of higher agricultural education.
 It encompasses several new initiatives including, steps to attract talented students, reducing academic inbreeding and
addressing faculty shortage.
 It will also take care of green initiatives, mitigating faculty shortage, international ranking, alumni involvement, promoting
innovations, inspired teacher network, reducing inbreeding, academia interface, technology enabled learning, Post-doctoral
Fellowships, Agriculture Education Portal, Scientific Social responsibility etc. for quality assurance ranking of the
agricultural universities has been linked to the financial support under the scheme along with accreditation.
 Support for strengthening and modernization of infrastructure related to student and faculty amenities and capacity
building of both faculty and students in cutting edge areas through Niche Area of Excellence programme will improve
teaching and encouraging holistic development of the students.
Please Note:
Exercise SURYA KIRAN-XIII: Joint military training exercise between India & Nepal
India is one of the largest importers and in 2017; it imported nearly 150 Million US Dollar worth Li-Ion batteries.
The auto mobile sector of India is one of the largest in the world and accounts for over 7.1 % of India’s GDP and contributes
nearly 22 % of India’s manufacturing GDP.
Faster Adoption Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in India (FAME)
 Launched in 2015; is proposed to be implemented over a period of 6 years till 2020
 22 Original Equipment Manufacturers with 80 models are registered for availing demand incentive
Lithium-ion batteries can power any electrical application without the need of physical wires-means wireless. Li-Ion batteries
have applications in Energy Storage System –
 From hearing aid to container sized batteries to power a cluster of villages
 Electric Vehicles (2-wheeler, 3-wheeler, 4-wheeler and Bus)
 Portable electronic sector
 Grid Storage
 Telecom and Telecommunication Towers
 Medical Devices
 Household and Office Power Back (UPS)
 Powering Robots in Processing Industry
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UTTAM App has been launched for ensuring transparency and efficiency in coal quality monitoring process.
Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India (SHAKTI), for auction and allotment of coal linkages,
will lead to affordable power and transparency in allocation of coal.
Maternal Mortality Rate: India has registered a record 22% reduction in MMR since 2013, which is the highest percentage
decline so far when compared to all the previous reductions in MMR as per the previous rounds of SRS. India has met the MDG
target for MMR of 139/lakh live births by achieving 130 by 2015.
The Quarterly Employment survey (New Series) is an enterprise based survey, carried out with an objective to measure
relative change in employment situation over successive quarters for the establishments having 10 or more workers.
India’s First National Rail & Transportation University: Vadodara
Atal Tinkering Labs:
 By NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
 For nurturing innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among secondary school children across India
 ATLs will soon be established in every district of India, seeking to enable an innovation ecosystem, which will facilitate
transformational change in technological innovation and pedagogy.
Atal Innovation Mission of NITI Aayog
 The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is the Government of India’s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and
entrepreneurship in the country.
 AIM is mandated to create an umbrella structure to oversee innovation ecosystem of the country and revolutionizing the
innovation eco-system – touching upon the entire innovation life cycle through various programs.
 The Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs) create innovators, Atal Incubation Centres and support to Established Incubation
Centre ensure that innovations are taken to the market and help create enterprises around these innovations.
National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) – to promote co-operative marketing of
Agricultural Produce to benefit the farmers.
 Procures pulses, oilseeds and onion from farmers
 Procured 31.91 lakh metric tonnes of pulses and oilseeds in 2017-18 thereby benefitting over 20 lakh farmers; money was
directly transferred to farmers’ accounts.
Swajal scheme: Aim to provide villages with piped water supply powered by solar energy. The scheme will train hundreds of
rural technicians for operation and maintenance of Swajal units.
Ayushman Bharat – National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM): 20 States sign MoU for implementing the scheme
National Tribal Museum & National Level Tribal Research Institute: Proposed to be set up at Delhi
Host of European Union Film Festival: India – organized by the Directorate of Film Festivals, Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting, Government of India, and European Union
Ten new Swachh Iconic Places (SIP) launched under Swachh Bharat Mission
1. Raghavendra Swamy Temple (Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh)
2. Hazardwari Palace (Murshidabad, West Bengal)
3. Brahma Sarovar Temple (Kurukshetra, Haryana)
4. Vidur Kuti (Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh)
5. Mana village (Chamoli, Uttarakhand)
6. Pangong Lake (Leh-Ladakh, J&K)
7. Nagvasuki Temple (Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh)
8. Ima Keithal/market (Imphal, Manipur)
9. Sabarimala Temple (Kerala)
10. Kanvashram (Uttarakhand)
Quotes:
Development & Environment
 Development and environment need not be antithetical to each other, but must foster a complementary and symbiotic
relationship.
 All scientific endeavors must aim at finding solutions to the problems faced by the society. Science has no meaning if it
does not the touch the lives of the people. Scientists and technocrats cannot remain in ivory towers.
Peace & Development
 Both beyond and within the boundaries is crucial for rapid development of our country.
 India believes in resolving differences through negotiations in an atmosphere of trust and good will and added that no
problem or issue is beyond solution if the intentions are right.
 Atal Mission will help Arunachal address infrastructure issues relating to water supply, septage management and sewer
networks, storm water drains, non-motorised urban transport and open spaces and parks.
 New energy, new resolve, new hope, new approaches and new thinking are driving this change.
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IASbaba Press Information Bureau 17th June to 23rd June, 2018

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‘Adopt a Heritage’ Scheme

implementation)
Implemented by:
 Ministry of Tourism
 Ministry of Culture
 Archaeological Survey of India
Aim:
 To develop synergy among all partners to effectively promote “responsible tourism”
 Involve public sector companies, private sector companies and corporate citizens/individuals to take up the responsibility
for making our heritage and tourism more sustainable through development, operation and maintenance of world-class
tourist infrastructure and amenities at ASI/ State heritage sites and other important tourist sites in India.
The project primarily focuses on providing basic amenities that includes cleanliness, public conveniences, drinking water, ease of
access for differently abled and senior citizens, standardized signage, illumination and advanced amenities such as surveillance
system, night viewing facilities, tourism facilitation center and an enhanced tourism experience that will result in more tourist
footfalls, both domestic and foreign.
Chief Ministers Subgroup Constituted to Coordinate Policy Approaches for Agriculture and MGNREGS
implementation)
Convener: Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh
The move comes in the backdrop of the vision of the Prime Minister towards Doubling Farmers’ Income by 2022 which requires
a multi-dimensional and inclusive approach.
Terms of Reference of the Sub-Group has tentatively been assigned as follows:
 To suggest a wider choice of State specific interventions both for pre-sowing and post-harvest to further improve the thrust
on incomes, water conservation and waste to wealth.
 To align works under MGNREGS fully to the requirements of achieving the goal of Doubling Farmers’ Income by 2022.
This will improve thrust on Water Conservation, individual Beneficiary Schemes, Construction of Rural Haats, Vermi-
Composting etc.
 To make recommendations on interventions of MGNREGS that can facilitate reduction of agrarian distress including work
availability, wage rates, seasonality etc.
 To explore the possibilities of MGNREGS as a livelihood resource for development and diversification of livelihoods of
small and marginal farmers specially belonging to SC/ST households.
 To suggest ways of aligning MGNREGS and its livelihood thrust with women Self Help Groups (SHGs), producer
Groups, and Producer Companies to enable a better use of resources for livelihood.
 To explore successful convergence of program resources across Departments to ensure optimal fund utilization, efficiency,
effectiveness and sustainability.
Launch of National Digital Library of India

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By: Ministry of Human Resource Development under the aegis of National Mission on Education through Information and
Communication Technology (NMEICT)
Objective of NDL: To make digital educational resources available to all citizens of the country to empower, inspire and
encourage learning
Developed by: IIT Kharagpur
 NDL is the Single Window Platform that collects and collates metadata from premier learning institutions in India and
abroad, as well as other relevant sources.
 It is a digital repository containing textbooks, articles, videos, audio books, lectures, simulations, fiction and all other kinds
of learning media.
This initiative is Government’s commitment towards “Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat”
Government to team up with Google for flood forecasting

implementation)
Central Water Commission (CWC), India’s apex technical organization in the field of Water Resources, has entered into a
Collaboration Agreement with Google.
Under this Agreement, CWC and Google will share technical expertise in the fields of artificial intelligence, machine learning,
geospatial mapping and analysis of hydrological observation data to collaborate on
1. Improving flood prediction systems, which will help provide location-targeted, actionable flood warnings
2. High priority research project utilizing Google Earth Engine to help visualize and improve flood management
3. A cultural project to build online exhibitions on the Rivers of India
4. Help crisis management agencies to deal extreme hydrological events in a better manner.
Release of National Strategy for Standardization

implementation)
India’s quest for providing best quality begins with identifying standards, and unless products are standardised it becomes
difficult to market them. Standardisation boosts both exports as well as domestic economic growth by enabling realisation of
value of product and services and consumers will be the biggest beneficiary.
Indian National Strategy for Standardization (INSS)
 Result of the combined efforts of Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Consumer Affairs and industry
stakeholders
 Provides a vision for the country to achieve the highest quality standards in production and distribution of goods and
services in an attempt to reclaim Brand India.
 The INSS report addresses four broad pillars of Quality Ecosystem:
1. Standards Development
2. Conformity Assessment and Accreditation
3. Technical Regulations and SPS Measures
4. Awareness and Education
Launch of National Health Resource Repository (NHRR)

Country’s first ever national healthcare facility registry of authentic, standardized and updated geo-spatial data of all public and
private healthcare establishments.
Vision: To strengthen evidence-based decision making and develop a platform for citizen and provider-centric services by
creating a robust, standardized and secured IT-enabled repository of India’s healthcare resources.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the project technology partner adhering to paramount Data Security.
Key outcomes and Benefits:
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 Provide comprehensive data on all health resources including private doctors, health facilities, chemists, and diagnostics
labs, establish a National Health Resource Repository for evidence based decision making – aligned with Digital India
mission
 Enhance the coordination between central and state government for optimization of health resources, making ‘live’ and
realistic state Project Implementation Plans (PIPs) and improving accessibility of data at all levels, including State Head of
Departments, thus, decentralize the decision making at district and state level.
 Create a reliable, unified registry of Country’s healthcare resources showing the distribution pattern of health facilities and
services between cities and rural areas
 Generate real-world intelligence to identify gaps in health and service ratios, and ensure judicious health resource
allocation and management
 Identify key areas of improvement by upgrading existing health facilities or establishing new health facilities keeping in
view the population density, geographic nature, health condition, distance, etc.
Please Note
Chabahar Port: Iran; India Trying to Make Chabahar Port in Iran Operational by 2019
Best Performing Social Sector Ministry SKOCH Award: Ministry of Women & Child Development
Centre of Excellence in Maritime & Shipbuilding (CEMS) Sets up Labs in Mumbai and Vizag: Start-up in skill
development for maritime and shipbuilding sector
This is First-of-Its-Kind Infrastructure in Asia Pacific Region
 CEMS aims to build competency in the field of maritime & shipbuilding sector through skill development in the latest
manufacturing technologies for shipbuilding/ repair and ancillary sectors.
 CEMS will deploy an industry-relevant skill development program and equip students with employable engineering and
technical skills in the areas of Ship Hull Design, Ship Detailed Design, Shipbuilding &Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul
(MRO), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), and advanced digital manufacturing-factory concepts.
Discovery of a Sub-Saturn like Planet around a Sun-like star: A Team of scientists and engineers led by Prof. Abhijit
Chakraborty of Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, discovered a sub-Saturn or super-neputune size planet (mass
of about 27 Earth Mass and size of 6 Earth Radii) around a Sun-like star. The planet will be known as EPIC 211945201b or K2-
236b.
Campaign to promote energy efficiency in the area of air-conditioning:
Every one degree increase in the air-conditioner temperature setting results in saving of 6 per cent of electricity consumed
 Normal human body temperature is approximately 36-37 degree Celsius, but large number of commercial establishments,
hotels and offices maintain temperature around 18-21 degree Celsius. This is not only uncomfortable but is actually
unhealthy.
 Under the guidance of Ministry of Power, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has carried out a study and has
recommended that the default setting in the air-conditioning should be at 24 degree Celsius. The new campaign will result
in substantial energy savings and also reduce greenhouse gas emission.
National targets for off-shore wind power: Medium term target of 5 GW by 2022 and long term target of 30 GW by 2030
Note:
 India’s on-shore wind target is of 60 GW and its achievement is of 34 GW
 Solar target is of 100 GW by 2022
MMR: India has registered a record 22% reduction in MMR since 2013, which is the highest percentage decline so far when
compared to all the previous reductions in MMR as per the earlier rounds of SRS. Maternal Mortality Ratio of India has declined
from 167 in 2011-2013 to 130 in 2014-2016.
Expediting online cybercrime reporting portal:
 Reduce the clearance time by making use of online systems in coordination with administrative Ministries for processing
the proposals. This would further improve efficiency and monitoring.
 Enable affected people in States/Union Territories to lodge complaints which will be investigated by the respective law
enforcement agencies and action taken for removal of such content.
 Greater vigilance against evolving cyber threats and regular cyber auditing of IT infrastructure of all organisations under
MHA
 Upgradation and updation of National Information Security Policy and Guidelines (NISPG) for the government sector
 Increasing public awareness and strengthening of institutional framework for checking Financial frauds being committed
on gullible public by phone call fraudsters and stressed on.
European Union (EU):
 The EU, which consists of 28 countries, has the world’s largest economy and its third largest population, after China and
India.
 Though richly diverse, the countries that make up the EU (its ‘Member States’) are all committed to the same basic values:
peace, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights.
 They have set up common institutions so that decisions on matters of joint interest can be made democratically at
European level.
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 By creating a frontier-free single market and a single currency (the euro) which has been adopted by 19 Member States,
the EU has given a significant boost to trade and employment.
 It is also at the forefront of policies on sustainability.
Updates: Conference on International Decade for Action: Water for Sustainable Development 2018-28
In the field of resource assessment
 India is in the process of upgrading its water resources information and management system for scientific development,
conservation, and conjoint use of our ground and surface water resources.
 The National Water Information Centre (NWIC) is a modern platform for assessment of surface water and ground water,
flood forecasting, reservoir monitoring, coastal information management system and river basin management.
 India has launched an ambitious national project on aquifer management (NAQUIM) to completely map 2 million sq. km.
of the map-able area of the country. The mapping is followed by proper aquifer management plan.
In the field of river rejuvenation
 Namami Gange is our flagship programme to rejuvenate and make river Ganga pollution free. We are also taking similar
steps to rejuvenate other rivers to bring them to their pristine form.
 To increase our food grain production, India is committed to bring more areas under assured irrigation – Pradhan Mantri
Krishi Sinchai Yojna-PMKSY (Prime Ministers Irrigation Project) whereby we will complete 99 large irrigation projects
and thereby create additional irrigation potential of 7.62 million hectares.
 The other important objective of this programme is “Har Khet ko Pani” or provide water to every field by extending
command area development & undertaking water management works.
 The other objective of PMKSY is to ensure ‘More Crop per Drop’, through promotion of micro and drip irrigation and
ensuring better water efficiency. We are also settling outstanding issues on the international rivers with our neighbouring
countries and within the country, on the inter-state rivers.
In the field of drinking water
 Government is undertaking National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) with the objective of providing
adequate safe water for drinking, cooking and other domestic basic needs on sustainable basis through creation of
infrastructure.
 The Government of India plans to achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by
2030.
 Another flagship programme of my Government is Swachh Bharat Mission, which is being executed in both urban and
rural areas of India, with focus on safe sanitation and aim to achieve universal sanitation coverage. This program in rural
areas shall improve the level of cleanliness, solid and liquid waste management activities and make villages open
defecation free (ODF), clean and sanitized.
 In the urban areas, Swachh Bharat Mission targets construction of 6.6 million individual house hold toilets, 0.25 million
community toilets and 0.26 million public toilets. Besides, the programme aims to achieve 100% door to door collection
and scientific management of municipal waste.
Under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, water conservation and water harvesting works are being undertaken
by digging wells, ponds and repairing of traditional water bodies, reservoirs and canals. India is spending about USD 5 billion on
water conservation across the country in around 100,000 villages.
Must Read: Ayushman Bharat- National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM)
Quotes
The Vice President and Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu
On Media
 MEDIA should effectively function as Means of Empowerment for Development through Informed Actions of people
 Media, as the fourth pillar of democracy has an important role in facilitating such a positive discourse. It needs to highlight
the problems, deficiencies in policy and governance at various levels and present different perspectives so that people can
make informed decisions. Media can be and in fact needs to be critical without, however, being motivated.
On Local Governance
 Local bodies should always place citizens at the centre of civic governance, adding that people’s participation in
formulating and planning projects and services will improve execution and delivery of the services.
 Local bodies need to be provided with the three 3 Fs – Funds, Functions and Functionaries – for effective governance.
On Agriculture
 Making agriculture sustainable and profitable should top the agenda of both central and state governments as food security
is the key foundation of national security.
 We have become self-sufficient in food grains. However, this has not translated into higher incomes for the farmers.
Unless agriculture is made profitable, we cannot attract more people, especially youth, to take up farming.
 Krishi Vigyan Kendras must act as a bridge between scientists and farmers in providing knowledge and latest farming
techniques to farmers. KVKs across the country to play an active role in making agriculture remunerative by training
farmers in allied sectors like sericulture, diary, poultry, fisheries, seed processing and others.
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On Widows
 We as a society need to reflect on the social attitudes towards widows and how the stigma, humiliation and isolation
attached to widowhood can be overcome.
 A powerful social movement is required to change the mindset of people towards widows
 Indigent widows need to be empowered financially by providing loans to be self-employed. Preference should be given to
widows while extending Mudra loans
 There is a need to create livelihood opportunities through vocational training programmes in various areas, including
tailoring, garment making and packaging for widows.
 The concept of New India encompasses economically emancipated women and if that vision is realized, many of the social
ills like atrocities on women and neglect of widows can become a thing of the past.
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 24th to 30th June, 2018

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2019: 100 years of the horrific incident of Jallianwala Bagh will come to a full circle
(Topic: The Freedom Struggle – its various stages)
Date: April 13, 1919
Also known as the Amritsar massacre
 Dyer was convinced of a major insurrection and he banned all meetings; however this notice was not widely disseminated.
That was the day of Baisakhi, the main Sikh festival, and many villagers had gathered in the Bagh.
 On hearing that a meeting had assembled at Jallianwala Bagh, Dyer ordered the army to shoot at the crowd. Dyer
continued the firing for about ten minutes, until the ammunition supply was almost exhausted.
 The civilians had assembled to condemn the arrest and deportation of two national leaders, Satya Pal and Saifuddin
Kitchlew (most remembered for the protests in Punjab after the implementation of *Rowlatt Act in March 1919)
 The ineffective inquiry and the initial accolades for Dyer by the House of Lords fuelled widespread anger, leading to the
*Non-cooperation Movement of 1920–22.
*Rowlatt Act: This act effectively authorized the government to imprison any person suspected of terrorism living in the Raj for
up to two years without a trial, and gave the imperial authorities power to deal with all revolutionary activities.
*Non-cooperation Movement of 1920–22: Led by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi after the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
 Reaction to the oppressive policies of the British Indian government such as the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh
massacre
 Aimed to resist British rule in India through nonviolence means,”Ahimsa”
 Protesters would refuse to buy British goods, adopt the use of local handicrafts and picket liquor shops.
Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee

(Topic: The Freedom Struggle – its important contributors)
 Birthday: July 6
 Associated with education, administration and parliamentary affairs
 Youngest vice-chancellor of the University of Calcutta (33 yrs)
 In 1937, on the invitation of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore addressed the convocation in
Kolkata University in Bangla. This was the first time under British rule that the convocation in Kolkata University had
been addressed to in Bangla
 The first industrial policy of Independent India, which came in 1948, was stamped with his ideas and vision.
 For the proper development of cottage and small industries with finance availability and organizational setup- All India
Handicrafts Board, All India Handloom Board and Khadi & Village Industries Board were established between 1948 and
1950.
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 There was also a special emphasis by Dr. Mukherjee on indigenization of India’s defence production, in the establishment
of four most successful mega projects- Chittaranjan locomotive works factory, Hindustan aircraft factory, Sindri fertilizer
factory and Damodar Valley Corporation and other river valley projects
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NITI Aayog partners with GNFC Ltd

implementation)
Why: To implement Fertilizer Subsidy Disbursement through Blockchain Technology
 They will jointly develop the use case, under take research, interact with multiple stakeholders, develop Blockchain
solutions, exchange learnings, organise forums, and disseminate learnings across their networks.
 Learnings, insights and outcomes of the PoC will enable NITI Aayog to suggest policy recommendations and actions in
strengthening the subsidy mechanism, making it more transparent and immune to leakages.
Why Blockchain
 Distribution will become effective and efficient
 Subsidy transfer could be automated and made real time
 Blockchain platform have inherent characteristics of distributed computing and ledger keeping of transactions i.e.
confidentiality, authenticity, non-repudiation, data integrity, and data availability.
 Overall implementation ensures that there is no dependence on intermediary agencies to prove the validity of transactions
and resulting subsidy claims.
 The blockchain based process will also use Smart Contracts which will enable quick and accurate reconciliation of
transactions between multiple parties with minimal human intervention.
 Implementation platform is such that process transparency is evident, transactions cannot be altered and audit trails of
transactions are available.
Cabinet approves
MoU between India and Singapore on Cooperation in the field of urban planning and development:
 To facilitate government agencies in the Centre and States, including Municipal Bodies, to readily tap into the expertise of
Singapore agencies in the areas of urban development and management and other areas, and thus help in urban
rejuvenation, mission
 Capacity building programme in the field of planning, focusing on areas of urban planning, water and waste water
management, solid waste management, Intelligent Transport System and public financing (Public Private Partnerships)
would be undertaken
 It would equip the officials with skills related to evidence based policy writing, evaluation etc. and help NITI to play the
newly assigned role of a Think Tank in a more effective manner.
MoU between India and Germany on Cooperation in the field of Civil Aviation: Signifies an important landmark in the civil
aviation relations between India and Germany, and has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism, and cultural
exchanges between the two countries.
Strengthening of teaching, patient / clinical care and public health programme implementation – Shifting of more
experienced doctors belonging to Central Government and Central government entities to teaching/ clinical / Public Health
Programme implementation activities
 The approval seeks to ensure that the doctors belonging to Central Health Service (CHS) and of other Ministries /
Departments / entities of the Central Government, after attaining the age of 62 years, work exclusively in their respective
fields of clinical expertise.
 This will result in capacity building and leadership development of more Central Government doctors besides availability
of more experienced doctors for medical education, clinical / patient care services and for implementation of national
health programmes.
MoU between India and Bahrain on cooperation in the field of Healthcare: The MoU covers the following areas of
cooperation:-
 Exchange of information including publications and research outcomes;
 Exchanging visits by governmental officials, academic staff, scholars, teachers, experts and students;
 Participating in workshops and training courses;
 Encouraging health and medical research activities at both the private-sector and the academic level
Please Note:
1st of July: Doctor’s Day
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1st July 2018: To be celebrated as ‘GST day’, to commemorate the first year of the unprecedented reform of Indian taxation
 GST – ‘ONE NATION, ONE TAX, ONE MARKET’- binds India into an Economic Union, promotes ‘Make in India’ and
has improved ‘Ease of Doing Business’
 Introduction of e-way bill ensures hassle free movement of goods throughout the country
 GST replaced multi-layered, complex indirect tax structure with a simple, transparent and technology–driven tax regime
Mission Shaurya: Initiative of the Adivasi Vikas Vibhag of the Maharashtra State Government – Five students out of 10 of this
group successfully scaled Mt. Everest in May 2018
ICDS-CAS (Common Application Software) has been specially designed to strengthen the Service Delivery System as well as
the mechanism for Real Time Monitoring (RTM) for nutritional outcomes
PRAGATI – the ICT-based, multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation
Islands Development Agency:
 Constituted in 2017
 26 islands have been listed for holistic development
 Elements of holistic development: Establishment of key infrastructure projects, digital connectivity, green energy,
desalination plants, waste management, promotion of fisheries, and tourism-based projects
 Review of the work done in Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Need for developing an integrated tourism-centric
ecosystem
 Need to explore the possibility of seaweed cultivation, and other initiatives which could be of help for the agriculture
sector
India is the largest borrower from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank: With the total project portfolios of US$4.4
Billion, India has been the largest borrower of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) lending since the time the Bank
started its operations.
 AIIB is the first major multilateral development bank where principal contributors are the borrowing members themselves.
 An international financial institution that aims to support the building of infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region –
established in January 2016 with its headquarters located in Beijing
 Its stated mission is “to improve economic and social development in Asia by investing in high quality, financially viable
and environmentally friendly infrastructure projects”.
 The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has been projected as an “Asian tool” to deal with such challenges that
have stunted the growth prospects of several Asian economies.
Use of satellite-based Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) data:
 For estimating ground-based PM2.5 levels
 Establishing early warning system and dissemination protocol to inform public and enforcing agencies about episodic high
pollution events in advance
National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL): Certification agency for air quality measurement instruments.
Prime Minister Awas Yojana (PMAY) Scheme: To hand-over 1 crore homes by December 2018
Interventions:
 As part of Smart City Initiative, safe transportation, lower environment impact, waste to energy and waste to compost,
universal access for women, children and old people is where intervention is required beyond building homes.
 Use of innovative and fast-track construction technology has been adopted in a big way under the scheme. More than 7
lakh houses are being constructed in different States using new technologies.
 The progress of the houses on the ground has been monitored through geo-tagging using space technology.
 The Ministry has further rolled out eight models of Public-Private Partnerships for Affordable Housing that has ushered in
a revolution in Affordable Housing sector in India.
 The investment in the housing sector has a spiral and cascading effect on other sectors of the economy as well, thereby
boosting the GDP of the country. The increased activity in the housing sector, increases the demand of not only
construction material such as bricks, cement, sand and steel but also the allied sectors.
The Government of India is committed to provide “Housing for All” by the end of the Mission period-2022.
3000 Van Dhan Kendras to be set up: The Government proposes to set up 3000 Van Dhan Kendras involving 30,000 SHGs
across the country
 By the Ministry of Tribal Affairs
 An initiative for targeting livelihood generation for tribals by harnessing non-timber forest produces, the true wealth of
forest i.e. Van Dhan with an estimated value: Rs.2 Lakh Cr. per year.
 It shall promote and leverage the collective strength of tribals (through SHGs) to achieve scale.
 It also aims at build upon the traditional knowledge & skill sets of tribals by adding technology & IT for value addition.
 Further it is to set-up tribal community owned Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (the Kendra) in predominantly forested tribal
districts. A Kendra shall constitute of 10 tribal SHGs, each comprising of upto 30 tribal NTFP gatherers or artisans i.e.
about 300 beneficiaries per Kendra.
 Training and technical support is provided by TRIFED
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‘Women in Prisons’ Report

By: The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD)
Aim: To build an understanding of the various entitlements of women in prisons, the various issues faced by them and possible
methods for resolution of the same
The report contains a comprehensive list of 134 recommendations for improving the lives of women under incarceration,
addressing a wide range of issues pertaining to pregnancy and childbirth in prison, mental health, legal aid, reintegration in
society and their caregiving responsibilities among others.
The excerpts of the report:
 Prior to their imprisonment, women with care-giving responsibilities must be allowed to make arrangements for their
children, and a reasonable suspension of detention may also be provided for this purpose.
 Bail should be granted to those under-trial women who have spent one-third of their maximum possible sentence in
detention, by making necessary changes in Section 436A of the CrPC which provides for release after half of the
maximum sentence has been served.
 A separate accommodation for mothers in post-natal stage to maintain hygiene and protect the infant from contagion, for at
least a year after childbirth
 Special provisions relating to health and nutrition be made for women who have recently given birth outside prison, or
who have undergone abortion or miscarriage
 Legal consultations must be conducted in confidentiality and without censorship
 Comprehensive after-care programme to be put in place, covering employment, financial support, regaining of child
custody, shelter, counselling, continuity of health care services etc. Counselling should also be provided to family
members and employers to adequately receive the woman after release.
 At least one voluntary organisation should be designated in each district to help with integration of released prisoners.
 Need for a more robust grievance redressal system
 Inmates should have access to female counsellors/psychologists at least on a weekly basis or as frequently as needed by
them.
Ban on Oxytocin formulations: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has restricted the manufacture of Oxytocin
formulations for domestic use to public sector only. It has also banned the import of Oxytocin and its formulations.
 Oxytocin is a naturally-occurring hormone that causes uterine contractions during labour and helps new mothers lactate.
 But its misuse is widespread in the dairy industry where livestock are injected with oxytocin to make them release milk at
a time convenient to farmers. The hormone is also used to increase the size of vegetables such as pumpkins, watermelons,
brinjals, gourds and cucumbers.
Personality in News
Sant Kabirdas
Maghar: In eastern Uttar Pradesh – Sant Kabir Das ji attained Samadhi here
 Do you know why Kabir Das ji chose to go to Maghar – In those days it was believed that death in Maghar was a
roadblock in one’s pathway to heaven. On the contrary, breathing one’s last in Kaashi was a guarantee for entry into
heaven. Maghar was considered unholy but Sant Kabirdas never subscribed to that view. He toiled relentlessly to quell
many such superstitions and evil social customs of his times. That is why he went to Maghar and chose to attain Samadhi
there.
 Sant Kabir Das ji, through his verses ‘Saakhis’ and ‘Dohas’ stressed upon the virtues of social equality, peace and
brotherhood, and laid great emphasis on social cohesion. He appealed to the people to rise above divisions of religion &
caste and make knowledge & wisdom the sole basis of recognition.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Jagatguru)
 Guru Nanak Dev’s teachings endeavoured to eradicate caste based discrimination prevalent in society. He perceived
humankind as one & urged everyone to embrace humanity.
 The establishment of a kitchen free of social discrimination where a person of any caste, sect, religion or community could
eat or what we know as the langarsystem was initiated solely by Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
 The 550th Prakash Parv of Guru Nanak Dev Ji will be celebrated in 2019.
Quotes
On Cooperatives
 Cooperatives need to take up the task of training farmers in the right use of fertilizers, and also help them understand new
technologies in farming. Agricultural cooperatives can play a vital role in educating the farmers to reduce the cost of
cultivation through balanced use of fertilizer, improve water-use efficiency, establish more warehouse to avoid distress
sale of produce, link with National E-market (e-NAM), emphasize value addition and encourage farmers to take up other
allied activities like poultry, beekeeping, and fisheries.
 Government should strengthen cooperatives so that they can work for the welfare of the farmers and give them credit at the
time they need at a reasonable rate of interest
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 Cooperative sector has a big role in bridging the urban-rural divide and creating opportunities for income generation.
Women’s participation will further strengthen economic activity in rural areas
 Cooperatives have tremendous opportunities in solving the problem of unemployment, so, skilling the rural population
through cooperatives can be a big leap forward.
 Highlighting the need to have a transparent, accountable and efficient system, cooperatives need to make effective use of
digital technology in their functioning, especially in governance, banking and businesses.
On Human Rights, Values and Cultural Ethos
 Eternal vigilance is required to safeguard human rights and restore human dignity to each and every person.
 Citizens must be the guardians of liberty of fellow citizens. It is the duty of every citizen. Civil liberties are well protected
when each of us respects others’ rights.
 Philosophy of education is to provide for the total development of citizens, including the development of the physical,
intellectual, emotional, material and spiritual aspects of their personality.
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 1st to
7th July, 2018

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Agreement signed on repatriation of Bru persons to Mizoram

(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)
In a major breakthrough on repatriation of displaced Bru persons from Mizoram since 1997, an agreement has been signed by
Government of India, Governments of Mizoram and Tripura and Mizoram Bru Displaced People’s Forum (MBDPF)
 5,407 families comprising of 32,876 persons presently in temporary camps in Tripura will repatriate to Mizoram before
30th Sept., 2018
 Government of India will provide financial assistance for rehabilitation of Brus in Mizoram and address their issues of
security, education, livelihood etc. in consultation with Governments of Mizoram and Tripura.
The tribe: Bru (or Reang) tribals inhabit parts of some Northeastern states. In Mizoram, they are largely restricted to Mamit and
Kolasib districts.
Why 32,000 Bru tribals from Mizoram were stuck in Tripura for 21 years?
In 1995, following a clash between Mizos and Brus, the Young Mizo Association and Mizo Students’ Association demanded that
Brus be removed from the state’s electoral rolls, contending that the tribe was not indigenous to Mizoram. This led to an armed
movement led by the militant outfit Bru National Liberation Front (BNLF), and a political one by the Bru National Union (BNU).
On October 21, 1997, BNLF militants killed a forest official in Mizoram, leading to retaliatory ethnic violence. The BNU, which
was demanding an autonomous tribal district, claimed that 1,391 Bru houses in 41 villages were burnt down and several people
were raped and killed. Mizoram police put the number of homes torched at 325 in 16 villages, and did not confirm rape or
murder.
A large number of Bru families fled to North Tripura. Thousands of families, with some 30,000 members, were given shelter in
six relief camps in Kanchanpur and Panisagar subdivisions.
Cabinet approves
Accession to WIPO Copyright Treaty, 1996 and WIPO Performance and Phonograms Treaty, 1996
Proposal: It is regarding accession to the WIPO Copyright Treaty and WIPO Performers and Phonograms Treaty which extends
coverage of copyright to the internet and digital environment
The approval is a step towards the objective laid in the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy adopted by the
Government on 12thMay 2016 which aims to get value for IPRs through commercialization by providing guidance and support to
EPR owners about commercial opportunities of e-commerce through Internet and mobile platforms.
Meeting the demand of the copyright industries, these treaties will help India:
 To enable creative right-holders enjoy the fruit of their labour, through international copyright system that can be used to
secure a return on the investment made in producing and distributing creative works;
 To facilitate international protection of domestic rights holder by providing them level-playing field in other countries as
India already extends protection to foreign works through the International Copyright order and these treaties will enable
Indian right holders to get reciprocal protection abroad;
 To instil confidence and distribute creative works in digital environment with return on investment; and
 To spur business growth and contribute to the development of a vibrant creative economy and cultural landscape
Berne Convention: The Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, usually known as the Berne
Convention, is an international agreement governing copyright, which was first accepted in Berne, Switzerland, in 1886.
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The Berne Convention formally mandated several aspects of modern copyright law; it introduced the concept that a copyright
exists the moment a work is “fixed”, rather than requiring registration. It also enforces a requirement that countries recognize
copyrights held by the citizens of all other parties to the convention.
Renewal of MoU between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India & Saudi Organisation for Certified Public
Accountants: To promote mutual co-operation framework in the areas of Corporate Governance, Technical Research & Advice,
Quality Assurance, Forensic Accounting, issues for Small and Medium Sized Practices (SMPs), Islamic Finance, Continuing
Professional Development (CPD) and other subjects of mutual interest related to Accountancy profession
 Develop a mutually beneficial relationship in the best interest of ICAI members, students and their organizations.
 Provide an opportunity to the ICAI members to expand their professional horizons and simultaneously ICAI will become
an entity to aid and strengthen capacity building of local nationals.
 Enable ICAI to promote the Accounting and Auditing profession and all matters that might lead to the development of the
profession and improve its status.
 Foster strong working relations between the ICAI & SOCPA thus giving strong professional opportunities to Indian
Chartered Accountants in India and more confidence to employers in Eastern Province, thus creating significant
employment opportunities for Indian Chartered Accountants.
Umbrella Schemes – Relief and Rehabilitation of Migrants and Repatriates
 Central Assistance for one-time settlement of displaced families from Pak Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and
Chhamb settled in the State of Jammu & Kashmir.
 Rehabilitation Package and up-gradation of infrastructure of the
 Bangladeshi Enclaves and Cooch Behar District after transfer of enclaves between India and Bangladesh under Land
Boundary Agreement
 Relief assistance to Sri Lankan refugees staying in camps in Tamil Nadu and Odisha
 Grant-in-Aid to Central Tibetan Relief Committee (CTRC) for five years for administrative and social welfare expenses of
Tibetan settlements.
 Grant-in-Aid to Government of Tripura for maintenance of Brus lodged in relief camps of Tripura.
 Rehabilitation of Bru/Reang families from Tripura to Mizoram
 Grant of enhanced relief of Rs. 5.00 lakh per deceased person, who died during 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots
 Central Scheme for Assistance to Civilian Victims/Family of Victims of Terrorist/Communal/LWE Violence and Cross
Border Firing and Mine/IED blasts on Indian Territory’
Extension of Scheme of Recapitalization of Regional Rural Banks upto 2019-20: Enable the RRBs to maintain the minimum
prescribed Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of 9 per cent. A strong capital structure and minimum required level
of CRAR will ensure financial stability of RRBs which will enable them to play a greater role in financial inclusion and meeting
the credit requirements of rural areas.
RRBs: RRBs were set up with the objective to provide credit and other facilities, especially to the small and marginal farmers,
agricultural labourers, artisans and small entrepreneurs in rural areas for development of agriculture, trade, commerce, industry
and other productive activities. RRBs are jointly owned by Government of India, the concerned State Government and Sponsor
Banks with the issued capital shared in the proportion of 50%, 15% and 35% respectively.
MoU between India and United Kingdom on cooperation in the sphere of Law & Justice and establishing a Joint
Consultative Committee
DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018: For expanding the application of DNA-based forensic
technologies to support and strengthen the justice delivery system of the country.
By providing for the mandatory accreditation and regulation of DNA laboratories, the Bill seeks to ensure that with the proposed
expanded use of this technology in the country, there is also the assurance that the DNA test results are reliable and the data
remain protected from misuse or abuse in terms of the privacy rights of our citizens.
 Speedier justice delivery
 Increased conviction rate
 Bill’s provisions will enable the cross-matching between persons who have been reported missing on the one hand and
unidentified dead bodies found in various parts of the country on the other, and also for establishing the identity of victims
in mass disasters.
Revitalising Infrastructure and Systems in Higher Education (RISE) by 2022: Has approved the proposal for expanding the
scope of Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) by enhancing its capital base to Rs. 10,000 crore and tasking it to mobilise
Rs. 1,00,000 crore for Revitalizing Infrastructure and Systems in Education (RISE) by 2022.
HEFA: Set up on 31st May 2017 by the Central Government as a Non Profit, Non-Banking Financing Company (NBFC) for
mobilising extra-budgetary resources for building crucial infrastructure in the higher educational institutions under Central Govt.
State-of-the-art labs and research facilities will help in retaining the brightest young minds in India, and will attract Overseas
Citizens of India back to Indian universities which will convert brain drain to brain gain.
The objectives of RISE by 2022 are:
 Qualitatively upgrade the research and academic infrastructure in India to global best standards by 2022.
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 Make India into an education hub by making available high quality research infrastructure in Indian higher educational
institutions.
 To allow access of HEFA funding to institutions like Central Universities, AIIMS, IISERs and newly created Institutes of
National Importance, without creating any additional burden to the students.
 To bring greater accountability and speed in execution of infrastructure projects and avoid all cost/time over-runs, moving
from the block-grant mode to project-mode for all infrastructure projects.
 To cater to the requirements of the Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas, and medical institutions like AIIMSs
in a faster time frame.
Please Note:
cVIGIL: To report violations of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) that comes into effect from the date of announcement of
elections and goes on till a day after the polls. By using this app, citizens can immediately report on incidents of misconduct
within minutes of having witnessed them and without having to rush to the office of the returning officer to lodge a complaint.
Behdienkhlam:
 4-day Meghalaya Annual Cultural Festival of the Jaintia tribe, held every year at the small peripheral town of Jowai,
Meghalaya.
 Celebrated in the month of July for good health, property and bumper harvest
 The non-Christian ‘Pnar’ people who believe either in the traditional faith of ‘Niamtre’ or Hinduism observe this festival.
Creation of National Health Stack:
 Envisages a centralized health record for all citizens of the country in order to streamline the health information and
facilitate effective management of the same.
 The proposed NHS is an approach to address the challenge and seeks to employ latest technology including Big Data
Analytics and Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence, a state of the art Policy Mark-up Language and create a unified
health identity of citizens – as they navigate across services across levels of care, i.e. Primary, Secondary and Tertiary and
also across Public and Private.
 The innovativeness of the proposed National Health Stack design lies in its ability to leverage a shared public good – a
strong digital spine built with a deep understanding of the incentive structures of the system.
 Once implemented, the National Health Stack will significantly bring down the costs of health protection, converge
disparate systems to ensure a cashless and seamlessly integrated experience for the poorest beneficiaries, and promote
wellness across the population.
Ayushman Bharat Yojana: To develop a wellness focused strategy, ensuring cost effective healthcare for all. The program
leverages a two-pronged approach:
 On the supply side, substantial investments will be made to build 1.5 lakh health and wellness centers offering preventive
and primary care; and
 On the demand side, the Pradhan Mantri-Rashtriya Swasthya Suraksha Mission (PM-RSSM) will create a national
insurance cover of up to 5 lakhs per year per family for over 10 crores households, towards secondary and tertiary care.
Launch of Web GIS application called ‘Coal Mine Surveillance & Management System (CMSMS): Reporting, monitoring
and taking suitable action on unauthorised coal mining activities – location of sites for unauthorised mining can be detected
Launch of mobile app called ‘Khan Prahari’: Tool for reporting any activity taking place related to illegal coal mining like rat
hole mining, pilferage etc. One can upload geo-tagged photographs of the incident along with textual information directly to the
system. Hence, both satellite data and human information will be used to capture information on the unauthorised mining
activities.
Successful flight testing of Crew Escape System – Technology Demonstrator: ISRO carried out a major technology
demonstration today, the first in a series of tests to qualify a Crew Escape System, which is a critical technology relevant for
human spaceflight. The Crew Escape System is an emergency escape measure designed to quickly pull the crew module along
with the astronauts to a safe distance from the launch vehicle in the event of a launch abort. The first test (Pad Abort Test)
demonstrated the safe recovery of the crew module in case of any exigency at the launch pad.
Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR): Being held at Ulaan Baatar (capital and largest city
of Mongolia)
 India advocated for greater investment in disaster resilience, mainstreaming disaster resilience in infrastructure
development, and improving Early Warning Systems, particularly for recurrent hazards such as heat waves.
 Emphasized that without mainstreaming of Disaster Risk Reduction in development it will be nearly impossible to achieve
the loss reduction targets –in mortality, number of affected people, economic losses and infrastructure losses — enshrined
in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. In this regard, work on resilient infrastructure is very strategic and
can spawn positive changes more widely.
Personality in News:
Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee
 An Indian politician, barrister and academician, who served as Minister for Industry and Supply in Prime Minister
Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet
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 Founded the right wing nationalist political party Bharatiya Jana Sangh, a predecessor to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP),
in 1951.
 Strongly opposed to Article 370
 Founder of Bhartiya Janta Party
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 8th to
14th July, 2018

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Use of Aadhaar in Ayushman Bharat – Desirable and not “Must”

In order to authenticate the identity of beneficiaries accurately, the use of Aadhaar card is preferable, but it is not a “must”. There
shall be no denial of benefit for want of Aadhaar number.
Ayushmaan Bharat – An attempt to transform India’s Healthcare Map
Innovative and path-breaking scheme in the history of public health in India. It may have a transformative impact if implemented
in an effective and coordinated manner.
 Aim: To make path-breaking interventions to address health holistically, in primary, secondary and tertiary care systems
 Objective: Prevention + Promotion (Health & Wellness)
 Full proof mechanism while allowing States to accommodate the existing schemes, keeping the flavour of Digital India
intact
Two major initiatives:
 Health and Wellness Centre: Foundation of India’s health system
o 1.5 lakh centres will provide – comprehensive health care, including for non-communicable diseases and maternal
and child health services, provide free essential drugs and diagnostic services
o The budget has allocated Rs.1200 crore for this flagship programme
o Contribution of the private sector through CSR and philanthropic institutions in adopting these centres is also
envisaged.
 National Health Protection Scheme:

o Will cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries)
o Coverage of up to ₹5 lakh a family a year will be provided for secondary- and tertiary-care hospitalization (50
crore beneficiaries)
Ayushmaan Bharat can be a Game Changer only if:
 Collaboration is the key: The Central government collaborates successfully with State governments and the industry, and
focusses aggressively on the operational and implementation aspect of these initiatives. Government and industry should
develop partnerships with the focus on improving the coverage and providing access to quality healthcare services to the
people.
 Capacity building of the existing resources: Increased capacity-building of the resources at hand during policy
formulation.
 Technology: Strong emphasis on the adoption of technology by the entire healthcare ecosystem to provide accessible and
affordable patient care to the last mile of the country.
 Role of States: State ownership and commitment of them is critical as the states are expected to agree for 40 per cent share
under the NHPS (Health: State subject). Also, absorptive capacity of States needs to be increased.
 Clarity on the Services being provided: More clarity on the kind of services that will be provided by government health
facilities and for which conditions patients will have to use private parties and what mechanisms are being thought of.
 Price matters: Establishment of uniform pricing systems for various health interventions, including diagnostics and
medicines, and making them transparent by displaying them in hospital premises.
 Community Engagement: Continuum of care system needs to be established by linking institutions or hospitals, with
health centres and the community. Community engagement is thus crucial in planning and implementation of the
programme and in ensuring that the health and wellness centres and the primary health centres are responsive to the needs
of the community.
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 Special Unit to measure success, course correct: For effective implementation, an independent body or unit may be set
up within the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to plan, coordinate, and provide technical backstopping to states,
including in capacity building and development of standards and guidelines for the programme. Such a unit will ensure
uniform and systematic approach to programme implementation across the country.
Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2018

By: Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation
Objective of SSG 2018: To undertake a ranking of states and districts on the basis of their performance attained on key
quantitative and qualitative SBM-G parameters. In the process, through a countrywide communication campaign, rural
communities will be engaged in the improvement of the sanitation and cleanliness of their surrounding areas
The weights to different elements of the SSG would be as below:
 Direct Observation of sanitation in public places: 30%
 Citizen’s Feedback on sanitation parameters: 35%
 Service Level Progress on sanitation progress in the country as per SBMG- MIS: 35%
India, South Korea Sign Five MoUs in Science & Technology

The MoUs:
 Programme of Cooperation 2018-21
 Establishment of Future Strategy Group
 Cooperation in Biotechnology & Bio-economy: Agreed to extend cooperation in health and medicine, agro-fishery
products developed with the adoption of biotechnology; environment-related challenges and developing environmental and
energy sectors through bio-technology, big data biotechnology; bio-research resources; synthetic biology, genome editing
and microbiomes, etc.
Two other MoUs were signed between Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), and South Korean National Research
Council for Science & Technology and IIT Mumbai and Korea Institute of Science &Technology,to further accelerate future-
oriented cooperation in their respective sectors
Please Note:
Century’s Longest Total Lunar Eclipse: On July 27-28, 2018
 Sun and Mars will lie opposite to each other, keeping the Earth in the middle. This will result in Mars coming close to the
Earth, causing it to appear brighter than normal.
 In this particular eclipse, the Moon will pass through the central part of the Earth’s umbral shadow. Furthermore, the Moon
will be at apogee, means at farthest from the Earth in its orbit, on July 27 and will be moving at a slower speed in its orbit.
This slower moving full Moon will take longer time and greater distance of Earth’s umbral shadow cone to travel, making
it the longest duration of total eclipse of this century
Dipa Karmakar: Won Gold in vault event at FIG World Challenge Cup
Hima Das: Won Gold in 400m of World U20 Championships
First Chairman of Rajya Sabha to sign an MOU: Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu
 Rajya Sabha has, for the first time in 76 years since it came into being, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) with a foreign counterpart- Rwanda for promoting inter-parliamentary dialogue.
 The MOU with 6 articles of cooperation seeks to promote Inter-Parliamentary dialogue, Capacity building of
parliamentary staff, Organisation of conferences, forums, seminars, staff attachment programmes, workshops and
exchanges, Collaboration in mutual interest in regional and international multilateral parliamentary bodies in furtherance
of bilateral relations and friendship between the two countries.
Polavaram Dam: In Andhra Pradesh
Final rankings of States in Ease of Doing Business:
By: Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
1. Andhra Pradesh
2. Telangana
3. Haryana
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4. Jharkhand
5. Gujarat
Government of India is committed to provide “Housing for All” by: 2022
Government declares 6 educational ‘Institutions of Eminence’ – ensure complete autonomy to the selected institutions and
facilitate them to grow more rapidly. At the same time, they will get more opportunity to scale up their operations with more
skills and quality improvement so that they become World Class Institutions in the field of education
1. Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka
2. Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, Maharashtra
3. Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
4. Jio Institute (Reliance Foundation), Pune under Green Field Category
5. Birla Institute of Technology & Sciences, Pilani, Rajasthan
6. Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka
India Smart Cities Fellowship (ISCF) and Internship (ISCI) Program Launched: To provide opportunity to youth to work in
the domain of Urban Planning and Governance
Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus: Strikes an individual at a young age, the challenge is two-fold –
 First, the individual is expected to keep his Blood Sugar levels strictly on the lower side, so as to ensure that his eyes,
kidneys, heart and other vital organs do not get affected over a long span of life that he will have to live dealing with
diabetes.
 Secondly, this also poses an additional economic liability for a lifelong management of Diabetes for a longer number of
years.
Forum for India Pacific Islands Co-operation (FIPIC)
Formed in: November 2014
Objective: To strengthen India’s relationship with the Pacific Island Countries
Summits:
1st: In November 2014 in Suva, Fiji
2nd: FIPIC-II summit held in August 2015, in Jaipur, India
Government of India has taken several steps to promote Cruise Tourism in the country
 Certainty of berth to cruise ships
 Ousting charges have been removed – this has reduced overall cost
 Discount of 42-66 % allowed in Port Charges
 Simplified SOPs issued for processes to be observed by multiple agencies like port authorities, Customs, Immigration,
Security, State Govt., Ship Agents, Tour Operators etc.
 E-Landing card system is ready for ease of travelling among Indian ports
 E- visa introduced for online and on arrival visa facilities
 Cabotage waived for foreign cruise vessels on Indian shores enabling passengers to board the vessel at Indian Ports for
voyage along Indian shores.
 Cruise terminals upgraded with more passenger amenities
 New cruise terminals to be constructed
 Reputed consultant appointed by Shipping Ministry to draw up a road map for Cruise Tourism in India. They have
projected that the number of tourists is likely to go up to 4.5 million by 2042-43
21st July, 2018

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Cabinet approves
Special Remission to Prisoners on the occasion of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi – Homage to the Father of
Nation and the humanitarian values Mahatma Gandhi stood for.
Signing of Memorandum of Understanding amongst BRICS Nations: On the Regional Aviation Partnership Cooperation viz.
Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa
Impact: Has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchanges amongst the BRICS Nations.
Areas of Cooperation:
 Public Policies and best practices in regional services;
 Regional Airports;
 Airport infrastructure management and air navigation services;
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 Technical cooperation between regulatory agencies;

 Innovation;
 Environment Sustainability; including deliberation of global initiatives;
 Qualification and Training
MoU between India and Cuba: On cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy
MoU between India and Indonesia: On cooperation in the field of pharmaceutical products, pharmaceutical substances,
biological product and cosmetics regulatory functions

o To forge better understanding about each other’s regulatory requirements
o Facilitate India’s export of pharmaceutical products
 Establish a framework for fruitful cooperation and exchange of information between the two countries in matters relating
to Pharmaceutical products regulation on the basis for equality, reciprocity and mutual benefit.
MoU between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance, Bahrain: To
strengthen the accounting, financial and audit knowledge base within Bahrain
Special Package for Irrigation Projects in Vidarbha, Marathwada and other chronically drought prone areas of rest of
Maharashtra: Completion of these projects will ensure assured source of water to the farmers in the command area of these
projects. This will increase yield of their crops and thereby increase the income of the farmers.
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Infrastructural Projects in North Eastern Region

(Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.)
100% subsidy is being provided by Ministry of Shipping under Central Sector Scheme for development of IWT infrastructure in
North Eastern States.
Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for the North-Eastern Region (NER):
 Installation of 2817 mobile towers for providing mobile coverage in 4119 uncovered villages of Arunachal Pradesh and
two districts of Assam
 Provision of mobile services on 2G+4G technology for installation of 2173 mobile towers in 2374 uncovered villages and
along National Highways
Bharatmala Pariyojana
 Road stretches aggregating to about 5301 km in NER have been approved for improvement.
 Out of this, 3246 km road length has been approved for development of Economic Corridor in North East.
 To augment railway network, 7 railway projects consisting of 3 new lines and 4 doublings have been taken up during last
three years and current year which are at various stages of execution.
 For providing cross-border rail linkage, foundation stone for Agartala-Akhaura Rail-Link was laid in July, 2016 which will
connect the existing Agartala station in Tripura to Akhaura Station of Bangladesh Railways.
19 new waterways (11 in Assam, 5 in Meghalaya, 1 each in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram & Nagaland) have been declared
as National Waterways (NWs)
To augment tele-connectivity, BharatNet is being implemented to create network infrastructure for providing Broadband
connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) (approx. 2,50,000) in the country including Gram Panchayats (GPs) of North Eastern
Region.
Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN) has been launched to provide connectivity to unserved and under-served airports
and promote regional connectivity by making the airfare affordable through Viability Gap Funding (VGF).
Traditional and Sustainable Farming in North Eastern Region

(Topic: Agriculture; Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country)
Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER)
Aims at
 Development of certified organic production in a value chain mode to link growers with consumers
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 Support the development of entire value chain starting from inputs, seeds, certification and creation of facilities for
collection, aggregation, processing, marketing and brand building initiative.
The assistance is provided for cluster development, on/off farm input production, supply of seeds/planting materials, setting up of
functional infrastructure, establishment of integrated processing unit, refrigerated transportation, pre-cooling/ cold stores
chamber, branding, labelling and packaging, hiring of space, hand holdings, organic certification through third party,
mobilization of farmers/processors etc.
National Bamboo Mission (NBM)
Focused on development of Bamboo inter alia in the North Eastern States, which has nearly 60% of the country’s Bamboo
growing stock.
 Aims at holistic development of the Bamboo sector (including in NER) by incentivizing construction industry to give
impetus to the use of Bamboo in construction
 Seeks to mandate eco-friendly Government constructions through use of Bamboo and Bamboo products to give a fillip to
this eco-friendly industry.
Sagarmala initiative: Hi-tech Labs in Centre of Excellence in Maritime & Ship building (CEMS)
(Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.)
Startup in skill development for maritime and shipbuilding sector; promoted by Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) in
partnership with Siemens and Ministry of Shipping
A key initiative of Sagarmala programme for improved skill development in ship building and ship repair –
 Will provide industry-relevant employable skills to students in the port and maritime sector
 Will further boost Make in India and Skill India efforts in the maritime sector
Please Note:
Tourism Sector alone has created 14.62 million job opportunities in the country in the last four years.
Largest cave network of Asia: In Meghalaya
PENCIL: Platform for Effective Enforcement for No Child Labour – An online portal to ensure effective enforcement of the
provisions of the Child Labour Act and smooth implementation of the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme
 Connects Central Government to State Government(s), District(s) and all District Project Societies
 Further the Ministry has instructed all the concerned States where NCLP Scheme is sanctioned, to form State Resource
Centre (SRC) under the chairmanship of State Labour Secretary, which would monitor the enforcement of Child Labour
Act, coordinate for the rescue of children and adolescents, child tracking system and supervise all the functions through
PENCIL portal.
 SRC would also prepare and implement awareness generation plan to curb the menace of child labour in the State.
Observatory for Gravitational Waves study: The Government of India has given ‘In-Principle’ approval for Construction and
Operation of Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Laboratory – India (LIGO) in India in collaboration with LIGO
Laboratory, United States of America. This is the third observatory identical to the two LIGO observatories in USA.
BrahMos: Supersonic cruise missile
 A joint venture between DRDO of India and NPOM of Russia; named after the Brahmaputra and Moscow rivers
 BrahMos missile has established itself as a major force multiplier in modern-day complex battlefields with its impeccable
land-attack, anti-ship capabilities with multi-role and multi-platform abilities.
 Capable of being launched from land, sea and air, completing the tactical cruise missile triad for India
 Has a strike range of around 290 km and is described as the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile
Chandrayaan-II Mission: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to deploy a rover on the lunar surface
through Chandrayaan-2 mission. The instruments on Rover will conduct in-situ analysis of elements such as Na, Mg, Al, Si, etc;
in the vicinity of landing site.
 India’s second mission to the Moon is a totally indigenous mission comprising of an Orbiter, Lander and Rover
 Would orbit around the moon and perform the objectives of remote sensing the moon. The payloads will collect scientific
information on lunar topography, mineralogy, elemental abundance, lunar exosphere and signatures of hydroxyl and
water-ice.
Shram Suvidha Portal
 Allotment of Unique Identity i.e. Labour Identification Number (LIN) for effective, efficient and real-time governance in
Labour Administration
 To bring transparency and accountability in enforcement of labour laws through Online Inspection System and Filing of
Online Inspection Report
 Common Online Registration and Filing of Self-Certified and Simplified Single Online Annual Return for multiple labour
laws to ease the complexity of compliance
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 Unified ECR under EPFO/ESIC to encourage compliance by reducing transaction costs and promoting ease of business
Installation of a remote sensing instrument- LiDAR for assessment of offshore wind resource at Gulf of Khambat, off the
Gujarat Coast: By National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), an autonomous institution under the Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy
Energy Target of the Government: Installing 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by the year 2022
 100 GW from solar
 60 GW from wind
 10 GW from bio-power
 5 GW from small hydro-power
Bhartiya Niredeshak Dravyas (BNDTM): CSIR- National Physical laboratory (NPL) has signed a MoU with Hindustan
Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) for indigenous development of petroleum certified reference materials (CRMs) under
trade name of Bhartiya Niredeshak Dravyas (BNDTM).
 Ensure maintaining highest standard quality ecosystem for petroleum products used by all stakeholders including common
man
 Will save vital foreign exchange through import substitution for CRMs
Personality in News
Saint Kabir
 Writings influenced Hinduism’s Bhakti movement and his verses are found in Sikhism’s scripture Guru Granth Sahib
 He was Ramananda’s disciple
 Kabir suggested that True God is with the person who is on the path of righteousness, considered all creatures on earth as
his own self, and who is passively detached from the affairs of the world.
 Kabir’s legacy survives and continues through the Kabir panth (“Path of Kabir”), a religious community that recognises
him as its founder and is one of the Sant Mat sects. Its members are known as Kabir panthis.
Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore
 Reshaped Bengali literature and music, as well as Indian art with Contextual Modernism in the late 19th and early 20th
centuries
 Author of Gitanjali – he became in 1913 the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
 Referred to as “the Bard of Bengal”
 His compositions were chosen by two nations as national anthems: India’s Jana Gana Mana and Bangladesh’s Amar
Shonar Bangla. The Sri Lankan national anthem was inspired by his work.
 Founded, Visva-Bharati University
Netaji Subha Chandra Bose
 An Indian nationalist whose defiant patriotism made him a hero in India, but whose attempt during World War II to rid
India of British rule with the help of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan left a troubled legacy
 Gave the slogan – Jai Hind
Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
 An Indian writer, poet and journalist – a key figure in literary renaissance of Bengal as well as the broader Indian
subcontinent
 Composer of Vande Mataram, originally in Sanskrit stotra personifying India as a mother goddess and inspiring the
activists during the Indian Independence Movement
Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee
 An Indian politician, barrister and academician, who served as Minister for Industry and Supply in Prime Minister
Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet.
 After falling out with Nehru, Mukherjee quit the Indian National Congress and founded the right wing nationalist political
party Bharatiya Jana Sangh, a predecessor to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in 1951.
 Since BJP is the successor party of Bhartiya Jana Sangh, Mookerjee is regarded as the founder of BJP too
Quotes:
On Agriculture
 Agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy and it should be on the top of the agenda of the Government
 There is a need to make agriculture remunerative and farmers must be encouraged to take up allied activities like poultry,
horticulture, sericulture, bee keeping, dairy and others to improve income.
 There is a need to put in place for easy availability on loan at an affordable price and assured power must be supplied to
farmers living in villages.
 The rural areas have to become thriving hubs of economic activities with the agriculture playing an important role in the
overall prosperity of the rural people
Women Empowerment
 Empowerment of women is central to achieving the objective of inclusive, equitable and sustainable development
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 Women empowerment is not only a national goal but also a global agenda
 We cannot achieve a double digit growth without women’s active participation
 Property and land rights are keys to women empowerment
Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi
 The philosophy of Sufism spreads the thoughts of peace and harmony. Evil of Terrorism can be countered with the
Philosophy of Sufism
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 22nd July to
4th August, 2018

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Launch of National Viral Hepatitis Control Program

implementation)
Goal: Ending viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 in the country
Aim of the initiative: To reduce morbidity and mortality due to viral hepatitis
Key strategies include:
 Preventive and promotive interventions with focus on awareness generation
 Safe injection practices and socio-cultural practices
 Sanitation and hygiene
 Safe drinking water supply
 Infection control and immunization
 Co-ordination and collaboration with different Ministries and departments
 Increasing access to testing and management of viral hepatitis
 Promoting diagnosis and providing treatment support for patients of hepatitis B &C through standardized testing and
management protocols with focus on treatment of hepatitis B and C
 Building capacities at national, state, district levels and sub-district level up to Primary Health Centres (PHC) and health
and wellness centres such that the program can be scaled up till the lowest level of the healthcare facility in a phased
manner
Launch of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0

implementation)
Flagship programme of: Ministry of HRD
Aims:
 To link the Higher Education Institutions with set of atleast (5) villages, so that these institutions can contribute to the
economic and social betterment of these village communities using their knowledge base
 To create a virtuous cycle between the society and an inclusive university system, with the latter providing knowledge
base; practices for emerging livelihoods and to upgrade the capabilities of both the public and private sectors
Inspired by: The vision of transformational change in rural development processes by leveraging knowledge institutions to help
build the architecture of an Inclusive India
Objective of the scheme are:
 To engage the faculty and students of Higher Educational Institutions in understanding rural realities
 Identify and select existing innovative technologies, enable customization of technologies, or devise implementation
methods for innovative solutions, as required by people
 To allow Higher Educational Institutions to contribute to devising systems for smooth implementation of various
Government Programs.
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Proposed National Policy for Domestic Workers

implementation)
 Inclusion of Domestic Workers in the existing legislations
 Registration of Domestic workers
 Right to form their own associations, trade unions
 Right to have minimum wages, access to social security, protection from abuse, harassment, violence
 Right to enhance their professional skills
 Protection of Domestic Workers from abuse and exploitation
 Domestic Workers to have access to courts, tribunals, etc.
 Establishment of a mechanism for regulation of placement agencies
Cabinet approves
Extension of Concessional Financing Scheme (CFS) to support Indian Entities bidding for strategically important
infrastructure projects abroad
 Prior to the introduction of CFS, Indian entities were not able to bid for large projects abroad since the cost of financing
was very high for them and bidders from other countries such as China, Japan, Europe and US were able to provide credit
at superior terms, i.e., lower interest rate and longer tenures which works to the advantage of bidders from those countries.
 Also, by having projects of strategic interest to India executed by Indian entities, the CFS enables India to generate
substantial backward linkage induced jobs, demand for material and machinery in India and also a lot of goodwill for
India.
Re-structuring of the Agricultural Scientists’ Recruitment Board (ASRB)
 It would support in expediting the recruitment process which would be beneficial for the agrarian community and
agriculture at large.
 It will ensure more transparency and efficiency in recruitment of meritorious scientists to various scientific positions in
lCAR, the premier agency for agricultural research and education in the country.
Policy Framework for exploration and exploitation of Unconventional Hydrocarbons
 This policy will enable the realization of prospective hydrocarbon reserves in the existing Contract Areas which otherwise
would remain unexplored and unexploited.
 With this policy dispensation, new investment in Exploration and Production (E&P) activities and chances of finding new
hydrocarbon discoveries and resultant increased domestic production thereof is expected.
 Exploration and exploitation of additional hydrocarbon resources is expected to spur new investment, impetus to economic
activities, additional employment generation and thus benefitting various sections of society.
 This will lead to induction of new, innovative and cutting-edge technology and forging new technological collaboration to
exploit unconventional hydrocarbons.
National Policy on Biofuels-2018

(Topic:
implementation
 Awareness in the field of bio-technology)
The policy categorizes biofuels as “Basic Biofuels”,i.e., such as bio ethanol & biodiesel and “Advanced Biofuels” such as Second
Generation (2G) ethanol, bio-CNG, Third Generation Biofuels, etc. to enable extension of appropriate financial and fiscal
incentives under each category. It also includes promotion of advanced biofuels through various incentives, off-take assurance
and viability gap funding.
Objective
 Ensuring adequate and sustained availability of domestic feedstock for biofuel production
 Increasing Farmers Income
 Import Reduction
 Employment Generation
 Waste to Wealth Creation
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The Policy
 Allows production of ethanol from damaged food grains like wheat, broken rice etc. which are unfit for human
consumption
 Additionally, during an agriculture crop year, when there is projected over supply of food grains as anticipated by the
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, the policy allows conversion of surplus quantities of food grains to ethanol,
based on the approval of National Biofuel Coordination Committee.
Use of damaged food grains and surplus food grains for production of ethanol will increase its availability for Ethanol Blended
Petrol (EBP) Programme, resulting in increasing the blending percentage, increasing farmer’s income, saving of foreign
exchange and addressing environmental issues.
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Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor

(Topic: Infrastructure: Roads)
Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved US $631 million, in loans and grants, for VCIC, comprising a Multi-tranche
Financing Facility as follows:
 US $500 million two-tranche MFF to build key infrastructure
 US $125 million two-tranche Policy Based Loan (PBL) to support policy reforms and institutional development in the
state
 US $5 million grant from the multi-donor Urban Climate Change Resilience Trust Fund (UCCRTF) to build climate
change resilient infrastructure in Visakhapatnam
 US $1 million technical assistance to help the Andhra Pradesh Government implement policy reforms
Four nodes namely: Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Kankipadu-Gannavaram and Yerpedu-Srikalahasti of Andhra Pradesh, have
been identified for development in Vishakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC) on the basis of Conceptual
Development Plan (CDP) prepared by ADB.
Recommendations of Shekatkar Committee

(Topic:
implementation
 Defence)
For: To enhance combat capability and rebalance defence expenditure
Measures as recommended by the Committee and taken up for implementation include:
 Optimization of Signals Establishments to include Radio Monitoring Companies, Corps Air Support Signal Regiments, Air
Formation Signal Regiments, Composite Signal Regiments and merger of Corps Operating and Engineering Signal
Regiments
 Restructuring of repair echelons in the Army to include Base Workshops, Advance Base Workshops and Static / Station
Workshops in the field Army
 Redeployment of Ordnance echelons to include Vehicle Depots, Ordnance Depots and Central Ordnance Depots apart
from streamlining inventory control mechanisms.
 Better utilization of Supply and Transportation echelons and Animal Transport Units.
 Closure of Military Farms and Army Postal Establishments in peace locations
 Enhancement in standards for recruitment of clerical staff and drivers in the Army
 Improving the efficiency of the National Cadet Corps
Please Note:
‘Yobin’ community: State of Arunachal Pradesh
The Committee to Draft National Education Policy: Constituted under Dr. K. Kasturirangan to prepare the Draft National
Education Policy
IRNSS-1A: Provide messaging services like disaster alerts and other societal applications
Reusable Launch Vehicle: India became the fifth nation to successfully conduct the flight demonstration of a scaled down
version of a winged-body reusable launch vehicle, thereby validating the critical technologies such as autonomous navigation,
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guidance & control, reusable thermal protection system and re-entry mission management. This flight represented the first baby
step towards the realisation of a future fully reusable Two Stage To Orbit (TSTO) space transportation system.
Making of Green Propellant: ISRO is developing green propellants for use in future rocket & satellite propulsion systems
 To minimise environmental impact while improving overall efficiency and economy
 ISRO has made a beginning by developing an eco-friendly solid propellant based on Glycidyl Azide Polymer (GAP) as
fuel and Ammonium Di-Nitramide (ADN) as oxidizer at the laboratory level, which will eliminate the emission of
chlorinated exhaust products from rocket motors
 ISRO is also carrying out various technology demonstration projects involving green propellant combinations such as
Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2), Kerosene, Liquid Oxygen (LOX), Liquid Methane, ADN-Methanol-water, ADN-Glycerol-
water etc.
‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’: State subjects
 State Governments are responsible for controlling crime, maintaining law and order, and protecting the life and property of
the citizens.
 They are empowered to enact and enforce laws to curb crime in their jurisdiction.
KHELO INDIA launches unique programme to nurture sporting talent: 734 youngsters shortlisted for complete scholarship
under the KHELO INDIA TALENT DEVELOPMENT Scheme
National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM): Digitized 283 lakh pages of 2.96 lakh manuscripts
 Launched by the Ministry of Culture for documentation, conservation, preservation and digitization of manuscripts
 To establish a Digital Manuscripts Repository at IGNCA in which researchers and scholars can view and consult the
manuscripts to understand our past in its totality.
‘Study in India’:
 To make India an education hub for foreign students
 Improve the soft power of India with focus on the neighbouring countries and use it as a tool in diplomacy
 To rapidly increase the inflow of inbound International Students in India through a systematic brand-building, marketing,
social media and digital marketing campaigns
 To increase India’s market share of global education exports
 Improvement in overall quality of higher education
 To reduce the export-import imbalance in the number of international students
 Growth in India’s global market share of International students
 Increase in global ranking of India etc.
e-pathshala:
 Developed by NCERT (National Council for Educational Research and Training)
 For showcasing and disseminating all educational e-resources including textbooks, audio, video, periodicals and a variety
of other print and non-print materials.
SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active learning for Young Aspiring Minds):
 A Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) platform
 The portal is offering various online courses for school education and higher education
SWAYAM PRABHA: A programme for utilization of satellite communication technologies for transmission of educational e-
contents through 32 National Channels i.e. SWAYAM PRABHA DTH-TV
SARANSH: Tool for comprehensive self-review and analysis for CBSE affiliated schools and parents.
 Enables them to analyse students’ performance in order to take remedial measures
 SARANSH brings schools, teachers and parents closer, so that they can monitor the progress of students and help them
improve their performance.
Samagra Siksha: To treat school education holistically without segmentation from pre-school to Class XII
 To ensure inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels of school education
 It envisages the ‘school’ as a continuum from pre-school, primary, upper primary, secondary to senior secondary levels.
Innovate India Platform: Collaboration between the Atal Innovation Mission and MyGov, a citizen centric platform of the
Government of India. The #InnovateIndia portal will serve as the common point for all the innovation happening across the
nation.
National Career Service (NCS) Project: A plan scheme for transformation of the National Employment Service to provide a
variety of employment related services like job matching, career counselling, vocational guidance, information on skill
development courses, etc.
Mission Satyanishtha: Program on Ethics in Public Governance by Indian Railways
Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA): By the Ministry of Human Resource Development with the aim of promoting
access, equity and quality, central assistance to States for creation of one Model Degree College each in 60 Educationally
Backward Districts (EBDs)
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SAATHI (Sustainable and Accelerated Adoption of efficient Textile technologies to Help Small Industries): To sustain and
accelerate the adoption of energy efficient textile technologies in the powerloom sector and cost savings due to use of such
technology
Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY): For sustainable management of ground water
New Nuclear Power Plants
Nuclear Power Reactors under Construction:
State Location
Gujarat Kakrapar
Rajasthan Rawatbhata
Kudankulam
Tamil Nadu
Kalpakkam
Haryana Gorakhpur
Nuclear Power Reactors accorded administrative approval and financial sanction:
State Location
Haryana Gorakhpur
Rajasthan Mahi-Banswara
Madhya Pradesh Chutka
Tamil Nadu Kudankulam
Sites accorded ‘in principle’ approval for setting up more reactors in future:
State Site
Maharashtra Jaitapur
Andhra Pradesh Kovvada
Gujarat Chhaya Mithi Virdi
West Bengal Haripur
Madhya Pradesh Bhimpur

*Nominal Capacity
The names of the countries with whom negotiations have been held for the supply of fuel for the Atomic Power Plants are Russia,
Kazakhstan, Canada, Uzbekistan, France and Australia.
Quotes:
On Culture
 Culture is a way of life and Religion is a way of worship.
 One should remember five things in their life – Mother, Mother tongue, Birth place, Motherland and Teacher who gave
knowledge.
On Information Technology
 It must focus on Agri-Business and Agri-Markets
 Upgradation of skills and innovative new skills are needed
 Urban-rural divide must be bridged
 The only way to stay on top of the tech wave is to constantly innovate and develop new technologies and solve business
problems in multiple verticals using these newer technologies. This requires regular upgradation of skills.
On Insurance Industry
 Insurance Industry must play a pivotal role in India’s growth story by offering innovative risk covers, policies and
schemes.
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 The overall insurance penetration reached only 3.69 per cent in 2017. The Insurance Industry that is projected to grow to
US $ 280 billion by 2020 must take the responsibility and make India fully insured.
 Insurers must develop products that are effective and efficient on both covers and the claims
 Asked the insurance companies to leverage demographic dividend to impart employable skills to the youth. Long-term and
constant skill development and enhancement is imperative for India so that it can keep up with the best in the world
IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau – 5th Aug to 11th Aug, 2018
 Posted byIASBABA
 CategoriesIASBABA'S PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
 DateAUGUST 14, 2018
 Comments6 COMMENTS
11th August, 2018

ARCHIVES
GS-2
National Commission for Backward Classes (Repeal) Bill, 2017 Passed in Parliament
implementation)
Amendment: 123rd Amendment Bill, 2017
 It seeks to grant the National Commission on Backward Classes (NCBC) constitutional status, at par with the National
Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
 The Bill seeks to remove the power of the NCSC to examine matters related to backward classes.
The NCBC is a body set up under the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993. It has the power to examine
complaints regarding inclusion or exclusion of groups within the list of backward classes, and advise the central government in
this regard.
Composition and service conditions: Under the Constitution Amendment Bill, the NCBC will comprise of five members
appointed by the President. Their tenure and conditions of service will also be decided by the President through rules.
Functions:
 Investigating and monitoring how safeguards provided to the backward classes under the Constitution and other laws are
being implemented
 Inquiring into specific complaints regarding violation of rights
 Advising and making recommendations on socio-economic development of such classes. The central and state
governments will be required to consult with the NCBC on all major policy matters affecting the socially and
educationally backward classes.
 Powers of a civil court: Under the Constitution Amendment Bill, the NCBC will have the powers of a civil court while
investigating or inquiring into any complaints. These powers include:
o Summoning people and examining them on oath
o Requiring production of any document or public record
o Receiving evidence
Impact assessment of development in Gram Panchayats

137
implementation)
By: Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Why: To assess the effectiveness of utilization of Fourteenth Finance Commission (FFC) grants by selected Gram Panchayats
(GPs) in eight States viz. Assam, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh during
2017
Main focus areas of CRM:
 Availability of fiscal resources in the Panchayats
 Transfer of FFC grants
 Devolution of functions
 Convergence of schemes
 Timely transfer of funds to GPs
 Effective utilization of the funds in basic services
 Preparation of plans and public perception
 Maintenance of records including accounts
 Transparency and accountability
New Defence Production Policy

implementation)
In the Budget Speech 2018, Government has announced that it will bring out an industry friendly Defence Production Policy
2018 to promote domestic production by public sector, private sector and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The salient features of the Draft Policy which is already placed in public domain for consultation with stakeholders is as follows:
 Creation of a dynamic, robust and competitive defence and aerospace industry as an important part of the ‘Make in India’
initiative.
 Creation of a tiered defence industrial ecosystem in the country.
 Reducing current dependence on imports and strive to achieve self-reliance in development and manufacture of weapon
systems / platforms
 Transfer of Technology or enhanced Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for domestic production in the event of non-
availability of manufacturing capabilities in the country.
 Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) should focus on system integration, design and development, and actively engage
domestic vendors in the private sector for other assembly work.
Draft National Forest Policy, 2018

implementation)
The basic thrust of the draft National Forest Policy of 2018 is for conservation, protection and management of forests along with
addressing other issues associated with forest and forest management.
 To protect the interest of tribals, the Draft Policy of 2018 proposes to launch Community Forest Management Mission for
management of community forest resources though a participatory forest management approach.
 Specific provisions have been made in the draft policy to ensure that the interests of local communities are protected and
also provisions are made to consider them as partner in management of forests.
 Forest rights of tribals and others traditional forest dwellers are safeguarded under a separate Act, namely, “The Scheduled
Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Right) Act, 2006” (Forest Rights Act, 2006) which
recognizes and vests the forest rights of the Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have been residing
in such forests for generations but whose rights could not be vested.
Cabinet approves
Extension of the term of the Commission to examine the issue of Sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes in the
Central List
MoU between India and Indonesia on Health cooperation:
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 Research and development, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and IT-based medical equipment
 Human Resource Development
 Health services
MoU between India and Canada on collaboration among Chartered Accountant Institutions
MoU between India and Korea on Trade Remedy Cooperation: Promote cooperation between the two countries in the area of
trade remedies viz. anti-dumping, subsidy and countervailing and safeguard measures, which will enhance the bilateral trade
relations.
MoU between India and Indonesia on Scientific and Technological Cooperation: To promote cooperation in the fields of
science and technology between India and Indonesia on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.
MoU signed between TRIFED (M/o Tribal Affairs) and National Medicinal Plant Board (M/o AYUSH) to promote
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants forest produce for livelihood development among tribals
implementation)
Aim: To promote Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) forest produce for livelihood development of tribal people by
promoting primary level value addition to MAPs produce from forest area at grassroots level.
 While tribal people have been growing medicinal plants, they are as yet unaware of the actual value of their produce. This
MoU will help them realise the potential of their produce and help them achieve the true remuneration of their product.
 Since most of the tribal people are associated with farming, this MoU is also a step in the direction of achieving the vision
of Prime Minister of Van Dhan and doubling the income of farmers.
The activities proposed to be supported by NMPB under the MoU are as follows:
 To identify potential Medicinal plant species of the tribal areas.
 To support training and awareness program on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) & Good Field Collection Practices
(GFCP).
 Support skill upgradation and capacity building.
 Facilitate and render financial assistance for plantations and nursery development for MAPs through the Van Dhan Vikas
Kendra SHGs.
 Facilitate standardising norms for MAPs, render assistance for establishing of research and testing centre.
The activities proposed to be supported by TRIFED under the MoU are as follows:
 Establishment of the ‘Van-Dhan Vikas Kendra’ specifically for Medicinal plants & its products, for providing skill
upgradation and capacity building including training in primary processing and primary processing facility.
 Creation of Van Dhan SHGs clusters under the Van Dhan Vikas Kendra that would undertake primary value addition of
the MFPs based on MFPs available in the area and provide facility for MAPs raw material primary processing i.e cleaning,
packaging & storage facility etc.
 Setting-up of primary processing facility, infrastructure support and value addition facility for MAPs.
 Supply chain for Minor Forest Produce (MFPs)
 Provision of working capital for the SHGs through tie up with financial institutions and other organizations.
 To establish herbal garden of various types to develop and promote the usefulness of commonly available and frequently
used Medicinal Plants through SHGs involved in Van Dhan Vikas Kendra.
 Research and Development studies on Medicinal Plants collected by MFP gatherers. In consultation with NMPB and TRIs
 For standardising norms for MAPs, setting up Research and testing centres.in consultation with NMPB.
GS-3
National Energy Storage Mission

Energy Storage is one of the most crucial & critical components of India’s energy infrastructure strategy and also for supporting
India’s sustained thrust to renewables.
139
Objective: To strive for leadership in energy storage sector by creating an enabling policy and regulatory framework that
encourages manufacturing, deployment, innovation and further cost reduction.
NITI Aayog and Rocky Mountain Institute’s joint report on India’s Energy Storage Mission has proposed three stage
solution approach –
 Creating an environment for battery manufacturing growth
 Scaling supply chain strategies
 Scaling of battery cell manufacturing
Key areas for energy storage application include:
 Integrating renewable energy with distribution and transmission grids;
 Setting Rural micro grids with diversified loads or stand-alone systems; and
 Developing Storage component of electric mobility plans.
Notes
Global Innovation Index, GII- 2018:
NITI Aayog to join hands with CII to develop a Roadmap for Top 10 Rank in GII – India ranked number one on ICT service
exports
 Transform India’s Innovation Ecosystem by formulating a New Innovation Policy to attract R&D investment into cutting
edge technologies and build appropriate infrastructure and institutions
 Tap Global hotspots of Innovation in latest technologies like AI, Blockchain and Robotics etc.
 Connect Tinkering labs in schools with start-ups, business and high end educational institutions
 Target efficient, productive and outcome driven R&D in the Government Sector
Kaziranga National Park: Assam
 Hosts two-thirds of the world’s great one-horned rhinoceroses, is a World Heritage Site
 Declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006
 Home to large breeding populations of elephants, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer.
 Recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International for conservation of avifaunal species.
Highest tiger density: In Orang National Park, Assam
Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim: Becomes 11th Biosphere Reserve from India to be included in the UNESCO
designated World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR)
 One of the highest ecosystems in the world, reaching elevations of 1, 220 metres above sea-level. It includes a range of
ecolines, varying from sub-tropic to Arctic, as well as natural forests in different biomes that support an immensely rich
diversity of forest types and habitats.
 India has 18 Biosphere Reserves and with the inclusion of Khangchendzonga, the number of internationally designated
WNBR has become 11, with 7 Biosphere Reserves being domestic Biosphere Reserves.
PARIVESH – Pro-Active and Responsive facilitation by Interactive, Virtuous and Environmental Single-window Hub
 An environmental single window hub for Environment, Forest, Wildlife and CRZ clearances
 Single-Window Integrated Environmental Management System, developed in pursuance of the spirit of ‘Digital India’
initiated by the Prime Minister and capturing the essence of Minimum Government and Maximum Governance.
 Offers a framework to generate economic growth and strengthens Sustainable Development through EGovernance, he also
stated that with automatic highlighting of non-compliance by the system, PARIVESH helps in improving the overall
performance and efficiency of the whole appraisal process.
‘Adopt a Heritage’ project:
Focusses on providing basic public conveniences and amenities which include cleanliness, drinking water, ease of access for
differently abled and senior citizens, standardized signage, illumination and advanced amenities such as surveillance system,
night viewing facilities, tourism facilitation center, etc.
Aims to involve public sector companies, private sector companies and corporate citizens/individuals to take up the responsibility
for making our heritage and tourism more sustainable through development, operation and maintenance of world-class tourist
infrastructure and amenities at ASI/State heritage sites and other important tourist sites in India.
Primary objectives of the project include:
 To develop basic and advanced tourism infrastructure in and around heritage monuments and any other tourist sites in
collaboration with the public/private sector.
 To promote cultural and heritage value of the country to generate livelihoods of local communities of respective heritage
site/monument/tourist site.
 To develop sustainable tourism infrastructure and ensuring proper Operations and Maintenance therein and thus increase
the attractiveness of the tourist destinations.
Bye-election: To fill elected offices that have become vacant between general elections
‘Halkaa’: The film that has been made under the aegis of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban)
Exercise Maitree: Joint military exercise between Indian Army and Royal Thai Army
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Bidder Information Management System (BIMS) and Bhoomi Rashi and PFMS linkage – two IT initiatives of the Road
Transport & Highways Ministry that are aimed at expediting pre construction processes relating to bidding and land acquisition
respectively.
NITI Aayog has identified 117 districts as ‘Aspirational Districts’: These districts have been selected on the basis of
composite index which includes published data of deprivation enumerated under Socio-Economic Caste Census, Health
&Nutrition, Education and Basic Infrastructure.
Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA):
Central assistance is provided for opening of new Model Degree Colleges(MDCs) in ‘Aspirational Districts’ identified by NITI
Aayog and in unserved & underserved districts in North Eastern and Himalayan States.
 Support provided under the component of new MDCs is infrastructural in nature in which funds are released for creation
of Colleges with requisite infrastructure such as appropriate number of class rooms, library, laboratory, faculty rooms,
toilet blocks and other essential requirements for technologically advanced facilities
 Commitment is given by the State Governments that all recurring expenditure (including salaries) in respect of the MDC
being established, will be borne by the respective State Government.
 Under a separate component of RUSA viz., Faculty Recruitment Support, central support is provided for creation of
additional posts of Assistant Professors subject to specific norms and approved period of the scheme (i.e. upto 31st March
2020).
Ishan Vikas and Ishan Uday schemes: For the students of North Eastern region
 Ishan Vikas is coordinated by IIT, Guwahati and under the programme, selected school children from North Eastern States
are brought in close contact with the Indian Institute of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Science Education and
Research (IISERs) and National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) during the vacation period to motivate them to
pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics and to facilitate internship opportunities for the engineering
college students in various institutes of national importance.
 Under Ishan Uday Scholarship Scheme, scholarship is provided to the economically backward students from the North
East Region for pursuing general degree courses, technical and professional degree courses.
Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme for Electronics and Information Technology (IT):
 To enhance the number of PhDs in Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) and IT/IT Enabled Services
(IT/ITES) sectors in the country
 To give thrust to Research & Development, create an innovative ecosystem and enhance India’s competitiveness in these
knowledge intensive sectors
 To encourage working professionals and non-PhD faculty members to pursue PhD
Government runs various employment generation schemes for beneficiaries –
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005:
 Run by Ministry of Rural Development
 Provides at least one hundred days of guaranteed wage employment in every financial year to every household whose adult
members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
 The demand for work itself is influenced by various factors
o Rain-fall pattern
o Availability of alternative and remunerative employment opportunities outside MGNREGA
o Prevailing unskilled wage rates
Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP): Implemented by Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium
Enterprises – merged Prime Minister’s Rojgar Yojana (PMRY) and Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP) for
generation of employment opportunities through establishment of micro enterprises in rural as well as urban areas.
Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY): Run by Ministry of Rural Development – part of the
National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), tasked with the dual objectives of adding diversity to the incomes of rural poor
families and cater to the career aspirations of rural youth.
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM): Implemented by Ministry of Housing &
Urban Affairs – To reduce poverty and vulnerability of the urban poor households by enabling them to access gainful self-
employment and skilled wage employment opportunities, resulting in an appreciable improvement in their livelihoods on a
sustainable basis, through building strong grassroots level institutions of the poor
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY): To extend collateral free loans by Banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies
(NBFCs) and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) to small/micro business enterprises in the non-agricultural sector to individuals
to enable them to setup or expand their business activities.
Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana: Initiated by the Ministry of Labour and Employment for incentivizing employers
for promoting employment generation.
National Career Service (NCS) Project which comprises a digital portal that provides a nation-wide online platform for
jobseekers and employers for job matching in a dynamic, efficient and responsive manner and has a repository of career content.
Prime Minister’s Research Fellows (PMRF) Scheme: Aims at attracting those meritorious students from across the country
including North East Region, who have completed or are in the final year of B.Tech. or Integrated M.Tech of M.Sc. in science
and technology streams in the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Indian Institutes of
141
Information Technology (IIITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research
(IISERs) to pursue research in the frontier areas of science & technology in IITs, IISc and IISERs. Government is open to
suggestions to make the scheme more inclusive.
Government e- Marketplace (GeM):
 An online platform for government users which leverages technology to enhance transparency, efficiency and speed in
public procurement.
 It provides the tools of e-bidding, reverse e-auction and demand aggregation to facilitate the government users, achieve the
best value of their money.
 It is paperless, cashless and contactless platform giving end to end solution.
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region
(MOVCDNER):
 Assistance is provided to Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs)/ entrepreneurs for development of value chains/ marketing
of organic produce.
 Supporting the production and marketing of organic produce in the country to reduce their costs and prices.
 Use of organic inputs like PROM, vermicompost, organic/bio-fertilizers, city compost, waste decomposer have been
promoted under these schemes which will further reduce the costs of production in organic farming.
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH):
 For the holistic development of horticulture sector in the country covering fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops,
mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa and bamboo through various interventions.
 Assistance is provided for protected cultivation through Green House structures/poly houses.
 Training of farmers, entrepreneurs, field level workers and officials is envisaged, including for poly-houses.
 Further, 22 Precision Farming Development Centres (PFDCs) have been established in the country to standardize precision
farming, promote use of various plasticulture technologies and to provide training & awareness programmes.
 Farmers are also provided technical literature and information about financial assistance under the scheme in local
languages.
Startup India’s Academia Alliance Programme
Aim: To fulfill the Government of India’s mission to promote the spirit of entrepreneurship in the country
What: A unique mentorship opportunity between academic scholars and startups working in similar domains
 To reduce the gap between scientific research and its industrial applications in order to increase the efficacy of these
technologies and to widen their impact
 By creating a bridge between academia and industry, the Alliance strives to create lasting connections between the
stakeholders of the startup ecosystem and implement the third pillar on which the Startup India Action Plan is based –
Industry Academia Partnerships and Incubation.
IMPRINT:
 First of its kind MHRD supported Pan-IIT + IISc joint initiative, now open for private institutions too, to address the major
science and engineering challenges that India must address and champion to enable, empower and embolden the nation for
inclusive growth and self-reliance.
 IMPRINT provides the overarching vision that guides research into areas that are predominantly socially relevant.
 The implementation of 142 projects under IMPRINT-1 has got underway. These projects have received support from
several ministries, councils and departments in addition to the Ministry of Human Resource Development.
PENCIL online portal for effective enforcement of the Child Labour Act and National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme
SWAYAM – Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds:
 By the Ministry of HRD
 Will provide one integrated platform and portal for online courses.
 This covers all higher education subjects and skill sector courses.
 The objective is to ensure that the every student in our country has access to the best quality higher education at the
affordable cost.
The steps taken by the Government to check the pollution of water bodies, inter alia, include
 Formulation and notification of standards for effluents from industries, operations or processes
 Enforcing of these standards by State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) through
consent mechanism and regular monitoring
 Setting up of monitoring network for assessment of water quality
 Installation of Online Continuous Effluent Monitoring systems (OCEMS) to check the discharge of effluent directly into
water bodies
 Promotion of cleaner production processes
 Installation of Common Effluent Treatment Plants for cluster of Small Scale Industrial units
 Issuance of directions for implementation of Zero Liquid Discharge in certain categories of highly polluting industries
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 Issuance of directions under Section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and under Section 18(1)(b) of Water
(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, etc.
To expedite and enable resolution of NPAs of banks:
 The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC) has been enacted to create a unified framework for resolving insolvency
and bankruptcy matters. Under this, by adopting a creditor-in-saddle approach, with the interim resolution professional
taking over management of affairs of corporate debtor at the outset, the incentive to resort to abuse of the legal system has
been taken away.
 This, coupled with debarment of wilful defaulters and persons associated with NPA accounts from the resolution process,
has effected a fundamental change in the creditor-debtor relationship.
 The Banking Regulation Act, 1949 has been amended to provide for authorisation to RBI to issue directions to banks to
initiate the insolvency resolution process under IBC.
 As per RBI’s directions, cases have been filed under IBC before the National Company Law Tribunal in respect of 39
large defaulters, amounting to about Rs. 2.69 lakh crore funded exposure (as of December 2017).
 The Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 has been
amended to make it more effective with provision for three months imprisonment in case the borrower does not provide
asset details and for the lender to get possession of mortgaged property within 30 days. Also, six new Debts Recovery
Tribunals have been established to expedite recovery.
 Under the Public Sector Banks (PSBs) Reforms Agenda, PSBs have created stressed asset management verticals for
stringent recovery, segregated pre- and post-sanction follow-up roles for clean and effective monitoring, initiated creation
of online one-time settlement platforms and committed to monitoring large-value accounts by tying up with specialised
monitoring agencies for loans of Rs. 250 crore and above.
The Government has taken several steps to address air pollution which inter alia, include
 Notification of National Ambient Air Quality Standards
 Setting up of monitoring network for assessment of ambient air quality
 Introduction of cleaner / alternate fuels like gaseous fuel (CNG, LPG etc.), ethanol blending, launching of National Air
Quality index
 Universalization of BS-IV from 2017
 Leapfrogging from BS-IV to BS-VI fuel standards by 1st April, 2020
 Notifications regarding ‘Mandatory Implementation of Dust Mitigation Measures for Construction and Demolition
Activities for projects requiring EC’ and ‘Mandatory Implementation of Dust Mitigation Measures for all Construction and
Demolition Activities’
 Notification of Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules
 Banning of burning of biomass
 Promotion of public transport network
 Streamlining the issuance of Pollution Under Control Certificate
 Issuance of directions under Section 18(1)(b) of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and under Section 5
of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
 Installation of on-line continuous (24×7) monitoring devices by major industries; etc.
 Two pilot projects namely “To demonstrate the effectiveness of air pollution mitigation by Pariyayantra filtration” to
ManavRachna Innovation and Incubation Centre to install Pariyayantra filtration on the roof top of 30 buses and
“Deployment and Evaluation of air purification units (for traffic junction pollution abatement) in Delhi” to National
Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to install Wind Augmentation and Air Purifying Unit (WAYU)
devices at 7 traffic intersections have been sanctioned to tackle dust pollution.
National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
A long-term time bound national level strategy to tackle the increasing air pollution problem across the country in comprehensive
manner.
 The overall objective is to augment and evolve effective ambient air quality monitoring network across the country,
besides ensuring comprehensive management plan for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution.
 The NCAP focuses on collaborative and participatory approach comprising all sources of pollution and coordination
between relevant Central Ministries, State Governments, local bodies and other stakeholders.
 Hundred (102) non-attainment cities have been selected for formulation and implementation of city specific action plan
under NCAP.
 In addition, NCAP has many other components viz. Technical Assessment Cell, technology support, sharing of
international best practices, awareness and capacity building, source apportionment studies, plantation drive, intensive
inspection drive etc to support the time bound implementation of NCAP”.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): A nationwide plan in India to provide good all-weather road connectivity to
unconnected villages
Quotes
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On science, scientific organisations and India’s development
 Scientists should come up with path-breaking innovations and should nurture talent and foster path-breaking innovations
to transform the socio-economic landscape of the country.
 Scientific organizations have to set ambitious goals and strategically position themselves to become leading institutions in
the world.
 Science is the key lever for sustainable development and a country’s prosperity and security are directly dependent on its
scientific and technological progress.
 The government must facilitate this quest for excellence by providing funds, freedom and flexibility and the private sector
also needs to come forward to liberally support research.
 Emphasized the need to hugely step up investments in R & D to promote the culture of innovation and discovery.
 Reducing procedural bottlenecks, removing hierarchical barriers and resetting priorities is also crucial and the leadership in
scientific institutions should encourage bright young scientists to come up with new and unconventional ideas and
projects.
 The spirit of enquiry and the scientific temper, the spirit of asking relevant questions and seeking practical answers must
become an integral part of our school and college education systems.
19th August, 2018

ARCHIVES
(This week’s PIB is prelims focussed. Hence, enlisting only the important matter to be remembered)
Road Safety Brand Ambassador: Shri Akshay Kumar
India’s ‘ease of doing business’ ranking: 100th position
2022: India has resolved to send manned spacecraft to the space by 2022 (will be the fourth country to do this)
Won Gold in 65 kg freestyle wrestling at Asian Games 2018: Bajrang Punia
SHE-Box: The Ministry of Women and Child Development has provided a facility to all working women to file complaints
under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 with it.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme: One of the flagship scheme of Ministry of tourism for development of thematic circuits in the
country in a planned and prioritised manner.
International team of scientists including 18 Indian scientists decode complex wheat genome:
 The information generated will help to identify genes controlling complex agronomic traits such as yield, grain quality,
resistance to diseases and pests, as well as tolerance to drought, heat, water logging and salinity.
 Will go a long way in developing climate-resilient wheat and help tide over possible impact of climate change on farm
output – feeding the ever-increasing world population and helping address global food security
Ease of Living Index
 Launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
 To empower citizens in aspiring for a better quality of life from their city authorities
 Index based on an open and participatory assessment of cities along with physical audit of urban metrics in a transparent
manner
Ministry of AYUSH:
 Has introduced new Central Sector scheme for promoting pharmacovigilance of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and
Homoeopathy (ASU&H) Drugs.
 To develop the culture of documenting adverse effects and undertake safety monitoring of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and
Homoeopathy drugs and surveillance of misleading advertisements appearing in the print and electronic media.
NAVIC: India’s own GPS is all set to be launched and will place it in the club of select countries which have their own
indigenous navigation systems. The GPS has been named NavIC—Navigation with Indian Constellation.
The other countries that have their own indigenous system are
 Russia: GLONASS—Global Navigation Satellite System
 European Union: Galileo Positioning System
 Japan: Quasi-Zenith Satellite System—QZSS
 China: Beidou Navigation Satellite System—BDS
The NavIC will be useful in terrestrial, aerial and marine navigation. Along with that, tracking, managing disaster and gathering
geodetic data will be a few of the other uses of the system.
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0
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A flagship program of MHRD, GOI

 Higher Education Institutions of Human Resource Development Ministry under its flagship program – Unnat Bharat
Abhiyan (UBA) 2.0 participated in Gram Sabhas, on the occasion of Independence Day.
 688 institutions are selected on a Challenge Mode (426 technical and 262 non- technical) which are reputed Higher
Educational Institutes (both public and private) of the country, which have adopted total no. of 3555 villages for their
development through UBA.
Vision: Inspired by the vision of transformational change in rural development processes by leveraging knowledge institutions to
help build the architecture of an Inclusive India.
Mission:

o Enable higher educational institutions to work with the people of rural India in identifying development challenges
and evolving appropriate solutions for accelerating sustainable growth.
 Aims to create a virtuous cycle between society and an inclusive academic system by providing knowledge and practices
for emerging professions and to upgrade the capabilities of both the public and the private sectors in responding to the
development needs of rural India.
Goals
 To build an understanding of the development agenda within institutes of Higher Education and an institutional capacity
and training relevant to national needs, especially those of rural India.
 To re-emphasize the need for field work, stake-holder interactions and design for societal objectives as the basis of higher
education.
 To stress on rigorous reporting and useful outputs as central to developing new professions.
 To provide rural India and regional agencies with access to the professional resources of the institutes of higher education,
especially those that have acquired academic excellence in the field of science, engineering and technology, and
management.
 To improve development outcomes as a consequence of this research. To develop new professions and new processes to
sustain and absorb the outcomes of research.
 To foster a new dialogue within the larger community on science, society and the environment and to develop a sense of
dignity and collective destiny.
Revolutionizing the treatment of Strokes: A new Clot buster, PEGylated Streptokinase has been developed at CSIR-Institute of
Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTECH), Chandigarh, and is all set to revolutionize the treatment of ischemic strokes
 Ischemic stroke is a condition caused by a dysfunction in the supply of blood to the brain due to emboli, thrombus or
atherosclerosis occurring in cerebral arteries.
 According to the American Stroke Association (ASA), brain strokes are the second leading cause of death in the world
with a staggering 15 million people effected causing 11 million people either die or become permanently disabled.
Surprisingly, the prevalence of stroke is much higher in India than the West and about 87% of all strokes are ischemic
strokes.
India’s only lab for conservation of endangered species: Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES)
– a dedicated facility of CSIR’s Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad that uses modern
biotechnologies for conservation of endangered wildlife.
 Has developed methods for collection and cryopreservation of semen and oocytes from wildlife and successfully
reproducing endangered blackbuck, spotted deer and Nicobar pigeons.
 Through this work, it has established Genetic Resource Bank for Indian wildlife.
 So far, genetic resources from 23 species of Indian wild animals have been collected and preserved.
 This facility would increase the collection of genetic resources from wildlife through collaboration with zoos in India.
 It would also facilitate exchange of genetic material between the Indian zoos for maintaining genetic diversity and
conservation management made accessible to scientists and wildlife managers for implementing conservation programs.
World Elephant Day:
To focus attention of various stakeholders to support various conservation policies to help elephants, including
 Improving enforcement policies to prevent the illegal poaching and trade of ivory
 Conserving elephant habitats
 Providing better treatment for captive elephants
 Reintroducing some captive elephants into sanctuaries
Current population estimates for Asian elephants in the country, as per 2017 Census, are about 30,000. Asian elephants are
confined to South Asia and South East Asia and about 60 per cent of global population of Asian elephants is found in India.
As an acknowledgement of the important role played by the elephants in the social, religious and cultural life of people in India,
elephants were declared as a National Heritage Animal in the year 2010.
Project Elephant
In order to conserve the Asian Elephants the Project Elephant started in 1992, with the objectives of –
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 Conservation and protection of viable population of wild elephants in their natural habitats in the country
 Restoration of natural habitats and traditional corridors/migratory routes or movement paths used by the elephants,
wherever necessary, through eco-restoration, acquisition etc.;
 Ensuring safeguards against poaching and other threats
 Mitigation and control of human elephant conflicts
 Welfare and management of captive elephants
 Creating a viable mechanism to ensure inter-state and regional and national level coordination in protecting and conserving
the elephant and its ranges
Exercise Pitch Black 2018: A biennial multi-national large force employment warfare exercise hosted by Royal Australian Air
Force (RAAF)
 To foster closer relationship between the participating friendly forces and to promote interoperability through exchange of
knowledge and experience.
 The aim for participating crew and specialist observers was to expose them to op environment in international scenarios.
Successful Flight Tests of
Smart Anti Airfield Weapon: Indigenously developed – capable of destroying variety of ground targets using precision
navigation.
Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘HELINA’: Guided by an Infrared Imaging Seeker (IIR) operating in the Lock on Before Launch
mode. It is one of the most advanced Anti-Tank Weapons in the world.
Person in News
V.S. Naipaul: Won the 2001 Nobel Prize for Literature
Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee:
 During his tenure as prime minister, India carried out five underground nuclear tests in the Pokhran desert in Rajasthan, 24
years after its first nuclear test (Smiling Buddha) in 1974.
 Vajpayee’s birthday, 25 December, would be marked as Good Governance Day.
 In February 1999, Vajpayee initiated a new peace process aimed towards permanently resolving the Kashmir dispute and
other conflicts with Pakistan. The resultant Lahore Declaration espoused a commitment to dialogue, expanded trade
relations and mutual friendship and envisaged a goal of denuclearised South Asia
 Operation Vijay: Kargil war (took place during his tenure as Prime Minister)
Quotes
 Road connectivity is key to national development and added the connectivity has the potential to bring a positive change in
lives of people living in remote corners of rural India.
 Infrastructure development is not only a condition of development of the country, but the criteria for development. It
ensures social capacity and security
 Connectivity is an essential and important component in bridging the urban rural divide
 National Highways symbolize social, economic and business unity of the country
26th August, 2018

ARCHIVES
(This week’s PIB is prelims focussed. Hence, enlisting only the important matter to be remembered)
Vinesh Phogat: Won Gold in 50kg wrestling event
Saurabh Chaudhary: Won gold in Men’s 10m Air Pistol event
Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan: Won Gold in Men’s Doubles Tennis event
Indian Rowing Team: Won Gold at Asian Games- 2018
Gift a Skill: An appeal to the nation to ‘Gift a Skill’ to sisters on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
IIT – PAL: Designed for helping students to prepare for JEE Advanced Exam; will be extended and made available through the
SWAYAM portal
Rashtriya Poshan Maah (National Nutrition Month): The month of September

o There can be a complete turnaround in the area of malnutrition if the Poshan Mission is taken up on warfooting as
was the case in the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao programme.
o Celebrating the Poshan Maah will give an early thrust to Poshan Abhiyan
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o It is now time to clearly decide the quality of food, the delivery mechanism and outline the responsibilities of
aganwadi workers to make the system completely efficient so that it brings ultimate benefit to the children being
covered under the ICDS scheme
 Must Read: Link 1 + Link 2
About Poshan Abhiyaan:
 The Rs. 9,000-crore mission will strive to reduce stunting, under-nutrition, and low birth weight by 2 per cent and anaemia
(among young children, women and adolescent girls) by 3 per cent annually over the three-year mission period.
 Anganwadi supervisors have been roped in for the mission.
 The focus of the Abhiyaan is on the first 1000 days of the child and preventive care for adolescent girls, women and
mothers.
 Home-based Care for Young Child(HBYC) would be a crucial component of the Abhiyaan.
 In HBYC, ASHAs supported by Anganwadi workers will visit the homes of children aged between 3 to 15 months and
sensitise mothers on energy density and diet of child
Development of National Logistics Portal: To ensure ease of trading in the international and domestic markets.
 The portal will link all the stakeholders of EXIM, domestic trade and movement and all trade activities on a single
platform.
 The portal will be implemented in phases and will fulfil the commitment of the Government of India to enhance trade
competitiveness, create jobs, boost India’s performance in global rankings and pave the way for India to become a logistics
hub.
Life events of Gautama Buddha:
 Kapilvastu (Piprahwa), where he spent his childhood
 Bodhgaya, where he attained Enlightenment
 Sarnath, where he delivered his first sermon
 Kushinagar, where he embraced Mahaparinirvana
The Buddhist Circuit: To facilitate travel and pilgrimage experience for the approximately 500 million-strong community of
Buddhists that lives across Asia and other parts of the world.
 Ministry of Tourism has identified the Buddhist Circuit as one of the thematic circuits for development under its Swadesh
Darshan Scheme.
 Five projects, with a combined outlay of more than 350 crore rupees, have been sanctioned for the states of Andhra
Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Note:
‘Buddha Charita’ is the biography of Buddha and was written by Ashvaghosha in Sanskrit. It is the first ever biography written
in India. Ashwaghosa was a Buddhist scholar during the reign of Kanishka.
Mudras of Buddha
 Bhumisparsha mudra – Buddha gesturing to touch the ground to call upon mother Goddess to witness his awakening
 Abhay Mudra – Palm facing the audience. Gesture of reassurance, blessing and protection
 Dhyana Mudra – This mudra signifies meditation, concentration of the Good Law and the saṅgha. The two hands are
placed on the lap, right hand on left with fingers fully stretched and palm facing upwards.
 Karana Mudrā: This hand gesture is also called warding off the evil. It expels demons and removes obstacles such as
sickness or negative thoughts. It is made by raising the index and the little finger, and folding the other fingers.
A famous painting of 10 headed Buddha is found in these caves: Kanheri caves are a group of caves located in Salsette Island,
Mumbai.
Gandhara art:
 Promoted by Mahayana sect of Buddhism; flourished during the Kushana rule in India
 The main theme was the new form of Buddhism – Mahayanism– and the evolution of an image of Buddha.
Constitution states…
 Under Article 49 of the Constitution, the State is under obligation to protect every monument, place or object of artistic or
historic interest declared to be of national importance from spoilation, disfigurement, destruction, removal, disposal or
export, as the case may be. (DPSP)
 Under Article 51A(f) of the Constitution, there is fundamental duty to value and preserve the rich heritage of our
composite culture. (Fundamental Duties)
Attempt:
1. “Buddhism was not just a religious revolution, but a social revolution too.” Comment.
2. Critically analyze the contributions of Buddha to the religion and philosophy of India. What were his main principles and
how did he manage to have such a large following?
3. The theme of Lord Buddha in meditation finds a prominent place in the rich visual art forms of India. Discuss.
Exercise Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Peace Mission 2018
 Latest in ‘Peace Mission’ series
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 Formally started on 24 August 2018 at Chebarkul, Russia.

 The exercise will provide an opportunity to the armed forces of SCO nations to train in counter terrorism operations in
urban scenario in a multinational and joint environment (Indian and Pakistani armed forces will participate together).
 The scope of the exercise includes
o professional interaction
o mutual understanding of drills & procedures
o establishment of joint command and control structures
o Elimination of terrorist threat in urban counter terrorist scenario.
Remember:
India has been accorded full membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) along with Pakistan.
HQ: Beijing, China
Established in: 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders 6 countries viz. China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and
Uzbekistan
G20 Members
The G20 membership comprises a mix of the world’s largest advanced and emerging economies, representing about two-thirds of
the world’s population, 85 per cent of global gross domestic product and over 75 per cent of global trade.
Current G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Meeting: In Salta, north-west of Argentina
Members: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea,
Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union.
5 Thematic Reports on Sustainable Development in Indian Himalayan Region
Recognizing the uniqueness of the Himalayas and the challenges for sustainable development, NITI Aayog had set up 5 Working
Groups (WGs) to prepare a roadmap for actions in 5 thematic areas.
Mountain specificities require specific solutions for resilience building that address socio-economic and environmental
challenges in the mountain setting. The reports from the five working groups discuss the significance, the challenges, the ongoing
actions and a future roadmap.
The themes include:
1. Inventory and Revival of Springs in Himalayas for Water Security: Nearly 30% of springs crucial to water security of people
are drying and 50% have reported reduced discharge.
2. Sustainable Tourism in Indian Himalayan Region: Himalayan Tourism growing annually at 6.8% has crated huge challenge
related to solid waste, water, traffic, loss of bio-cultural diversity etc.. With the projected arrival of tourists in IHR States to
more than double by 2025, urgent actions will be needed to address critical issues of waste management and water crisis in
addition to other environmental and social issues.
3. Transformative Approach to Shifting Cultivation: In the north eastern States, thousands of the households continue to
practice slash and burn (shifting cultivation) that need to be addressed in view of ecological, food and nutritional security.
4. Strengthening Skill & Entrepreneurship Landscape in Himalayas: Predominantly unskilled workforce remains a challenge for
the mountains as well that need high priority to address migration of youths.
5. Data/Information for Informed Decision Making: Challenges related to data availability, data authenticity, compatibility, data
quality, validation, user charges for Himalayan States need addressal for informed decision making at different levels of
governance.
The key messages from reports include:
 Spring Mapping and Revival, using 8 steps protocol be taken up across Himalayan States in phased manner.
 Apply carrying capacity concept to all major tourist destinations; implement and monitor tourism sector Standards and
apply performance based incentives for States faring well on the standards.
 Assessment of nature & extent of Shifting Cultivation area, improved policy coherence, strengthened tenurial security &
improved access to related programs/schemes are key recommendations to transform shifting cultivation.
 Strengthening of skill & entrepreneurship will require focus on identified priority sectors where mountains have
advantage, investment in trainers, assessors and training centers in industry partnership.
 Having a Central Data Management Agency for Himalayas to provide data with high fidelity scenario while addressing
data sharing, access, authenticity and comparability issues will go a long way in addressing data related issues.
The call for action include:
 Setting up of a Himalayan Authority for coordinated and holistic development of entire Himalayan region and launching
of “Himalaya Calling”: An Awareness to Action Campaign as people’s movement.
 The call for actions also includes suggestions for setting up of Mission on Spring Water Management in Himalayas,
National Mission/Program on Transforming Shifting Cultivation in North Eastern States, demand driven network of skill
and entrepreneurship development Centers in Himalayan States, consortium of institutions of high learning for mountain
specific research and technology, link with Hindukush Himalaya Monitoring and Assessment program (HIMAP) and
Setting up Central Data Management Agency for Himalayan Database at GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan
Environment and Development.
2nd Protocol Amending India – Singapore CECA Signed
The signing of the Second Protocol, amending CECA, will boost bilateral trade between India and Singapore.
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 Expand the coverage of tariff concessions

 Liberalize the Rules of Origin
 Rationalize Product Specific Rules
 Include provisions on Certificate of Origin and Cooperation on its verification
Singapore is the second largest trading partner of India within ASEAN and India is the largest trading partner of Singapore in
South Asia, with a bilateral trade of USD 17.7 billion in 2017-18. Singapore’s trade with India constitutes about 21.8% of our
total trade with ASEAN and 2.3% of our global trade. India had a trade surplus of USD 2.73 billion with Singapore in 2017-18.
Quotes:
Expressing concern over the increasing cancer cases in the county
 Awareness, regular check-ups and screening crucial in dealing with Cancer.
 Efforts are needed drastically bring down costs of Cancer treatment.
 India contributes to nearly 60 per cent of head and neck cancer patients worldwide and the number is expected to be
double by 2030. This is really a worrisome trend and concrete steps need to be taken arrest this trend.
 A majority of the cancers are being detected in advanced stages for the simple reason that most of the patients are not
presenting themselves early. It should be noted that many developed countries, including Europe and the U.S.A have
shown reduction in cancer spread due to effective screening programmes.
Research & innovation in agriculture
 Research and innovation in the field of agriculture must reach farmers. He has urged scientists and researchers to
collaborate with farmers to make agriculture more affordable and viable.
 Empowering farmer and strengthening agriculture would help in developing rural India
 Farming technique tested across Andhra Pradesh can be a model for sustainable agriculture as it reduces the heavy input
cost on agriculture and help boost productivity. The Zero Budget Natural Farming has the potential to enhance the income
or profit margins for farmers who are often under distress owing to debt.
 Called on both farmers, officials and scientists to make united efforts to facilitate farmers understand new technologies and
reduce input cost of agriculture.
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 27th Aug to
1st September, 2018

ARCHIVES
GS-2
Launch of Innovation Cell and Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA)
Resources)
By: M/o HRD
Aim: Systematically foster the culture of innovation in Higher Education Institutions
The primary mandate of Innovation Cell is to encourage, inspire and nurture young students by exposing them to new ideas and
processes resulting in innovative activities in their formative years fostered through Network of Innovation clubs in Higher
Educational Institutions.
Decade 2010-20: ‘Decade of Innovation’, to unleash the creative potential of every Indian.
India has improved on global stage in terms of Innovation ranking from 86th place, 5 years ago, to 57th place this year.
Cabinet approves
Signing of MoU between India and Bulgaria in the field of tourism: Bulgaria is a potential tourism markets for India (India
received approximately 5288 tourists from Bulgaria in 2017). The main objectives are:
 To expand bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector
 To exchange information and data related to tourism
 To encourage cooperation between tourism stakeholders including Hotels and Tour operators,
 To establish exchange programme for cooperation in Human Resource Development
 To exchange visits of Tour Operators / Media /Opinion Makers for promotion of two way tourism
 To exchange experiences in the areas of promotion, marketing, destination development and management
 Foster bilateral cooperation through film tourism for promoting the two countries as attractive tourism destinations and
 To promote safe, honourable and sustainable tourism
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Signing of Air Services Agreement between India and Morocco: The Air Services Agreement signifies an important landmark
in the civil aviation relations between India and Morocco and has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and
cultural exchanges between the two countries. It will provide enabling environment for enhanced and seamless connectivity
while providing commercial opportunities to the carriers of both the sides ensuring greater safety and security.
Trade Cooperation Framework between India and Rwanda: will facilitate better trade and economic relations
Memorandum of Understanding between India and USA in insurance regulatory sector: The MoU provides a framework
for cooperation and coordination, including for the exchange of information and research assistance with respect to each
Authority’s overview and other lawful responsibilities. Under the agreement, both the countries intend to share their experiences
on various regulatory functions and to provide mutual assistance including training activities. India andUSA have also agreed to
continue to facilitate cooperation on international standard-setting activities, financial stability and the development and
implementation of consumer protection through sound prudential regulation of the insurance sector.
Umbrella scheme “Ocean Services, Technology, Observations, Resources Modelling and Science (O-SMART)” of
Ministry of Earth Sciences: The important deliverables during the next 2 years envisage include
 Strengthening of Ocean Observations and Modelling
 Strengthening of Ocean Services for Fishermen
 Setting up Marine Coastal Observatories for monitoring marine pollution in 2018
 Setting up Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Plant (OTEC) in Kavaratti
 Acquisition of 2 Coastal Research Vessels for Coastal research
 Continuation of Ocean Survey and Exploration of Minerals and Living Resources
 Technology Development for Deep Ocean Mining- Deep Mining System and Manned Submersibles
 Setting up Six Desalination Plants in Lakshadweep
MoU between India and United Kingdom and Northern Irelandon the Cooperation in the fields of Animal Husbandry,
Dairying and Fisheries: Aims to develop bilateral cooperation in the field of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries for the
purpose of increasing production and productivity of Indian livestock and fisheries.
Government of India and the World Bank sign $300 Million Agreement to help scale-up India’s Energy Efficiency
Program
implementation)
To be implemented by: Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)
Will help scale-up the deployment of energy saving measures in residential and public sectors, strengthen EESL’s institutional
capacity, and enhance its access to commercial financing.
The investments under the Program are expected to avoid lifetime greenhouse gas emissions of 170 million tons of CO2, and
contribute to avoiding an estimated 10 GW of additional generation capacity. This would be over 50 percent of the National
Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency target of 19.6 GW indicated in India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
under the Paris Accord.
The Program will help tackle the financing, awareness, technical and capacity barriers faced by new energy efficiency programs
and support the UJALA program of the Government of India.
Key Components of the Operation include:

o Creating sustainable markets for LED lights and energy efficient ceiling fans
o Facilitating well-structured and scalable investments in public street lighting
o Developing sustainable business models for emerging market segments such as super-efficient air conditioning and
agricultural water pumping systems
o Strengthening the institutional capacity of EESL
 Increase private sector participation in energy efficiency, including through private sector energy service companies
The Government of India, Government of Rajasthan and World Bank sign a $250 Million Agreement to Support
Electricity Distribution Sector Reforms in Rajasthan

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implementation)
Aim: To support the Government of Rajasthan in improving the performance of its Electricity Distribution Sector under the
State’s 24×7 Power for All program
The key areas that the program will support include:
 Strengthening Governance in the Distribution Sector in the State by establishing Annual Performance MoUs between the
DISCOMs and the State Government
 Putting in place a Performance Management System
 Providing incentives to employees for improving performance
 Financial Restructuring and recovery in the Sector by transferring considerable amounts of the DISCOMs debt to the State
 Bringing in more discipline in the revenue requirements of DISCOMs
 Taking initiatives in reducing the costs of energy procurement
 Improving the operational performance of the DISCOMs through initiatives like publishing feeder level energy audits and
increased usage of IT among others.
GS-3
Regulations for Drones

(Topic: Security; Science and Technology)
Drones are a technology platform which has wide-ranging applications from photography to agriculture, from infrastructure asset
maintenance to insurance. Drones range in size from very small and those that can carry multiple kilograms of payload.
The preparation of these drone regulations through a Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) has taken multiple years because:
 Drone technologies have been evolving very rapidly
 Many countries are still experimenting with their drone regulations and no ICAO stands have been developed
 India’s security environment necessitates extra precautions
Instead of simply digitizing a paper-based process for registering and operating drones, India has formulated an all-digital process
– The Digital Sky Platform
 The first-of-its-kind national unmanned traffic management (UTM) platform that implements “no permission, no takeoff”
(NPNT)
 Users will be required to do a one-time registration of their drones, pilots and owners.
 For every flight (exempted for the nano category), users will be required to ask for permission to fly on a mobile app and
an automated process permits or denies the request instantly.
 To prevent unauthorized flights and to ensure public safety, any drone without a digital permit to fly will simply not be
able to takeoff.
 The UTM operates as a traffic regulator in the drone airspace and coordinates closely with the defense and civilian air
traffic controllers (ATCs) to ensure that drones remain on the approved flight paths.
Launch of National Mission on GeM

(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; e-technology in the aid of
farmers)
What: National Mission on Government e Marketplace (GeM) to accelerate the adoption and use of GeM by major central
Ministries, State Governments and their agencies – provides online, end to end solution for procurement of commonly used
goods and services.
Aim:
 Promote inclusiveness, transparency and efficiency in public procurement
 Achieve cashless, contactless and paperless transaction
 This will increase overall efficiency and lead to cost saving on government expenditure in procurement.
151
Release of India’s National REDD+ Strategy

(Topic: Environment and Conservation of Biodiversity)
REDD+:
(a) Reducing emissions from deforestation;
(b) Reducing emissions from forest degradation;
(c) Conservation of forest carbon stocks;
(d) Sustainable management of forests;
(e) Enhancement of forest carbon stocks.
Was first negotiated: Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2005, with the
objective of mitigating climate change through reducing net emissions of greenhouse gases through enhanced forest management
in developing countries.
Forest Carbon Partnership Facility: Assists the countries in their ‘REDD+ (Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest
Degradation+)’ efforts by providing them with financial and technical assistance
India & REDD+:
 India has communicated in its Nationally Determined Contribution under Paris Agreement, that it will capture 2.5 to 3
billion tonnes of Carbon dioxide through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.
 The Strategy builds upon existing national circumstances which have been updated in line with India’s National Action
Plan on Climate Change, Green India Mission and India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to UNFCCC.
 The strategy seeks to address drivers of deforestation and forest degradation and also developing a roadmap for
enhancement of forest carbon stocks and achieving sustainable management of forests through REDD+ actions.
Refer: Link 1
Prelims Qn (2016)
Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to
1. Protection of biodiversity
2. Resilience of forest ecosystems
3. Poverty reduction
Select the correct answer using the code given below
1. a) 1 and 2 only
2. b) 3 Only
3. c) 2 and 3 only
4. d) 1, 2 and 3 (Solution)
Neeraj Chopra: Won Gold in the Men’s Javelin Throw Final
Arpinder Singh: Won Gold in Men’s Triple Jump event
India’s First Standardised Modern Ship Design for Ganga: By Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
 This marks attaining of a critical milestone in the growth of the country’s Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector as it will
help overcome the unique navigation challenges river Ganga throws due to its complex river morphology, hydraulics,
acute bends, shifting channels, meanders and current.
 It will serve as an enabler for domestic shipbuilding industry working on inland vessels and open huge possibilities for
cargo and passenger movement on National Waterway-1.
India’s first Indian human mission will be launched by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) – `Gaganyaan —
India’s maiden human spaceflight programme’: 2022 (75th year of Indian independence)
 Will make India the fourth nation in the world to launch a Human Spaceflight Mission. So far, only the USA, Russia and
China have launched human spaceflight missions.
 GSLV Mk-III launch vehicle, which has the necessary payload capability for this mission, will be used to launch
Gaganyaan.
 Objectives of the Mission as:
o Enhancement of science and technology levels in the country
o A national project involving several institutes, academia and industry
o Improvement of industrial growth
o Inspiring youth
o Development of technology for social benefits
o Improving international collaboration
India’s first biofuel powered flight: The Spicejet flight, featuring a latest generation Q400 aircraft
 Developed indigenously by CSIR
 Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 15 percent and sulfur oxides (SOx) emissions by over 99 percent
 Provide indigenous jet fuel supply security
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 Possible cost savings as feedstock availability at farm level scales up

 Superior engine performance and reduced maintenance cost for the airline operators
RCEP: Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
An ASEAN-centred proposal for a regional free trade area.
Between:
10 ASEAN states: (Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand,
Vietnam) CLIMBB-PSTV +
Six states with which ASEAN has existing FTAs (Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand) JACSIN
Launched in: November 2012 at the ASEAN Summit in Cambodia
Viewed as: Alternative to the Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Agreement
Why RCEP?
Purpose: ASEAN+6 RECP—aimed at transforming the region by higher economic growth through more cross-border trade and
investment.
Objective: To achieve a modern, comprehensive, high-quality and mutually beneficial economic partnership agreement that will
cover trade in goods, trade in services, investment, economic and technical co-operation, intellectual property, competition,
dispute settlement and other issues.
ASEAN has emerged as the second largest trade partner of India in 2017-18 with bilateral trade valued at US$ 81.33 billion,
comprising 10.58% of India’s total trade with the world.
Refer: Link 1 + Link 2
BIMSTEC Summit
BIMSTEC: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
BIMSTEC member states— Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, and Nepal —are among the countries
dependent on the Bay of Bengal
When: 1997
Permanent secretariat: Dhaka
Year of BIMSTEC Tourism: 2015
Country to host the first military exercise of the group focussing on counter-terrorism: India
Refer: Link 1 + Link 2
Solve (Mains): “Compared to the South Asian Trade Area (SAFTA), the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multisectoral Technical
and Economic Cooperation Free Trade Area (BIMSTEC FTA) seems to be more promising.” Critically evaluate.
India seems to be giving prominence to BIMSTEC owing largely to the failed narrative of SAARC. Comment. Also examine the
potential of BIMSTEC as a bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia.
MoU signed between Department of Biotechnology and International Energy Agency on Enhancing Innovation for the
Clean Energy Transition
The MoU seeks to deepen co-operation in support of clean energy innovations to accelerate the research, development, and
demonstration (RD&D) of clean energy technologies in India and will help support the generation of data for policymaking and
improve knowledge of good policy practices for innovation in India and around the world.
The MoU will ensure cooperation for sharing of energy policies on RD&D and sharing of best practices on data collection and
analysis. This MoU also has a provision for activities such as training and capacity building and accelerating energy innovation
by identifying sources of finance.
MOVE: India’s First Global Mobility Summit 2018
The Summit will constitute three designated components – The Conclave, Digital Exhibition, and Featured Events. It will help
drive the government’s goals for vehicle electrification, renewable energy integration and job growth and also speed up India’s
transition to a clean energy economy.
Krishna Kutir: Home for 1000 widows at Vrindavan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB):
 Has been envisioned as an accessible, affordable and trusted bank for the common man, to help speedily achieve the
financial inclusion objectives of the Union Government.
 It will leverage the vast network of the Department of Posts, which covers every corner of the country with more than
300,000 Postmen and Grameen Dak Sewaks.
 IPPB will hence significantly augment the reach of the banking sector in India.
 The launch of IPPB marks another significant milestone in the Union Government’s endeavour to take the benefits of a
rapidly developing India to the remotest corners of our country.
Quotes
On Rural India
 Planners, Parliamentarians and Press must have a bias towards rural India
 We cannot afford to have “Two Indias”
 Encourage Rural Innovators & remove bottlenecks regarding infrastructure, funds, connectivity
 Government and private sector must come together in a big way to promote innovative rural technologies and transform
the rural economy
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 Self-help groups should be involved in the development as it not only brings down the income gap but also encourages
Women Empowerment
 India, with its youth potential, must strive to become a technology power house. There is a need to create innovation labs
with the focus on ‘Design for Tomorrow’s India’.
 Five I’s crucial for transforming rural economy:
o Irrigation
o Infrastructure
o Reduced Interest rates
o Insurance
o Innovation
 Massive migration from villages to cities due to 5 E’s –
o Education
o Employment
o Entertainment
o Enhanced medical facilities
o Economic opportunities
On cyber warfare
 The era of New Age cyber warfare, and the new enemy can be combated only through the power of knowledge.
 The BPR&D should evolve best practices, policies and procedures in policing to combat emerging new age National
Security threats.
 Knowledge and competence of our police forces and the ability to innovate, improvise and implement will be critical in
strengthening national security.
 We need a “Surakshit Bharat” as much as a “Samruddh Bharat” and we cannot have a “Surakshit Bharat” without a
“Saksham Bharat”.
 The set up for combating the new enemy in Cyber Space can no longer be housed within the walls of a seemingly secure
single government agency.
 Called for a reorientation of the existing paradigm and said that all security agencies must work in close coordination and
also with the private sector manning to establish a foolproof ecosystem.
 Government & private sector must establish joint mechanisms to protect the police a force against the future challenges,
including, the threats of modern warfare. All police forces of the country have to equip themselves with the cyber forensic
techniques and knowledge to counter a cyber-attack or investigate a cyber-crime.
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 3rd to
9th September, 2018

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Cabinet approves
Continuation of the Centrally Sponsored Umbrella Scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats beyond 12th
Plan
The Scheme consists of Centrally Sponsored Scheme of
 Project Tiger (CSS-PT)
 Development of Wildlife Habitats (CSS-DWH)
 Project Elephant (CSS-PE)
A total of 18 tiger range States, distributed in five landscapes of the country would be benefitted under the Project Tiger scheme.
Similarly, for other two schemes, the coverage is entire country in case of Development of Wildlife Habitats (DWH) and 23
elephant range States for Project Elephant. It would foster wildlife conservation in general with specific inputs for tiger in Project
Tiger area and elephant in Project Elephant area.
Intended impact:
 Overall strengthening/ consolidation of tiger, elephant and wildlife conservation in the country
 Address the human wildlife conflict effectively
 Generate employment opportunities resulting in economic upliftment of people in and around tiger reserves/ Protected
Areas
 Reduction in natural resource dependency with substitution by clean energy use
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 Will generate direct employment of about 30 lakh mandays annually which shall include many local tribes besides non-
tribal local workforce.
 People living in vicinity would also get indirect benefits
 Local populace would get opportunities to serve as guides, driver, hospitality personnel and in other ancillary jobs
 These schemes would foster imparting various skills towards making people self-dependent through various eco-
development projects, thereby enabling them to go for self-employment.
 Resource generation through tourist visits, thereby fostering in securing tiger source areas and other areas important for
wildlife conservation, besides being helpful in sustaining life support systems as well as ensuring the food, water and
livelihood security.
Establishment and operationalization of permanent campus of seven new IIMs at:
 Amritsar
 Bodh Gaya
 Nagpur
 Sambalpur
 Sirmaur
 Vishakhapatnam
 Jammu
India and Bulgaria have signed five agreements during President Kovind’s visit
(Topic: India’s relations with various countries)
1. An agreement between Invest India and Invest Bulgaria
2. An agreement on cooperation in and facilitation of tourism
3. An agreement on enhanced science and technology cooperation
4. An agreement on civil nuclear research and cooperation
5. An agreement between the Indian Council of Cultural Relations and Sofia University to promote Hindi studies
India and Czech Republic sign five agreements

 Cooperation between the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, India, and the Czech Academy of Sciences
 A work plan to support Indo-Czech projects in diverse areas of science and technology, with the Department of Science
and Technology taking the lead from the Indian side
 A visa waiver agreement for diplomatic passport holders
 Cooperation in laser technology between ELI Beamlines and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
 Cooperation between the Haryana Agricultural University and the Czech University of Life Sciences
Have also agreed to initiate cooperation in civil nuclear energy.
India and France sign an implementation agreement on “MOBILISE YOUR CITY” (MYC)
Mobilise Your City (MYC) is part of an international initiative which is supported by the French and the German Governments
and was launched at 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) meeting in December, 2015.
Based on a proposal made by AFD in 2015, the European Union has agreed to provide funds of Euro 3.5 million through the
AFD to contribute to specific investments and technical assistance components within the Mobilise Your City (MYC)
programme in India. The MYC aims at supporting three pilot cities viz. Nagpur, Kochi and Ahmedabad in their efforts to reduce
their Green House Gas (GHG) emissions related to urban transport by implementing urban mobility plans at local level and to
help India at national level to improve their sustainable transport policy.
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The three pilot cities selected under the programme as well as MoHUA will benefit from the Technical Assistance activities. The
main components of the proposed assistance are:
(1) To support planning and implementation of sustainable urban transport projects,
(2) Support to strengthening institutional capacity for regulating, steering and planning urban mobility, and
(3) Learning and exchange formats with other cities across India for exchanges on best practices.
3rd ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Conference

(Topic: India and international groups and Summits)
On: Global Ageing and Human Rights of Older Persons
Where: Seoul, Korea
Purpose:
 Will reaffirm the universal value of the human rights of older persons
 Share information on discrimination against the elderly and exemplary cases of long-term and palliative care in Asia and
Europe
 Discuss operation and tasks of the ASEM Global Ageing Centre as an implementing institution for mutual cooperation
among ASEM members for the protection and promotion of the human rights of older persons.
 Will be beneficial for Policy formulation and implementation for welfare of senior citizens.
13th Sustainability Summit

Theme – “Everyone’s future”
Environment
 India has registered 1 per cent growth in its forest and tree cover, according to the latest report of Forest Survey of India.
 ‘PARIVESH’- a single window clearance system in the spheres of Environment, Forest, Wildlife and Coastal Regulation
Zone – the automated system will help applicants track the application status, as well as help in improving environmental
compliance.
 India’s affirmative action in embracing a sustainable lifestyle by aligning the 5 Ps – People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace
and Partnership.
 National Clean Air Action Plan and air quality monitoring infrastructure are the Government’s key areas of focus
Housing and Urban Development
 India stands united in its efforts against rising global temperatures and a quick glance at India’s Intended Nationally
Determined Contributions reaffirm this point.
 India’s target: 175 GW renewable energy capacities by 2022
 Adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 recognized the intrinsic linkages between climate change and
urbanization. “Goal 11, titled “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable” has embedded
in it, critical elements of climate action.
 Swacch Bharat Mission (SBM) is not only about infrastructure, but also bringing about behavioural and cultural changes
among citizens (to make India ODF and have 100% scientific solid waste management by October 2, 2019)
 To ensure India’s city driven development is sustainable, the government has embarked on the world’s largest planned
urbanization programme. The key to the process is “integration”, meaning all policies, projects, and proposals are
considered in relation to one another.
 Use of new and alternate construction technologies in the construction of houses, locally available eco-friendly materials
suited to local climatic conditions are being encouraged, reducing not only the cost of construction but also the resultant
carbon footprint.
Circular economy and resource efficiency can provide solutions to the challenges posed in the process of reconciling economic
growth with environmental sustainability, and hence there is a need for corporate participation in building resource efficiency and
a circular economy.
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MOVE: India’s First Global Mobility Summit 2018

Focus of the summit:
 On raising awareness about various aspects of Mobility and bringing various stakeholders involved in enhancing mobility
across different platforms.
 To revolutionise the way people travel in India, along with making mobility more connected, shared and seamless
With disruptions in the mobility sector, we will be able to generate more employment & enhance the ease of living for citizens in
India
Please Note:
2030: Timeline for elimination of Tuberculosis fixed by WHO; For India, the timeline is 2025 (Link)
AMRIT Deendayal: An acronym for ‘Affordable Medicines & Reliable Implants for Treatment’ – Centres that provide
medicines for cancer & cardiovascular diseases and cardiac implants at significantly reduced prices.
Joint surprise check to unearth misuse of oxytocin:
 Oxytocin is a peptide hormone used in various conditions such as induction of labor, control of postpartum bleeding or
haemorrhage, etc.
 It has been reported from time to time that clandestine activities of manufacture and sale of oxytocin is leading to its grave
misuse, which is harmful to animals and humans.
 Its misuse is mostly in the dairy industry, where livestock are injected with oxytocin to make them release milk.
KAZIND: Indo-Kazakhstan Joint Army Exercise
IOWave18:
 India, along with 23 otherIndian Ocean Nations, participated in a major Indian ocean-wide tsunami mock exercise (drill)
 Organized by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, which coordinated the setting up of
the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS) in the aftermath of the 26 December 2004 tsunami.
 All coastal states tested communication modes for receipt of bulletins from INCOIS. The end-to-end warning system from
tsunami detection and forecast, threat evaluation and alert formulation, alert dissemination to public and their awareness
and response was put to test during this exercise.
2nd World Hindu Congress: At Chicago, on the occasion of 125th Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s Historic Speech at the
Parliament of the World’s Religions in 1893.
Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention (MGISC):
 A 4-day international conference that will bring together Sanitation Minsters and other leaders in WASH (water, sanitation
and hygiene) from around the world.
 To mark the beginning of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi, also coinciding with the fourth
anniversary of the launch of Swachh Bharat Mission.
 India aims to eliminate open defecation by October 2nd, 2019, the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who held
sanitation very close to his heart.
 The success of the Swachh Bharat Mission will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the global achievement of
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 6.2), i.e. to achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all.
Simultaneously, coordinated efforts are in place to improve sanitation levels in all sectors and all public places.
 The global Convention will be aimed at sharing sanitation success stories and lessons across all participating countries.
WAN Connectivity to district and subordinate courts
 One of the important components of eCourts Mission Mode Project Phase-II (2015-19) is establishment of Wide Area
Network (WAN) connecting all District and Subordinate court complexes, spread across the country.
 The eCourts project has made significant progress under the guidance of e-Committee of Supreme Court of India in
computerizing 16,089 district and subordinate courts of the country through installation of case information software,
hardware and local area network in courts, thus making judiciary ICT – enabled for efficient and transparent functioning
with a positive overall impact on the justice delivery system.
 Launch of an online monitoring tool prepared by NIC for tracking real-time progress and monitoring of pan – Indian Wide
Area Network (WAN) project against the set baselines
Agreement between Financial Intelligence Unit, India, and Unit for Combating Money Laundering of Cyprus: Aims at
sharing financial intelligence and fighting money laundering, terror financing and related crimes.
ISA
 Stands for co-operation among 121 solar rich countries lying fully or partially between the tropics in order to promote
massive deployment of solar energy and make solar energy affordable.
 Provides an opportunity to all countries to bring prosperity, energy security and sustainable development to their peoples.
Pradhan Mantri JanDhan Yojana (PMJDY): National Mission on Financial Inclusion to
 Increase banking penetration
 Promote financial inclusion
 Provide at least one bank account per household across the country
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The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership: A mega regional free trade agreement being negotiated amongst 16
countries, comprising 10 ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore,
Thailand and Vietnam) and six ASEAN FTA partners, namely Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea and New Zealand.
Coffee Connect – India coffee field force app
 To ease the work of field functionaries
 To improve the work efficiency
 Provides solution by harnessing the power of mobility comprising the latest technology in easing the whole process of the
field activities like digitization of Coffee Growers & Estates with Geo Tagging, collecting the Plantation details
 Help in transparency in the activities of the extension officers and officials, transparency in subsidy disbursement and real
time report generation.
Coffee KrishiTharanga – Digital mobile extension services for coffee stakeholders
 Aimed at providing customized information and services to increase productivity, profitability, and environmental
sustainability.
 The solution will help in to reach maximum growers in limited period, efficient, timely, customised advisory, improve the
efficiency through digitisation and leverage existing mobile reach for wider delivery of improved technology.
Quotes:
President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind
On Youth, Technology and Ideas: Shaping the Contours of the 21st Century
 Perhaps for the first time in history, youth are directly involved in bringing about sweeping changes and on such a massive
scale.
 Technology has opened a whole new world of learning. And it has also made it easier to accomplish our tasks.
 The pursuit of excellence should be the key factor that dominates the minds of future generations.
 Access, equity and inclusion should remain key to developing and deploying technologies.
 By adding sustainability to development, by preserving forests, respecting ecology and by adopting clean energy options,
we can tackle climate change. On this count, India has taken the lead through the International Solar Alliance.
 New age technology combined with the wisdom of the past can solve many of our ecological problems.
On the book release of Constitutionalizing India: an Ideational Project authored by Shri Bidyut Chakrabarty
 Constitution is the guiding light on all matters of governance and jurisprudence
 Even 68 years after it came into force, the Constitution continues to be the guiding light on all matters connected with
governance and jurisprudence.
 Sardar Patel, who played a key role in drafting the Constitution, wanted a strong centre and a robust, homogenous
administration to maintain the unity and integrity of India. He had presented reports on rights of minorities, tribals and
Directive principles, among others, to the Constituent Assembly.
 The architect of the Indian Constitution Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in his address to the constituent assembly described how
magnificently the framers of the constitution accomplished the formidable task in less than three years. Dr. Ambedkar
pointed out that constitutions of America, Canada, South Africa and Australia were much smaller than our constitution.
 However good a constitution may be, if those who are implementing it are not good, it will prove to be bad. However bad
a constitution may be, if those implementing it are good, it will prove to be good. – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
On Teachers
 Teachers are the key Architects of National Development.
 It is because of teachers like you that our system of education is moving steadily towards greater heights of excellence.
 It has been said that “values are caught and that they can rarely be taught” which means the teachers must ensure through
their behaviour, through their communication with students and in the way the classes are organised that values of
equality, democracy, peace and working together become an integral part of the school ethos.
 It has been found that an important contributory factor for creating high performing systems, like in countries like Finland
for instance, is the respect that the society accords to its teachers.
 Swami Vivekananda said, “We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the
intellect is expanded and by which one can stand on one’s own feet.”
 Teachers must make their instruction learner-friendly and this essentially implies that if we have to universalise quality
education the teachers must individualise learning. They must know each child well and respond to the learning needs of
each and every child in the classroom.
 Experiential learning or learning by doing is one the most effective methods. As Confucius had said, “I hear and I forget. I
see and I remember. I do and I understand”.
 Teachers should make students learn through activities and this is the basic principle which has been detailed by
educationists like Gurudev Tagore, Shri Aurobindo and Mahatma Gandhiji. Gandhiji had evolved a comprehensive,
integrated vision of education called ‘Nayee Taaleem’ which relied on learning by doing, he added.
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IASbaba Press Information Bureau 10th to 15th
September, 2018
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Fight against malnutrition taken up in a mission mode

1. Increase of daily cost norms for the beneficiaries of the ICDS Programme
2. A technology based real time monitoring system of the Anganwadi services
3. Identification and elimination of fake beneficiaries which is an ongoing process: Eliminated approximately one crore fake
beneficiaries from the system
4. Increase the honorarium of Anganwadi: It is being increased by 1½ times from the existing amount –
 The Anganwadi workers will be given Rs. 4500/- instead of Rs. 3000/-
 Mini Anganwadi worker will be given Rs.3500/- instead of Rs.2250/-
 Anganwadi helper will be given Rs. 2250/- instead of Rs. 1500/- per month
This will boost their morale and help improve the delivery of services by the frontline workers and will in turn help to achieve
the goal of Poshan Abhiyan.
Poshan Abhiyan
 The Rs. 9,000-crore mission will strive to reduce stunting, under-nutrition, and low birth weight by 2 per cent and anaemia
(among young children, women and adolescent girls) by 3 per cent annually over the three-year mission period.
 The focus of the Abhiyaan is on the first 1000 days of the child and preventive care for adolescent girls, women and
mothers.
 Home-based Care for Young Child (HBYC) would be a crucial component of the Abhiyaan.
 In HBYC, ASHAs supported by Anganwadi workers will visit the homes of children aged between 3 to 15 months and
sensitise mothers on energy density and diet of child.
Must Read: Health and Nutrition: No child left behind
Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017
The Act safeguards the rights of people living with HIV and affected by HIV.
The provisions of the Act address
 HIV-related discrimination
 Strengthen the existing programme by bringing in legal accountability
 Establish formal mechanisms for inquiring into complaints and redressing grievances
The Act lists various grounds on which discrimination against HIV positive persons and those living with them is prohibited.
These include the denial, termination, discontinuation or unfair treatment with regard to:
(i) Employment
(ii) Educational establishments
(iii) Health care services
(iv) Residing or renting property
(v) Standing for public or private office
(vi) Provision of insurance (unless based on actuarial studies).
The requirement for HIV testing as a pre-requisite for obtaining employment or accessing health care or education is also
prohibited.
Cabinet approves
MoU between India and South Africa on cooperation in the exploration and uses of outer space for peaceful purposes:
The areas of cooperation under this MoU are the following:
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 Remote sensing of the earth;

 Satellite communication and satellite-based navigation;
 Space science and planetary exploration;
 Use of spacecraft, launch vehicles, space systems and ground systems;
 Practical applications of space technology including geospatial tools and techniques
MoU on Collaborative Research on Distributed Ledger and Block Chain Technology in the context of Development of
digital economy by Exim Bank under BRICS Interbank Cooperation Mechanism
 Distributed Ledger/Block chain technology holds potential for solutions to various challenges being faced in the financial
sector space of the BRICS nations.
 The MoU intends to enhance understanding of Distributed Ledger/Block Chain technology, through the joint research
efforts to identify areas within respective business operations where it may have the potential for applications aimed at
enhancing the operational efficiencies.
MoU between India and Egypt on cooperation in the field of Agriculture & allied sectors
The MoU provides for cooperation in areas of agricultural crops (especially wheat and maize), agricultural biotechnology,
nanotechnology, irrigation and water management technology including water harvesting and micro-irrigation technology,
management of agriculture wastes management for energy production; food security, safety and quality; horticulture; organic
agriculture; livestock husbandry, livestock breeding, dairying, fisheries, feed and fodder production; animal products and value
addition; sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues concerning trade in plant and animal products; agriculture machinery in small scale;
agri-business and marketing; pre and post-harvest procedures; food technology and processing; integrated pest management in
agriculture; agricultural extension and rural development; agricultural trade & investment; intellectual property rights issues;
technical know-how and human resources in seed sector; infrastructure development and capacity building in agriculture & allied
sectors and other related areas of interest that are mutually agreed upon by both Parties.
Cooperation will also be effected through exchange of research scientists and experts; exchange of agricultural information and
scientific publications (journals, books, bulletins, statistical data on agriculture and allied sectors); exchange of germplasm &
agriculture technology; and conducting joint seminars, workshops, symposiums and other similar activities.
Signing of MoU between India and Malta for strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism
 To encourage the quality destination of tourism industry in both countries;
 To increase tourist arrivals in both countries from the entire world through the territories of India and Malta;
 Promoting human resource development in tourism and travel-related industries in both countries;
 To contribute to a new tourism, offer, particularly through the promotion of natural and tangible, and intangible cultural
heritage, the development of sustainable tourism and the use of information technologies; and
 To recognize that tourism is a means to foster relationship between peoples of the two countries.
Policy Framework to Promote and Incentivize Enhanced Recovery Methods for Oil and Gas
Strategic objective of the Policy: To build a supportive ecosystem through academic and research institutes, industry- academia
collaboration and to support and encourage Exploration and Production (E&P) Contractors to deploy ER/IR/UHC Methods/
techniques.
The ER includes Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and Enhanced Gas Recovery (EGR), Unconventional Hydrocarbon (UHC)
production methods include Shale oil and gas production, tight oil and gas production, production from oil shale, gas hydrates
and heavy oil. Enhanced Recovery, Improved Recovery and exploration and exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbons are
capital intensive, technologically complex and challenging in nature. It calls for supporting infrastructure, logistic support, fiscal
incentives and enabling environment.
New Umbrella Scheme “Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan” (PM-AASHA)
 The Scheme is aimed at ensuring remunerative prices to the farmers for their produce as announced in the Union Budget
for 2018.
 The increase in MSP will be translated to farmer’s income by way of robust procurement mechanism in coordination with
the State Governments.
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Model International Center for Transformative Artificial Intelligence (ICTAI)

Collaboration between: NITI Aayog, Intel, and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)
Purpose: Towards developing and deploying AI-led application-based research projects
 Model ICTAI aims to conduct advanced research to incubate AI-led solutions in three important areas – healthcare,
agriculture and smart mobility – by bringing together the expertise of Intel and TIFR.
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 It aims to experiment, discover and establish best practices in the domains of ICTAI governance, fundamental research,
physical infrastructure, compute and service infrastructure needs, and talent acquisition.
Through this collaborative effort, the model ICTAI is chartered to develop AI foundational frameworks, tools and assets,
including curated datasets and unique AI algorithms –
 To develop standards and support policy development related to information technology such as data-storage, information
security, privacy, and ethics for data capture and use.
 To develop AI foundational technologies to promote applied research that can scale for national impact and will lead to the
creation of a vibrant and self-sustaining ecosystem.
 Collaboration with industry leaders, start-ups, and AI services and product companies to productize technologies and IP
that are developed at the model ICTAI
 Support skilling and talent development for world-class AI talent
Prelims Oriented News
Next Chief Justice of India: Justice Ranjan Gogoi
First Tribal Circuit Project under Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Jashpur- Kunkuri- Mainpat- Kamleshpur- Maheshpur- Kurdar-
Sarodadadar- Gangrel- Kondagaon- Nathiya Nawagaon- Jagdalpur- Chitrakoot- Tirthgarh
Apsara – U Reactor Becomes Operational: Upgraded version of the first research reactor in Asia. The reactor, made
indigenously, uses plate type dispersion fuel elements made of Low Enriched Uranium (LEU). By virtue of higher neutron flux,
this reactor will
 Increase indigenous production or radio-isotopes for medical application by about fifty percent
 Would also be extensively used for research in nuclear physics, material science and radiation shielding
Three ‘A’s’ for successful implementation of Mission Indradhanush:
1. ASHA
2. Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM)
3. Anganwadi workers
Nomadic Elephant-2018: Indo-Mongolia joint exercise; an annual, bilateral exercise since 2006 which is designed to strengthen
the partnership between Indian Army and Mongolian Armed Forces
Successful Air-to-Air Refuelling of LCA Tejas: The Air-to-Air refuelling capability for LCA is a ‘force multiplier’ for the IAF,
giving the aircraft the potential to stay airborne for much longer periods of time. The enhanced range and endurance in air is
expected to provide IAF a host of options in exploiting the operational potential of the LCA as well as to participate in
international exercises without having to stage through several locations enroute.
PM Modi, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, CMs of West Bengal and Tripura, jointly dedicate three projects in
Bangladesh:
(a) 500 MW additional power supply from India to Bangladesh, through the existing Bheramara (Bangladesh) – Baharampur
(India) interconnection
(b) Akhaura – Agartala Rail Link
(c) Rehabilitation of the Kulaura-Shahbazpur section of Bangladesh Railways
Quotes/Words to Quote
On India – Addressing the 2nd World Hindu Conference 2018, in Chicago, USA
The extraordinary vision of ancient India encapsulates a message that is timeless and eternally relevant because it is holistic,
integrated and universal. Whenever the world is faced with the threats of fragmentation, conflict, hatred and irrational prejudices,
the Indian voice brings to the world the soothing, inclusive perspectives that have pervaded its cultural world for more than two
millennia.
We have inherited a treasure house of ideas, values and attitudes. In a world of unprecedented changes, we need a sheet anchor
and a spiritual compass. India could offer those to the world. In a world that is filled with bitterness, India could provide the
honey of wisdom gathered from different flowers by different bees.
Words to Quote in Mains answer:
On Smart Cities
Leaving people with disabilities out of economic opportunities leads to a loss of 3-7%of GDP annually
 Divyang-friendly measures need to be integrated at planning stage for ensuring inclusive growth in Smart Cities in India
 In conjunction with the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), the Smart Cities Mission
seeks to ensure that the most vulnerable sections of our society enjoy ‘Ease of Living’ in Indian cities.
 We have the Accessible India Campaign, AMRUT, HRIDAY, Swachh Bharat, Digital India and the Smart Cities Mission
– and accessibility cuts across them all.
 The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its 17 goals and 169 targets, has given the nations of the world a very
ambitious framework with the underlying theme of ‘Leave No One Behind’. “This framework is inspired by the Indian
ethos of Sarvodaya through Antyodaya.
On Agriculture
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The goal of agricultural development planning and investment in India needs to go beyond the production, productivity and
acreage. Important as they are but these three are merely output indicators so far as the farmers as producers are concerned. The
outcome from their perspective is to be seen in their gains in terms of profit and prosperity.
As per the Fourth Advance Estimate a record production of 284.83 million tonnes during 2017-18 was achieved; which means an
increase in production continuously for a second year. The challenge that such a situation of abundance puts up before us is that
of maintaining food prices at levels that ensure farmers get their due profits, while not letting the general consumers remain
deprived of the gains of bumper harvest. It is for this purpose that the following policy instruments help us in tacking the
situation –
 Minimum Support Price
 Procurement for Public Distribution System
 Price Support Scheme
 Market Intervention Scheme
The farmers face numerous problems in both managing agricultural production with the minimum possible cost and selling their
produce at the maximum feasible agricultural produce prices because of serious market imperfections.
 The farmer faces farm input market imperfections which are handiworks of the business and industry involved in the
production and distribution of these inputs.
 Similarly, when it comes to realizing maximum prices the agricultural produce market ground realities disable and deprive
the farmers of their due prices.
This shows in terms of non-availability of markets as such, and the exploitative nature of functioning of farm business and
industry handling in agricultural markets.
The other factors that enable farmers to profit and prosper by ideal use of their land, animal, water, and forestry resources are
related to their ability to maximize their income with a focus on maximizing revenue; and earn more by enhancing their farm
business acumen. This requires serious attention to use innovative farm technology and management to increase both produce
and earning on the one hand and reducing uncertainties related to crop, prices, and supporting services on the other hand.
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 16th to 22nd
September, 2018
ARCHIVES
GS-2
India signs Financing Loan Agreement with the World Bank for US$ 74 Million for Uttarakhand Workforce
Development Project (UKWDP)

implementation)
The Project objective is to improve the quality and relevance of training at priority Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and to
increase the number of labor-market-relevant workers through short term training in Uttrakhand.
The Project has three components:
 Improving the quality and relevance of ITI Training
 Increasing the number of skilled workers certified under National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQE) – Compliant
Short Term Training
 Policy and Institutional Development and Project Management
Cabinet approves
 Enhancement of Honorarium to Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) and Performance
Linked Incentive to AWHs under Anganwadi Services (Umbrella ICDS Scheme):
Nearly 27 lakh AWWs/AWHs will be benefitted by the approval. Anganwadi Services (Umbrella ICDS) is a universal scheme
and beneficiaries are spread all over the country at AWC/village level.
The programme through targeted interventions will
 Strive to reduce the level of malnutrition, anaemia and low birth weight babies
 Ensure empowerment of adolescent girls
 Provide protection to the children who are in conflict with law
 Provide safe place for day-care to children of working mothers
 Create synergy
 Ensure better monitoring
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 Issue negative alerts for timely action

 Encourage States/UTs to perform, guide and supervise line Ministries and States/UTs to achieve the targeted goals and
bring more transparency
 ASHA Benefit Package
Approval with two components as under: –
 ASHAs and ASHA facilitators meeting the eligibility criteria to be enrolled in social security schemes implemented by
Government of India namely, the Pradhan MantriJeevanJyotiBimaYojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha BimaYojana.
 An increase in the amount of routine and recurring incentives under National Health Mission for ASHAs under NHM from
Rs. 1000/- per month to Rs. 2000/-per month.
 Revised Cost Estimate of Dam rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP)
At the revised cost of Rs 3466 crore with the financial assistance of the World Bank to improve safety and operational
performance of 198 Dams, along with institutional strengthening with system wide management approach.
DRIP envisages following objectives: –
Component-I: – Rehabilitation of Dam and its Appurtenant Structures,
Component-II: – Institutional Strengthening and
Component-Ill: – Project Management.
Impact:
 Improve the safety and operational performance of selected existing dams and mitigate risks to ensure safety of
downstream population and property.
 The primary beneficiaries are both urban and rural communities dependent on reservoir and downstream communities,
who are prone to risk associated with dam failure or operational failure.
 Further, through institutional strengthening component, effectiveness of Dam Safety Organisations will be increased to
take the lead to make dams safe from structural and operational point of view through capacity building of staff and
officials.
GS-3
India Cooling Action Plan

Objectives
 Assessment of cooling requirements across sectors in next 20 years and the associated refrigerant demand and energy use
 Map the technologies available to cater the cooling requirement including passive interventions, refrigerant-based
technologies and alternative technologies such as not-in-kind technologies
 Suggest interventions in each sector to provide for sustainable cooling and thermal comfort for all
 Focus on skilling of RAC service technicians
 Develop an R&D innovation ecosystem for indigenous development of alternative technologies.
“Keep Cool and Carry on”: The Montreal Protocol is the theme of 24th World Ozone Day celebrations
 The Montreal Protocol is the only environmental treaty which enjoys universal ratification of 197 UN numbers countries.
 The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer has been recognized as the most successful
international environment treaty in history.
 Its implementation has not only led to the phase-out of around 98% of ozone depleting chemicals, but also averted more
than 135 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.
 Nearly 2 million cases of skin cancer per year have been averted globally.
First country in the world to develop document on Cooling Action Plan: India
 Cooling has been recognized as an important development need due to cross-sectoral nature and considerable use of
cooling and air conditioning in different Sectors of the economy such as industries, residential and commercial buildings,
cold chain, transport (personal, commercial, metro and railways, ships).
 The integration of topics on HCFC phase out and energy efficiency in architectural curriculum will help the future
architects to introduce energy efficiency and use ozone friendly materials in new construction of buildings. This will help
not only in the protection of Ozone layer, but also reduce energy consumption in building sector, which is one of the
significant consumers of electricity in urban areas.
Please Note
Exercise Aviaindra-18: An Air Force level exercise between India and the Russian Federation
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Exercise KAZIND: Between Indian Army and Kazakhstan Army

Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award: Mirabai Chanu (Indian weightlifter) and Virat Kohli
Union Home Minister launches two portals to strengthen Women Safety:
 The portal “cybercrime.gov.in” will receive complaints from citizens on objectionable online content related to child
pornography, child sexual abuse material, sexually explicit material such as rape and gang rape.
 The National Database on Sexual Offenders (NDSO), which is accessible only to law enforcement agencies, will assist in
effectively tracking and investigating cases of sexual offences.
Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna: This scheme is a relief payable in cash directly to a person’s Bank Account in case of
unemployment and while they search for new engagement.
Health Ministry launches sputum sample transportation through Dept. of Post: A pilot for utilizing services of Department
of Post for transport of sputum specimen for TB Diagnosis
 A significant proportion of patients are not tested because the specimen does not reach the laboratory due to non-
availability of specimen transport mechanisms.
 Transport of collected specimen also spares the patient’s from travelling to the reference laboratory. Prompt transport of
specimen followed by efficacious testing will enable appropriate management of the TB patients and reduced disease
transmission.
 The learning from Delhi Pilot experience will be useful for adaptation of specimen transport mechanism throughthe Postal
Department across the country.
Nikshay Version 2.0: The web-based application of RNTCP, with better user interface and data structures
Launch of ‘e-Sahaj’ portal: For grant of Security Clearance
 Will facilitate an applicant to submit application online and also to view the status of his application from time to time
 With the introduction of online portal, the process will become standardized, resulting in a process which will be faster,
transparent and easy to monitor.
Note: MHA is the nodal Ministry for security clearances in certain sensitive sectors before issue of licence/permit, permission,
contract etc, to companies/ bidders/individuals by the administrative Ministry. The objective of national security clearance is to
evaluate potential security threats, including economic threats, and provide risk assessment before clearing investment and
project proposals in key sectors. The aim is to strike a healthy balance between meeting the imperatives of national security and
facilitating ease of doing business and promoting investment in the country.
Dispensary Cum-Branch Office (DCBO)
 Will be set up in every district
 To make presence of primary care services, irrespective of whether a district has already a State run Dispensary in that
area
 Will perform the functions of both dispensary and branch office; these will act as single unit providing Patient Services
and cash benefit payments under one roof besides providing medicines to patient attending DCBO
ESIC “Chinta Se Mukti“mobile app
 Is available on UMANG platform of Govt. of India.
 With this app, the Insured Persons can view their contribution history, personal profile, claim status and also their
entitlement to benefits.
 Grievances can also be lodged through this app. Besides, Insured Persons can also view knowledge bank on health topics
and audio-visuals on benefits under ESI Scheme.
Medical Cyclotron Facility Cyclone-30 Became Operational
 Cyclotrons are used to produce radioisotopes for diagnostic and therapeutic use for cancer care.
 This facility will provide for affordable radio isotopes and related radiopharmaceuticals for the entire country especially,
for Eastern India and also have export potential for Germanium-68/Gallium-68 generator for in-situ production of
Gallium-68 and Palladium-103 isotopes, used for breast cancer diagnosis and prostate cancer treatment, respectively.
Government paves the way for amalgamated Public Sector Banks with global heft and business synergies for providing
wider products & services and enhanced access:
 Banks in discussion: Bank of Baroda, Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank
 The envisaged amalgamation will be the First-ever three-way consolidation of banks in India, with a combined business of
Rs. 14.82 lakh crore, making it India’s Third Largest Bank.
 The consolidation will help create a strong globally competitive bank with economies of scale and enable realisation of
wide-ranging synergies.
 Leveraging of networks, low-cost deposits and subsidiaries of the three banks has the potential of yielding significant
synergies for positioning the consolidated entity for substantial rise in customer base, market reach, operational efficiency,
wider bouquet of products and services, and improved access for customers.
World Health Organisation is developing Benchmark Documents for practice in traditional medicine:
 World Health Organisation is developing Benchmark Documents for practice in Ayurveda, Panckarma and Unani system
as part of its global strategy to provide safe, effective and accessible Traditional Medicine to global community.
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 The documents are expected to provide minimum requirements for qualified practice by practitioners of Ayurveda,
Panchkarma and Unani to provide minimum safety requirement for practicing these and also to serve as a reference to
national authorities to establish/ strengthen regulatory standards to ensure qualified practice of such system and patients
safety.
India and Malta have signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoU):
 Maritime Cooperation
 Diplomatic Training
 Tourism Cooperation
BIMSTEC Nations Military Field Training Exercise i.e. MILEX – 2018: At Pune – The Exercise demonstrated the
commitment and capabilities of the participating BIMSTEC National armies in working closely with each other to eradicate the
menace of terrorism existing in different forms.
MHA signs MoU with ISRO to set up an Integrated Control Room for Emergency Response:
 The ICR-ER will cater to the requirement of Disaster Management as well as Internal Security.
 ICR-ER will address the requirement of receipt of information on near real-time basis, strategic level monitoring, situation
awareness, command and control, preparedness and response in the diverse internal security situation and disaster related
emergencies.
 Resultantly, it will increase the operational effectiveness and will be helpful in rendering timely response / assistance
during various emergency situations.
Successful Flight Test of Prahar: By DRDO
 An indigenously developed surface-to-surface tactical missile
 ‘Prahar’ is a contemporary weapon system capable of carrying multiple types of warheads and neutralizing a wide variety
of targets.
Second Flight Test of MPATGM Successful: Indigenously developed Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM),
was successfully flight tested for the second time
PSLV-C42 launches 2 foreign satellites
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C42) of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched two
satellites — NovaSAR and S1-4– from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota.
 Both satellites were injected into the Sun Synchronous Orbit.
 The satellite applications include forestry mapping, land use and ice cover monitoring, flood and disaster monitoring and
maritime missions. It will be operated from SSTL’s Spacecraft Operations Centre in Guildford, UK.
 S1-4 is a high resolution earth observation satellite meant for surveying resources, environment monitoring, urban
management and disaster monitoring.
 The PSLV-C42 marks the latest technology and commercial collaboration between India and the UK with the launch of
the combination of high resolution optical and radar (SAR) satellite
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY):
 To provide insurance coverage and financial support to the farmers in the event of failure of any of the notified crop as a
result of natural calamities, pests & diseases.
 To stabilise the income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming.
 To encourage farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices.
 To ensure flow of credit to the agriculture sector.
New Guidelines introduced: Provides add on coverage for crop loss due to attack of wild animals, which will be implemented on
a pilot basis.
Essay Topic for practice: Workers are architects of Modern India
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 23rd to 30th
September, 2018
ARCHIVES
GS-2
PM launches Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)

(Topic:
 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, etc.
 Health and Social Security)
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Vision: To provide the poorest of the poor, and the underprivileged sections of society, with better healthcare and treatment
Focus is on both: “Affordable Healthcare” and “Preventive Healthcare”
Two major initiatives:
Health and Wellness Centre: Foundation of India’s health system

o 1.5 lakh centres will provide – comprehensive health care, including for non-communicable diseases and maternal
and child health services, provide free essential drugs and diagnostic services
o The budget has allocated Rs.1200 crore for this flagship programme
 Contribution of the private sector through CSR and philanthropic institutions in adopting these centres is also envisaged.
National Health Protection Scheme:
 Will cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries)
 Coverage of up to ₹5 lakh a family a year will be provided for secondary- and tertiary-care hospitalization (50 crore
beneficiaries)
Must Read: Link1
Three Best Performing States in “Ease of Living Index”

implementation)
1. Andhra Pradesh
2. Odisha
3. Madhya Pradesh
Ease of Living Index:
Launched by: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
Ease of Living Index is a transformative initiative of the Ministry to help the cities assess their livability vis-à-vis national and
global benchmarks
 Will encourage all cities to move towards an ‘outcome-based’ approach to urban planning and management and promote
healthy competition among cities
 Seeks to assist cities in undertaking a 360-degree assessment of their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
 The government hopes that it will lead to a healthy competition between cities, based on the rankings, and generate acute
interest, comparisons, critiques and analysis by citizens.
Ease of Living framework
 Comprised four pillars namely Institutional, Social, Economic and Physical which are further broken down into 78
indicators across 15 categories (governance, identity and culture, education, health, safety and security, economy,
affordable housing, land use planning, public open spaces, transportation and mobility, assured water supply, waste-water
management, solid waste management, power, and quality of environment).
 It has close linkage with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Of the 17 SDG goals, 8 goals are directly linked to
India’s ease of living assessment framework with SDG 11
SDG 11: Aimed at making our cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable and is measured through a
set of 30 indicators.
Cabinet Approves:
National Digital Communications Policy-2018
The key objectives of the policy are:
 Broadband for all
 Creating four million additional jobs in the Digital Communications sector
 Enhancing the contribution of the Digital Communications sector to 8% of India’s GDP from ~ 6% in 2017
 Propelling India to the Top 50 Nations in the ICT Development Index of ITU from 134 in 2017
 Enhancing India’s contribution to Global Value Chains
 Ensuring Digital Sovereignty
The policy aims to:
 Provide universal broadband connectivity at 50 Mbps to every citizen;
 Provide 1 Gbps connectivity to all Gram Panchayats by 2020 and 10 Gbps by 2022;
 Ensure connectivity to all uncovered areas;
 Attract investments of USD 100 billion in the Digital Communications Sector;
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 Train one million manpower for building New Age Skill;

 Expand IoT ecosystem to 5 billion connected devices;
 Establish a comprehensive data protection regime for digital communications that safeguards the privacy, autonomy and
choice of individuals
 Facilitate India’s effective participation in the global digital economy;
 Enforce accountability through appropriate institutional mechanisms to assure citizens of safe
 Secure digital communications infrastructure and services
MoU between India and Uzbekistan
On Mutual Cooperation in Combating Illicit Trafficking in Narcotics, Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Precursors: The
MoU will help in
 Mutual cooperation in regulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and in combating drug trafficking
 It is an effective framework to deal with all issues requiring mutual assistance and cooperation in the areas identified.
 Facilitate effective institutional interaction between both the Governments
 Help in curbing transnational narcotics trafficking.
Cooperation in the Sphere of Law & Justice:
 The MoU takes care of concerns and requirements in the field of exchange of experience by legal professionals,
Government functionaries and their training and effective legal aid mechanism for resolution.
 The MoU will facilitate greater cooperation between India and Uzbekistan in providing legal services in both countries in
the field of exchange of experience through information sharing visits, and training between both countries on enhancing
legal capacities of Government functionaries.
For strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism:
 Will help the two countries in creating an institutional mechanism for enhancing cooperation in the tourism sector
 Help in increasing foreign tourist arrivals from Uzbekistan to the country. This in turn will result in economic development
and employment generation.
 The MoU shall create favourable conditions for long-term tourism cooperation for the mutual benefits of all stakeholders
within the broader framework and areas of cooperation.
 It will explore to incorporate the best practices in order to implement the measures that will realizes the objectives set out
in it.
On cooperation for establishment of Uzbek-Indian Free Pharmaceutical Zone in the Andijan region of Uzbekistan:
 The MoU will create an enabling framework of cooperation for setting up an Uzbek-Indian Free Pharmaceuticals Zone in
Andijan region of Uzbekistan.
 It will also facilitate Indian pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies to invest in and establish production
facilities in the Uzbek-Indian Free Pharma Zone of Andijan for manufacture of Pharmaceutical Products.
On cooperation in the field of Agriculture and Allied sectors:
 Exchange of information regarding laws, standards and product samples of mutual interest;
 Establishment of joint agriculture clusters in Uzbekistan;
 Exchange of experience in the field of crop production and their diversification;
 Exchange of experience in the field of seed production based on modern technology; exchange of information concerning
certification of seed in accordance with the legislation of the States of the Parties; exchange of samples of seeds on
beneficial terms.
 Application of technology for enhanced water use efficiency in agriculture and allied sectors, including irrigation;
 Conduct of joint scientific research on genetics, breeding, biotechnology, plant protection, soil productivity conservation,
mechanization, water resources, and mutual application of scientific results;
 Development and extension of cooperation in the field of plant quarantine;
 Exchange of experience in the field of animal husbandry, including animal health, poultry, genomics, setting up of
quarantine facilities;
 Exchange of information between research institutes in the fields of agriculture and food industry on scientific and
practical activities (fairs, exhibitions, conferences, symposia)
 Cooperation in agricultural and food trade;
 Explore setting up of food processing joint ventures;
On cooperation in health and medical science:
 Expanding opportunities for the development of business cooperation in the field of medical equipment, including
equipment for teaching and research laboratories of institutions of medical education, and pharmaceutical products;
 Strengthening of primary health care and setting up of health care facilities;
 Medical and health research development, as well as exchange of experience in these areas;
 Exchange of experiences and technologies in the field of telemedicine and electronic-health information systems;
 Maternal and child health protection;
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 Development and improvement of the techniques and strategies for epidemiological surveillance and communicable and
non-communicable diseases control;
 Regulation of drugs and pharmaceutical products
MoU between India and South Korea for enhancing cooperation in Applied Science and Industrial Technology: To
promote bilateral cooperation in the fields of applied science and industrial technologies for the purposes of promoting
sustainable development and enhanced quality of life.
MoU between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of
Kenya (ICPAK)
 ICAI and ICPAK will provide opportunities to key members of the reciprocal body’s staff to learn from their knowledge
and experience through informal work placements to be agreed through a work schedule.
 Jointly promote activities to raise awareness and the overall visibility of the ICAI/ ICPAK strategic partnership and the
collaboration outlined in this MoU with members.
 ICAI and ICPAK will collaborate on benchmarking initiatives and trainee accountant exchange programmes.
Major impact:
India is Kenya’s sixth largest trading partner and the largest exporter to Kenya. The Kenyan economy is expected to be amongst
the top performers in Africa in 2017 in terms of growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Kenya has a largely diversified
economic base and aims to seek increased access to the Indian market for Kenyan goods, while India is interested in exploring
ways to become Kenya’s top foreign trading partner.
Considering that Kenya’s economy is one of the top amongst the African countries and the kind of investments and trusts
entrusted by the two counties in the recent past, India’s Chartered Accountants have already been playing a significant role in the
economic growth of the country; there is a lot of scope for professional opportunities for Indian Chartered Accountants in Kenya.
India and the United Nations to sign a Five-Year Sustainable Development Framework (2018-2022)
Government of India-United Nations Sustainable Development Framework (SDF) 2018-2022 outlines the work of UN agencies
in India, to support the achievement of key development outcomes that have been identified in consultation with the government
and are aligned to the national priorities.
The NITI Aayog is the national counterpart for the UN in India for the operationalization of the UNSDF.
The UNSDF 2018-22 comprises of seven priority areas that outline the work that UN agencies will undertake jointly or
individually, fully aligned with the priorities of the GoI. The seven priority areas outlined in the UNSDF are:
1. Poverty and Urbanization;
2. Health, Water, and Sanitation;
3. Education and Employability;
4. Nutrition and Food Security;
5. Climate Change, Clean Energy, and Disaster Resilience;
6. Skilling, Entrepreneurship, and Job Creation; and
7. Gender Equality and Youth Development
GS-3
Launch of Financial Inclusion Index

(Topic: Indian Economy – Financial Inclusion and Inclusive Growth)
By: Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance
Will be a measure of access and usage of a basket of formal financial products and services that includes savings, remittances,
credit, insurance and pension products.
The index will have three measurement dimensions:
 Access to financial services
 Usage of financial services
 Quality
The single composite index gives a snap shot of level of financial inclusion that would guide Macro Policy perspective –
 The various components of the index will also help to measure financial services for use of internal policy making.
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 Financial Inclusion Index can be used directly as a composite measure in development indicators.
 It enables fulfilment of G20 Financial Inclusion Indicators requirements.
 It will also facilitate researchers to study the impact of financial inclusion and other macro-economic variables.
Air pollution control device WAYU (Wind Augmentation PurifYing Unit)

Developed by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-
NEERI) as a part of Technology Development Project being funded by Department of Science and Technology.
The prototype device that has been indigenously developed has the capacity to purify air in an area of 500 meter square. The
device consumes only half a unit of electricity for 10 hours of running and has a maintenance cost of only Rs. 1500 per month.
The device works on two principles – Wind generation for dilution of air pollutants and Active Pollutants removal.
 The device has filters for Particulate Matter removal and activated carbon (charcoal) and UV lamps for poisonous gases
removal such as VOCs and Carbon Monoxide.
 The device has one fan and filter for sucking and removing Particulate Matter.
 There are two UV lamps and half kg of activated carbon charcoal coated with special chemical Titanium Dioxide.
To launch SATAT initiative to promote Compressed Bio-Gas as an alternative, green transport fuel
SATAT, the initiative is aimed at providing a Sustainable Alternative towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) as a
developmental effort that would benefit both vehicle-users as well as farmers and entrepreneurs.
Has the potential to boost availability of more affordable transport fuels, better use of agricultural residue, cattle dung and
municipal solid waste, as well as to provide an additional revenue source to farmers.
To be launched on the penultimate day of the ongoing Swachhta Hi Seva fortnight, a mass movement to fulfil Mahatma Gandhi’s
vision of a Clean India, this initiative holds great promise for efficient municipal solid waste management and in tackling the
problem of polluted urban air due to farm stubble-burning and carbon emissions.
Background
Bio-gas is produced naturally through a process of anaerobic decomposition from waste / bio-mass sources like agriculture
residue, cattle dung, sugarcane press mud, municipal solid waste, sewage treatment plant waste, etc. After purification, it is
compressed and called CBG, which has pure methane content of over 95%. Compressed Bio-Gas is exactly similar to the
commercially available natural gas in its composition and energy potential. With calorific value (~52,000 KJ/kg) and other
properties similar to CNG, Compressed Bio-Gas can be used as an alternative, renewable automotive fuel. Given the abundance
of biomass in the country, Compressed Bio-Gas has the potential to replace CNG in automotive, industrial and
commercial uses in the coming years.
There are multiple benefits from converting agricultural residue, cattle dung and municipal solid waste into CBG on a
commercial scale:
 Responsible waste management, reduction in carbon emissions and pollution
 Additional revenue source for farmers
 Boost to entrepreneurship, rural economy and employment
 Support to national commitments in achieving climate change goals
 Reduction in import of natural gas and crude oil
 Buffer against crude oil/gas price fluctuations
The potential for Compressed Bio-Gas production from various sources in India is estimated at about 62 million tonnes per
annum.
It is planned to roll out 5,000 Compressed Bio-Gas plants across India in a phased manner, with 250 plants by the year 2020,
1,000 plants by 2022 and 5,000 plants by 2025. These plants are expected to produce 15 million tonnes of CBG per annum,
which is about 40% of current CNG consumption of 44 million tonnes per annum in the country. At an investment of approx. Rs.
1.7 lakh crore, this initiative is expected to generate direct employment for 75,000 people and produce 50 million tonnes of bio-
manure for crops.
National Policy on Biofuels 2018: Emphasises active promotion of advanced bio-fuels, including CBG
GOBAR-DHAN (Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources) scheme: To convert cattle dung and solid waste in farms to CBG
and compost.
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 The scheme proposes to cover 700 projects across the country in 2018-19.
 The programme will be funded under Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) component of Swachh Bharat
Mission-Gramin (SBM-G) to benefit households in identified villages through Gram Panchayats.
Compressed Bio-Gas can be produced from: Various bio-mass/waste sources, including agricultural residue, municipal solid
waste, sugarcane press mud, distillery spent wash, cattle dung and sewage treatment plant waste. The other waste streams, i.e,
rotten potatoes from cold storages, rotten vegetables, dairy plants, chicken/poultry litter, food waste, horticulture waste, forestry
residues and treated organic waste from industrial effluent treatment plants (ETPs) can be used to generate biogas.
Distribution: Compressed Bio-Gas networks can be integrated with city gas distribution (CGD) networks to boost supplies to
domestic and retail users in existing and upcoming markets. Besides retailing from OMC fuel stations, Compressed Bio-Gas can
at a later date be injected into CGD pipelines too for efficient distribution and optimised access of a cleaner and more affordable
fuel.
Prelims Oriented News

23rd September: International Day of Sign Languages (Theme: With Sign Language, Everyone is Included!)
Rail Heritage Digitisation Project: The project is a landmark effort, first of its kind in this part of the globe, to showcase
country’s Rail Heritage to National and International audience (in collaboration with Google Arts & Culture)
20th Livestock Census: A breed-wise Livestock Census which will be helpful for framing policies or programmes for breed
improvement. The initiatives on collection of breed-wise reliable information of various species will give vital information for
determination of threatened indigenous breeds and to take initiatives for their conservation.
Brand Ambassador of Tribes India (TRIFED): Ms. Mary Kom
PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana: Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters – a
comprehensive package which will result in creation of modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm
gate to retail outlet.
Agmark online system: To conduct quality control functions – through the Agmark online system, certificate of authorisation
(domestic), permission of printing press, permission of laboratories (domestic) and services related to laboratory information
management system will be provided online.
Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna
 For Insured Persons (IP) covered under the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948
 This scheme is a relief payable in cash directly to the Bank Account in case of unemployment and while they search for
new engagement.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s initiative towards creation of
standardized infrastructure for delivery of skill training which are equipped to run industry-driven courses of high quality with
focus on employability and create an aspirational value for skill development training.
Sikkim:
 Sikkim’s first-ever airport: At Pakyong (part of the UDAN scheme); first airport in the Himalayan State, and the 100th
airport in the country.
 First “Organic State” of India (Union Government has initiated the “Mission Organic Value Development for North
Eastern Region.”)
 First “Open Defecation Free” (ODF) State of India
 Young cricketer from Sikkim, Nilesh Lamichanay, recently became the first cricketer from the State to score a century in
the Vijay Hazare Trophy
National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA): e-Vidhan to make the functioning of the State Legislatures paperless and integrate all
40 Legislative Houses on to ‘One Nation One Application’
Jan Dhan Darshak: Will act as a guide for the common people in locating a financial service touch point at a given location in
the country.
Successful Flight Test of Astra BVR Air-to-Air Missile
 Astra, the indigenously developed Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM)
 The flight test assumes significance as it was part of the series of final pre-induction trials. Astra is the best in class
weapon system and has undergone more than twenty developmental trials.
Quotes
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind
On Swachh Bharat
 Drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene are central to Sustainable Development Goal 6, especially targets 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3.
Target 6.2 of the Sustainable Development Goals calls for countries to end open defecation, ensure everyone has access to
a basic toilet and put in place systems for safe management of excreta.
 Improving access to sanitation and eradicating open defecation have enormous implications. They are critical social and
economic investments. The absence of a suitable toilet and appropriate hygiene and sanitation practices can lead to
malnutrition and life-long disadvantages. Therefore, for us in India – as elsewhere – a mission such as Swachh Bharat is
critical to securing our human capital and our demographic dividend – and to giving our children a better future. No young
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girl should have to give up school only because a girls’ toilet is not available. Such an occurrence would be a scar on our
collective conscience.
 Swachh Bharat is a revolution playing out in real time. As an instrument of mass mobilisation, as a people’s movement,
and as a national goal towards which there is near total commitment, Swachh Bharat represents the spirit of our
Independence movement. India is striving to eliminate open defecation in its entirety by October 2, 2019.
 Five important themes that countries may choose to adopt while meeting the problem of insufficient sanitation. These are –
o Ensure people lead the planning, implementation and management of sanitation programmes;
o Use smart and affordable technologies for effective and efficient service delivery;
o Eliminate all forms of inequalities in service delivery;
o Create innovative financing instruments to fund and sustain the sanitation movement;
o Develop capacities within the government to plan, implement and monitor sanitation programmes
On Smart Cities
 Social development should be at the core of every project undertaken by Smart Cities – asked city planners to accord
highest priority to the livelihood, security, health, education and skilling of the poor, migrants, and women and said that
vulnerabilities of the marginalized sections of the society must be kept in mind.
 Vulnerabilities of the marginalized sections of the society must be kept in mind
 India cannot afford lopsided development by allowing the villages to lag behind – Develop Smart Village at par with
Smart Cities
 Pedestrian non-motorized zones are the need of the hour
 Need to address the concerns of air, water, soil and sound pollution in cities, apart from the need to promote energy
efficiency, recycling urban waste, sustainable soil and land use
 Governance at door step is the key objective of smart cities and he asked authorities to work towards digitization of city
governance, services, certifications and approvals without unnecessary personal interface.
 No line but online should be the mantra to cut down red tape and provide citizen-centric services. This singular step will
save the time and effort of citizens and enhance the overall efficiency of the city
On Indian cuisine
 Indian food heritage is a mixture of art and science and is exceptionally vast and diverse.
 The rich cultural diversity, native ethnicity, unique flavor of each region and different customs are best encapsulated by the
Indian cuisine, which became enriched over thousands of years due to the intermingling of people belonging to different
religions, languages and eating habits.
 ‘Annam Parabrahma Swaroopam’, loosely translated as ‘Food is like God’ is a part of our collective conscience and our
ethos.
 Indian cuisine reflects the culture and tradition of the country which includes varied landscapes, linguistic diversity,
colorful festivals, and multi-ethnicity
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 1st – 7th
October, 2018
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SATAT initiative
implementation)
About: To promote Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) as an alternative, green transport fuel
Aim: Providing a Sustainable Alternative towards Affordable Transportation as a developmental effort that would benefit both
vehicle-users as well as farmers and entrepreneurs
 Besides the potential to boost availability of more affordable transport fuels, better use of agricultural residue, cattle dung
and municipal solid waste, the CBG plants will provide an additional revenue source to farmers, and 75,000 direct job
opportunities and lakhs of indirect jobs.
 This initiative holds great promise for efficient municipal solid waste management and in tackling the problem of polluted
urban air due to farm stubble-burning and carbon emissions.
 Use of CBG will also help bring down dependency on crude oil imports and in realising the Prime Minister’s vision of
enhancing farmers’ income, rural employment and entrepreneurship.
Background
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Bio-gas is produced naturally through a process of anaerobic decomposition from waste / bio-mass sources like agriculture
compressed and called CBG, which has pure methane content of over 95%.
Compressed Bio-Gas is exactly similar to the commercially available natural gas in its composition and energy potential. With
calorific value (~52,000 KJ/kg) and other properties similar to CNG, Compressed Bio-Gas can be used as an alternative,
renewable automotive fuel. Given the abundance of biomass in the country, Compressed Bio-Gas has the potential to replace
CNG in automotive, industrial and commercial uses in the coming years.
There are multiple benefits from converting agricultural residue, cattle dung and municipal solid waste into CBG on a
commercial scale:
Note: The potential for Compressed Bio-Gas production from various sources in India is estimated at about 62 million tonnes per
annum.
National Policy on Biofuels 2018: Emphasises active promotion of advanced bio-fuels, including CBG
GOBAR-DHAN (Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources) scheme: To convert cattle dung and solid waste in farms to CBG
and compost.
 The scheme proposes to cover 700 projects across the country in 2018-19.
 The programme will be funded under Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) component of Swachh Bharat
Mission-Gramin (SBM-G) to benefit households in identified villages through Gram Panchayats.
How to produce Compressed Bio-Gas?
It can be produced from various bio-mass/waste sources, including agricultural residue, municipal solid waste, sugarcane press
mud, distillery spent wash, cattle dung and sewage treatment plant waste. The other waste streams, i.e, rotten potatoes from cold
storages, rotten vegetables, dairy plants, chicken/poultry litter, food waste, horticulture waste, forestry residues and treated
organic waste from industrial effluent treatment plants (ETPs) can be used to generate biogas.
Cabinet approves
MoU between India and Russia on Bilateral Cooperation in the Road Transport and Road Industry: Increased co-
operation, exchange and collaboration with Russia will contribute to establish a long-term and effective bilateral relationship of
communication and cooperation in road transportation and road industry and Intelligent Transport System (ITS). This will also
help in planning and administration of road infrastructure and road network management, transport policy, technologies and
standards for the construction and operation of highways in the country and will further go a long way in strengthening ties and
bilateral relations between India and Russia.
MoU between India and Russiaon cooperation in the field of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: It would provide a
structured framework and enabling environment to the MSME sector of the two countries to understand each other’s strengths,
markets, technologies, policies etc. It aims to enhance enterprise to enterprise cooperation and help initiate sustainable business
alliances in terms of technology transfers, joint ventures and business partnerships in MSME sector between the two countries.
Cooperation in the field of capacity building, rapid incubation for entrepreneurship development, exposure to each other’s market
by encouraging participation in exhibitions are also envisaged in this MoU.
Second Protocol amending the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) between India and
Singapore: Will enhance bilateral trade and will deepen the Economic Cooperation between India and Singapore. It will also
improve utilization of CECA.
Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Sign $150 Million Loan for Regional Connectivity
Objective: To finance continued improvements to road connectivity and efficiency of the International Trade Corridor in West
Bengal and North-Eastern Region of lndia
 The Program aims to expand about 500 kilometers of roads in lndia’s North Bengal and North-Eastern Region that will
enable efficient and safe transport within lndia and regionally with other SASEC member countries.
 Program is an important initiative in Regional Connectivity aimed at increasing domestic and regional trade through North
Bengal-North East Region International Trade corridor by upgrading key roads. It will give a boost to lndia’s efforts to
promote regional connectivity in the South Asia.
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Note: ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its
efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members- 48 from the region. ln 2017, ADB
operations totalled $32.2 billion, including $11.9 billion in co-financing.
Sign $100 Million Loan Agreement: To continue to expand sewerage and drainage coverage, provide sewage treatment and
strengthen capacity of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) for resilient urban services.
Sign $150 Million Loan Agreement: To support India’s First Global Skills Park in State of Madhya Pradesh – to enhance the
quality of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) System in the State and create a more skilled workforce.
Sign $240 Million Loan: To provide safe drinking water service in 3 West Bengal Districts to about 1.65 million people in three
districts of the state of West Bengal affected by arsenic, fluoride, and salinity. Besides reducing the burden of diseases from
contaminated groundwater, the project will promote higher service levels compared with rural schemes in India with individual
household connections and district metering area based metered continuous water supply, and use of advanced technology for
smart water management
Signs $110 Million Loan to Improve Rural Connectivity in Madhya Pradesh: To upgrade of 2,800 kilometers all-weather
rural roads in the State of Madhya Pradesh under the Prime Minister’s Rural Roads Program (PMGSY). The overall program is
aimed at improving rural connectivity, facilitating safer and more efficient access to livelihood and socio-economic opportunities
for rural communities.
Atal Innovation Mission & SIRIUS sign MoU

Objective: For promotion of innovative cooperation between students of India & Russia
The MoU hopes to remove cultural and language barriers between students of Russia and India, share the best practices in the
promotion of educational, scientific, innovative achievements, promote innovative cooperation, and search and develop talented
youth of both countries fostering a knowledge driven innovation ecosystem in both the countries.
Atal Innovation Mission
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is NITI Aayog’s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in
India. The Atal Innovation Mission has thus two core functions:
 Innovation promotion: to provide a platform where innovative ideas are generated.
 Entrepreneurship promotion: Wherein innovators would be supported and mentored to become successful entrepreneurs
at Incubation Centres.
GI Tag for Alphonso from Konkan: Alphonso from Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Palghar, Thane and Raigad districts of
Maharashtra, is registered as Geographical Indication (GI).
 A Geographical Indication or a GI is an indication used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess
qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which
is essentially attributable to its origin in that defined geographical locality.
 Darjeeling Tea, Mahabaleshwar Strawberry, Blue Pottery of Jaipur, Banarasi Sarees and TirupatiLaddus are some of the
GIs.
 The first product to get a GI tag in India was the Darjeeling tea in 2004.
Exercise Aviaindra: A Biennial Air Force level exercise between Indian and the Russian Federation – to formulate and validate
use of airpower in anti-terrorist operation in a bilateral scenario.
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan: New 840 Higher Educational Institutes enrolled
GRAM PANCHAYAT DEVELOPMENT PLAN (GDPD) – Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas
 The People’s Plan Campaign will be rolled out as ‘Sabki Yojna Sabka Vikas’ from 2nd October to 31st December 2018.
During the campaign, structured Gram Sabha meetings will be held for preparing Gram Panchayat Development Plan for
the next financial year 2019-2020.
 Monitoring of People’s Plan Campaign would involve geotagged visuals of GS meetings, report of facilitators in standard
format, Plan plus uploading of GDPD for all 29 sectors, visit to Gram Sabhas for every district /state /central level official
of concerned departments and NLM(national level monitors) visits to random Gram Sabhas.
Launch of Methanol Cooking Fuel Program of India – For reducing import of crude and an effort to provide clean, import
substitute, cost effective and pollution free cooking medium
India and Kazakhstan Defence Cooperation
Includes: Military-technical cooperation, military education and training, joint military exercises, bilateral exchange of visits and
cadet youth exchange programs
History: Over 200 Kazakh Defence Forces Personnel have undergone military training in India till date. Both countries
successfully conducted a company level joint military exercise ‘KAZIND-2018’ in South Kazakhstan. India and Kazakhstan are
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bound by historical and cultural ties and this has laid a strong foundation for the multifaceted cooperation. Both countries are
Strategic Partners since 2009.
Quotes
On News & media
 Truth, objectivity, accuracy, credibility, fairness, impartiality, humanity and accountability seem to have taken a back seat
with news purveyors themselves assuming the role of gate-keepers. The disturbing trend of mixing news with views has
become the new normal.
 Asked journalists to be extra careful in checking the veracity of information in the present digital era and advised them to
guard against ‘fake news’, disinformation and misinformation.
 Freedom of media is not absolute and is circumscribed by certain reasonable restrictions relating to security of State,
public order, decency or morality, defamation and contempt of court and sovereignty and integrity of India.
 Media must act as an instrument of reformation in the transformation of India into a leading economic power in the
coming decades.
On elderly population
 Called on authorities and all the people working for the welfare of senior citizens to avoid the use of the word ‘Old’ and
replace it with ‘Senior’.
 There should be no ‘Old age Homes’ in India, there should only be ‘Homes for the Elderly and Senior Citizens’. The word
‘Old’ invokes a prejudice and does not do justice to the energy and youth of our veterans.
 Rapid proliferation of nuclear families coupled with urbanization of the society, inter-generational bonding has weakened.
Elders are the custodians of righteousness, traditions, family honour, samskar and wisdom and it is the responsibility of the
present generation or the children of the family to play a greater role in ensuring the welfare of elderly persons.
On Human Rights
 India has been unequivocal in its commitment to the preservation and protection of human rights globally as well as within
the country.
 Reaffirmed that human rights were the most natural rights, inherent to all human beings without discrimination. He also
tasked the state with the primary responsibility of upholding, respecting, protecting and fulfilling these inalienable rights
and he applauded India’s robust human rights protection framework comprising of a fiercely independent and fair
judiciary, media, civil society and a number of proactive and independent human right bodies, such as the National Human
Rights Commission. India is also a signatory to several of the core UN Human Rights and International Labour
Organization’s conventions.
 The contribution of women, who are ‘Shaktiswarupinis’, was indispensable to nation building and added that the principle
of gender equality was enshrined in the constitution. The onus should be on parents and teachers to inculcate the principles
of gender equality in children. No civilized society would tolerate or accept any form of violence or discrimination against
women and children.
 Indian democracy allows space for everyone to express their opinions – ‘dissent’ is welcome but ‘disintegration’ would
not be tolerated.
 Human rights did not confer unfettered liberty to anyone to speak against the state or nation and added that human rights
are best upheld if they are in harmony with the interests of the nation and fellow citizens. Human Rights are for everyone,
in equal measure and therefore the rights of one person could not transgress the rights of another.
Miscellaneous
 Focus should be on providing assured power, not just free power
 Clean and Cost-effective energy is the need of the hour
 Swachh Bharat is a silent revolution shaping across the country
 Let us have clean Jan (body) + Man (mind) + Dhan (money)
Essay Topic: ‘Union of science and spirituality is the need of the hour’
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 8th – 14th October, 2018

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Launch of National Health Resource Repository (NHRR)

Country’s first ever national healthcare facility registry of authentic, standardized and updated geo-spatial data of all public &
private healthcare establishments
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Vision: Strengthen evidence-based decision making and develop a platform for citizen and provider-centric services by creating a
robust, standardized and secured IT-enabled repository of India’s healthcare resources.
Key expected outcomes:
 Provide comprehensive data on all health resources including private doctors, health facilities, chemists, and diagnostics
labs
 Establish a National Health Resource Repository for evidence based decision making – aligned with Digital India mission
 Enhance the coordination between central and state government for optimization of health resources, making ‘live’ and
realistic state PIPs and improving accessibility of data at all levels, including State HODs, thus, decentralize the decision
making at district and state level.
Key benefits of the NHRR project:
 Create a reliable, unified registry of country’s healthcare resources showing the distribution pattern of health facilities and
services between cities and rural areas
 Generate real-world intelligence to identify gaps in health and service ratios, and ensure judicious health resource
allocation and management.
 It shall identify key areas of improvement by upgrading existing health facilities or establishing new health facilities
keeping in view the population density, geographic nature, health condition, distance, etc.
 The result shall be enhanced center and state government coordination to ensure intelligent use of health resources to
ensure superior health access, service delivery and improve transparency & accountability for effective centre-to-state
funding.
 The project shall improve the visibility of Private providers to enable Public-Private Partnerships.
 It shall also provide access to information on health service providers to the citizen of India for improved health outcomes
and enable mass outreach with all stakeholders such as hospitals, laboratories, private & public doctors, blood banks,
pharmacies, etc.
National Health Profile-2018: The National Health Profile covers demographic, socio-economic, health status and health finance
indicators, along with comprehensive information on health infrastructure and human resources in health. CBHI has been
publishing National Health Profile every year since 2005.
Cabinet approves
MoU between India and Lebanon for cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors:
 Promote understanding of best Agricultural practices in the two countries and will help in better productivity at farmer
fields as well as improved global market
 Increase agriculture production and productivity by getting access to best practices and market worldwide
 Lead to innovative techniques for increasing production and productivity, leading to strengthening of food security.
Memorandum of Understanding between India and Romania in the field of tourism:
 To expand bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector
 To exchange information and data related to tourism
 To encourage cooperation between tourism stakeholders including Hotels and Tour operators
 Investment in the Tourism and Hospitality sectors
 To exchange visits of Tour Operators / Media /Opinion Makers for promotion of two way tourism
 To exchange experiences in the areas of promotion, marketing, destination development and management
 Foster bilateral cooperation through film tourism for promoting the two countries as attractive tourism destinations
 To promote safe, honourable and sustainable tourism
 Facilitate the movement of tourism between the two countries
Memorandum of Cooperation between India and Finland on Environmental Cooperation
 Air and water pollution prevention and purification, remediation of contaminated soils
 Waste management including hazardous wastes, and waste-to-energy technologies
 Promotion of circular economy, low-carbon solutions and sustainable management of natural resources including forests
 Climate change
 Environmental and Forest monitoring and data management
 Conservation of Marine and Coastal Resources
 Integrated water management of Oceanic/Sea Islands
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Strengthening Forest Fire Management in the Country

Fire has been a part of India’s landscape since time immemorial and can play a vital role in healthy forests, recycling nutrients,
helping tree species regenerate, removing invasive weeds and pathogens, and maintaining habitat for some wildlife. Occasional
fires can also keep down fuel loads that feed larger, more destructive conflagrations, but as populations and demands on forest
resources have grown, the cycle of fire has spun out of balance. Large areas of degraded forest are now subject to burning on an
annual or semi-annual basis. As these fires are no longer beneficial to forest health, India is increasingly wrestling with how to
improve the prevention and management of unwanted forest fires.
Tackling forest fires is even more imperative in India as the country has set ambitious policy goals for improving the
sustainability of its forests. As part of the National Mission for Green India under India’s National Action Plan on Climate
Change, the government has committed to increase forest and tree cover by 5 million hectares and to improve the quality of forest
on another 5 million hectares. Relatedly, under its NDC, India has committed to bringing 33 percent of its geographical area
under forest cover and to create additional sinks of 2.5 billion to 3 billion tons worth of CO2 stored in its forests by 2030. Yet, it
is unclear whether India can achieve these goals if the prevention and management of forest fires is not improved.
Recommendations:
 Developing a National Forest Fire Prevention Management Plan as an open, consultative and a time-bound process
 Institute standard management practices
 Adapt technology to local conditions, as well as scale up the best practices
 Increase engagement with local communities to ensure that big fire is used in a responsible way
 Give communities a greater say in decision-making process
 The National FFPM Action Plan should delineate the roles and responsibilities of the MoEFCC, state forest departments,
communities and disaster agencies.
 There is a need to support forest fire management through improved data, and research to fill critical knowledge gaps. A
national forest fire information database, bringing together satellite-based remote sensing data, and field-reported data, will
be instrumental for assessing longer-term trends across states and regions and for planning fire prevention and response.
 In addition, defining a national research agenda for fire management and provision of funding opportunities for scientific
research would help to establish formal cooperation between members of the research community and the forest
department.
World Bank’s Human Capital Index
Broader theme of the World Development Report (WDR) this year is “The Changing Nature of Work”.
World Bank has launched a Human Capital Project (HCP) – The HCP programme is claimed to be a program of advocacy,
measurement, and analytical work to raise awareness and increase demand for interventions to build human capital. There are
three components of HCP-

o A cross-country human capital measurement metric called the Human Capital Index (HCI)
o A programme of measurement and research to inform policy action
 A programme of support for country strategies to accelerate investment in human capital
The HCI has three components:
1. Survival, as measured by under-5 mortality rates;
2. Expected years of Quality-Adjusted School which combines information on the quantity and quality of education (quality is
measured by harmonizing test scores from major international student achievement testing programs and quantity from
number of years of school that a child can expect to obtain by age 18 given the prevailing pattern of enrolment rates across
grades in respective countries);
3. Health environment using two proxies of (a) adult survival rates and (b) the rate of stunting for children under age 5.
Note: UNDP constructs Human Development Index (HDI)
 The HCI uses survival rates and stunting rate instead of life expectancy as measure of health, and quality-adjusted learning
instead of merely years of schooling as measure of education. HCI also excludes per capita income whereas the HDI uses
it.
 Two significant changes from HDI are exclusion of income component and introduction of quality adjustment in learning.
 Exclusion of income element and introduction of quality adjustment makes HCI far less representative of Human Capital
Development than the Index claims it to be.
Monitoring of Zika Virus Disease cases in Rajasthan:
 The Zika Virus has been identified decades back in Uganda where there is a river named Zika, the region around which the
virus was first identified.
 The symptoms of the people affected with Zika are fever, red eyes, body aches, head ache, nausea etc. The virus causes
only mild to moderate illness. The only vulnerable category is pregnant women.
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 The peculiarity of the Zika virus vector i.e. Aedes Aegypti mosquito is active only during the day time and it can fly only
up to 200m. Hence, it can be easily contained.
Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 mandates the Election Commission to fill the casual vacancies in
the Houses of Parliament and State Legislatures through bye elections within six months from the date of occurrence of the
vacancy, provided that the remainder of the term of a member in relation to a vacancy is one year or more.
Cyclonic storm ‘TITLI’ and ‘LUBAN’
‘TITLI’: over the Bay of Bengal
‘LUBAN’: over the Arabian sea
Foundation stone for development of Ghagra River as National Waterway (NW)-40 in U.P
 Ghaghara, also called Karnali, is a perennial trans-boundary river originating on the Tibetan Plateau near Lake
Manasarovar.
 Cuts through the Himalayas in Nepal and joins the Sharda River at Brahmaghat in India. Together they form the Ghaghara
River, a major left bank tributary of the Ganges.
 Longest river in Nepal
 Largest tributary of the Ganges by volume and the second longest tributary of the Ganges by length after Yamuna
 Lower Ghaghara is also known as Sarayu river and finds mention in Ramayana. Ayodhya is situated on its right bank.
 Battle of Ghaghra, fought in 1529, was a major battle for the conquest of India by the Mughal Empire.
Quotes
President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind
Countering Radicalization: Challenges before Modern Society
 The battle against terrorism, extremism and radicalism must be fought, first and foremost, in the minds of people, between
those who believe in peace, love and humanity and those who feed on hatred, death and destruction. It is a battle of
opposing ideas, of humanity on one hand and a make-belief world on the other. Talking to the youth, our future; and
scholars, our guide and pathfinders, therefore, becomes essential.
 Our society has always believed in the power of ideas derived from our history, civilization and culture. Our age-old
values of Sufism, of humanism have shielded us against dark and ugly designs. The call of our revered Sufi saint Hazrat
Nizamuddin Auliya,– “Almighty holds dear those who love Him for the sake of human beings, and those who love human
beings for the sake of Almighty” binds our social fabric.
 The great Indian poet Mirza Abdul Qadir Bedil, who is remembered fondly in the lands of Amu and Syr Dariya wrote :
शशशशश शशशशश? शशशशश शशशशशश शशशश
शशशशशश शशशशशशश शशशशश शशशश
Meaning – What is human being? Perfect expression of love. He is the true meaning of universe and face of love. If we instill this
love for humanity in ourselves and spread the same to others, peace and love will prevail in our hearts, in our minds and in our
world.
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 15th – 21st
October, 2018
ARCHIVES
Prelims Orinted News

DHARMA GUARDIAN-2018: Indo-Japan Joint Exercise to promote Military cooperation
Police Commemoration Day: October 21; observed every year in memory of the policemen killed at Hot Springs in Ladakh by
Chinese troops on this date in 1959.
Commemoration of ’75th Year of Establishment of Azad Hind Government’ at Red Fort, Delhi:
 The Azad Hind Government, founded on 21st October, 1943 was inspired by Neta ji Subhash Chandra Bose who was the
leader of Azad Hind Government and also the Head of State of this Provisional Indian Government-in-exile.
 It was a part of the freedom movement, originating in 1940s outside India with a purpose of allying with Axis powers to
free India from British rule.
 The existence of the Azad Hind Government gave a greater legitimacy to the independence struggle against the British.
 Pertinently, the role of Azad Hind Fauj or the Indian National Army (INA) had been crucial in bequeathing a much needed
impetus to India’s struggle for Independence.
OneerTM – Affordable Water Disinfection System: Developed by CSIR, it is useful for continuous treatment of water and
eliminates all disease causing pathogens such as virus, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and cyst to provide safe drinking water to
domestic and communities settings as per National and International standards prescribed for potable water (BIS, WHO etc.).
 Will provide access to safe and clean drinking water at a cost of just 2 Paise
 Maintenance and membrane free
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The technology will be helpful especially for rural people since it can be solar powered and this development is in line with the
‘Make in India’ Mission
Currently, a large proportion of India’s rural community is consuming water that does not meet the WHO drinking water quality
standards. According to the World Health Organization, “access to safe drinking-water is essential to health, a basic human right
and a component of effective policy for health protection”.
Mahila Kisan Diwas: Celebrated on 15th October
 The government has allocated more than 30% funds for women under various major schemes, programs and development
related activities in order to bring women in the agriculture mainstream.
 About 18% of the agricultural households in India are led by women. In addition to agriculture, women have been making
exceptional contribution in horticulture, fisheries, animal husbandry, beekeeping etc. – the participation of women is 75%
in the production of major crops, 79% in horticulture, 51% in post-harvest work and 95% in animal husbandry and
fisheries.
 A National Gender Resource Centre in Agriculture, set up in the Department of Agriculture Cooperation & Farmers
Welfare, has developed a women sensitization module to bring about change in the mindset and behaviour of male
program operators.
 Special importance is being given to the role of women in achieving the goal of doubling farmers’ income by 2022.
 Government’s revised ATMA scheme is providing support to the Food Security Groups of the farmers to ensure food
security at the domestic and community levels. Under this, the Women’s Food Security Groups are being given financial
assistance at the rate of 2 groups / per block and at the rate of Rs 10,000 per group / per year.
Launch of Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi:
 The System is designed to predict extreme air pollution events and give alerts to take necessary steps as per Graded
Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Government of India.
 The air pollution system has been developed jointly by the scientists at Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM),
Pune, India Meteorological Department and National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF).
 The warning system consists of
o Real time observations of air quality over Delhi region and details about natural aerosols like dust (from dust
storms) and particulate matter using different satellite data sets
o Predictions of air pollutants from two different air quality prediction systems based on state-of-the-art atmospheric
chemistry transport models and
o Warning Messages and Alerts and Bulletins.
NOTE:
The POCSO Act does not provide for any period of limitation for reporting the child sexual offences. Now any victim, at any
age, can complain the sexual abuse faced by him/her as a child.
 The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 defines a child as any person below the age of 18 years and
provides protection to all children under the age of 18 years from the offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and
pornography.
 It is a gender neutral Act which has been enacted to strengthen the legal provisions for the protection of children from
sexual abuse and exploitation.
Quotes
Peace is the prerequisite for Progress and India is on rise and entire world is looking at us.
The history of mankind seems to be a ceaseless struggle between the forces of war and peace, between evil and goodness,
between violence and non-violence, between tolerance and hatred, between understanding and misunderstanding, between
isolationism and inclusion and between conflict and coexistence. It is a continuous struggle and the State has a major role in it
along with other bodies like the United Nations.
The welfare and development of the people and the reduction in inequalities and discontent can potentially lead to a more
harmonious, peaceful and less insecure society. So, what we should be addressing are the potential triggers that make our society
an insecure place.
We are living in a world that is torn by violent thoughts, violent emotions and violent actions. To ensure security, we need to
have a multi-pronged approach. Extremism, terrorism, communalism, violence against women and numerous other forms of
violent behaviour need a concerted approach.
Education with values of empathy, compassion, tolerance and goodness embedded in the curriculum can prevent conflict and
irrational violence. Community education, inter-faith understanding and evolution of societal norms that encourage harmony and
zero tolerance towards violence of all kinds can provide the foundation for a secure society.
We have been facing the problems of insurgency, left wing extremism and attempts by certain fissiparous forces to weaken the
unity and integrity of the country. There is no place for violence in a democracy and India is a mature parliamentary democracy
and the ballot has proved to be far more powerful than the bullet.
The National Security Strategy aims at creating conditions to effectively pursue its development agenda while keeping the costs
of security optimal and affordable. Our strategic security direction should encompass the following components, he said:
 Maintaining a deterrent capability to safeguard National Interests
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 Ensuring security of national territory, maritime region, including our trade routes, air space and cyber space
 Maintaining a secure internal environment to guard against threats to our unity and development
 Strengthening and Expanding ‘‘Constructive Engagement’’ with Nations to promote regional and global peace as also
international stability.
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 22nd – 29th
October, 2018
ARCHIVES
GS-2
Making Markets Work for Affordable Healthcare: Policy note by Competition Commission of India
The need: Over the nine years of enforcement of the Competition Act, 2002 (the Act), the Competition Commission of India
(‘the Commission’) has received 52 cases pertaining to the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector. The Commission, while
deciding on the cases, has observed that information asymmetry in the pharmaceutical/healthcare sector significantly restricts
consumer choice. In the absence of consumer sovereignty, various industry practices flourish which have the effect of choking
competition and are detrimental to consumer interest. Such practices may not always violate the provisions of the Act, but they
create conditions that do not allow markets to work effectively and healthy competition to drive the market outcomes. The
response to these issues can, in many instances,take the form of appropriate regulations that can pre-empt market-distorting
practices and help create pro-competition conditions.
Key issues and recommendations:
Role of intermediaries in drug price build-up
 One major factor that contributes to high drug prices in India is the unreasonably high trade margins. The high margins are
a form of incentive and an indirect marketing tool employed by drug companies.
 Further, self-regulation by trade associations also contributes towards high margins as these associations control the entire
drug distribution system in a manner that reduces competition.
 Efficient and wider public procurement and distribution of essential drugs can circumvent the challenges arising from the
distribution chain, supplant sub-optimal regulatory instruments such as price control and allow for access to essential
medicines at lower prices.
 Electronic trading of drugs, with appropriate regulatory safeguards, could be another potent instrument for bringing in
transparency and spurring price competition among platforms and among retailers, as has been witnessed in other product
segments.
Quality perception behind proliferation of branded generics
 Worldwide, generic drugs are seen as a key competitive force against the patent-expired brand name drugs marketed at
monopoly prices. In India, the pharmaceutical market is dominated by ‘branded generics’ which limit generic-induced
price competition.
 The branded generic drugs enjoy a price premium owing to perceived quality assurance that comes with the brand name.
Quality consideration may be a reason behind the prescription of branded generics by doctors. However, it is also equally
possible that the brand proliferation is to introduce artificial product differentiation in the market, offering no therapeutic
difference but allowing firms to extract rents.
 The regulatory apparatus must address the issue of quality perception by ensuring consistent application of statutory
quality control measures and better regulatory compliance. Unless the quality of drugs sold in markets can be taken to be
in conformance of the statutory standards regardless of their brand names, generic competition in the true sense of the term
cannot take off.
 The practice of creating artificial product differentiation for exploitation of consumers may be addressed through a one-
company-one drug-one brand name-one price policy.
Vertical arrangements in healthcare services
 In view of the incentive-based referral system that pervades the healthcare landscape, issuing of periodic validated data by
hospitals relating to mortality rate, infection rate, number of procedures etc. could help patients make informed choice.
 The in-house pharmacies of super specialty hospitals are completely insulated from competition as inpatients are typically
not allowed to purchase any product from outside pharmacies. This calls for regulation that mandates hospitals to allow
consumers to buy standardised consumables from the open market.
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 All accredited diagnostic labs should meet the same quality standards in terms of infrastructure, equipment, skilled
manpower etc. for getting accreditation. This will ensure the same degree of reliability and accuracy of test results across
labs.
 There is no regulatory framework that ensures and governs portability of patient data, treatment record, diagnostic reports
between hospitals. This acts as a constraint for patients in switching from one hospital to another and creates a lock-in
effect.
 Portability of patient data can help ensure that a patient is no longer locked into the data silos and do not bear additional
cost for switching medical services and that doctors/hospitals can have timely access to patient data.
Regulation and competition
 Owing to the multiplicity of regulators governing the pharmaceutical sector at the centre and state level, implementation of
regulations is not uniform across the country. This has resulted in multiple standards of same products and also different
levels of regulatory compliance requirements.
 A mechanism may be devised under the aegis of the CDSCO to harmonisethe criteria/processes followed by the state
licensing authorities to ensure uniformity in interpretation and implementation.
 It is also imperative to make the approval of new drugs time-bound along with publication of detailed guidelines governing
each stage of new drug approval process.
Finally, two other major issues that affect the healthcare sector and thus warrant policy response are:
 Shortage of healthcare professionals in the country owing inter alia to high cost of medical education
 Inadequacy in health insurance
Cabinet approves
Signing and ratification of Extradition Treaty between India and Malawi: The Treaty would provide a legal framework for
seeking extradition of terrorists, economic offenders and other criminals from and to Malawi.
Scheme for setting up of Indian Institute of Skills at different locations across the country in PPP modes:
 Shall augment the global competitiveness of key sectors of Indian economy by providing high quality skill training,
applied research education and a direct and meaningful connection with industry
 It will provide opportunity to aspiring youth across the country to have access to highly skilled training, and enhance the
scope of accountability through its linkage with industry and global competitiveness across sectors.
 By leveraging advantages of private sector enterprise and public capital in terms of Government land, it would create new
institutes of expertise, knowledge and competitiveness.
MoU amongst BRICS nations regarding cooperation in the social and labour sphere: The MoU provides a mechanism for
cooperation, collaboration and maximum synergy amongst BRICS member countries with the common objective of inclusive
growth and shared prosperity in the new industrial revolution.
 Facilitate member countries to share knowledge and also implement joint programmes on .matter of Labour and
Employment, Social Security and Social dialogue.
 Ensure networking of international Training Centre of International Labour Organisation (ILO) with the BRICS Network
of Labour Institutes which includes V.V. Giri National Labour Institute of India.
 Focus on the theme of youth employment and research on new forms of employment.
 Explore new learning technologies, including virtual network to deepen cooperation, exchange of information and capacity
building.
 The BRICS Social Security cooperation framework will deepen social security cooperation among BRICS nations and
would facilitate cooperation for improvement of social security systems and social security agreements among member
countries.
Memorandum of Understanding between India and Singapore on setting up of a joint working group on FinTech: Will
benefit both India and Singapore to excel in the fields of Development of Application Programming Interfaces (APls), Regulatory
Sandbox, Security in payment and digital cash flow, integration of RuPay-Network for Electronic Transfers (NETS), UPI-FAST
payment link, AADHAR Stack and e-KYC in ASEAN region and cooperation on regulations, solutions for financial markets and
insurance sector and sand box models.
Memorandum of Understanding among BRICS Nations on Environmental Cooperation: The MoU identifies the following
stress of cooperation:
 Air quality
 Water;
 Biodiversity;
 Climate Change;
 Waste Management;
 Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goals
National Monitoring Framework on Sustainable Development Goals:
Targets:
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 Measures to mainstream SDGs into on-going national policies, programmes and strategic action plans to address the
developmental challenges.
 Statistical indicators of NIF will be the backbone of monitoring of SDGs at the national and state level and will
scientifically measure the outcomes of the policies to achieve the targets under different SDGs.
 Based on statistical indicator, the MoSPI will bring out national reports on implementation of SDGs. The Report will
facilitate assessment of progress, identify challenges and give recommendations for follow up at the national level.
 High Level Steering Committee will review the National Indicator Framework on regular basis for its improvement.
 Data source Ministries / Departments will be responsible for providing regular information to MoSPI on these indicators at
required intervals and disaggregation for national and sub-national reporting of SDGs.
 Advanced IT tools will be used for close and effective monitoring.
Major impact:
 SDGs integrate economic, social and environmental dimensions of development. It intends eradicating poverty and
promoting prosperity in a changing world with basic motto of ‘SabkaSaathSabkaVikash’.
 SDGs with 17 Goals and 169 Targets intend for promotion of sustainable, inclusive and equitable economic growth,
creating greater opportunities for all, reducing inequalities, raising basic standards of living, fostering equitable social
development and inclusion, promoting integrated and sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems.
 NIF will help in outcome-based monitoring & reportingon progress on SDGs at National level.
GS-3
Creation of Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)

(Topic: Food processing and related industries in India)
Aim: To augment fish production to achieve its target of 15 million tonne by 2020 set under the Blue Revolution; and to achieve
a sustainable growth of 8% -9% thereafter to reach the fish production to the level of about 20 MMT by 2022-23.
Benefits:
 Creation of fisheries infrastructure facilities both in marine and Inland fisheries sectors.
 Employment opportunities to over 9.40 lakh fishers/fishermen/fisherfolk and other entrepreneurs in fishing and allied
activities
 To attract private investment in creation and management of fisheries infrastructure facilities
 Adoption of new technologies
International Conference on Status and Protection of Coral Reefs (STAPCOR – 2018)

Theme: Reef for Life
Where: Bangaram coral Island of Union Territory of Lakshadweep
Aim: Held every 10 years to review the status and progress of coral reefs all over the world.
Key takeaway: Evolving effective management strategies leading to restoration of coral reef, along with the practice of green
good deed for behavioral change and social responsibility in day to day life was also emphasized.
Coral reefs are shallow water, tropical marine ecosystems which are characterized by a remarkably high biomass production and
a rich faunal and floral diversity perhaps unequaled by any other habitat.
 The structure of a reef is formed by the calcareous skeleton that houses corals, a type of soft-bodied, radially
symmetrical, marine invertebrates of the phylum coelenterate.
 Individuals of a colony are called polyps or hydroids.
 Millions of coral skeletons cemented together over a period ranging from a few thousand to millions of years give rise to
such
Reefs can vary enormously in structure and complexity and are roughly divided into three major types.
Fringing reefs’, reefs that grow close to the shore and extend out into the sea like a submerged platform.
Barrier reef: reefs separated from the land by wide expanses of water and follow the coastline.
Atolls: a roughly circular ring of reefs surrounding a lagoon, a low lying island, common in the Indian and South pacific oceans
Cold water corals
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 Cold-water corals extend to deeper, darker parts of the oceans than tropical corals, ranging from near the surface to the
abyss, beyond 2,000 meters where water temperatures may be as cold as 4 °C. They inhabit deep water, not shallow water.
Like tropical corals, they provide habitat to other species, but deep-water corals do not require zooxanthellae to survive.
 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that there are more cold-water coral reefs worldwide than
tropical reefs. Their extent is much larger than their tropical counterpart. Some, as the various individual reefs stretching
from Norway as far south as West Africa, are when combined far bigger than more famous tropical ones such as
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Cays –
 Small, low-elevation, sandy islands formed on the surface of coral reefs from eroded material that piles up, forming an
area above sea level
 Can be stabilized by plants to become habitable
 Occur in tropical environments throughout the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans (including the Caribbean and on the
Great Barrier Reef and Belize Barrier Reef), where they provide habitable and agricultural land.
Belize’s Reef or Caribbean reef was in news recently for – will be removed from UNESCO’s list of threatened World Heritage
Sites (Where is it located?)
What Do Coral Reefs Need to Survive?
Sunlight: Corals need to grow in shallow water where sunlight can reach them. Corals depend on the zooxanthellae (algae) that
grow inside of them for oxygen and other things, and since these algae needs sunlight to survive, corals also need sunlight to
survive. Corals rarely develop in water deeper than 165 feet (50 meters).
Clear water: Corals need clear water that lets sunlight through; they don’t thrive well when the water is opaque. Sediment and
plankton can cloud water, which decreases the amount of sunlight that reaches the zooxanthellae.
Warm water temperature: Reef-building corals require warm water conditions to survive. Different corals living in different
regions can withstand various temperature fluctuations. However, corals generally live in water temperatures of 68–90° F or 20–
32°
Clean water: Corals are sensitive to pollution and sediments. Sediment can create cloudy water and be deposited on corals,
blocking out the sun and harming the polyps. Wastewater discharged into the ocean near the reef can contain too many nutrients
that cause seaweeds to overgrow the reef.
Saltwater: Corals need saltwater to survive and require a certain balance in the ratio of salt to water. This is why corals don’t live
in areas where rivers drain fresh water into the ocean (“estuaries”).
In India
Coral reefs are restricted to narrow latitudinal, horizontal, and vertical ranges along the tropical continental shelves. Their
contribution to global coastal biodiversity is disproportionate to their spatial extent: Although they cover less than 1% of the
world’s oceans, they are inhabited by one-third of globally known marine species.
 The mainland coast of India has two widely separated area’s containing reefs: The Gulf of Kutch in the North West, which
has some of the most northerly reefs in the world and Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar (with numerous fringing reefs
around small islands) in the south east.
 There are patches of reef in the inter-tidal areas of the central west coast of the country. Coral patches have been recorded
in the intertidal regions of Ratnagiri, Malvan and Redi, south of Bombay and at the Gaveshani Bank, 100 Km west of
Mangalore
 Important off shore island groups of India with extensive reef growth include the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay
of Bengal and the Lakshadweep group of Islands in the Arabian sea. The Andaman and Nicobar islands have fringing reefs
and a 320 km long barrier reef on the west coast. The Lakshadweep Islands are made up of atolls.
The absence of reef in the Bay of Bengal is attributed to
 the immense quantity of freshwater and silt brought by the rivers
 heavy monsoonal rains
 high human presence on the coastline
Mains:
1. What are the principal causes of coral bleaching? Why we should be concerned about it? Discuss.
2. Describe where most of the world’s coral reefs are located. Give examples of islands or island groups that have coral reefs.
What dangers does climate change pose for reefs? Discuss.
Prelims:
 Snowflake coral poses a major threat to the coral reef colonies – can destabilize the marine ecosystem because it may
crowd out other species like corals, sponges, algae, ascidians that contribute to the rich marine biodiversity of the region.
Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management Award, 2018: India
2018 Seoul Peace Prize: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
 For his contributions to the growth of the Indian and global economies, crediting ‘Modinomics’ for reducing social and
economic disparity between the rich and the poor
 Contribution towards regional and global peace through a proactive foreign policy with countries around the world under
the ‘Modi Doctrine’ and the ‘Act East Policy’
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Seoul Peace Prize

 Established in 1990 to commemorate the success of the 24th Olympic Games held in Seoul, Republic of Korea – an event
in which 160 nations from across the world took part, creating harmony and friendship and a worldwide atmosphere of
peace and reconciliation.
 The Seoul Peace Prize was established to crystallize the Korean people’s yearning for peace on the Korean Peninsula and
in the rest of the world.
“Harit Diwali-Swasth Diwali”: Merged with “Green Good Deed” movement that has been initiated as a social mobilization for
conservation and protection of environment.
Air pollution is a serious health issue in the country especially in the northern parts during winter seasons. The air pollution in the
northern region is attributed to
 Dust
 Burning of crops in certain states
 Burning of garbage construction
 Prevailing climatic conditions
India and Bangladesh Sign Agreements for Enhancing Inland and Coastal Waterways Connectivity: To facilitate easier
movement of goods and passengers between the two countries, giving an impetus to trade and tourism.
10th Nuclear Energy Conclave on the theme: ‘Nuclear Power – Towards a Clean & Base Load Energy’
 The Cabinet has given its approval for construction of 10 units of India’s indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors
(PHWR). This significant decision has been taken to fast-track India’s domestic nuclear power programme, and give a
push to country’s nuclear industry.
 Government has amended sections of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 through the Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015,
which would enable Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) to form joint venture companies with other Indian PSUs
to meet the additional funding requirements for further expansion of our nuclear power programme.
 Previously the atomic energy programme was confined mostly in Southern India, but now an atomic plant is in the process
of being set up in Gorakhpur, Haryana near Delhi, which indicates the expansion of nuclear programme in other parts of
country.
 “Hall of Nuclear Power”- India’s first permanent exhibition on nuclear power, has been built in the national capital. This
helps the students and the younger generation to understand the basics of nuclear energy.
Benefits of nuclear energy for non-power applications:
 Nuclear agriculture developed with the cooperation of agriculture universities and ICAR is one such example
 Nuclear medicine
 Low cost solution for water purification
 Urban waste management
 Food preservation programme
Note: Kaiga Atomic Power Station (KAPS) has set a new world record among pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs) with
one of its units operating uninterrupted for 895 days as of today.
Personality in News
Lal Bahadur Shastri
 Second Prime Minister of independent India – an exemplary leader, his humility, courage, determination, integrity and
moral uprightness were legendary
 Had great clarity of his vision and even greater conviction in the capacity of his beloved nation to beat all odds and survive
– from promoting Green and White Revolution to steering India successfully during the turbulent times of the India-Pak
war of 1965 (Lal Bahadur Shastri and his Pakistan counterpart Ayub Khan signed the Tashkent Declaration)
 Popularized the slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’, recognizing the need for self-sustenance and self-reliance as the pillars to
build a strong nation
 After Independence, he became the Minister of police in the Ministry of Govind Vallabh Panth in Uttar Pradesh. His
recommendations included the directions for using “water-jets” instead of lathis to disperse the unruly mob. Impressed
with his efforts in reforming the state police department, Jawaharlal Nehru, invited Shastri to join the Union cabinet as
Minister for Railways.
Quotes
 5As – that are important to reform governance system – Ambition, Ability, Agility, Accountability & Achievement
 There is a need to develop the ability to adapt, improvise, innovate to create programmes and strategies to make them
effectively address the challenges. We must be agile and pro-active
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 30th October – 3rdNovember, 2018

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GS-2
Launch of historic Support and Outreach Initiative for MSME sector

(Topic: Mains II and III – Govt. schemes and policies; Good Governance; Indian Economy – Investment; MSME sector)
Five key aspects for facilitating the MSME sector:
 Access to credit
 Access to market
 Technology upgradation
 Ease of doing business
 A sense of security for employees
12 key initiatives which will help the growth, expansion and facilitation of MSMEs across the country were unveiled, under the 5
key aspects mentioned above –
 Access to credit:

o 59 minute loan portal to enable easy access to credit for MSMEs
o 2 percent interest subvention for all GST registered MSMEs, on fresh or incremental loans
o All companies with a turnover more than Rs. 500 crore, must now compulsorily be brought on the Trade
Receivables e-Discounting System (TReDS) – will enable entrepreneurs to access credit from banks, based ontheir
upcoming receivables. This will resolve their problems of cash cycle.
 Access to market:

o Public sector companies have now been asked to compulsorily procure 25 percent, instead of 20 percent of their
total purchases, from MSMEs.
o Out of the 25 percent procurement mandated from MSMEs, 3 percent must now be reserved for women
entrepreneurs.
o All public sector undertakings of the Union Government must now compulsorily be a part of GeM
 Technology upgradation: 20 hubs will be formed across the country, and 100 spokes in the form of tool rooms will be
established.
 Ease of doing business:

o Clusters will be formed of pharma MSMEs – 70 percent cost of establishing these clusters will be borne by the
Union Government
o The return under 8 labour laws and 10 Union regulations must now be filed only once a year.
o The establishments to be visited by an Inspector will be decided through a computerised random allotment.
o Under air pollution and water pollution laws, now both these have been merged as a single consent and the return
will be accepted through self-certification.
o An Ordinance has been brought, under which, for minor violations under the Companies Act, the entrepreneur will
no longer have to approach the Courts, but can correct them through simple procedures.
 A sense of security for employees: a mission will be launched to ensure that they have Jan Dhan Accounts, provident
fund and insurance.
Solve: What is Zero Defect – Zero Effect (ZED) scheme? Examine its significance for India’s MSME sector.
Must Read: New classification of the MSMEs
Government exploring transport innovations that are pollution free and cost effective
implementation)
Efforts are being undertaken for building a safe and efficient public transport system in the country would motivate people to
shift from personal to public transport.
Government is exploring
 Usage of new kinds of vehicles like hybrid aeroboats that combine land, water and aviation technology and can run on
land, water and air at speeds greater than 80 km per hour.
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 Looking at the possibility of using aerial transport systems like ropeways, pods etc, especially for hilly terrains and as a
last mile connectivity option in congested cities.
 Start a campaign to promote the use of bicycles as the new expressways are being built with provisions for cycle tracks.
Electric cycles will soon be in use. Taxi aggregators are being called upon to consider using bicycles for transporting
single passengers.
 Advocating the use of alternate fuels in this sector. By use of methanol, ethanol and electric sources, the country can save
huge sums on petroleum imports. Also, people in backward areas can find an additional source of income by opting to
generate bio-gas from local sources in a big way.
Solve:
 What is intelligent transportation system? What are its components? Why is it needed badly in Indian cities? Examine.
 What is hyper loop technology? Do you think this technology is really needed in India? Critically examine.
Cabinet approves
Agreement between India and Morocco on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters: The Agreement will provide a
broad legal framework for bilateral cooperation between India and Morocco in investigation and prosecution of crime, tracing,
restraint, forfeiture or confiscation or proceeds and instruments of crime. It aims to increase effectiveness in investigation and
prosecution of crime, and in providing the necessary peaceful ambience which is a pre-requisite for the development of society as
a whole. It will further be instrumental in gaining better inputs and insights in the modus operandi of organized criminals and
terrorists, which in turn can be used to fine-tune policy decisions in the field of Internal Security.
MoU between India and Korea for strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism:
 To expand bilateral cooperation in tourism sector
 To increase Exchange of information and data related to tourism
 To encouraging cooperation between tourism stakeholders including Hotels and Tour Operators
 To establish exchange programmes for cooperation in Human Resources Development
 To encourage Investment in the Tourism and Hospitality sectors
 To exchange visits of Tour Operators / Media / Opinion Makers for promotion of two-way tourism
 To exchange experience in the areas of promotion, marketing destination development and management
 To encourage participation in travel fairs/exhibitions in each other’s country and
 Promoting safe, honorable and sustainable tourism
Moving a Resolution in the first Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for amending the Framework
Agreement of the ISA for opening up the ISA membership to all countries that are members of the United Nations:
 Will put solar energy in global agenda with the universal appeal for developing and deploying solar energy
 It will make ISA inclusive, whereby all member countries that are members of the United Nations could become member.
 Expanding membership will lead to ISA initiative benefitting the world at large.
Prelims oriented news
Ayurveda Day: 5th November
Latest country to have decided to join the International Solar Alliance: Botswana
Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN 2018: A joint military exercise between Indian & Japanese Armies
World’s tallest statue: Statue of Unity, India – a 182 metre statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – the integration of India by
Sardar Patel, has resulted today in India’s march towards becoming a big economic and strategic power.
 The Statue of Unity is 177 feet higher than China’s Spring Temple Buddha, which was the tallest statue till now.
 It is located on the river island called Sadhu Bet near Rajpipla, Gujarat.
 Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Uniting the Nation
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President gives assent to promulgation of the Companies Amendment (Ordinance), 2018: For
 Promotion of Ease of Doing Business
 Better corporate compliance
India’s Ranks in Ease of doing Business: As per the World Bank report 2019 on Ease of Doing Business, India has taken a
huge leap of 23 ranks from 100 in 2017-18 to 77 in 2018-19 indicating it is continuing its steady shift towards global standards.
One of the key indices which has contributed immensely toward this growth is ‘Trading across borders’ which shows an
impressive improvement from 146 rank last year to 80th rank this year. The Ministry of Shipping has been taking initiatives to
improve the parameter of ‘Trading across border’ as 92% of India’s Export- Import trade by volume is handled at ports.
The report mentions that this is mainly due to India’s continued reform agenda, which has made it the top-ranked economy in the
region:
 Upgradation of port infrastructure
 Improvement of processes
 Digitization of document submission has substantially reduced
 Export/Import cargo handling time at ports which has significantly contributed towards improving the trading across
border parameter
The Government has initiated a series of steps to make India’s EXIM logistics more competitive in terms of time and cost. The
focus has been on development of port infrastructure and capacity enhancement, improvement in last mile connectivity and
development of multi-modal hubs to promote EXIM while reducing logistics cost and time. Under Sagarmala, port-led-
development initiative of the Govt, 266 port modernization projects with an investment of more than Rs 1.45 lakh Crore has been
identified for implementation over next 10 years
Indian Navy’s Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) Capability: This System has a Side Scan Sonar for locating the
position of the submarine in distress at sea, providing immediate relief by way of posting Emergency Life Support Containers
with the help of Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) and thereafter rescuing the crew of the submarine using the DSRV itself.
With this capability, India has joined a select league of nations which have this unique capability and we are now in a position to
not only provide rescue cover to our own submarines but also to other friendly nations in the IOR and beyond. Our vision is to
emerge as a centre of regional excellence for Submarine Rescue Services in line with the stature of our great nation.
World Cities Day: 1st November
NMCG & UN Habitat organize a policy dialogue – Urban Cafe: ‘River for Habitat’ on this occasion and discussed the deep
association that rivers have with various aspects of human civilization – our cities, our economy and various facets of our daily
lives, the challenges to maintaining healthy river ecosystems and ways to deal with the same.
 Innovations such as One City One Operator, Hybrid Annuity Model, 15 year Operations & Maintenance of sewerage
infrastructure projects have been introduced
 Other issues that are vital include managing flood plain encroachments, developing city-specific urban management plan,
valuation of river services in economic terms, preserving biodiversity in Ganga, maintaining groundwater recharge,
NMCG’s collaboration and convergence with all stakeholders and engaging public participation.
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 Emphasis was laid upon –

o River and river basins should be seen as ‘national capital or asset’
o Developing an Urban River Plan from where the river enters the city and where it exits.
o Emphasizing the importance of ghats, the experts further noted that not only do ghats connect river to the people
but also promote safety of the river and people.
o Advocacy and resolve combined with public participation as vital elements for restoring our river ecosystems.
India’s first ease of Mobility Index: The Index offers a source of information to aid transit agencies and urban planners to make
informed decisions and align solutions with the preference of commuters. The report has been prepared by Ola Mobility Institute
– Ola’s research and social innovation arm.
 Overall, 80 per cent of citizens believe that the transport ecosystem has improved over the last five years.
 60 per cent of respondents report using public modes of commute, signalling that integrating modes of first and last mile
connectivity with mass transport could lead to improved usage.
 In fact, 72 per cent of the respondents believe that this integration could lead to an improved public transport ecosystem.
 A majority of Indians are willing to adopt electric mobility and are in agreement that electrification will reshape the
transportation segment.
 75 per cent of respondents believe that electric vehicles could replace conventional vehicles by 2030.
 Additionally, results indicate that urban mobility is going digital with 55 per cent of commuters who use public transport
owning smart cards, and over 40 per cent transact digitally while using public transport including Intermediary Public
Transport.
UDAN scheme: UDAN is an innovative scheme to develop the regional aviation market. It is a market-based mechanism in
which airlines bid for seat subsidies.
 This first-of-its-kind scheme globally will create affordable yet economically viable and profitable flights on regional
routes so that flying becomes affordable to the common man even in small towns.
 It will create affordable yet economically viable and profitable flights on regional routes so that flying becomes affordable
to the common man even in small towns. Under it, airlines will have complete freedom to enter into code sharing with
larger airlines for connectivity and they will be exempted from various airport charges.
 Mindmap
Solve: Critically examine the significance of regional connectivity for a developing economy like India. Also discuss the features
of the UDAN scheme launched by the government.
Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Guaranteed Pension Scheme of Government of India administered by PFRDA. The Subscriber
base under APY has crossed 1.24 crore mark.
 For: The unorganised sector workers who do not have sufficient and reliable old age security
 Earlier called: Swavalamban Yojana NPS (National Pension Scheme) Lite
 Objective: To encourage unorganised workers to make regular small savings during their working years towards pension
benefits later
 Regulated by: Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)
Zika virus disease: An emerging disease currently being reported by 86 countries worldwide.
 Symptoms of Zika virus disease are similar to other viral infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes,
conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. The virus causes only mild to moderate illness. The only
vulnerable category is pregnant women.
 In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January/February 2017 and second outbreak in July,2017 from
Krishnagiri District in Tamilnadu. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and
vector management.
 The Zika Virus has been identified decades back in Uganda where there is a river named Zika, the region around which the
virus was first identified.
92% MGNREGA wage payments generated on time
Independent evaluation studies have indicated the success of Natural Resource Management in improving incomes, acreage,
productivity, fodder availability, and water table. Similarly, independent assessment of Individual Beneficiary Schemes
especially for animal resources has acknowledged their contribution in livelihood diversification and poverty reduction.
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): a demand driven and additional resources will be
made available as and when required to ensure that no one is denied work on demand. Adequate steps have been taken to ensure
timely payments and mobilization of additional resources when required. Reforms in the programme over the last 3 years have
substantially improved the quality of durable assets and convergence for effective livelihood diversification.
IASbaba PIB Weekly: Press Information Bureau – 4th to 11th November, 2018
ARCHIVES
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India and the Republic of Korea Sign MoU for –

(Topic: India and Neighbors)
Strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism
The Republic of Korea is one of the leading tourists generating market for India from East Asia. The signing of Memorandum of
Understanding with Korea will be instrumental in increasing tourist arrivals from this source market.
The main objectives of the Memorandum of Understanding are:
 To expand bilateral cooperation in tourism sector
 To increase Exchange of information and data related to tourism
 To encourage cooperation between tourism stakeholders including Hotels and Tour Operators
 To establish exchange programmes for cooperation in Human Resources Development
 To encourage Investment in the Tourism and Hospitality sectors
 To exchange visits of Tour Operators / Media / Opinion Makers for promotion of two-way tourism
 To exchange experience in the areas of promotion, marketing destination development and management
 To encourage participation in travel fairs/exhibitions in each other’s country
 To promote safe, honorable and sustainable tourism
MoU signed between Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of India and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of
the Republic of Korea
To establish a framework to facilitate and promote cooperation between the two countries on the basis of reciprocity and mutual
benefit. The cooperation under this MoU may include areas like
(a) Exchange of coaches, athletes, experts
(b) Exchange of scientific and methodical materials
(c) Joint training for athletes and officials
(d) Participation in sports event, seminars, symposia and conferences organized by either country etc.
The two countries will encourage exchanges and cooperative actions between sports authorities, sports federations and other
sports bodies in the different areas of cooperation, as jointly decided.
Cabinet approves
Agreement between India and Morocco on Mutual Legal Assistance in Civil and Commercial Matters:
 Service of summons and other judicial documents or processes;
 taking of evidence in civil matters;
 production, identification or examination of documents, recordings;
 The execution of a Letter of Request for taking of evidence in civil matters; and
 Recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards
Signing and ratifying the Extradition Agreement between India and Morocco: The Agreement will provide a strong legal
base for the extradition of fugitive offenders who are accused of economic offences, terrorism and other serious offences in one
Contracting State and found in another Contracting State. This Treaty will also strengthen bilateral relations to deal with criminal
elements acting against the national interest of both India and Morocco.
MoU between India and Italy for continuing training and education in the fields of Labour and Employment: The major
impact of the MoU would be
 Up-gradation of technical capacities of both the institutions in responding to the challenges emanating from
transformations in the world of work.
 It will enhance the technical capabilities of developing and organising international training programmes and the evolution
of V.V. Giri National Labour Institute (VVGNLI) as a leading training institution in the Asia-Pacific region.
Cabinet apprised of India joining as Member of Advanced Motor Fuels Technology Collaboration Programme under
International Energy Agency
Goals
 To facilitate the market introduction of Advanced motor fuels/ Alternate fuels with an aim to bring down emissions and
achieve higher fuel efficiency in transport sector.
 AMF TCP also provides an opportunity for fuel analysis, identifying new/ alternate fuels for deployment in transport
sector and allied R&D activities for reduction in emissions in fuel intensive sectors.
Benefits
 Shared costs and pooled technical resources
 The duplication of efforts is avoided and national Research and Development capabilities are strengthened.
 There is an information exchange about best practices, network of researchers and linking research with practical
implementation.
Background
 AMF TCP is an international platform for co-operation among countries to promote cleaner and more energy efficient
fuels & vehicle technologies.
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 The activities of AMF TCP relate to R&D, deployment and dissemination of Advanced Motor Fuels and looks upon the
transport fuel issues in a systemic way taking into account the production, distribution and end use related aspects.
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Pilot Ganga Grams

Ganga Gram is a concept to transform the villages on the bank of river Ganga into ideal villages with emphasis on
 Open Defecation Free
 Solid and Liquid Waste Management
 Water Conservation
 Ground Water Recharge
 Modern crematorium
 Tree plantation
 Organic and medicinal plants
India has achieved national sanitation coverage from a lowly 39 per cent to over 95 per cent.
Must Solve:
1. It took more than 30 years to clean the Rhine river. The state of pollution in the Ganges is even more alarming. In a scenario
like this, how far can the Ganga rejuvenation plan go in bringing back the river to its normal flow and purity? Discuss.
11th Nov: 100 years of First World War
Must Solve:
 How did World War I change the balance of economic power in the world? Analyse.
 Write a short note on the nature of World War 1 and discuss its impact on the Women.
 The Indian support for British during WWI and the very nature of the war were antithetical. Do you agree? Examine.
25th edition of SIMBEX – “Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise”
Bilateral cooperation between Singapore and India was first formalised when RSN ships began training with the Indian Navy in
1994. What began as a modest endeavour to exchange best practices in the field of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), has in the
recent years evolved into a complex high stakes exercise with both nations attaching premium in terms of time, complex
advanced exercises and type of platforms involved.
Complementing India’s ‘Act-East’ policy, there have been a number of agreements and high level visits in the recent past
between the two countries. Indo-Singapore bilateral relations have been on an upswing in the recent past.
India elected as a Member of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Council for another 4-year term (2019-
2022)
 India has been an active member of the ITU since 1869, earnestly supporting the development and propagation of telecom
in the global community of nations.
 The country has been a regular member of the ITU Council since 1952, and has played an important role in harmonizing
the contributions of member States from the region, always respecting the principles of equality and consensus-building.
Operation Greens
Announced in the Budget speech of 2018-19 with an outlay of Rs 500 crores; on the line of “Operation Flood”, with an outlay of
Rs.500 crore to promote Farmer Producers Organizations, agri-logistics, processing facilities and professional management.
Aim:
 To stabilize the supply of Tomato, Onion and Potato(TOP) crops
 To ensure availability of TOP crops throughout the country round the year without price volatility
The strategy will comprise of a series of measures as decided by the Ministry which include:
 Short term Price Stabilisation Measures
NAFED will be the Nodal Agency to implement price stabilisation measures. MoFPI will provide 50% of the subsidy on the
following two components:
 Transportation of Tomato Onion Potato(TOP) Crops from production to storage;
 Hiring of appropriate storage facilities for TOP Crops
 Long Term Integrated value chain development projects
 Capacity Building of FPOs & their consortium
 Quality production
 Post-harvest processing facilities
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 Agri-Logistics
 Marketing / Consumption Points
 Creation and Management of e-platform for demand and supply management of TOP Crops
Major objectives of “Operation Greens” are as under:
 Enhancing value realisation of TOP farmers by targeted interventions to strengthen TOP production clusters and their
FPOs, and linking/connecting them with the market.
 Price stabilisation for producers and consumers by proper production planning in the TOP clusters and introduction of dual
use varieties.
 Reduction in post-harvest losses by creation of farm gate infrastructure, development of suitable agro-logistics, creation of
appropriate storage capacity linking consumption centres.
 Increase in food processing capacities and value addition in TOP value chain with firm linkages with production clusters.
 Setting up of a market intelligence network to collect and collate real time data on demand and supply and price of TOP
crops.
National Policy on Biofuels-2018
 Focusses on giving impetus to R&D in field of advanced biofuels such as 2G Ethanol, Bio-CNG, biomethanol, Drop-in
fuels, DME etc.
 These advanced fuels can be produced from various kind of wastes such as crop residues, Municipal solid waste, Industrial
waste, waste gases, Food waste, plastic etc.
Quotes:
On Mahatma Gandhi
His experience with truth & his commitment to serve the needy is an inspirational saga. Mahatama Gandhi’s vision and voice has
a rare resonance in numerous hearts around the world because it springs from the timeless humanistic vision of India.
Personalities in News:
Acharya JB Kripalani
 An Indian politician, noted particularly for holding the presidency of the Indian National Congress during the transfer of
power in 1947
 Kripalani was a familiar figure to generations of dissenters, from the Non-Cooperation Movements of the 1920s to the
Emergency of the 1970s.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
 An Indian scholar and the senior Muslim leader of the Indian National Congress during the Indian independence
movement.
 Following India’s independence, he became the first Minister of Education in the Indian government.
 His contribution to establishing the education foundation in India is recognised by celebrating his birthday as “National
Education Day” across India.
 Leader of the Khilafat Movement; at an age of 35, he became the youngest person to serve as the President of the Indian
National Congress.
 He is also credited with the establishment of the Indian Institutes of Technology and the foundation of the University
Grants Commission, an important institution to supervise and advance higher education throughout the country.
 He also worked for Hindu-Muslim unity through the Al-Hilal newspaper
ARCHIVES
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Maternity Leave Incentive Scheme

(Topic: Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.)
Purpose of this Act:
 To regulate the employment of women in certain establishments for certain period before and after child birth
 To provide maternity benefit and certain other benefits
Act amended through the: Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 which, inter alia, has increased the paid maternity leave
to women employees from 12 weeks to 26 weeks.
The Ministry of Labour & Employment is working on an incentive scheme wherein 7 weeks’ wages would be reimbursed to
employers who employ women workers with wage ceiling upto Rs. 15000/- and provide the maternity benefit of 26 weeks paid
leave, subject to certain conditions.
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It is estimated that approximately an amount of Rs. 400 crores would be the financial implication for Government of India,
Ministry of Labour & Employment for implementing the proposed incentive scheme.
Major Impact: The proposed Scheme, if approved and implemented, shall ensure the women in this country an equal access to
employment and other approved benefits along with adequate safety and secure environment. Also, the women shall
continue to bear the major share of household work as well as child care. The work places will be more and more responsive to
the family needs of the working women.
NITI Aayog Constitutes Himalayan State Regional Council

(Topic: Governance, Organisations; Federalism; Government policies and issues arising out of their design and
implementation)
Purpose: To ensure sustainable development of the Indian Himalayan region
The Council has been constituted to review and implement identified action points based on the Reports of five Working
Groups, which were established along thematic areas to prepare a roadmap for action. Recognizing the uniqueness of the
Himalayas and the challenges for sustainable development, Five Working Groups were constituted by NITI Aayog in 2017.
These Working Groups were tasked with preparing a roadmap for action across five thematic areas namely,
1. Inventory and Revival of Springs in Himalayas for Water Security,
2. Sustainable Tourism in Indian Himalayan Region,
3. Shifting Cultivation: Towards Transformation Approach,
4. Strengthening Skill & Entrepreneurship (E&S) Landscape in Himalayas, and
5. Data/Information for Informed Decision Making.
Nodal agency for the Sustainable development in the Himalayan Region: The Himalayan States Regional Council will be the
which consists of the twelve States namely Jammu &Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, two districts of Assam namely Dima Hasao and KarbiAnglong and Darjeeling
and Kalimpong in West Bengal.
Action points include: river basin development and regional cooperation, spring mapping and revival across Himalayas in
phased manner for water security; develop, implement and monitor tourism sector standards as well as bring policy coherence,
strengthen skill & entrepreneurship with focus on identified priority sectors, among other action points.
Launch of Leadership for Academicians Programme (LEAP) and Annual Refresher Programme in Teaching (ARPIT)
implementation + Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education,
Human Resources)
Leadership for Academicians Programme (LEAP) is a three weeks Flagship leadership development training programme (2
weeks domestic and one week foreign training) for second level academic functionaries in public funded higher education
institutions.
The main objective is to prepare second tier academic heads who are potentially likely to assume leadership roles in the future.
 The programme would provide senior faculty, with high academic credentials, the required leadership and managerial
skills including skills of problem-solving, handling stress, team building work, conflict management, developing
communication skills, understanding and coping with the complexity and challenges of governance in HEIs, financial &
general administration.
 The implementation of LEAP Programme will be through 15 NIRF top ranked Indian Institutions. The foreign Universities
identified for the training are also within the top 100 in the world global rankings.
LEAP will fulfill the critical need to combine academic and administrative leadership which will make higher education
institutions perform their roles of developing better students who will be future torch bearers.
Annual Refresher Programme in Teaching (ARPIT), a major and unique initiative of online professional development of 15
lakh higher education faculty using the MOOCs platform SWAYAM. For implementing ARPIT, 75 discipline-specific
institutions have been identified and notified as National Resource Centres (NRCs) in the first phase, which are tasked to prepare
online training material with focus on latest developments in the discipline, new & emerging trends, pedagogical improvements
and methodologies for transacting revised curriculum.
Must solve:
1. Combining the qualities of a good teacher and an effective leader is still more daunting task but not an impossible task. Do
you agree? Comment.
2. A leader must talk for all generations, present and future; only then institutional growth can be achieved. Discuss.
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Agreements Signed with India

India and Morocco sign Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters: The Agreement will strengthen
bilateral cooperation with Morocco and enhance effectiveness and provide a broad legal framework for prevention, investigation
and prosecution of crimes; as well as in tracing, restraint and confiscation of funds meant to finance terrorist acts.
Morocco & India agree to assist in Legal & Commercial Matters: The agreement will enhance co-operation in the service of
summons, judicial documents, letters of request and the execution of judgments decrees and arbitral awards.
 Service of summons and other judicial documents or processes;
 Taking of evidence in civil matters;
 Production, identification or examination of documents, recordings;
 The execution of a Letter of Request for taking of evidence in civil matters;
 Recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards.
Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Sign $105 Million Loan to Support Hydropower
Transmission in Himachal Pradesh:
 The program is aimed at developing and expanding the transmission network to evacuate clean and renewable power
generated from the State’s hydropower sources to load centers within and outside the State.
 It also supports the institutional capacity development of the state transmission utility, Himachal Pradesh Power
Transmission Corporation Limited (HPPTCL), as the executing agency for this project.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts
to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members—48 from the region.
Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) sign $300 Million Loan to support India Infrastructure
Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) in India: The Project will enhance availability of long-term finance for PPP projects,
improve operational capacity of IIFCL, and expand the portfolio of infrastructure financing instruments available to IIFCL. The
Project supports the renewed effort of the Government of India in accelerating infrastructure growth through increased Private
Sector investment. The Project is relevant and responsive to the constraints to bank based infrastructure financing, fiscal space
creation, and repercussions on GDP growth.
Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (Adb) Sign $ 169 Million Loan to Provide Water and Sanitation
Services in Tamil Nadu: The State has faced recurring droughts and erratic monsoons in the recent past resulting in severe water
scarcity and urban flooding. With ADB’s support the State will be able to address these complex urban challenges through
innovative and climate-resilient investment and deeper institutional support.
Though Tamil Nadu is the most urbanized of India’s large States, urban service levels remain low, with less than half of
households served by piped water, only 42% of households are covered by a sewerage network, with 43% of sewage disposed
directly into waterways untreated.
 The program will develop climate-resilient sewerage collection and treatment and drainage systems in 10 cities, and install
the country’s first solar-powered sewage treatment plant. Introduction of smart water management systems will help
reduce non-revenue water and strengthen operational efficiency.
 Around 4 million people will benefit from piped water and sewerage connections and improved drainage.
 The program will boost institutional capacity, public awareness, and urban governance as part of a comprehensive
approach for developing livable cities.
World Toilet Day: 19th November
Rural Jharkhand: Declared ODF
Severe Cyclonic storm which created havoc over Southwest Bay of Bengal: ‘GAJA’
Bhoomi Rashi Portal: The portal allows for totally digital and paper-less processing of land acquisition cases, and has resulted
in transparent, quick, corruption-free and error-free handling of land acquisition cases. It has also made the possible real-time
tracking of activities and generation of reports relating to land acquisition.
SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region): ‘SAGAR’ is in consonance with India’s ‘Act East’ policy and the
nation’s diplomatic, economic and military outreach in the region.
Samudra Shakti: Between Indian Navy – Indonesian Navy Bilateral Exercise; The aim of the exercise is to strengthen bilateral
relations, expand maritime co-operation, enhance interoperability and exchange best practices.
Two important projects under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism inaugurated: Development of North East
Circuits:
 Bhalukpong- Bomdila – Tawang Project
 Nafra- Seppa- Pappu, Pasa, Pakke Valleys- Sangdupota- New Sagalee- Ziro- Yomcha Project
7th RCEP Inter-Sessional Ministerial Meeting in Singapore
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a mega regional free trade agreement being negotiated
amongst 16 countries, comprising 10 ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) plus six ASEAN FTA partners, namely Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea and New
Zealand.
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Both in STRACAP and SPS negotiations, India managed to obtain balanced outcomes in the application of the Dispute
Settlement Mechanism. India showed flexibility on the principle of ‘consensus’ in the Institutional Provisions Chapter which
helped in its successful conclusion during the meeting.
Global Digital Content Market (GDCM) 2018
India has been chosen as a host nation for the conference by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) due to the strong
creative industry in the country in films, music and media.
Focus for this year’s conference: Asia Pacific region
Aim of GDCM 2018: To give industry stakeholders a platform to come together and discuss new avenues in the films, music,
gaming and creative industry along with points of challenge that is presented due to the changing creative landscape because of
the disruption brought about by digital technologies.
Successful launch of GSLV MK III-D2 carrying GSAT-29 satellite
India’s GSAT-29 communication satellite was successfully launched by the second developmental flight of Geosynchronous
Satellite Launch Vehicle MarkIII (GSLV MkIII-D2)
GSLV Mk III is a three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Two
massive boosters with solid propellant constitute the first stage, the core with liquid propellant form the second stage and the
cryogenic engine completes the final stage.
GSAT-29 is a multiband, multi-beam communication satellite, intended to serve as test bed for several new and critical
technologies. Its Ku-bandand Ka-band payloads are configured to cater to the communication requirements of users including
those from remote areas especially from Jammu & Kashmir and North-Eastern regions of India.
RERA is bringing positive transformative changes in the industry
 33,750 Projects & 26,018 Agents have been registered under RERA so far
 Maharashtra leads with 18,392 Projects & 17,188 Agents Registrations
 3rd Regional Workshop on “RERA-a new era of transparency & accountability in Real Estate
Must Read: Link
Chhath Pooja
An ancient Hindu Vedic festival historically native to the Indian subcontinent, more specifically, the Indian states of Bihar,
Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh as well as the Madhesh region of Nepal.
 The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his Sister [Chhathi maiya (goddess)] in order to thank them for bestowing the
bounties of life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes.
 Chhath does not involve any idol worship + not a gender-specific festival.
 This is the only festival which signifies both the rising and setting sun
Quotes
Hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind
On Biotechnology, S&T
Life sciences today offer a frontier that is still largely unexplored. It is worth noting that while textbooks of the foundations of
physics change little from year to year, textbooks of biology and medicine are a work in progress even at fundamental levels. The
sciences of genetics, of evolution and of human development have yielded enormous knowledge in recent years, but we are only
at the beginnings of a new age of exploration.
Today, through science and technology, humans wield unimaginable power over the future of our planet. We therefore have a
responsibility like never before. And scientists, particularly bio-scientists, are our soldiers and generals in the battle to safeguard
our planet, our species and our future. To my mind, there are four frontlines in this battle.
1. The first is the environment. Our air, water and soil must be cleaned. While we do so, we must mitigate the consequences on
human and livestock health. An enhanced thrust on studying human and animal health in real environments and finding
solutions to problems such as asthma, respiratory disorders and cancers is needed.
2. The second frontline is that of lifestyle diseases. Diabetes, hypertension and cardiac diseases are on the rise. In the quarter-
century since 1990, the number of Indians living with diabetes grew from 26 million to 65 million. In the same period, the
incidence of all cancers increased by almost 30 per cent. Diet and lifestyle are key factors, as also maternal, foetal and
neonatal health. Both prevention and treatment are vital.
3. The third frontline is infectious disease. While we take on known infectious diseases, lesser-known ones threaten to expand.
Here too we must study the disease in the context of its environment and all its hosts. For example, how does Nipah virus
reside in bats? How may its infection spread? How do we test candidate vaccines for humans? These are global challenges.
Disease, like science, knows no boundaries. Pandemic influenza viruses don’t need passports and visas to spread. On the
other hand, the shrinking of animal habitats is creating room for zoonotic diseases and diseases that jump species.
4. The final frontline is diseases of the brain. Factors that include urban stress and a significant elderly population have left
India facing a mental health epidemic. Preventive measures, relevant to our genetics and our lifestyle, are in the realm of
theory, waiting to be discovered. We must discover these if our people are to age well, with full mental capacities. If this is
not researched by us in our population, ailments such as dementia will be a major problem – and solutions from elsewhere
will not fit here.
Vice President of India, Shri. M. Venkaiah Naidu
On Multilateralism
 Multilateralism has emerged as the most effective modality for decision-making and conflict resolution
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 India has always believed in the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which means the World is one family- collective
endeavor for collective benefit. We need united efforts of the world to deal with global development priorities such as
eradication of poverty, providing education, health care, employment and gender parity
 Thousands of brave Indian soldiers had sacrificed their lives 100 years ago fighting for the cause of righteousness and in
the interest of peace, human liberty and freedom
At International Conference ‘Asian Patent Attorneys Association’
“Knowledge is a treasure that cannot be stolen, neither can it be confiscated by the State, nor can it be divided among siblings. It
is not burdensome to carry. It increases when we share it with others sharing. Knowledge is a treasure that is better than other
riches.”
 Innovation is for the betterment of mankind and India is encouraging the spirit of innovation among the educated
enterprising youth.
 Intellectual Property Rights hold special importance in the knowledge economy. The new regime of intellectual Property
Rights bring a paradigm shift in social exchanges and cultural ethos in communities especially at a time when the world
had moved away from viewing knowledge as a mere community asset started treating it as intellectual property.
 Emphasis on tangible hard assets is being shifted to intangible soft assets and intellectual properties. India fully recognizes
that an effective and robust intellectual property protection regime is essential to attract technology, investment,
incentivise innovation and creation of IP assets
 As the communities’ transit to new phase of Intellectual Property based economy, no conversation on intellectual property
rights can be complete without considering the balance of the rights and obligations of IP holders and define what
constitutes a genuine, path-breaking intellectual property?
ARCHIVES
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Government of India and the World Bank sign $310 million Loan Agreement
Why: For Jharkhand Power System Improvement Project to provide reliable, quality, and affordable 24×7 electricity to the
citizens of Jharkhand.
 The Jharkhand Power System Improvement Project will help build new power transmission infrastructure, as well as put in
place systems to improve the technical efficiency and commercial performance of the state power sector utilities.
 The Project will help bring in modern technology solutions such as automated sub-stations, and network analysis and
planning tools to provide reliable power supply and enhance customer satisfaction.
 While a significant portion of the proposed investments are aimed at improving power transmission infrastructure, the
Project will also focus on developing institutional capacities of State-owned power transmission and distribution
companies and improving their operational performance.
Cabinet approves
Implementation of the umbrella scheme “Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems &
Services”(ACROSS)” during 2017-2020:
It will be implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences through its institutes namely India Meteorological Department (IMD),
Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), and
Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Service(INCOIS).
Objective is to provide a reliable weather and climate forecast for betterment of society, the scheme will aim at improving skill
of weather and climate forecast through sustained observations, intensive R & D, and by adopting effective dissemination and
communication strategies to ensure its timely reach to the end-user of all services like Agro-meteorological Services, Aviation
service, Environmental monitoring services, Hydro-meteorological services, climate services, tourism, pilgrimage,
mountaineering etc.,
Setting up of National Facility for Airborne Research (NFAR): The scheme will provide improved weather, climate and
ocean forecast and services, thereby ensuring transfer of commensurate benefits to the various services like Public weather
service, disaster management, Agro-meteorological Services, Aviation services, Environmental monitoring services, Hydro-
meteorological services, climate services, tourism, pilgrimage, power generation, water management, Sports & adventure etc.
Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2018: For regulation and standardisation of education and services by allied and
healthcare professionals. The Bill provides for setting up of an Allied and Healthcare Council of India and corresponding State
Allied and Healthcare Councils which will play the role of a standard-setter and facilitator for professions of Allied and
Healthcare.
Major Impact, including employment generation potential:
 Bring all existing allied and healthcare professionals on board during the first few of years from the date of establishment
of the Council.
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 Opportunity to create qualified, highly skilled and competent jobs in healthcare by enabling professionalism of the allied
and healthcare workforce.
 High quality, multi-disciplinary care in line with the vision of Ayushman Bharat, moving away from a ‘doctor led’ model
to a ‘care accessible and team based’ model.
 Opportunity to cater to the global demand (shortage) of healthcare workforce which is projected to be about 15 million by
the year 2030, as per the WHO Global Workforce, 2030 report.
 Allied and Healthcare Professionals (A&HPs) constitute an important element of the health human resource network, and
the skilled and efficient Allied and Healthcare Professionals (A&HPs) can reduce the cost of care and dramatically
improve the accessibility to quality driven healthcare services.
MoU between India and Tajkistan on Cooperation on Youth Matters: To strengthen and encourage cooperation on youth
matters with Tajikistan through participation in events and activities organized by either side, information and knowledge
sharing, and youth exchanges.
MoU with Mauritius on Consumer Protection and Legal Metrology:
 Help in expanding cooperation in the field of consumer protection, and will provide an institutional mechanism for
exchange of information and derive mutual benefits from development taking place in both the countries.
 Promote inclusive sustainable and resilient development in the areas of Consumer Protection & Legal Metrology to deal
with new challenges such as misleading advertisement, telemarketing, multi-level marketing, e-commerce etc.
 Ensure traceability of national and international standards, thereby developing new areas of expertise that may facilitate in
tackling new challenges.
 Periodical exchange of information and training programme will ensure gainful expertise, for good governance and in
fighting consumer vulnerability.
Cabinet apprised of
Agreement between India and Uzbekistan on Cooperation in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation: will open a
new chapter in bilateral relations, as both sides will now leverage complementary strengths spurred by a significant convergence
of mutual interests in science and technology
MoU between Atal Innovation Mission, India and Fund “Talent and Success”, Russia for promotion of science &
technology: The MoU will facilitate promotion of science & technology, strong foundation to the collaborative work through
exchange of students, teachers, researchers and scientists between India and Russia.
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India gets UN Environment award for combating transboundary environmental crime

United Nation Environment has awarded Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change, Government of India with Asia Environment Enforcement Awards, 2018 for excellent work done by the Bureau
in combating transboundary environmental crime.
 WCCB has adopted innovative enforcement techniques that have dramatically increased enforcement of transboundary
environmental crimes in India.
 Notably it has developed an online Wildlife Crime Database Management System to get real time data in order to help
analyze trends in crime and devise effective measures to prevent and detect wildlife crimes across India.
 This system has been successfully used to analyse trends, helping put in preventive measures as well as for successfully
carrying out operations such as Operation SAVE KURMA, THUNDERBIRD, WILDNET, LESKNOW, BIRBIL,
THUNDERSTORM, LESKNOW-II along with other enforcement agencies resulting in the arrest of 350 wildlife criminals
and huge seizures of Tiger/Leopard Skin/bones and other trophies, Rhino Horn, Elephant Ivory, turtles/tortoises,
Mongoose raw hairs as well as Mangoose hair bruises, protected birds, Marine products, live Pangolin as well as its scales,
deer antlers etc. across all the states.
 In order to involve the public in the fight against wildlife crime, WCCB has also developed a scheme to enrol willing
persons as WCCB Volunteers.
The Asia Environment Enforcement Awards publicly recognize and celebrate excellence in enforcement by government
officials and institutions/teams combating transboundary environmental crime in Asia. The awards are given to outstanding
individuals and/or government organizations/teams that demonstrate excellence and leadership in enforcement of national laws to
combat transboundary environmental crime in one of the following eligibility criteria areas: collaboration; impact; innovation;
integrity and gender leadership.
Please Note
World Boxing Championships: Mary Kom wins record sixth gold medal
Celebration of Milad-un-Nabi: Birthday of the Prophet
19th November: World Toilet Day
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21st November: World Fisheries Day

MWCD links Sexual Harassment Complaints Portal ‘SHe-Box’ to all the Central Ministries, Departments and 653
districts across 33 States/Union Territories: SHe-Box portal is an effort to provide speedy remedy to women facing sexual
harassment at workplace.
With the linking of the portal to central and state governments, once a complaint is submitted to the portal, it will be directly sent
to the section of the employer concerned. Through this portal, WCD as well as the complainant, can monitor the progress of the
inquiry. This is a proactive step taken by the WCD Ministry in the wake of the worldwide campaign #MeToo, where women
have related their experience of facing sexual harassment and abuse at workplace.
Launch of AirSewa 2.0 web portal: To provide a superior user experience with enhanced functionalities -Major improvements
include features such as secure sign-up and log-in with social media, chatbot for travellers support, improved grievance
management including social media grievances, real-time flight status and details flight schedule.
26th General Conference on Weights & Measures: The 26th CGPM meeting was very special and historic as the members
have voted for the redefinition of 130 years old “Le grand K – the SI unit of kg” in terms of the fundamental Planck’s constant
(h). The new definitions will come into force on 20 May 2019.
General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM): highest international body of the world for accurate and precise
measurements.
 The CGPM comprises 60 countries including India and 42 Associate Members.
 The International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), the main executive body of CGPM has the responsibility of
defining the International System of Units (SI).
Industrial Park Rating System
By the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP)
Manufacturing has emerged as one of the high growth sectors in India and it has moved 23 places up in the World Bank’s Ease of
Doing Business (EODB-2019) and achieved rank 77 out of 190 countries. In order to ensure that India moves into the top 50
countries in Ease of Doing Business the Ministry has undertaken this exercise in studying infrastructure across states and in 3354
industrial clusters in order to assess quality of infrastructure in industrial parks.
Will be a useful tool for policy makers and investors at the click of a button. 3000 parks are on the database and the industrial
parks have been rated on 4 points: internal infrastructure, external infrastructure, business services and facilities and environment,
safety management.
Industrial Information System (IIS): To optimise resource utilisation and enhance the efficiency of the manufacturing sector –
the portal serves as a one-stop solution to the free and easy accessibility of all industrial information including availability of raw
material – agriculture, horticulture, minerals, natural resources, distance from key logistic nodes, layers of terrain and urban
infrastructure.
Report on existing SEZ policy of India
By Baba Kalyani led committee
Objectives
 To evaluate the SEZ policy and make it WTO compatible
 Suggest measures for maximizing utilisation of vacant land in SEZs
 Suggest changes in the SEZ policy based on international experience
 Merge the SEZ policy with other Government schemes like coastal economic zones, Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor,
national industrial manufacturing zones and food and textiles parks.
Observation
If India is going to become a USD 5 trillion economy by 2025 then the current environment of manufacturing competitiveness
and services has to undergo a basic paradigm shift. The success seen by services sector like IT and ITES has to be promoted in
other services sector like health care, financial services, legal, repair and design services.
The Government of India has set a target of creating 100 million jobs and achieving 25% of GDP from the manufacturing sector
by 2022, as part of its flagship ‘Make in India’ programme. Furthermore, the Government plans to increase manufacturing value
to USD 1.2 trillion by 2025. While these are ambitious plans to propel India into a growth trajectory, it requires evaluation of
existing policy frameworks to catalyse manufacturing sector growth. At the same time, policy needs to be compiled with the
relevant WTO regulations.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)
 This fund will create employment opportunities to over 9.40 lakhs fishers/ fishermen/ fisher folks and other entrepreneurs
in fishing and allied activities and attract private investment in creation and management of fisheries infrastructure
facilities.
 Help in the creation of fisheries infrastructure facilities both in marine and inland fisheries sectors, which would boast fish
production and help achieve target of Rs 15 million tonne by 2020 set under Blue revolution.
 FIDF aims to achieve a sustainable growth of 8 % to 9 % in a move to augment fish production to the level of about 20
million tonnes by 2022-23.
World Fisheries Forum (WFF) was established to advocate a global mandate of sustainable fishing practices and policies.
Personalities in News
Guru Nanak
 Founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus
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 Guru Nanak’s words are registered in the form of 974 poetic hymns in the holy text of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib,
as a collection of verses recorded in Gurmukhi.
 The fundamental beliefs of Sikhism include faith and meditation on the name of the one creator, unity of all humankind,
engaging in selfless service, striving for social justice for the benefit and prosperity of all, and honest conduct and
livelihood while living a householder’s life.
Guru Teg Bahadur
 The ninth of ten Gurus of the Sikh religion
 Guru Tegh Bahadur resisted the forced conversions of Kashmiri Pandits and non-Muslims to Islam, and was publicly
beheaded in 1675 on the orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Delhi for himself refusing to convert to Islam.
Rani Lakshmibai
 Queen of the princely state of Jhansi in North India currently present in Jhansi district in Uttar Pradesh, India
 One of the leading figures of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and became a symbol of resistance to the British Raj for Indian
nationalists.
 She was named Manikarnika and was nicknamed Manu.
 After the death of the Maharaja in November 1853, because Damodar Rao (born Anand Rao) was an adopted son, the
British East India Company, under Governor-General Lord Dalhousie, applied the Doctrine of Lapse, rejecting
Damodar Rao’s claim to the throne and annexing the state to its territories.
 She defended Jhansi against British troops when Sir Hugh Rose besieged Jhansi on 23 March 1858.
 A number of patriotic songs have been written about the Rani. The most famous composition about Rani Lakshmi Bai is
the Hindi poem Jhansi ki Rani written by Subhadra Kumari Chauhan.
Indira Gandhi
 An Indian politician, stateswoman and a central figure of the Indian National Congress.
 She was the first and, to date, the only female Prime Minister of India.
 Indira Gandhi was the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India.
 She served as Prime Minister from January 1966 to March 1977 and again from January 1980 until her assassination in
October 1984 (assassins blamed her for the action code-named Operation Blue Star), making her the second longest-
serving Indian Prime Minister after her father.
 She went to war with Pakistan in support of the independence movement and war of independence in East Pakistan, which
resulted in an Indian victory and the creation of Bangladesh, as well as increasing India’s influence to the point where it
became the regional hegemon of South Asia.
 Citing fissiparous tendencies and in response to a call for revolution, Gandhi instituted a state of emergency from 1975 to
1977 where basic civil liberties were suspended and the press was censored. Widespread atrocities were carried out during
the emergency. In 1980, she returned to power after free and fair elections.
Quotes
On Mahatma Gandhi
 Mahatma Gandhi is one of the greatest revolutionaries the world has ever seen, only his revolutions were bloodless and
peaceful
 Gandhiji’s principles of liberty, dignity and equality were not limited by space and time, they have universal applicability
and timeless value. He preached peace, nonviolence, tolerance and harmony, and in the process, miraculously inspired
India’s great struggle for freedom and gave new impetus to civil rights movements all over the world
 The designing and implementing programs and policies for development should be done by keeping the vision articulated
by Mahatma Gandhi for an India free from poverty, discrimination and social evils in mind.
 Policy makers of India have to place gender equality and women’s empowerment at the centre of our development agenda
 Antyodaya or the uplifting of the poorest, most deprived groups of people, was a mission close to the Mahatma’s heart.
Gandhiji’s idea of development was of Sarvodaya, the development of all through Antyodaya. His philosophy of
Antyodaya influenced leaders like Shri. Deen Dayal Upadhyay
On Education
 India had undertaken a long and arduous, yet rewarding journey in the field of education, from the “Guru –Shishya
parampara” of learning under the shadow of a tree in the ancient times, to becoming the third largest in the world in the
field of higher education.
 There is a need to re-engineer our entire education system. ‘One size fits all’ approach followed by us so far will not take
us anywhere and young people should be given the space to think freely. We cannot keep forcing the same syllabus on a
student who excels in Science and a student who is a savant in music. Only half the time of a student should be spent in
classrooms the rest should be spent in the community, in the playground, in nature and in open air to ensure balanced
education.
On balance of power between executive, judiciary and legislature
 Encroachment by one organ into the domain of another would set bad precedents and weaken the institutions.
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 There has been no major conflict or friction among the three organs and this mutual respect for each other’s powers, roles
and responsibilities has acted as a fulcrum in strengthening our democracy
 Justice Krishna Iyer, in 2007 had stated: “There is a case today for amity among the trinity of state instrumentalities and
better coordination among them in civilizing the justice process. More coordination among the troika in civilizing the
justice process is welcome.”
 Declaring that the institutional structures established over the years were intended to translate the vision of our
Constitution-makers into tangible reality, the Vice President observed that they needed to be constantly nourished through
a far-sighted, liberal leadership.
On Science & Technology
 Advancement of Science and Technology and an inclusive approach to development is crucial in addressing challenges
such as poverty, illiteracy, gender discrimination and others
 Young scientists should find solutions to the present and emerging challenges faced by the world such as climate change,
global warming, sustainable development, clean energy and water and diseases.
 Only science can throw up solutions for the present and emerging problems in the years to come. The onus lies on the
shoulders of the young scientific community to look for a way out for such pressing tribulations
 Vice President appealed to various corporate bodies and industries to promote scientific research in the country in a big
way by creating an exclusive corpus for encouraging innovative R & D projects and disruptive technologies that could
provide long-lasting answers to problems faced by the people. At the same time, he also called for enhanced investments
in Science & Technology to support innovations which would address issues relating to agriculture, environment, health,
housing, clean drinking water and security, among others.
On the workings of the State with Centre
 States must focus on long term economic model for the betterment of the people and must not settle for short-term populist
measures.
 The relationship between the states and the centre must be built on trust, transparency and mutual respect. Both parties
should practice openness and should not be limited by narrow political divisiveness. There is an agenda greater than
politics before all of us, the agenda of taking development to the last man, the goal of ensuring Antyodaya. Federals should
not end at door steps of State capitals, they must reach to villages.
 Political differences must end with the elections and there after the ruling party must not be bogged down by dilatory
tactics and the opposition parties must be given the space to offer constructive criticism in the legislature. A measure of
accommodative openness must be practiced by both the centre and the states if we were to build a strong team India where
every voice has its own space.
 Federalism, cultural & ethnic pluralism gave country’s political system the much needed agility, the continuation of the
same requires not simply federalism, but cooperative and constructive federalism.
 Cooperative federalism has been India’s mantra for centre-state unity, cohesion and harmony and there was every need to
continue what the unifier of India, Sardar Patel had said. The spirit of cooperative federalism inspired Sardar Vallabhai
Patel’s intelligent and proactive political manoeuvring by which he successfully persuaded the 492 princely states to join
the Indian Union, all the while successfully maintaining the unity and integrity of the nation.
IASbaba PIB Weekly: Press Information Bureau – 26th to 2nd December, 2018
ARCHIVES
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Nine Point Agenda Suggested by India to G-20 for Action Against Fugitive Economic Offences And Asset Recovery
 Strong and active cooperation across G-20 countries to deal comprehensively and efficiently with the menace fugitive
economic offenders.
 Cooperation in the legal processes such as effective freezing of the proceeds of crime; early return of the offenders and
efficient repatriation of the proceeds of crime should be enhanced and streamlined.
 Joint effort by G-20 countries to form a mechanism that denies entry and safe havens to all fugitive economic offenders.
 Principles of United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), United Nations Convention Against
Transnational Organized Crime (UNOTC), especially related to “International Cooperation” should be fully and
effectively implemented.
 FATF should be called upon to assign priority and focus to establishing international co-operation that leads to timely and
comprehensive exchange of information between the competent authorities and FIUs.
 FATF should be tasked to formulate a standard definition of fugitive economic offenders.
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 FATF should also develop a set of commonly agreed and standardized procedures related to identification, extradition and
judicial proceedings for dealing with fugitive economic offenders to provide guidance and assistance to G-20 countries,
subject to their domestic law.
 Common platform should be set up for sharing experiences and best practices including successful cases of extradition,
gaps in existing systems of extradition and legal assistance, etc.
 G-20 Forum should consider initiating work on locating properties of economic offenders who have a tax debt in the
country of their residence for its recovery.
G-20:
 Founded in 1999 with the aim to discuss policy pertaining to the promotion of international financial stability
 An international forum for the governments and central bank governors from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China,
the European Union, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South
Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
India’s Blue Economy

India has a strategic location in the Indian Ocean region, and on this basis, it endorses the growth of the Blue Economy in a
sustainable, inclusive and people centred manner through the framework of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
India is developing its maritime infrastructure as well as its inland waterways and coastal shipping through the launch of the
ambitious “Sagarmala Programme” which will revolutionize maritime logistics and port led developments in the country.
India’s national vision about the sector is clearly articulated in the term “SAGAR”- Security and Growth for All in the Region
coined by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
 India’s ambitious Sagarmala programme has identified 600 plus projects entailing huge investment of around Rs 8 lakh
crore (120 billion dollars) by the year 2020. This will save the country nearly six billion dollars per annum in logistics
costs besides creating 10 million new jobs and boosting port capacity by 800 Million Metric Tonne per Annum (MMTPA)
to an overall 3500 MMTPA.
 Coastal Economic Zones (CEZs) are being developed under Sagarmala with a proposed investment of 150 Million dollars
per location. The CEZs will become a microcosm of the blue economy wherein industries and townships that depend on
the sea and contribute to global trade through sea connectivity are envisaged.
 The programme is also focussing on the development of coastal communities and people through skill gap analysis, skill
development centres to train coastal communities in the sustainable use of ocean resources, modern fishing techniques and
coastal tourism.
 An investment of $1.10 Bn is planned across various coastal districts in India for this purpose. In addition to this, several
green initiatives are also being taken in the coastal regions like 31 MW of captive solar power generation being planned at
various ports, installation of oil spill response facilities and study to identify ways to re-use waste water at ports.
Government of India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) sign $200 Million Loan
Aim: To improve State Highways in Bihar – finance widening and upgrading of about 230 Kilometers State Highways in Bihar
to all-weather standards with road safety features.
 meet the minimum two-lane standard with better surfaces and improved road safety leading to improved connectivity.
 The improved roads under the Project will contribute to savings in vehicle operating cost and travel time, reduce vehicle
emissions, and improve road safety.
 The Project will also establish a State-level Road Research Institute to improve technical and management capacity of the
Road Agency Staff.
 The Project will also build institutional capacity of the State for road design and maintenance and incorporate appropriate
new technologies in the State’s road sub-sector.
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Government of India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) Signs $75 Million Loan to Improve Urban Services in
Karnataka
Aim: To provide 24 x7 water supply in Karnataka’s four coastal towns of Kundapura, Mangalore Puttur and Udupi and improve
sanitation infrastructure for Mangalore town.
 Improve urban water resource management in selected river basins in Karnataka through modernization and expansion of
urban water supply and sanitation infrastructure and strengthening institutions to improve water use efficiency, water
resource planning, monitoring and service delivery
 Provide continuous piped water supply to people, and promote efficient and sustainable use of water.
 Adopt information technology based smart water management system and undertake community awareness programs on
water conservation and demand management
 Helping the urban local bodies to become efficient and responsive urban water utility service provider
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Progress made in the Agriculture Sector

(Topic: Agriculture)
Foodgrain production in 2017-18 (4th Advance Estimate) stood at 284.83 million tonne as compared to 255.59 million tonne
average production in 2010-14. The production of pulses also rose by 40% from 18.01 million tonne in 2010-14 to 25.23 million
tonne (4th Advance Estimate) in 2017-18. Production of horticulture crops recorded 15.79% growth, fisheries production under
Blue Revolution 26.86% and animal husbandry & milk production 23.80%.
 In order to reduce the cost of production, Soil Health Card, use of neem-coated urea and schemes related to ‘per drop more
crop’ are being targeted and implemented.
 To promote organic farming, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) was initiated in 2014-15 and for north east
Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER) was started.
 National Agriculture Market (eNAM), a new market mechanism has been started in order to ensure remunerative price for
the farmers’ produce while advancing towards ‘one nation one market’.
 Till March 2018, the target of integrating 585 mandis with e-NAM has been achieved.
 Besides this, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was initiated from Kharif 2016 to overcome the risks
related to agriculture against disasters. This scheme covers all foodgrains, oilseeds and commercial/ horticultural crops. All
risks – prior to the crop sowing, during the harvest and after harvest – are included in the scheme.
 Government is also promoting quality in agriculture through food processing. Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana
has been started with an allocation of Rs 6,000 crore.
 The forward and backward linkage of agro processing clusters is being developed in order to enhance food processing
capabilities. Close to 20 lakh farmers are being benefitted while also creating employment opportunities for about 5.5 lakh
people.
Prelims specific Notes:
World AIDS Day: 1st December
Hornbill Festival: Nagaland
EX INDRA 2018: Indo-Russian joint military exercise
Adoption of our Constitution: On November 26, 1949
Ganga Museum: To be established as an instrument for public outreach, depicting the river’s history and mythology, its
importance for the livelihood of a huge population, as well as efforts for Ganga Rejuvenation.
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan: Complete ante-natal check-up facility is provided to all pregnant women across
the country, including HIV testing. In 2017-18 more than 2 Crore HIV testing among pregnant women was undertaken
HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017: This Act provides an enabling environment to HIV affected and infected
population where they get a seamless access to services and a comprehensive grievance redressal mechanism with ombudsman at
the Centre and Complaints Officer at establishments.
Cumulative number of houses sanctioned under PMAY(U) now is 65,04,037.
Powered India: 8 States achieve 100% household electrification under Saubhagya; total 15 States now have 100 % household
electrification. Nation expected to achieve 100% household electrification by 31st December, 2018.
Golden Peacock Award at the 49th International Film Festival of India (IFFI): Donbass’ directed by Sergei Loznitsa; tells
the story of a hybrid war taking place in a region of Eastern Ukraine, involving an open armed conflict alongside killings and
robberies perpetrated on a mass scale by separatist gangs.
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Launch of Digital Sky Platform: India to start registration of drones, pilots, and operators Registration portal for online
permission
 The Drone regulations come in effect from today
 Nano drones in India can start flying legally from today.
 For micro and above categories, operators and pilots are required to register on the Digital Sky Portal
Launch of Vehicle (PSLV-C43)
 Injected India’s Hyper-Spectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS) into a 645 km sun-synchronous polar orbit 17 minutes and 19
seconds after the lift-off.
 Later, 30 foreign satellites were injected into their intended orbit after restarting the vehicle’s fourth stage engines twice.
HysIS is an earth observation satellite built around ISRO’s Mini Satellite2 (IMS-2) bus weighing about 380kg. The mission life
of the satellite is five years. The primary goal of HysIS is to study the earth’s surface in both the visible, near infrared and
shortwave infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Data from the satellite will be used for a wide range of applications
including agriculture, forestry, soil/geological environments, coastal zones and inland waters, etc.
PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle with a large solid rocket motor forming the first stage, an earth storable liquid stage as the
second stage, a high performance solid rocket motor as third stage and a liquid stage with engines as fourth stage.
Mission Raksha GyanShakti: Aims to
 Provide a boost to the IPR culture in indigenous defence industry.
 Inculcate IP culture in Indian defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Launch of Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) segment of Integrated Health Information Platform
(IHIP): The path-breaking initiative will provide near-real-time data to policy makers for detecting outbreaks, reducing the
morbidity and mortality and lessening disease burden in the populations and better health systems. It is to strengthen early
outbreak detection and informed public health response.
Paisa – Portal for Affordable Credit & Interest Subvention Access” Launched Under Day-NULM:
 A centralized electronic platform for processing interest subvention on bank loans to beneficiaries under Deendayal
Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) launched
 Effort by the government to connect directly with the beneficiaries, ensuring that there is greater transparency and
efficiency in delivery of services. DBT of subvention on monthly basis under DAY-NULM will give the necessary
financial support to small entrepreneurs in a timely manner
Task Force for drafting a New Direct Tax Legislation: In order to review the Income-tax Act, 1961 and to draft a new direct
tax law in consonance with the economic needs of the country, the Government has appointed Shri Akhilesh Ranjan, Member
(Legislation), CBDT as Convenor of the Task Force.
Protocol amending India-China DTAA:
 Updates the existing provisions for exchange of information to the latest international standards.
 Further, the Protocol incorporates changes required to implement treaty related minimum standards under the Action
reports of Base Erosion & Profit shifting (BEPS) Project, in which India had participated on an equal footing.
 Besides minimum standards, the Protocol brings in changes as per BEPS Action reports as agreed upon by the two sides.
E-pashuhaat portal: An effort to double farmers’ income
 Created and integrated with UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) application
 The portal is playing a crucial role in connecting farmers, breeders and other agencies to trade in disease-free germplasm,
namely live animals, frozen semen and embryos
 Embryo transfer technology is extremely effective for increasing production and breed improvement
Recent Reforms in Transport Sector
 By increasing the Axle load of trucks by 20 to 25 per cent, their load carrying capacity has increased phenomenally. It has
not only added to the income of transporters, but has also resulted in lesser pollution.
 In view of modern technology in automobiles, fitness test requirement for commercial vehicle has been changed. In place
of the earlier provision of yearly tests, now they need to get it done every two years.
 Total exclusion of new commercial vehicles from mandatory fitness tests has resulted in fewer visits to RTOs, saving time
and money.
 Transporters are now free to paint their trucks in the colour of their choice, instead of the mandatory brown colour. They
can now utilize this space for advertisements, etc further adding to their income. This will also bring cleanliness in trucks.
 All commercial vehicles are required to be kept completely covered to avoid pollution from dust etc.
 Mandatory fixing of fastags in all new vehicles and transport vehicles has started showing saving in time – as they do not
need to stop at toll plazas, and money – as they get 5% rebate. Tracking of vehicles is now easy, and the drivers do not
need to carry cash for payments etc. The system is proving beneficial for toll operators, with better collection of toll and
reduced pollution.
Dr Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), 15 Janpath, New Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, signed
a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate and enhance research activities and policy formulation aimed at Socio-
economic Transformation and Sustainable Development. It will facilitate and enhance research activities and policy formulation
aimed at Socio-economic Transformation and Sustainable Development.
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The 24th meeting of Conference of Parties (COP-24) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC): At Katowice, Poland; it is expected to finalise guidelines for implementation of the Paris Agreement adopted in
2016.
India expects that COP-24 should be able to frame guidelines, which are pragmatic and gives due consideration to challenges and
priorities of developing countries inter alia different starting points as compared to developed countries, their vulnerabilities,
development priorities like eradication of poverty, food security, energy access, providing health infrastructure etc.
India strongly supports the objective of the Paris Agreement to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by
keeping the global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to
limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. India considers it important from the point of view of eradicating poverty
and caring for the poor and the marginalised. The Agreement also focuses on developing country parties’ need to adapt to
adverse impacts of climate change, in a manner that it does not put an additional burden on them.
During the COP-24, India would like to emphasise its concern for climate change and reaffirm its commitments to finalisation of
the Paris Agreement Work Programme (PAWP). India would like to ensure that Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and
Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), in the light of different national circumstances, are operationalised in all elements of the
PAWP. The outcome of the PAWP should support the enhancement of ambition without backsliding.
Note: The United Nations’ highest environmental honour, UNEP “Champions of the Earth” award was conferred on 3rd October
2018 on the Prime Minister of India in the policy leadership category for his pioneering work in championing the ISA and for his
unprecedented pledge to eliminate all single-use plastic in India by 2022.
Quotes:
On Indian Constitution
 Constitution is the modern scripture of independent India. It is our suprema lex. However, it is more than just a collection
of articles and clauses. For us Indians it is an inspirational and living document, an ideal of the society we are and the even
better society we are striving to be.
 Constitution framers allowed for flexibility in amending the Constitution and were accommodative of various streams of
thought. Above all, they trusted the wisdom of future generations to expand the frontiers of freedom and liberty, justice
and fraternity, fairness and equality. They trusted future generations to not just amend the Constitution’s text, but to
constructively re-imagine and re-interpret it for changing times. If we continue to be true to this spirit, the Constitution can
serve India for all times to come.
 People of India are the ultimate custodians of the Constitution. It is in them that sovereignty vests and it is in their name
that the Constitution was adopted. The Constitution empowers the citizen, but the citizen too empowers the Constitution –
by following it, by adhering to it, by protecting it, and by persevering to make it more meaningful with words and deeds.
The Constitution is nobody’s preserve – and it is everybody’s preserve.
 Perhaps the most moving word in the Constitution is “justice”. “Justice” is a single word. “Justice” is a complex and
liberating expression. And “justice” is both the means and the goal of our constitutional and nation-building process.
Justice must also be seen in a wider context – in terms of society’s evolution and its changing beliefs, lifestyles and
technologies.
 Given the diverse history of our people, and given imbalances and hierarchies that have sometimes marked our past, social
justice remains a touchstone of our nation building. At the simplest level, it implies the removal of societal imbalances and
the harmonisation of rival claims and needs of different communities and groups. Social justice is about providing equal
opportunities.
 The most tantalising influence on justice is that of technology. Technology is an enhancer of justice as well as a challenge.
It calls for us to think of technology justice as a subset of economic justice. This is very true in the context of access to
technology for our poorer and less-privileged fellow citizens.
On saving lives from opting for Suicide
 A National Suicide Prevention Strategy is the need of the hour
 Nobody has any right to ill-treat patients with mental illness. Modern medicines and proper treatment would enable people
suffering from psychiatric disorders to lead normal productive lives even if they had faced the problem for a long-term.
 Yoga, meditation and spiritualism will provide mental equilibrium and solace at times of depression
 We need to strengthen our age-old family system, which can provide support for people suffering from dispersion.
 At least 13.7 per cent of India’s general population has been projected to be suffering from a variety of mental illnesses
and 10.6 per cent of this requires immediate intervention. In all, nearly 150 million Indians are in a need of active medical
intervention, according to the National Mental Health Survey 2015-2016 submitted by NIMHANS to the Union Ministry
of Health and Family Welfare
 India that was placed in a uniquely advantageous position because 65 per cent of the population is below the age of 35
years, the Vice President stressed the need to hugely step up our efforts to help youth who are prone to bouts of depression
to get rid of the problem. Apart from strengthening public health care system, he called for including Psychiatric disorders
in Medical Insurance.
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Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 3rd Dec to 8th Dec – 2018
ARCHIVES
GS-2
Government of India and Asian Development Bank Sign $85 Million Loan to Support Odisha Skill Development Project
The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed $85 million loan to improve the skill development
eco-system in Odisha and establish an advanced skill training center, the World Skill Center (WSC), in the state capital
Bhubaneswar.
 The project will improve the quality of the State’s TVET programs by making them relevant to industry and demand
driven, and will impart advanced occupation-ready skills training aligned with international standards. It would also
complement the efforts to target the employment needs of the emerging sectors in India and globally
 The project will engage Institute of Technical Education Services (ITEES), Singapore, to support Odisha Skill
Development Authority in setting-up and operationalizing WSC which would offer internationally bench marked advanced
training programs for the working age population of Odisha.
 The project will help over 150,000 people learn skills in priority sectors, including manufacturing, construction and
services for formal employment. WSC will deliver eight training courses for 13,000 full-time students, provide training for
5,000 teachers, and train 1,000 assessors.
 It will improve the overall eco-system of skill development in Odisha by providing integrated services through an
entrepreneurship incubation center, a career counseling and placement center, a curriculum design and development
center, and education technology deployment center.
 These important functions of WSC will support a network of Government ITIs and develop skills and capacity of
polytechnics, college of engineering, and other private skilling centers.
 ADB will also administer a $2 million technical assistance grant from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, financed by
the Government of Japan that will support capacity development activities under the project
Cabinet approves
 MoC between India and Japan in the field of Environmental Cooperation: Enable establishment and promotion of
closer and long-term cooperation between India and Japan in the field of environment protection and management of
natural resources on the basis of equity, reciprocity and mutual benefits, taking into account the applicable laws and legal
provisions in each country. Further, the MoC entails exchange of information and technology between the two countries.
 Revised Model MoU between India and foreign Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) for exchange of
information: The core functions of FIU-IND in relation to foreign FIUs include screening and processing requests from
foreign Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), disseminating information to foreign FIUs, establishing and maintaining
relationship with foreign FIUs, and facilitating, administering and negotiating MoUs with foreign FIUs.
 MoU between India and the USA concerning Scientific and Technical Cooperation in the Earth Sciences: Enable
sharing of the expertise available with organizations in both countries, and adoption of the latest state-of-the-art
technology in the field of Earth Science. Specific areas of cooperation include ecosystems, climate variability and land-use
changes, energy, minerals, environmental health, natural hazards, risk and resilience of assessments, water resources, and
informatics and data integration.
 MoU between India and France in the field of energy efficiency / energy conservation: The MoU will lead to
awareness creation on energy efficiency. Development of tools for collection, use and analysis of CO2 emissions and
GHG data for tracking global emissions for INDC. It will promote Research and Development, and demonstration of
energy efficient technologies. Development of sustainable mobility with specific focus on electric transport.
 Agriculture Export Policy, 2018: The Government has come out with a policy to double farmers’ income by 2022.
Exports of agricultural products would play a pivotal role in achieving this goal. In order to provide an impetus to
agricultural exports, the Government has come out with a comprehensive “Agriculture Export Policy” aimed at doubling
the agricultural exports and integrating Indian farmers and agricultural products with the global value chains. The
Agriculture Export Policy has the following vision:
“Harness export potential of Indian agriculture, through suitable policy instruments, to make India global power in agriculture
and raise farmers’ income.”
Objectives:
 To double agricultural exports from present ~US$ 30+ Billion to ~US$ 60+ Billion by 2022 and reach US$ 100 Billion in
the next few years thereafter, with a stable trade policy regime.
 To diversify our export basket, destinations and boost high value and value added agricultural exports including focus on
perishables.
 To promote novel, indigenous, organic, ethnic, traditional and non-traditional Agri products exports.
 To provide an institutional mechanism for pursuing market access, tackling barriers and deal with sanitary and phyto-
sanitary issues.
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 To strive to double India’s share in world agri exports by integrating with global value chain at the earliest.
 Enable farmers to get benefit of export opportunities in overseas market.
 MoU between India and Tajkistan on Cooperation on Peaceful uses of Space Technology for Development: The
MoU would lead to development of joint activity in the field of application of space technologies for the benefit of
humanity. It will lead to setting up of a Joint Working Group, which will further work out the plan of action including the
time-frame and the means of implementing the provisions of this Agreement.
 MoU between India and Russia on Joint Activities under Human Spaceflight Programme: Will strengthen the
cooperation between India and Russia and would provide impetus to develop the technologies and advanced systems
required for the human space flight programme like radiation shielding, life support systems, crew module, rendezvous
and docking systems, space suit, training for astronauts etc.
 MoU between India and Zimbabwe for cooperation in the field of geology, mining and mineral resources: The
objectives of the MoU are, exchange of information on resources, laws and policy, organization of seminars to exchange
views on development strategies, encouragement of transfer of technologies between the Parties, promotion of value
addition and opportunities for investment in the mining sector. These provisions, will enable taking up of activities like
documentation, dissemination and would serve the objective of innovation.
 Agreement between India and Uzbekistan on Cooperation in the exploration and uses of Outer Space for peaceful
purposes: Will strengthen the cooperation between India and Uzbekistan and would provide impetus to explore newer
research activities and application possibilities in the field of remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication; satellite
navigation; space science and exploration of outer space.
 MoU between India and Morocco for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space:
 This MoU shall enable the following potential interest areas of cooperation such as, space science, technology and
applications including remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication and satellite-based navigation; Space science
and planetary exploration; use of spacecraft and space systems and ground system; and application of space technology;
and
 The MoU would lead to set up a Joint Working Group, drawing members from DOS/ISRO and Royal Centre for Remote
Sensing (CRTS) and the Royal Centre for Space Research and Studies (CRERS), which will further work out the plan of
action including the time-frame and the means of implementing the MoU.
 Agreement between India and Algeria on Cooperation in the field of Space Sciences, Technologies and
Applications:
 This Agreement shall enable pursuing the following potential interest areas of cooperation such as, space science,
technology and applications including remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication and satellite-based navigation;
Space science and planetary exploration; gse of spacecraft and space systems and ground system; and application of space
technology.
 The Agreement would lead to set up a Joint Working Group, drawing members from DOS/ISRQ, and the Algerian Space
Agency (ASAL), which will further work out the plan of action including the time-frame and the means of implementing
this Agreement.
 Memorandum of Cooperation between India and Japan in the field of Healthcare and Wellness:
 Promoting specific projects:
 Developing human resource in the field of acute medicine, surgery and trauma care including focus on new areas of
competency in each field;
 Establishing an advanced joint testing laboratory for clinical examination;
 Establishing a Japanese language education centre for trainee candidates of care workers;
 Establishing collaborations among tertiary care centres in both countries such as AUMS; and
 Supporting sending organisations to provide pre-lectures about elderly care for technical intern training programmes of
care workers through sending out certificated care workers from Japan and providing a curriculum and textbooks so as to
provide trained care-givers to Japan.
(b) Development of infrastructure:
 Establishing a centralised management healthcare distribution centre;
 Improving sanitary environment by increasing access to hygienic and affordable toilets such as on-site processing one;
 Promoting institutional collaboration on patient data analysis and Information and Communication Technology &
Artificial Intelligence in medicine;
 India-Japan Innovation Hub in India;
 Establishing high end mobile BSL 3 Lab facilities in India; and
 Collaboration on getting high end medical devices including Point of Care Diagnostics with a special focus on establishing
manufacturing units in India under “Make in India”.
(c) Human development:
 Developing human resource, research and project promotion for health self-management such as ME-BYO and Ayurveda;
and
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 Holding an India-Japan public and private healthcare forum.

(d) Any other areas as may be mutually decided upon to promote the synergies between AYUSHMAN Bharat Programme and
other initiatives and AHWM
GS-3
Distribution of Soil Health Cards (SHC) for optimal utilization of fertilizers

(Topic: e-technology in the aid of farmers)
Soil Health Card Scheme has been taken up for the first time in a comprehensive manner across the country. Under the scheme
soil health cards are provided to all farmers so as to enable the farmers to apply appropriate recommended dosages of nutrients
for crop production and improving soil health and its fertility.
The unique features of SHC scheme are: –
 Collecting soil samples at a grid of 2.5 ha in irrigated area and 10 ha in un-irrigated areas.
 Uniform approach in soil testing adopted for 12 parameters viz. primary nutrients (NPK); secondary nutrient (S);
micronutrients (B,Zn, Mn. Fe & Cu); and other (pH, EC & OC) for comprehensiveness.
 GPS enabled soil sampling to create a systematic database and allow monitoring of changes in the soil health over the
years.
Must Read: Link
Solve: Examine the economic implications of soil erosion in India. Also discuss the ways that can address soil erosion.
Cabinet approves National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS)

(Topic: Science and Technology)
Implementation by: Department of Science &Technology
The Mission addresses the ever increasing technological requirements of the society, and takes into account the international
trends and road maps of leading countries for the next generation technologies.
The mission implementation would develop and bring:
 Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) and associated technologies within reach in the country,
 Adoption of CPS technologies to address India specific National / Regional issues,
 Produce Next Generation skilled manpower in CPS,
 Catalyse Translational Research,
 Accelerate entrepreneurship and start-up ecosystem development in CPS,
 Give impetus to advanced research in CPS, Technology development and higher education in Science, Technology and
Engineering disciplines, and
 Place India at par with other advanced countries and derive several direct and indirect benefits
Implementation strategy:
 The NM-ICPS is a comprehensive Mission which would address technology development, application development,
human resource development & skill enhancement, entrepreneurship and start-up development in CPS and associated
technologies.
 The Mission aims at establishment of 15 numbers of Technology Innovation Hubs (TIH), six numbers of Application
Innovation Hubs (AIH) and four numbers of Technology Translation Research Parks (TTRP). These Hubs & TTRPs will
connect to Academics, Industry, Central Ministries and State Government in developing solutions at reputed academic,
R&D and other organizations across the country in a hub and spoke model.
 The Hubs & TTRPs have four focused areas along which the Mission implementation would proceed, namely (i)
Technology Development; (ii) HRD & Skill Development; (iii) Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Start-ups Ecosystem
Development; (iv) International Collaborations.
Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2016 report that showed that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and injuries were the
main cause of death among people of all age groups in India.
Shahpurkandi Dam Project: In Punjab on river Ravi
Skoch Award for National Significance: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India
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 The award has been conferred on the Ministry considering its purpose and critical role played in installing about 73 GW
renewable energy capacity in the country.
 With 21 per cent of total installed capacity, within the year renewable energy grossed a magic figure of providing one
billion units of electricity in the country.
 Today, India ranks 4 in the world in wind energy capacity and 5th in solar & total renewable energy capacity installed in
the world.
 India has played a critical role in setting up of international solar alliance.
Food and Agriculture organisation (FAO) Council approves India’s proposal to observe an International Year of Millets
in 2023:
 Will enhance global awareness to bring back these nutri-cereals to the plate, for food and nutrition security and hence
increase production for resilience to challenges posed globally by climate change.
 Millets consists of Jowar, Bajra, Ragi and minor millets together termed as nutri-cereals.
 This is further supported by increase in Minimum Support Prices (MSP) of millets.
In addition, the FAO Council also approved India’s membership to the Executive Board of the United Nations World Food
Program (WFP) for 2020 and 2021.
FAO:
 A specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.
 A source of knowledge and information, and helps developing countries in transition modernize and improve agriculture,
forestry and fisheries practices, ensuring good nutrition and food security for all.
Environment Technology Verification (ETV) process allows companies to showcase the success and efficacy of their solutions
through a pilot demonstration project. The Government is inviting technology solution providers to apply for the ETV
programme in the areas of decentralised waste water and industrial effluent treatment, data and information and ancillary services
such as solid waste management, sustainable agriculture and hydropower.
National Commission for Women to support livelihood programmes in Northeast: National Commission for Women
(NCW) will support Northeast livelihood programmes for women, particularly for those in younger age group, through Skill
development and Specialized training, which can enable them to earn their living and also empower them as individuals.
 Even though the women in Northeast, by and large, are quite emancipated as far as their contribution in outdoor work is
concerned, but there was a huge scope for raising the levels of education among the women living in remote and rural
areas, and also to impart skill training to make them self – reliant.
 It can supplement its efforts and resources in carrying forward several of the women-oriented projects which are already
undertaken by the Ministry of Development of North-eastern Region and the NEC.
Successful launch of GSAT-11
 Heaviest, largest and most-advanced high throughput communication satellite of India.
 GSAT-11 is part of ISRO’s new family of high-throughput communication satellite (HTS) fleet that will drive the
country’s Internet broadband from space to untouched areas; the broadband domain is now ruled by underground fibre and
covers partial and convenient locations.
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Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/12/04/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/47720869_2571067_101_mr.jpg
Air Connectivity under UDAAN Scheme
Scheme: Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN)
 An innovative scheme to develop the regional aviation market. It is a market-based mechanism in which airlines bid for
seat subsidies.
 This first-of-its-kind scheme globally will create affordable yet economically viable and profitable flights on regional
routes so that flying becomes affordable to the common man even in small towns.
Mindmap
Solve: Critically examine the significance of regional connectivity for a developing economy like India. Also discuss the features
of the UDAN scheme launched by the government.
Amendments in Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989:
 All new vehicles will be sold pre-fitted with High Security Registration Plates – HSRP from the 1st of April next year.
 This step is likely to improve the coverage of HSRP on vehicles, while ensuring its quality by the vehicle manufacturers.
The HSRP helps in keeping track of the vehicle, and makes it easier to trace a lost or stolen vehicle.
Person in News:
Dr Rajendra Prasad:
 The first President of India, in office from 1952 to 1962
 A supporter of Mahatma Gandhi, Prasad was imprisoned by British authorities during the Salt Satyagraha of 1931 and the
Quit India movement of 1942.
Shri R. Venkataraman
 An Indian lawyer, Indian independence activist and politician who served as a Union Minister and as the eighth President
of India
 In 1984, he was elected as the seventh Vice President of India and in 1987, he became the 8th President of India and
served from 1987 to 1992.
 Had participated in Quit India Movement
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Mahaparinirvan Diwas: Death Anniversary of Ambedkar
 Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (14 April 1891 – 6 December 1956), popularly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was an Indian
jurist, economist, politician and social reformer who inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement and campaigned against social
discrimination towards the untouchables (Dalits), while also supporting the rights of women and labour.
 He was independent India’s first law and justice minister, the principal architect of the Constitution of India, and a
founding father of the Republic of India.
His autobiography: Waiting for a Visa
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His books:
 Annihilation of Caste – It strongly criticised Hindu orthodox religious leaders and the caste system in general, and
included “a rebuke of Gandhi” on the subject.
 Who Were the Shudras? – Ambedkar tried to explain the formation of untouchables. He saw Shudras and Ati Shudras
who form the lowest caste in the ritual hierarchy of the caste system, as separate from Untouchables.
Reserve Bank of India
Ambedkar was trained as an economist, and was a professional economist until 1921, when he became a political leader. He
wrote three scholarly books on economics:
1. Administration and Finance of the East India Company
2. The Evolution of Provincial Finance in British India
3. The Problem of the Rupee: Its Origin and Its Solution[98][99]
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), was based on the ideas that Ambedkar presented to the Hilton Young Commission.
Ambedkar and Untouchability
While practising law in the Bombay High Court, he tried to promote education to untouchables and uplift them. His first
organised attempt was his establishment of the central institution Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha, intended to promote education
and socio-economic improvement, as well as the welfare of “outcastes”, at the time referred to as depressed classes. For the
defence of Dalit rights, he started five periodicals –
1. Mooknayak (the leader of the dumb, 1920)
2. Bahishkrit Bharat (Ostracized India, 1924)
3. Samta (Equality, 1928)
4. Janata (The People, 1930)
5. Prabuddha Bharat (Enlightened India, 1956)
Manusmriti Dahan Din: In a conference in late 1927, Ambedkar publicly condemned the classic Hindu text, the Manusmriti
(Laws of Manu), for ideologically justifying caste discrimination and “untouchability”, and he ceremonially burned copies of the
ancient text. On 25 December 1927, he led thousands of followers to burn copies of Manusmrti. Thus, annually 25 December is
celebrated as Manusmriti Dahan Din (Manusmriti Burning Day) by Ambedkarites and Dalits.
Kalaram Temple movement: About 15,000 volunteers assembled at Kalaram Temple satygraha making one of the greatest
processions of Nashik. The procession was headed by a military band, a batch of scouts, women and men walked in discipline,
order and determination to see the god for the first time. When they reached to gate, the gates were closed by Brahmin
authorities.
Poona Pact:
In 1932, British announced the formation of a separate electorate for “Depressed Classes” in the Communal Award.
 Gandhi fiercely opposed a separate electorate for untouchables, saying he feared that such an arrangement would divide
the Hindu community. Gandhi protested by fasting while imprisoned in the Yerwada Central Jail of Poona. Following the
fast, Congress politicians and activists such as Madan Mohan Malaviya and Palwankar Baloo organised joint meetings
with Ambedkar and his supporters at Yerwada.
 On 25 September 1932, the agreement known as Poona Pact was signed between Ambedkar (on behalf of the depressed
classes among Hindus) and Madan Mohan Malaviya (on behalf of the other Hindus). The agreement gave reserved seats
for the depressed classes in the Provisional legislatures, within the general electorate.
 Due to the pact, the depressed class received 148 seats in the legislature, instead of the 71 as allocated in the Communal
Award earlier proposed by British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald. The text uses the term “Depressed Classes” to
denote Untouchables among Hindus who were later called Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes under India Act 1935,
and the later Indian Constitution of 1950. In the Poona Pact, a unified electorate was in principle formed, but primary and
secondary elections allowed Untouchables in practice to choose their own candidates.
Must Read: Link 1 + Link 2 + Link 3 + Link 4
Solve: “In our country, democracy is not a natural sentiment that people are born with. It is an idea that has to be cultivated in an
essentially unequal society.” This statement by Dr. B R Ambedkar resonates as much with the India of present as it did with India
of 70 years back. Critically comment.
Quotes:
On Person with Disabilities (Divyangjan)
 People with special needs require empathy and not sympathy.
 There is a need to change societal norms through intensive awareness campaigns to remove the stigma attached to
disability.
 Society has a duty towards fellow human beings to make them lead good quality lives with dignity. One must learn to
recognize the valuable human assets we have in persons with disabilities.
 Calling upon the people to rededicate to the cause of less fortunate, he stressed the need to provide appropriate career and
life-enhancing policies and measures to boost their self-confidence so that the people with special needs can lead a
dignified life.
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 Legislations such as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 focuses on various key elements of empowerment of
persons with disabilities. It provides for promoting inclusive education, skill development, healthcare, social security,
rehabilitation, recreation and sporting activities among persons with disabilities.
 Early identification of disability and effective interventions were important in providing care to those in need. He stressed
the need to harmonize the immunization and disease-prevention programmes with appropriate rehabilitation models and
added that children in the susceptible age groups should be given access to better health care and nutrition to prevent
occurrence of disability.
 Empowerment of every person including persons with disabilities. Provisions of the Act have to be strictly implemented to
ensure that children with disabilities have access to school education with proper pedagogical support. Our education
system has to be re-invented to create inclusive educational opportunities and we have to use technology creatively to
make this possible.
 Policy makers and planners must be aware of the infrastructural requirements of persons with special needs and create
accessible environment.
 Increasing access to public facilities must be priority area given the size of the existing infrastructure and added that such
gigantic task requires support of all stakeholders for developing barrier-free environment for the Persons with Disabilities
be it in the physical infrastructure, transportation sector or the ICT ecosystem.
On Optimal Utilization of Demographic Dividend in India
 India has an advantage of Demographic Dividend like no other country in the World has today with over 60% percent of
its youth in the working age group at present.
 In the near future, most of the sectors of Indian economy would require more skilled workforce than the present. It would
be both a challenge and an opportunity for India to provide its workforce with required skill sets and knowledge to enable
them to contribute substantially to its economic growth.
Union Environment Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan – Indian Pavilion at COP-24
India has made great strides in its journey towards climate change adaptation and mitigation.
 This year the theme of India Pavilion is ‘One World One Sun One Grid’. We have set an ambitious target that 40 per cent
of its installed power capacity will be from non-fossil fuels by 2030.
 We have launched many policies and set up institutional mechanisms to advance our climate actions. These initiatives are
a reflection of our commitment towards addressing climate change concern including energy security, food and water
security, capacity enhancement at national and state level.
 A nationwide campaign in preserving and protecting the environment called the Green Good Deeds Movement. We
realized that people’s participation is crucial to accomplish our goal and so this campaign was prepared to inspire,
encourage and involve each and every individual of our society. The attempt is to ensure that each and every citizen must
adopt measures to protect the environment by doing small but significant green good deed such as save energy, save water,
car-pool to work, use dustbins for disposal of waste, segregate waste, plant trees, and so on and so forth.
 India is working hard for achieving 175 GW targets for installed Renewable Energy capacity by 2022. The effect of
increased use of renewable energy is now visible in India. Resultantly, India stands 4th in wind power 5th in renewable
power and 5th in solar power installed. Besides solar and wind power, we are also working on biomass, biofuel and bio-
energy. Our aim will always be to leap ahead into the future of energy solutions that make this world a cleaner and
greener place.
 Till date more than 310 million LEDs have been installed countrywide.
 Around 58 million households are already covered under Ujjwala scheme. Ujjwala scheme will not only contribute to
improved health of women and children, but also help on reducing forest degradation.
 Just in last 2 years India achieved 1% increase in its forest cover whereas in many countries across the globe, it is
depleting.
 More than 0.26 million Electric Vehicles have been sold, with more than 91 million CO2 Reduction (in kg).
 Apart from this, we have also pledged to get rid of single-use plastic by 2022 across the country.
Essay Topics:
1. Self-regulation is a better approach for regulation of Media & Entertainment sector
2. India’s prowess in agriculture diplomacy
Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 9th Dec to 16th Dec – 2018
ARCHIVES
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Steps to increase Female Labour Participation Rate

(Topic: General studies 1:
 Role of women and women’s organization, women related issues, Social empowerment
General studies 2:
 Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections)
The decline in female work force participation rate may be attributed to factors like increased educational attendance and higher
level of participation in education and insufficient formal wage employment opportunities etc.
 Establishment of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship to coordinate the skill development schemes across
various sectors.
 National Career Service (NCS) Project comprises of a digital portal that provides a nation-wide online platform for
jobseekers and employers for job matching in a dynamic, efficient and responsive manner and has a repository of career
content.
 Enactment of the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 which provides for enhancement in paid maternity leave from
12 weeks to 26 weeks and provisions for mandatory crèche facility in the establishments having 50 or more employees
 Issue of an advisory to the States under the Factories Act, 1948 for permitting women workers in the night shifts with
adequate safety measures.
 In order to enhance the employability of female workers, the Government is providing training to them through a network
of Women Industrial Training institutes, National Vocational Training Institutes and Regional Vocational Training
Institutes.
 The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 provides for payment of equal remuneration to men and women workers for same
work or work of similar nature without any discrimination.
 Further, under the provisions of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, the wages fixed by the appropriate Government are
equally applicable to both male and female workers and the Act does not discriminate on the basis of gender.
Must Read: Link
The Government of India and ADB sign a $31 Million Loan Agreement to develop Tourism and boost Jobs in Tamil
Nadu
Objectives:
 Improve the tourism infrastructure in Tamil Nadu
 Help the State in preserving the natural and cultural heritage
 Boost economic opportunities for the local people, especially through skills training and community-based activities
targeting the poor and women.
Three-Year Action Agenda (2017–2018 to 2019–2020)
Envisages the hospitality, travel, and tourism sector as a major driver of growth and employment. The Agenda recognizes India’s
significant potential to increase:
(a) the number of arrivals
(b) global presence by leveraging its cultural industries
(c) capacity to create large-scale jobs among the poorest segments of the population.
The Project
 Identifies key areas for action, including infrastructure, marketing, and skill development, all of which are aligned with the
MFF Road Map.
 Support the conservation and restoration of eight heritage monuments, one museum, three temples, and a pond.
 Build various facilities at the sites, including information centres, rest centres, and toilet blocks, with facilities served by
solar-powered lighting and energy efficient lighting.
The total cost of the Project is $44.04 million, of which the Government will provide $13.04 million. The estimated completion
date is June 2020.
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Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) sign a $60 Million Loan Agreement to reduce floods and
the riverbank erosion in Assam

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India signed a $60 Million Loan Agreement to continue financing
 Riverbank protection works
 Renovation of flood embankments
 Community-based flood risk management activities in critically flood-prone areas along the Brahmaputra River in Assam
The non-structural measures will cover community involvement and community-based flood risk management activities through
establishing and training disaster management committees for strengthening local disaster preparedness and emergency response.
The Project will continue to support the institutional capacity development of the autonomous body anchored to the Assam Water
Resources Department, named Flood and River Erosion Management Agency of Assam (FREMAA), and Assam State Disaster
Management Authority (ASDMA), as the executing and implementing agencies for this Project.
Niti Aayog of India – 2018 Year Review
1. Initiatives and Programmes
(i) Measuring performance and ranking States on outcomes in critical sectors
With emphasis on outcomes, NITI finalized indices to measure incremental annual outcomes in critical social sectors like health,
education, water and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
 District Hospital Index was developed to measure and monitor the performance of hospitals with a focus on outputs and
outcomes.
 Developed the ‘Healthy States, Progressive India’ Report also known as the ‘Health Index’ in February 2018
 Composite Water Management Index was also launched
 The ‘School Education Quality Index (SEQI)’, ‘SDG India Index’ and the ‘Digital Transformation Index’ (DTI) which
will measure states’ progress in respective sectors are in the works.
(ii) Sustainable Action for Transforming Human Capital (SATH): SATH is aimed at initiating transformation in two key
social sectors—education and health, by hand-holding States towards improving their social sector indicators and providing
technical support over three years.
(iii) Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat: EBSB was conceptualized to make our country united, strong and promote excellence in all
walks of life by means of long-term inter-state engagements through cultural exchanges and education.
(iv) Transforming of 115 identified Aspirational Districts: To realise the vision of ‘SabkaSaath, SabkaVikas’, and ensure that
India’s growth process remains inclusive, the ‘Aspirational District Programme (ADP)’ was launched. It is a special initiative to
rapidly transform 115 identified districts that have shown relatively lesser progress in key social areas and have emerged as
pockets of under-development, thereby posing a challenge to ensure balanced regional development.
Under ADP, 49 key performance indicators (KPIs) have been identified across such sectors with the aim to improving ease of
living, as well as enhancing the economic productivity of citizens residing in these districts. Health and nutrition, education,
agriculture and water resources, financial inclusion and skill development and basic infrastructure are main sectors where rapid
transformation is envisaged.
1. Promoting Inclusive Growth – Giving fillip to the goal of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas
 New Guidelines have been issued to Ministry of Panchayati Raj for transparent and equitable allocation of funds amongst
the States who were deprived of the central fund under the areas covered under sixth schedule of the Constitution.
 To leverage the pivotal role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), the expert committee constituted under the chairmanship
of former Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog recommended restructuring of the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA).
 A report prepared on Revamping of Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) to promote them as top class research institutes is
being examined by NITI Aayog for further necessary actions.
 Gaps in the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, 2006 have been identified and forwarded to the department of
Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities for revision of the Policy.
 The new NGO-Darpan Portal which went live in April 2017 was developed as a dynamic database of NGOs in the
country, and for NGOs to obtain Unique ID to be eligible to apply for grants from any central Ministry/Department.
43,000 NGOs have already registered.
1. Enabling evidence-based policy mailing and enhancing productive efficiency with long-term vision
(i) Three Year National Action Agenda and the Strategy for New India @75: Allows better alignment of the development
strategy with the changed reality of India.
(ii) Reform of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs): NITI Aayog in consultation with administrative ministries has
made recommendations in four tranches for strategic disinvestment in PSUs. So far, based on NITI Aayog’s recommendations,
more than 30 CPSEs have been approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs for in-principle strategic disinvestment.
The process of divestment is being carried out by DIPAM and the first transactions are expected in the current financial year after
a long gap of 14 years.
(iii) Balanced Regional Development
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 Release of Special Funds: To promote regional development NITI Aayog recommended release of balance funds to
States namely Odisha, Bihar and West Bengal under the Special Plan (BRGF-State component) approved during the 12th
Five Year Plan period, and release of one-time special assistance to the States namely Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and
Tripura for the areas covered under sixth schedule of the Constitution.
 Development support to the North East: A Committee was constituted under the Chairmanship of CEO, NITI Aayog to
examine and suggest a road map for a new industrial policy for the North Eastern and the Himalayan States.
 NITI Forum for North East: It is the first ever regional forum constituted by NITI Aayog with representation from all
the NE States and the concerned Central Ministries/Departments, to identify various constraints in the way of accelerated,
inclusive but sustainable economic growth in the North East Region of our country, and also to recommend suitable
interventions for addressing the identified constraints.
 Holistic Development of Islands: NITI Aayog has been mandated to steer the process of holistic development of
identified islands as unique models of sustainable development. Accordingly, in consultation with key stakeholders, NITI
Aayog has shortlisted 10 islands in the first phase.
(iv) Health & Nutrition Sector Reforms: NITI has been initiating radical reforms in the health sector.
 National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) Bill, 2017 and the National Commission for Indian Systems of Medicine
Bill, 2017 have been finalized after extensive deliberations.
 Evolving the National Nutrition Strategy: NITI formulated the National Nutrition Strategy which provides the rationale
and roadmap for policy makers to bring nutrition to the centre of the stage in India’s Development Agenda. It focuses on
inter-sectoral convergence and identifies priority districts to tackle malnutrition and meet the country’s nutrition needs and
targets.
 Launch of the POSHAN Abhiyaan: The POSHAN Abhiyaan has been launched with the aim of improving nutrition
outcomes in India in the next three years.
 Pushing Reforms in Pharmaceuticals Sector: NITI provided policy inputs for making available affordable drugs and
devices.
 National Institute for Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) – Evaluation of NIPERs was conducted and a
way forward for pharmaceutical education suggested.
(v) Driving India’s Energy Sector
 In a stakeholder-driven, roadmap development exercise, NITI has prepared and launched a report on ‘India’s Renewable
Electricity Roadmap 2030.’ The report summarizes the opportunities and barriers in the sector.
 NITI Aayog had engaged Deloitte and PwC to prepare the state action plan (SAP) for re-integration in eight states. These
SAPs have now been finalized.
 Draft National Energy Policy (NEP) developed by NITI following large scale consultation with other departments and
public feedback is being finalized.
 NITI Aayog has developed the State Energy Index to measure the status and the efforts undertaken by the States towards
ensuring accessibility and affordability, of energy, as well as gauging its sustainability and environment friendliness.
 NITI Aayog is also developing a dynamic GIS Energy Map of India in collaboration with Indian Space Research
Organization (ISRO). The consolidated energy map would provide requisite energy related information to all stakeholders
which would help in better decision making.
1. Implementation and Monitoring Progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
NITI Aayog is entrusted with the task of overseeing the implementation of SDGs in the country. NITI Aayog is developing a
comprehensive SDG India Index comprising a set of indicators for measuring performance of States/UTs on SDGs. A dynamic
national dashboard on SDGs is also being created to continuously monitor the progress on SDGs in the country.
NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant and the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres signed the Sustainable Development
Framework 2018-22 for India in October 2018.
1. Partnership to organise and promote stakeholder consultation in policy making
NITI has provided the platform to collaborate with national and international think tanks on wide-ranging areas. Through
conferences, workshops and joint research projects NITI has enabled expert inputs in the policy making exercise of the
government.
‘SAMAVESH’, – a major initiative aimed at networking and partnership with knowledge and research institutions using a hub
and spoke model was launched.
1. Promote Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Atal Innovation Mission: To promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs): At the high school level, students from Class VI onwards work with Robots, 3D printers,
internet of things.
 Atal Incubation Centres (AIC): Under the Atal Incubation Centres (AIC) program, more than 100 institutions have been
selected for setting up incubators around the country, in a mix of tier 1, 2 and 3 cities.
Atal Innovation Mission is working at the grassroots level in different parts of the country, to help students and teachers
transform into innovators, develop an entrepreneurial mindset, which will pave the way forward for developing a ‘New India’ by
2022.
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Women Entrepreneurship Platform: Aimed at building an ecosystem for women across India. It aims to help women realize
their entrepreneurial aspirations, scale-up innovative initiatives and chalk-out sustainable, long-term strategies for their
businesses.
1. Catalysing Reforms in Agriculture
In view of the goal of the government to double farmer’s income by 2022, a series of initiatives have been taken by NITI to usher
in critical reforms in the agriculture sector.
(i) Model Act on Agricultural Land Leasing, 2017: To recognize the rights of the tenant and safeguard interest of landowners
NITI Aayog formulated a Model Agricultural Land Leasing Act, 2016 that would enable investment, technology, economy and
employment in agriculture.
(ii) Reforms of the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee Act
(iii) Agricultural Marketing and Farmer Friendly Reforms Index: Developed the first ever ‘Agriculture Marketing and
Farmer Friendly Reforms Index’to sensitise States about the need to undertake reforms in three key areas of agriculture
market, land lease and forestry on private land (felling and transit of trees). The aim of the index is to induce healthy competition
between States.
(iv) Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana: A roadmap for PMKSY was prepared and shared with the concerned Central
Ministries/Departments, the States and other stakeholders.
(v) Price Deficiency Payments: Concept of price deficiency payments as an alternative to physical procurement of agricultural
produce by the government under Minimum Support Price (MSP) has been proposed by NITI.
(vi) Rejuvenating Fertilizer Sector: To achieve the aim of India becoming self-sufficient in the production of urea by 2022,
NITI steered several committees for revival of new plants at Gorakhpur, Sindri, Barauni and Ramagundam, and selection of
technology for Talcher plant. Pilot project of introduction of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in fertilizer was successfully
completed in several States and taken forward for implementation across all States.
(vii) Alternative Mechanisms for Implementation of Minimum Support Price (MSP): NITI Aayog, in consultation with the
Central Ministries, States and other stakeholders, has laid down a mechanism comprising three options: Market Assurance
Scheme, Price Deficiency Payment Scheme, and Private Procurement and Stockist Scheme.
Year End Review- 2018: Ministry of Labour & Employment
The Ministry of Labour and Employment is committed towards job security, wage security and social security for each and every
worker. Along with bringing transparency and accountability in enforcement of Labour Laws, the Ministry has taken important
initiatives during the year, to realize and establish the dignity of every worker through provision of social security, enhancing the
avenues and quality of employment.
Labour Codes: In line with recommendations of Second National Commission on Labour, the Ministry has taken steps for
formulating of four Labour Codes on (i) Wages; (ii) Industrial Relations; (iii) Social Security & Welfare; and (iv) Occupational
Safety, Health and Working Conditions by amalgamating, simplifying, and rationalizing the relevant provisions of the existing
Central Labour Laws.
Shram Suvidha Portal: To bring transparency and accountability in enforcement of labour laws and ease complexity of
compliance.
Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017: Increased paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks and has benefited 18
Lakh women employees. Recently Government proposed to bear 7 weeks of salary to motivate employers.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China, South Africa, regarding
Cooperation in the Social and Labour Sphere: The MoU provides a mechanism for cooperation, collaboration and maximum
synergy amongst BRICS member countries with the common objective of inclusive growth and shared prosperity in the new
industrial revolution.
Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY): Government of India is now paying full employer’s contribution (EPF
and EPS both) with effect from 1st April, 2018 for a period of three years to the new employees as well as to the existing
beneficiaries for their remaining period of three years. Before 1st April, 2018, the Government was paying under PMRPY only
the EPS share (8.33% of the wages) out of the total employer’s share of contribution (12% of the wages).
GS-3
Agriculture Export Policy

(Topic: Agriculture)
The Government has formulated a comprehensive Agriculture Export Policy to consolidate the efforts for export of agricultural
products.
The objectives of the Agriculture Export policy are:
 To diversify the export basket, destinations and boost high value- and value-added agricultural exports including focus on
perishables.
 To promote novel, indigenous, organic, ethnic, traditional and non-traditional Agri products exports.
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 To provide an institutional mechanism for pursuing market access, tackling barriers and deal with sanitary and
phytosanitary issues.
 To strive to double India’s share in world agri exports by integrating with global value chain at the earliest.
 Enable farmers to get benefit of export opportunities in overseas market.
Schemes to promote exports, including exports of agricultural products:
 Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES)
 Market Access Initiatives (MAI) Scheme
 Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS)
In addition, assistance to the exporters of agricultural products is also available under the –
 Export Promotion Schemes of Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
 Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)
 Tobacco Board, Tea Board, Coffee Board, Rubber Board and Spices Board.
These organisations also seek to promote exports through participation in international fairs & exhibitions, taking initiatives to
gain market access for different products in different markets, dissemination of market intelligence and taking steps to ensure
quality of exported products.
Year End Review 2018 – Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
Keeping in view our commitment to a healthy planet and our Nationally Determined Contributions as per the Paris Accord on
Climate Change, India made a pledge that by 2030-
 40% of installed power generation capacity shall be based on clean sources, it was determined that 175 GW of renewable
energy capacity will be installed by 2022.
 This includes 100 GW from solar, 60 GW from wind, 10 GW from bio-power and 5 GW from small hydro power.
The substantial higher capacity target will ensure greater energy security, improved energy access and enhanced employment
opportunities. With the accomplishment of this ambitious target, India will become one of the largest Green Energy producers in
the world, even surpassing several developed countries.
India has 5th Global position for overall installed renewable energy capacity, 4th position for wind power and 5th position for
solar power.
Solar Energy

o The Government has revised the target of Grid Connected Solar Power Projects from 20,000 MW by the year
2021-22 to 100,000 MW by the year 2021-22 under the National Solar Mission.
o Solar Parks are being set up in the country. 47 solar parks of aggregate capacity 26,694 MW has been approved in
21 States up to November, 2018.
o The National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy was issued in May 2018. The main objective of the policy is to provide a
framework for promotion of large grid connected wind-solar PV hybrid system for optimal and efficient utilization
of wind and solar resources, transmission infrastructure and land. The wind – solar PV hybrid systems will help in
reducing the variability in renewable power generation and achieving better grid stability.
 International Solar Alliance (ISA):
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) became first international intergovernmental organization headquartered in India on 6th
December, 2017.

o
 ISA is part of India’s vision to provide clean and affordable energy to all.
 So far 71 countries have signed the Framework Agreement of the ISA. Out of these,48 countries have ratified the same.

o India has recognized ISA’s judicial personality by entering into Headquarter agreement with ISA.
Wind Energy
The National Offshore wind energy policy was notified in October 2015 with an objective to develop the offshore wind energy in
the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) along the Indian coastline.
 LiDAR was commissioned on the monopile platform in November 2017 at Gulf of Khambhat, off Gujarat coast for wind
resource assessment.
 The expansion of the wind industry has resulted in a strong ecosystem, project operation capabilities and a manufacturing
base. State-of-the-art technologies are now available in the country for the manufacture of wind turbines.
Bio-Power
 Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has been promoting programmes to promote Biomass Power and Bagasse
Cogeneration in the country with an objective to utilize country’s available biomass resources like bagasse, rice husk,
straw, cotton stalk, coconut shells etc. for power generation.
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 Waste to Energy projects are also being set up for generation of Energy from Urban, Industrial and Agricultural Waste /
Residues such as municipal solid wastes, vegetable and other market wastes, slaughterhouse waste, agricultural residues
and industrial wastes & effluents.
Energy Storage
Energy Storage is one of the crucial & critical components of India’s energy infrastructure strategy and also for supporting
India’s sustained thrust to renewables and electric mobility. With an objective to strive towards leadership in the energy storage
sector by creating an enabling policy and regulatory framework, a comprehensive National Energy Storage Mission
(NESM) has been developed. The Mission focuses on demand creation, indigenous manufacturing, innovation and necessary
policy support for proliferation of Energy Storage in the country.
Off-grid renewables
 Implementation of off grid and Decentralized renewables programme for meeting energy demand for cooking, lighting,
motive power, space heating, hot water generation, etc. Supporting deployment of decentralized solar applications like
solar lanterns, solar street lights, solar home lights, solar pumps, etc. in the country
Research & Development
 The focus is on promoting application-oriented innovation, integrated with research and development for for commercial
applications and testing and standardization for quality and reliability assurance in renewable energy sector.
 Technology Development and Innovation Policy (TDIP): It is based on a robust ecosystem for support for research,
innovation and validation for technology development and demonstration, testing and standardization, awards for
innovation linked with start-ups.
Policy initiatives taken by the Government to enhance domestic production of oil and gas
 Policy for Relaxations, Extensions and Clarifications under Production Sharing Contract (PSC) regime for early
monetization of hydrocarbon discoveries, 2014.
 Discovered Small Field Policy, 2015.
 Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy, 2016.
 Policy for Extension of Production Sharing Contracts, 2016 and 2017.
 Policy for early monetization of Coal Bed Methane.
 Setting up of National Data Repository, 2017.
 Appraisal of unappraised areas in Sedimentary Basins.
 Re-assessment of Hydrocarbon Resources.
 Policy framework to streamline the working of Production Sharing Contracts in Pre-NELP and NELP Blocks, 2018.
 Policy to Promote and Incentivize Enhanced Recovery Methods for Oil and Gas, 2018.
 Policy framework for exploration and exploitation of Unconventional Hydrocarbons under existing Production Sharing
Contracts, Coal Bed Methane contracts and Nomination fields, 2018.
National Policy on Biofuels – 2018

(Topic: Energy)
The Government has notified National Policy on Biofuels 2018 which is expected to give boost to the biofuel programme of the
country.
 Categorization of biofuels as “Basic Biofuels” viz. First Generation (1G) bio ethanol & biodiesel and “Advanced Biofuels”
– Second Generation (2G) ethanol, bio-CNG etc. to enable extension of appropriate financial and fiscal incentives under
each category.
 Expanding the scope of raw material for ethanol production by allowing use of sugarcane Juice, sugar containing materials
like sugar beet, sweet sorghum, starch containing materials like corn, cassava, damaged food grains like wheat, broken
rice, rotten potatoes, unfit for human consumption for ethanol production.
 The Policy allows use of surplus food grains for production of ethanol for blending with petrol with the approval of
National Biofuel Coordination Committee.
 With a thrust on Advanced Biofuels, the Policy indicates a viability gap funding scheme for 2G ethanol Bio refineries of
Rs.5000 crores in 6 years in addition to additional tax incentives, higher purchase price as compared to 1G biofuels.
Year End Review 2018 – Ministry of Power
 9 States achieve 100 % household electrification under Saubhagya (universal electrification); total 16 states have 100 %
household electrification now
 More than 2 crore electricity connections released under Saubhagya and 100 per cent village electrification achieved under
DDUGJY (Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana – 100 per cent village electrification)
 Energy deficit reduced to almost zero and India emerges as net exporter of electricity to Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar
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 31.68 crore LED bulbs distributed under UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LED for All) scheme and 74.79 lakh LED
street lights have been installed
 India’s rank improved to 24 in 2018 from 137 in 2014 on World Bank’s Ease of doing business – “Getting Electricity”
Ranking
 National E-Mobility Programme launched to provide an impetus to the entire e-mobility ecosystem including vehicle
manufacturers, charging infrastructure companies, fleet operators, service providers, etc.
 The Chiller Star Labelling Program has been launched by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) to encourage the
deployment of Energy Efficient chiller systems. The program envisages providing star rating in terms of its energy
performance.
 Energy Conservation Guidelines launched for large scale industries to promote equipment efficiency by reducing energy
consumption with the help of standardizing the energy performance values of various energy-consuming equipment and
systems deployed for the manufacturing process.
 PRAAPTI: A Web portal and an App namely PRAAPTI (Payment Ratification And Analysis in Power procurement) for
bringing transparency in invoicing of generators
 Ash Track– linking fly ash users and power plants for better ash utilisation (Web based monitoring System and a Fly Ash
mobile application). These platforms will enable better management of the ash produced by thermal power plants by
providing an interface between fly ash producers (Thermal Power Plants) and potential ash users such as – road
contractors, cement plants etc.
Successful Test Firing of Long-Range Missile Agni V

(Topic: Space and Technology; Indigenous technology)
Agni V, a long-range surface-to-surface Nuclear Capable Ballistic missile, was successfully launched from a canister on a road
mobile launcher at the Dr Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
Features
 Has a strike range of 5,000 km
 Agni-5 is a three-stage missile and is 17-metre-tall and 2 metre wide.
 This is the seventh trial of the indigenously-developed surface-to-surface missile.
 It is capable of carrying 1.5 tonnes of nuclear warheads.
 India has in its armoury the Agni missile series – Agni-1 with a range of 700 km, Agni-2 with a range of 2,000 km, Agni-3
and Agni-4 with 2,500 km to more than 3,500 km range.
 The Agni-5 is the latest and most advanced variant in terms of navigation and guidance, warhead and engine.
 The missile has a payload capacity of 1,500 kg of high-explosive warhead and once inducted in the military, India will join
an exclusive club of countries like the US, Russia, China, France, and Britain which have intercontinental ballistic missile
capabilities.
Programming of AGNI-5 Missile
 The missile is programmed in such a way that after reaching the peak of its trajectory, it turns towards the earth to continue
its journey to the target with an increased speed, due to the earth’s gravitational pull, and its path precisely directed by the
advanced onboard computer and inertial navigation system.
 As the missile enters the earth’s atmosphere, the atmospheric air rubbing its outer surface skin raises the temperature to
beyond 4,000 degree Celsius.
 However, the indigenously-designed and developed heat shield maintains the inside temperature at less than 50 degree
Celsius.
 Finally, commanded by the onboard computer with the support of laser gyro-based inertial navigation system, micro
inertial navigation system (MINS), fully digital control system and advanced compact avionics, the missile hit the
designated target point accurately, meeting all mission objectives, the sources said.
 The ships located in mid-range and at the target point tracked the vehicle and witnessed the final event.
 All the radars and electro-optical systems along the path monitored the parameters of the missile and displayed them in
real time.
Please Note:
 Indian Railway employee conferred with prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for his novel “Marom” in Santhali
language: Shri Shyam Sundar Besra
1. INDRA NAVY: The bilateral maritime exercise between Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy
1. Rural Roads: State subject
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1. PM hands over tricolour to Arunima Sinha on her expedition to Mount Vinson, Antarctica: She is the first female
Divyang to climb Mount Everest
1. Rural housing scheme Indira Awaas yojana (IAY) has been restructured into Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana –Gramin
(PMAY-G) which envisages training of Rural Masons with the objective of improving workmanship and quality of
construction of houses while at the same time, increasing availability of skilled masons and enhancing employability of such
masons.
1. Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM): To deliver catalytic interventions to rural areas on the threshold of
growth.
1. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) has two components
1. Centrally Sponsored Centrally Managed (CSCM) being implemented by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
2. Centrally Sponsored State Managed (CSSM) being implemented by State Skill Development Missions of the States/ UTs
popularly known as State- Engagement Component of PMKVY (2016-20).
Training under PMKVY 2016-20 is being imparted in National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) aligned Job Roles. Under
the scheme, focus on employment has been significantly enhanced and candidates have been placed in various sectors and
industries including small and medium enterprises across the country including the State of West Bengal.
1. Swasth North East Initiative: In addition to the efforts of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for improvement of
healthcare facilities, the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region has taken up a total of 56 projects in the medical
& health sector under its Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) scheme, out of which 37 are already completed
and 19 are ongoing. NLCPR scheme has been restructured as North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme
(NESIDS), which is fully funded by the Central Government. One of the objectives of NESIDS is creation of infrastructure in
the areas of primary and secondary sectors of education and health.
1. Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana (PMUY): A deposit free LPG connection is provided to the woman member of a BPL
family with cash assistance up to₹ 1600 per connection. Till date, the Government has released ₹ 7680 crore to OMCs in lieu
of release of LPG connections under PMUY.
1. PAHAL: Government, as a measure of Good Governance, has introduced well targeted system of subsidy delivery to LPG
consumers through PAHAL.
 Aimed at rationalizing subsidies based on approach to cut subsidy leakages, but not subsidies themselves.
 PAHAL has entered into Guinness book of World record being largest Direct Benefit Transfer scheme. So far, more than
Rs. 96,625 crore have been transferred into the bank accounts of consumers and more than 23.08 crore LPG consumers
have joined.
 PAHAL has helped in identifying ‘ghost’ accounts, multiple accounts and inactive accounts. This has helped in curbing
diversion of subsidized LPG to commercial purposes. So far, estimated savings due to implementation of Pahal is
approximately Rs 50,000 crore.
1. SATAT Initiative: Sustainable Alternative towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT initiative)
1. FAME-India Scheme- Phase-I [Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India]: In order
to promote manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicle technology and to ensure sustainable growth of the same.
 The Phase-II of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME-India) Scheme proposes
to give a push to electric vehicles (EVs) in public transport and seeks to encourage adoption of EVs by way of market
creation and demand aggregation.
 The draft scheme envisages the holistic growth of EV industry, including providing for charging infrastructure, research
and development of EV technologies and push towards greater indigenization. The scheme has not been finalized yet.
1. Launch of ‘Ensure’ – National Livestock Mission-EDEG: To connect with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
 In order to make it better, simpler and transparent, the NABARD has developed an online portal “ENSURE”
(https://ensure.nabard.org) so that the information related to beneficiary and processing of application can be made readily
available.
 Developed by NABARD and operated under the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries
1. Launch of Indian Ports Association Launches ‘PCS 1x’ to Increase Ease of Doing Business: ‘PCS 1x’ is a cloud based
new generation technology, with user-friendly interface. This system seamlessly integrates 8 new stakeholders besides the 19
existing stakeholders from the maritime trade on a single platform.
1. Draft Space Activities Bill, 2017: To facilitate the overall growth of the space activities in India with higher order of
participation of public/ non-governmental/ private sector stakeholders. The Bill provides for establishment of a regulatory
mechanism through an appropriate body, by the Central Government for the purpose of authorization and licensing of space
activities.
1. Results of ‘Situation Assessment Survey of Agricultural Households’ conducted by National Sample Survey Office
(NSSO) in 2013, show that about 63.5 percent of the agricultural households in the rural areas of the country reported
cultivation as their principal source of income.
1. Implementation of Swaminathan Committee Report: One of the recommendations of Commission was that MSP should
be at least 50 percent more than the weighted average cost of production. This recommendation was not incorporated in the
National policy for Farmers 2007. However, recently Government has increased the MSP for all Kharif and Rabi crops and
other commercial crops for the season 2018-19 with a return of at least 50 percent over cost of production, which was a
historic decision by the Government.
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Government fixes-the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) of various agricultural crops on the recommendations of
the Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP), after ascertaining the views of State Governments and Central
Ministries/ Departments concerned. While recommending MSPs, CACP considers the following –
 Cost of production
 Demand-supply situation
 Trends in domestic and international prices
 Inter-crop price parity
 Terms of trade between agricultural and non-agricultural sectors and
 The likely impact of MSP on consumers and overall economy along with rational utilization of scarce natural resources
like land and water
 Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: Various measures namely, timelines for settlement of claims, leveraging of
technology for assessment of yield by State Government agencies using smartphone/CCE Agri App, integration of all
individual farmer data on National Crop Insurance Portal etc. have been taken under PMFBY. However, due to use of
manual process for transmission yield data; late release of their share in premium subsidy by some States like Andhra
Pradesh and Telangana; yield related disputes between insurance companies and States, non-receipt of account details of
some farmers for transfer of claims etc. settlement of claims in some States has been delayed under the scheme.
1. National Food Security Act, 2013 provides for identification of beneficiaries under two categories- Antyodaya Anna Yojana
(AAY) and Priority Households (PHH). While the eligible families under AAY are to be identified as per the criteria evolved
for the scheme, the identification under PHH is to be done as per the criteria evolved by the States/UTs.
 5th Meeting of India-Russia Parliamentary Commission
The Chairman of ‘Duma’ (counterpart of the Lok Sabha) of the Russian Parliament, Mr. Vyacheslav Volodin called for an
enabling legislative framework to fully tap the immense potential of bilateral cooperation between India and Russia.
 There is a need for enhancing parliamentary exchanges between the two countries to enable necessary legislative
framework to fully harness the potential of India-Russia ties in various sectors.
 There is a need to further build upon the traditional friendship between the two countries for mutual advantage in the fields
of economy, human development and cultural cooperation”.
 Referring to the immense opportunities in the fields of tourism and medical education, Mr. Volodin called for addressing
bureaucratic delays. He further said that bilateral trade increased by about 21% last year and still there is scope to go much
beyond.
 2018 – Landmark for India in terms of achievements in Sports arena
Government’s two-pronged approach to sports – nurture top sports talent and find untapped sports stars at the grassroots, has
yielded positive outcome.
India recorded its best ever performance this year in the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games with 66 Medals, Jakarta Asian
Games with 69 Medals and Para Asian Games with 72 Medals.
National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) was established with the objective of promotion of excellence in sports through
support to top level sportspersons who are medal prospects in Olympics and other major international competitions and creation
of sports infrastructure in priority disciplines etc. The Fund accepts contributions from private/public corporate sectors, other
legal bodies like Trusts/Societies, individuals etc.
Performance in Commonwealth Games, 2018: With 26 Gold medals and a total of 66 medals (26 Gold, 20 Silver and 20
Bronze), India finished 3rd for the tournament. It was India’s best position since the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Khelo India Talent Identification Development scheme: The scholarship programme is designed to take care of their expenses
including training, development, boarding and lodging and tournament exposure apart from offering them out of pocket expense
allowance. Under this programme, an annual stipend of Rs. 1.2 lakhs will be given to the players on a quarterly to meet their out
of pocket expenses, treating injuries and even smaller but very important elements like local travel for themselves and their
parents/ family members.
National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA): As per the annual statistics report published by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA),
the number of anti-doping rule violation in India has come down. Such decrease in the number of doping incidences brought
India from 3rd to 6th place globally.
Commendable performance by Indian Sportspersons in Asian Games, 2018, and Para Asian Games, 2018:
 Indian sportspersons and teams put a very commendable performance in Asian Games 2018 held at Jakarta and Palembang
(Indonesia) from 18th August to 2nd September, 2018.
 India won 69 medals (15 Gold, 24 Sliver and 30 Bronze) and was placed at 8th position in medals tally.
 India finished overall 9th in the medals tally with 72 medals (15 Gold, 24 Silver and 33 Bronze medals) the highest ever
by India at an Asian Para Game (APG), outdoing the previous best by a huge margin.
2018 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships: In the finals of the light flyweight category Mary Kom of India beat
Ukrainian boxer Hana Okhota to win the gold, creating history by becoming the first woman boxer to win six gold medals in the
AIBA World Boxing Championships. India stood 3rd in the medal tally with one gold, one silver and two bronze.
National Centre of Sports Sciences and Research (NCSSR) which aims to support high level research, education and
innovation with respect to high performance of elite athletes has been started. The scheme has two components: One is setting up
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of NCSSR at NIS, Patiala, and other is focused on creation of support to Sports Sciences Department in select Universities and
Sports Medicine Departments in select Medical Colleges/ Institutes/ Hospitals.
 Low Rate of Silk Cocoons
The major reasons for fall in cocoon prices are increase in arrival of cocoons to the market. As cocoon marketing is a state
subject, the state governments have been providing various support measures to farmers including price incentives for cocoons.
The Government of India through Central Silk Board is implementing a Central Sector Scheme – Silk Samagra: To provide
technical and technological support in the country including Karnataka State which comprises the following four components:
1. Research & Development, Training, Transfer of Technology and I.T. Initiatives
2. Seed Organizations
3. Coordination and Market Development, and
4. Quality Certification Systems (QCS) / Export Brand Promotion and Technology Up-gradation.
Under this scheme, assistance and subsidy is extended to silk farmers and stakeholders through states for Raising of kisan nursery
 Plantation with improved mulberry varieties
 Irrigation
 Chawki rearing centres with incubation facility
 Construction of rearing houses
 Rearing equipment
 Door-to- door service agents for disinfection and input supply
 Support for improved reeling units like automatic reeling units, multi-end reeling machines, improved Vanya reeling &
twisting machines
 Support for post yarn facilities for quality silk and fabric production.
Support provided under these interventions and areas would enable the silk farmers and stake holders to get reasonable price for
their produce.
 National Mission on Government e-Market (GeM) portal
To accelerate the adoption and use of Procurement by Major Central Ministries, States and UTs and their agencies (including
CPSUs/PSUs, Local Bodies) on the GeM platform.
 Promote inclusiveness by catapulting various categories of sellers and service providers
 Highlight and communicate ‘value add’ by way of transparency and efficiency in public procurement, including corruption
free governance.
 Achieve cashless, contactless and paperless transaction, in line with Digital India objectives.
 Increase overall efficiency leading to significant cost saving on government expenditure in Procurement.
 Maximizing ease in availability of all types of products and services bought by Government buyers.
GeM has brought transparency, efficiency, and inclusiveness in public procurement. It has reduced the time of procurements,
reduced the process and enabled ease of doing business for both buyers and vendors.
 Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD)
In order to give focused attention to policy issue and meaningful thrust to the activities aimed at welfare and empowerment of the
person with disabilities, a separate Department of Disability Affairs was carved out of the Ministry of Social justice &
Empowerment.
 Undertaking following measures for rehabilitation:
 Physical rehabilitation, which includes early detection and intervention counselling and medical rehabilitation and
assistance in procuring appropriate aids and appliances for reducing the effect of disabilities;
 Educational rehabilitation including vocational education and
 Economic rehabilitation and social empowerment.
 Developing rehabilitation professionals/personnel.
 Improving internal efficiency/responsiveness/service delivery.
 Advocating empowerment of person with disabilities through awareness generation among different sections of the
society.
5 E’s have to be given importance:
 Education of high quality
 Equality of opportunity in all fields
 Empowerment through skiling
 Emancipation from discriminatory and exploitative practices
 Enabling conditions for economic upliftment, including equal rights to property
Person in news
Mahakavi Subramania Bharatiyar
 Ignited resurgence in Tamil literature and he drew inspiration from ancient sources of Indian culture.
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 Thiru Bharatiyar left behind an extraordinary legacy of poetry and prose writings and his works gave form and vitality to
the present-day Tamil literature.
 Shri Bharatiyar in one of his poems wrote that there is no caste system and it is a sin to divide people on caste basis. He
advocated equality of human beings, and fought for rights of women
 His appeal was to our common humanity, an eternal optimist, his rallying cry was, “Nalla kalam varuguthu!” – “the best of
times lies ahead!” He urged his brethren to keep moving forward bravely, disregarding the daunting odds that blocked
their path
Quotes
On 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
 India takes note of the IPU is working on priority areas such as human rights, gender equity, child protection, sustainable
development, climate change, migration etc.
 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs) mirror our own vision of development. Several of our
initiatives like the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Swachh Bharat, Jan Dhan Yojana etc., closely relate to several targets of
SDGs
 Terrorism is a big menace to world community and it has no religion, but our neighbour is unfortunately funding and
abetting it.
 Poverty is also a challenge for all of us and we have to support each other and move forward with much greater
coordination and cooperation
At PMNCH Partners’ Forum
 It is only partnerships that will get us to our goals. Partnerships between citizens, Partnerships between communities,
Partnerships between countries. The Sustainable Development agenda is a reflection of this.
 Countries have moved beyond stand-alone efforts. They are committed to empowering communities, improving health and
education, ending poverty and spurring boosting economic growth and ultimately, leaving no one behind. The health of
mothers will determine the health of the children and the health of children will determine the health of our tomorrow.
 The Partners’ Forum vision is in line with India’s ancient wisdom of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, ‘The World is one
family’. It is also in line with my government’s philosophy of “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas”, which means, collective efforts
and partnerships for inclusive growth.
 When the Millennium Development Goals were agreed on, India had one of the world’s highest mortality rates for women
and children. With sustained momentum, and a faster rate of decline during the last few years, India is on course to attend
the SDG targets for maternal and child health, much ahead of the agreed date of 2030.
 India was one of the first countries, to advocate focused attention on adolescence and implement an extensive health
promotion and prevention programme for adolescents. Our effort ensured that they get their due recognition in the Global
Strategy for Women’s Children’s and Adolescents’ Health adopted in 2015.
Tackle malnutrition
 Scientists working in the fields of health, agriculture and nutrition must work together and exchange knowledge
 India needs to focus both on food security as well as nutrition security;
 Prioritize the elimination of the triple burden of malnutrition; under-nutrition, over-nutrition and micronutrients
deficiencies;
Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 16th Dec to 23rd Dec – 2018
ARCHIVES
Note: Since the yearly reviews are included in this, PIB this week is extremely Prelims specific. However, it acts as a goldmine
for questions in Mains that deals about the steps taken by Government to deal with a specific issue. It is important that you be
cognizant of the fact that not every information is to be remembered; as some of the information helps you shape your
perspective and refine it further. All the very best!
GS-2
NITI Aayog to release SDG India Index: Baseline Report 2018

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), are ambitious global aspirations on development that address key aspects of
universal wellbeing, across different socio-economic, cultural, geographical divisions as well as the interconnectedness among
the economic, social and environmental dimensions of development.
NITI Aayog has the twin mandate:
 To oversee the implementation of SDGs in the country
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 Promote Competitive and Cooperative Federalism among States and Union Territories (UTs)
In exercise of these roles, NITI has developed the SDG India Index, a comprehensive Index to measure progress of States / UTs,
through a single measurable Index and the First Baseline Report for 2018, prepared with the support of Global Green Growth
Institute and UN in India.
 The Index is designed to function as a tool for focussed policy dialogue, formulation and implementation, moving towards
development action pegged to globally recognisable metrics of SDG framework.
 The Index also supplements NITI Aayog’s continuous efforts towards encouraging evidence-based policy making by
supporting States/UTs to benchmark their progress, identifying priority areas and share best practices.
 The SDG India Index will also help highlight crucial gaps related to tracking SDGs and the need for India to develop its
statistical systems at National & State/UT levels. This shall lead to the index evolving and becoming more comprehensive
over the coming years.
Year End Review 2018: Ministry of Tribal Affairs
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is the nodal Ministry for overall policy, planning and coordination of programmes for
development of Scheduled Tribes.
The Scheduled Tribes comprise about 8.6% of India’s population (according to the 2011 census).
In the year 2018, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs focused on education of tribal people, new initiatives to substantially step up
economic empowerment of the tribal population as well as bring into spotlight the tribal culture by constructing museums to
highlight the tribal freedom fighters.
 Scheduled Tribes Component across all Ministries witnesses a substantial increase from Rs. 31,920.00 Cr. in the year
2017-18 to Rs. 37,802.94 Cr in 2018-19.
 Government announces important measures to revamp and expand scheme of setting up EMRSs; 462 new EMRSs to be
set up: Eklavya Model Residential School is an excellent approach for imparting quality education to ST children. Apart
from school building including hostels and staff quarters, provision for a playground, students’ computer lab, teacher
resource room etc. are also included in the EMRSs. The scheme aims to bridge the gap in literacy level between the
general population and tribal population.
 Launch of Van Dhan Yojana by Prime Minister to improve income and livelihood for about 5 crore tribal people: It aims
to provide skill upgradation and capacity building training and setting up of primary processing and value addition facility.
 Two National level and four state level museums to celebrate contribution of tribal freedom fighters being set up
Women’s Reservation Bill
Commonly known as the Women’s Reservation Bill, it seeks to reserve one-third of all seats for women in the Lok Sabha and the
state legislative assemblies. It has been ten years since the Bill was drafted and yet, an overwhelmingly male parliament has
failed to enact the legislation that aims to boost the number of women in the Lower House.
Highlights of the Bill
 The Constitution (One Hundred and Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2008 seeks to reserve one-third of all seats for women in the
Lok Sabha and the state legislative assemblies. The allocation of reserved seats shall be determined by such authority as
prescribed by Parliament.
 One third of the total number of seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes shall be reserved for women of
those groups in the Lok Sabha and the legislative assemblies.
 Reserved seats may be allotted by rotation to different constituencies in the state or union territory.
 Reservation of seats for women shall cease to exist 15 years after the commencement of this Amendment Act.
Key Issues and Analysis
 There are divergent views on the reservation policy. Proponents stress the necessity of affirmative action to improve the
condition of women. Some recent studies on panchayats have shown the positive effect of reservation on empowerment of
women and on allocation of resources.
 Opponents argue that it would perpetuate the unequal status of women since they would not be perceived to be competing
on merit. They also contend that this policy diverts attention from the larger issues of electoral reform such as
criminalisation of politics and inner party democracy.
 Reservation of seats in Parliament restricts choice of voters to women candidates. Therefore, some experts have suggested
alternate methods such as reservation in political parties and dual member constituencies.
 Rotation of reserved constituencies in every election may reduce the incentive for an MP to work for his constituency as he
may be ineligible to seek re-election from that constituency.
 The report examining the 1996 women’s reservation Bill recommended that reservation be provided for women of Other
Backward Classes (OBCs) once the Constitution was amended to allow for reservation for OBCs. It also recommended
that reservation be extended to the Rajya Sabha and the Legislative Councils. Neither of these recommendations has been
incorporated in the Bill.
Way Forward
It is high time that we focused on gender equality. Women have to be given a level playing field. 5 E’s have to be given
importance:
 Education of high quality
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 Equality of opportunity in all fields

 Empowerment through skilling
 Emancipation from discriminatory and exploitative practices
 Enabling conditions for economic upliftment, including equal rights to proeperty
Promotion of e-Education in the country
e-pathshala: e-pathshala has been developed by NCERT (National Council for Educational Research and Training) for
showcasing and disseminating all educational e-resources including textbooks, audio, video, periodicals and a variety of other
print and non-print materials.
Shagun portal: A web portal called ShaGun (from the words Shaala and Gunvatta) which has two parts, one of which is a
Repository of good practices, photographs, videos, studies, newspaper articles etc on school education, State /UT wise has been
developed which is in public domain. Its purpose is to showcase success stories and also to provide a platform for all stakeholders
to learn from each other. This also instils a positive competitive spirit among all the States and UTs.
National Repository of Open Educational Resources (NROER) is an initiative to bring together all digital and digitizable
resources across all stages of school education and teacher education.
The ‘Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds’ (SWAYAM) an integrated platform for online courses,
using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and covering school (9th to 12th) to Post Graduate Level.
National Digital Library of India (NDL) is a project to develop a framework of virtual repository of learning resources with a
single-window search facility.
NITI Aayog’s National Strategy for New India
The forty-one chapters in the document have been disaggregated under four
sections: Drivers, Infrastructure, Inclusion and Governance.
The first section on Drivers focuses on the engines of economic performance with chapters on growth and employment, doubling
of farmers’ incomes; upgrading the science, technology and innovation eco-system; and promoting sunrise sectors like fintech
and tourism.
Some of the key recommendations in the section on drivers include:
 Steadily accelerate the economy to achieve a GDP growth rate of about 8% on average during 2018-23. This will raise the
economy’s size in real terms from USD 2.7trillion in 2017-18 to nearly USD 4 trillion by2022-23. Increase the investment
rate as measured by gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) from the present 29% to 36% of GDP by 2022.
 In agriculture, shift the emphasis to converting farmers to ‘agripreneurs’ by further expanding-National Agriculture
Markets and replacing the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee Act with the Agricultural Produce and Livestock
Marketing Act.
 Give a strong push to ‘Zero Budget Natural Farming’ techniques that reduce costs, improve land quality and increase
farmers’ incomes. This has emerged as a tested method for putting environment carbon back into the land.
 To ensure maximum employment creation, complete codification of labor laws and a massive effort must be made to
upscale and expand apprenticeships.
 Launch a mission “Explore in India” by revamping minerals exploration and licensing policy.
The second section on Infrastructure deals with the physical foundations of growth which are crucial to enhancing the
competitiveness of Indian business as also ensuring the citizens’ ease of living.
Some of the key recommendations in the section on infrastructure include:
 Expedite the establishment of the Rail Development Authority (RDA), which is already approved. RDA will advise or
make informed decisions on an integrated, transparent and dynamic pricing mechanism for the railways.
 Double the share of freight transported by coastal shipping and inland waterways. Initially, viability gap funding will be
provided until the infrastructure is fully developed. Develop an IT-enabled platform for integrating different modes of
transport and promoting multi-modal and digitized mobility.
 With the completion of the Bharat Net programme in 2019, all 2.5 lakh gram panchayats will be digitally connected. Aim
to deliver all government services at the state, district, and gram panchayat level digitally by2022-23.
The section on Inclusion deals with the urgent task of investing in the capabilities of all of India’s citizens. The three themes in
this section revolve around the dimensions of health, education and mainstreaming of traditionally marginalized sections of the
population.
Some of the key recommendations in the section on inclusion include:
 Successfully implementing the Ayushman Bharat programme including the establishment of 150,000 health and wellness
centres across the country, and rolling out the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan (PM-JAY).
 Create a focal point for public health at the central level with state counterparts. Promote integrative medicine curriculum.
 Upgrade the quality of the school education system and skills, including the creation of a new innovation ecosystem at the
ground level by establishing at least 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs by 2020.
 Conceptualize an electronic national educational registry for tracking each child’s learning outcomes.
 As already done in rural areas, give a huge push to affordable housing in urban areas to improve workers’ living conditions
and ensure equity while providing a strong impetus to economic growth.
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The final section on Governance delves deep into how the governance structures can be streamlined and processes optimized to
achieve better developmental outcomes.
Some of the key recommendations in the section on governance include:
 Implement the recommendations of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission as a prelude to appointing a
successor for designing reforms in the changing context of emerging technologies and growing complexity of the
economy.
 Set up a new autonomous body, viz., the Arbitration Council of India to grade arbitral institutions and accredit arbitrators
to make the arbitration process cost effective and speedy, and to pre-empt the need for court intervention.
 Address the backlog of pending cases – shift part of workload out of regular court system.
 Expand the scope of Swachh Bharat Mission to cover initiatives for landfills, plastic waste and municipal waste and
generating wealth from waste.
The full document can be accessed here: http://niti.gov.in/the-strategy-for-new-india
Year End Review-2018: Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation Swachh Bharat Mission
Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) was launched on 2nd October, 2014 to accelerate the efforts to achieve universal sanitation
coverage in India and promote access to safe sanitation in India.

o The SBM aims at achieving an Open Defecation Free (ODF) nation by 2nd October, 2019, a befitting tribute to
Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary.
 The SBM identifies behaviour change as the primary and fundamental tool for the achievement of ODF outcomes.
 As a result, rural sanitation coverage has increased significantly from 38.7% at the launch of SBM(G) in 2014
to 96.88%, as on 5thDecember 2018.
NamamiGange: The NamamiGangeProgramme is an initiative of Ministry of Water Resources (MOWR), to make villages on
the bank of river Ganga ODF and interventions dealing with solid and liquid waste management (SLWM) are being implemented
by MDWS.
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG):
 Under Namami Gange programme, a total of 254 projects worth Rs.24,672 crore have been sanctioned for various
activities such as sewage infrastructure, ghats & crematoria development, river front development, river surface cleaning,
institutional development, biodiversity conservation, afforestation, rural sanitation, and public participation.
 Total 6 no. of projects on biodiversity conservation and restoration of aquatic biodiversity of river Ganga including
Dolphin, Ghariyal, Otter, water birds and fish & fisheries have been taken up
Swachhata Action Plan (SAP): In order to ensure annual planning and implementation of sanitation related activities.
Swachh Iconic Places (SIP): MDWS has undertaken a multi-stakeholder initiative focusing on cleanliness in 100 locations
across the country, which are “iconic” due to their heritage, religious and/or cultural significance. The goal of the initiative is to
improve the cleanliness conditions at these locationsto a distinctly higher level. This initiative is in partnership with Ministries of
Housing and Urban Affairs, Tourism and Culture with MDWS as the nodal ministry. So far, in the first three phases, 30 iconic
places have been identified. Mostof these SIPs have also received financial and technical support from PSUs and corporates.
GOBARdhan scheme: MDWS launched the Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resource dhan or “GOBARdhan” scheme, aimed at
keeping villages clean while increasing the income of farmers and cattle owners by promoting local entrepreneurs to convert
cattle dung, and other organic resources, to biogas and organic manure.
Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention (MGISC) brought together Ministers of sanitation and sector
specialists from around the world. The participating countries shared sanitation success stories and best practices, along with
learning from the experience of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Swajal: Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation launched Swajal, a community demand driven, decentralized, single village,
preferably solar powered, mini PWS programme for the 117 aspirational districts identified by NITI Aayog. Gram Panchayats in
partnership with rural communities and State sectoral agencies would be involved in the execution of the scheme and also operate
and maintain the scheme. The programme would also sustain ODF status.
World Toilet Day: 19th November, 2018
Year End Review 2018- Ministry of AYUSH
The Ministry of AYUSH through its multi-pronged strategy in year 2018 has been able to bring alternative system of medicine
particularly Ayurveda and Homeopathy in to mainstream of the public health system in India.
National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB): To ensure availability and regular supply of raw material of medicinal plants for
AYUSH drugs, the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) under its “Central Sector Scheme on Conservation, Development
and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants” is augmenting the medicinal plants resources in the wild and also promoting
their large scale cultivation in farmers’ field under Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM). The major
achievements of NMPB are as under:
 NMPB in collaboration with National Remote Sensing Centre, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) developed e-
Bhuvan herbs mobile app. for geo-tagging and monitoring of the organizations funded by NMPB for carrying out various
activities related to medicinal plants.
 NMPB has collaborated with National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to
implement space based tools in monitoring & strategic decision making in the field of medicinal Plants.
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“Ayush” Finds a Place in English Language: In pursuance of the proposal of the Ministry of AYUSH, the Commission for
Scientific and Technical Terminology has decided to adopt the word “AYUSH” in Hindi and English languages for scientific and
technical purposes. As approved by the Commission, the word “AYUSH” will have the meaning “Traditional and Non-
Conventional Systems of Health Care and Healing which include Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa,
Homoeopathy etc.”
First Siddha Day 2018: 4thJanuary, 2018
September, 2018 was celebrated as “PoshanMaah” in all the AYUSH hospitals/ dispensaries, teaching institutes, research
councils and their peripheral units
Cabinet approves
Memorandum of Understanding between India and France in the field of new and renewable energy: The objective of the
MoU is to define the modalities of discussions concerning, in particular, the future collaboration regarding in a pilot project to
provide SECI an e-vehicle charging station with embedded batteries, powered by solar panels and optimized connection to the
grid in order to support the Indian governments ambitious plan for the deployment of electrical vehicles by maximizing solar
mobility and minimizing its grid impact.
Memorandum of Understanding between India and Afghanistan in the field of human resource development: The MoU
would facilitate students and faculty of Educational Institutions in Afghanistan to register and use the SWAYAM Courses. Also,
it would facilitate them to upload on SWAYAM, the courses developed in Afghanistan.
MoU between India and Australia for Cooperation in the Disability Sector: The MoU will encourage cooperation between
India and Australia, through joint initiatives in the disability sector. It will strengthen bilateral ties between India and Australia.
Further, the MoU will facilitate in improving rehabilitation of persons with disabilities especially for persons with intellectual
disability and mental illness in both the countries. Both the countries will take up specific proposals in disability sector as
mutually agreed upon, for implementation.
GS-3
Formulation of Reform Agenda for Banks

Reforms Agenda of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) aimed at Enhanced Access & Service Excellence (EASE) and encapsulating a
synergistic approach to ensuring prudential and clean lending, better customer service, enhanced credit availability, focus on
Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and better governance has been adopted.
Reforms in the agenda include, inter alia,
 Making it easier for MSMEs and retail customers to transact
 Significantly increasing access to banking services
 Near-home banking services
 Time-bound refund on unauthorised electronic transactions
 Mobile ATMs in underserved districts
Steps taken by Government to reform Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) include:
 Enactment of Regional Rural Banks (Amendment) Act 2015 to strengthen the capital base and improve their overall
capabilities and making provision for RRBs to raise capital from source other than Central Government or State
Government or Sponsor Bank, subject to the shareholding of Central Government and Sponsor Bank shall not be less than
fifty-one per cent
 Revision of guidelines to make the system of appointment of auditors for RRBs more objective and transparent to improve
quality of audit
 Improvement in the recruitment process
Law to check scams in Banks
The Government has initiated formulation of laws to secure prudential banking and help effect a culture of credit discipline,
including:
 Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC) has been enacted to create a unified framework for resolving insolvency
and bankruptcy matters. IBC, by adopting a creditor-in-saddle approach, with the interim resolution professional taking
over management of affairs of corporate debtor at the outset, coupled with debarment of wilful defaulters and persons
associated with NPA accounts from the resolution process, has effected a fundamental change in the creditor-debtor
relationship.
 The Banking Regulation Act, 1949 has been amended to provide for authorisation to Reserve Bank of India to issue
directions to banks to initiate the insolvency resolution process under IBC.
 The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 has been enacted to deter economic offenders from evading the process of
Indian law by remaining outside the jurisdiction of Indian courts, provides for attachment of property of a fugitive
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economic offender, confiscation of such offender’s property and disentitlement of the offender from defending any civil
claim.
 To make other recovery mechanisms as well more effective, the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets
and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 (SARFAESI Act) has been amended to provide for three months’
imprisonment in case borrower does not provide asset details, and for lender getting possession of mortgaged property
within 30 days. Six new Debts Recovery Tribunals (DRTs) have been established and the minimum pecuniary limit for
filing of cases in DRTs has been revised in 2018 from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh to enable focus on higher value cases in
these fast-track tribunals.
Steps to ensure Cyber Security
Government has taken a number of legislative, technical and institutional measures for addressing issues related to cyber security.
Some specific measures taken by the Government of India to strengthen cyber security system in the country are as under:
 National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC) under National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) coordinates with
different agencies at the national level for cyber security matters.
 Information Technology Act, 2000 was enacted to provide legal recognition for electronic communication, electronic
commerce and cybercrimes etc. IT Act has deterrent provisions to deal with cyber threats and cyber-attacks.
 The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issues alerts and advisories regarding latest cyber threats
and countermeasures on regular basis.
 National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) has been established for protection of
critical information infrastructure in the country.
 Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre) has been launched for detection of
malicious programs and provide free tools to remove the same.
 National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) has set up to generate necessary situational awareness of existing and
potential cyber security threats and enable timely information sharing for proactive, preventive and protective actions by
individual entities.
 Under Cyber Crime Prevention for Women and Children (CCPWC) Scheme, Government of India has released grants
to States/UTs including Andhra Pradesh for setting up of a Cyber Forensic cum Training Laboratory and organizing
capacity building programme on cyber awareness and cyber-crime investigation. Rs. 4.42 Crore has been released to
Andhra Pradesh for the purpose.
 A Division has been established under the Ministry of Home Affairs to deal with Cyber and Information Security.
 The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with its overseas counterpart agencies/Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) for information exchange and
collaboration for cyber security incident responses.
Launch of Asiatic Lion Conservation Project
By: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Aim: To protect and conserve the world’s last ranging free population of Asiatic Lion and its associated ecosystem – Will
strengthen the ongoing measures for conservation and recovery of Asiatic Lion with the help of state-of-the –art techniques/
instruments, regular scientific research studies, disease management, Modern surveillance/ patrolling techniques.
Asiatic lions that once ranged from Persia (Iran) to Palamau in Eastern India were almost driven to extinction by indiscriminate
hunting and habitat loss. A single population of less than 50 lions persisted in the Gir forests of Gujarat by late 1890’s. With
timely and stringent protection offered by the State Government and the Center Government, Asiatic lions have increased to the
current population of over 500 numbers. The last census in the year 2015 showed the population of 523 Asiatic Lions in Gir
Protected Area Network of 1648.79 sq. km. that includes Gir National Park, Gir Sanctuary, Pania Sanctuary, Mitiyala Sanctuary
adjoining reserved forests, Protected Forests, and Unclassed Forests.
International Cooperation on Disaster Management
India plays an active role in global initiatives on disaster management. India is a signatory to the Sendai Framework for
Disaster Risk Reduction and is committed to achieve the priorities and the objectives through systematic and institutional
efforts.
With multi-dimensional initiatives and expertise, India is taking a leading role in strengthening regional cooperation among
South Asian countries for reducing disasters. India is one of the participating countries and works closely with the United Nations
International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR). India has been working closely with many countries for the exchange of
ideas and expertise in disaster management.
India had signed bilateral/ multilateral agreements with the several countries for cooperation in the field of disaster management
like:
 Agreement between the Republic of India and the Swiss Confederation on Cooperation in the event of Disasters.
 Agreement between India and Russia on cooperation in the field of Emergency Management.
 SAARC Agreement on Rapid Response to Natural Disasters.
 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Indonesia on cooperation in the field of Disaster Management.
 Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) between India and Germany on cooperation in the field of Disaster Management.
 Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and the Cabinet Office
of the Government of Japan in the field of disaster risk reduction.
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 MoU between the Republic of India and the Govt. of Republic of Tajikistan on Cooperation in the field of Disasters
Management.
 Government of India has partnership with various International Agencies in the field of Disaster Management such as
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), The World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction
(WCDRR), Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR), Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk
Reduction (AMCDRR), United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), United Nations
Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC), International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), Global
Facility for Disaster Reduction and
Note: The Government of India will organize a Joint Urban Earthquake Search and Rescue exercise of Shanghai Cooperation
Organization (SCO) member states to improve collective preparedness in March, 2019.
Steps taken by Government to promote use of Domestically Manufactured Drugs and Medicines
 National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Policy, 2012 (NPPP-2012) was notified with the objective to put in place a regulatory
framework for pricing of drugs so as to ensure availability of required medicines – “essential medicines” at reasonable
prices even while providing sufficient opportunity for innovation and competition to support the growth of pharma
industry thereby meeting the goals of employment and shared economic well-being for all.
 In order to promote and to make available quality generic medicines at affordable prices to all through specific outlets, a
scheme in the name of ‘Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana’ (PMBJP) is functioning across the
country.
 In order to promote domestically manufactured drugs, the Government is providing financial support for research and
development through Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Research Programme (DPRP) run by the Department of Science &
Technology. The companies undertaking Research & Development activities are provided income tax benefits.
 The Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, Para-32(iii) provides exemptions from price control to a manufacturer
producing a new drug involving a new delivery system developed through indigenous Research and Development for a
period of five years from the date of its market approval in India.
 The government has withdrawn exemption of customs duty on certain categories on Bulk Drugs/APIs to provide level
playing field to the domestic manufacturers.
 In order to make generic medicines more accessible, the Department of Pharmaceuticals has requested all the States/Union
Territories to explore and enforce the proposal of keeping a separate shelf/rack for generic medicines in every pharmacy in
the country.
Year End Review: Department of Biotechnology
Union Cabinet has approved “The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018”. The Bill has been
formulated for the regulation of the use and application of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) technology with the aim to establish
the identity of certain category of persons including the victims, offenders, suspects, under trials, missing persons and unknown
deceased persons and provides provision for establishment of a DNA Regulatory Board (DRB).
India – UK Cancer Research Initiative launched in collaboration with Cancer Research UK (CRUK) focussing on affordability
of cancer prevention and care, and the potential to make significant progress against cancer consequences. Both CRUK and the
DBT will invest £5m (~47 Crores INR) each in this initiative.
Indo-US collaboration on Genome Engineering/ Editing launched to provide opportunity to brightest Indian students and
scientists to gain exposure and access to world class research facilities in leading U.S. institutions through student’s internship,
overseas fellowship and visiting professorship programmes.
1stClean Energy International Incubator has been set up under Mission Innovation. Startups from 23 participating EU
countries can potentially come & incubate in India and likewise startups from this incubator can go to the partnering countries
facilitating access to global opportunities.
SAEN (Secondary Agriculture Entrepreneurial Network) was launched in 2018 to promote new enterprises and to support
existing industry in the secondary agriculture sector.
A major Mission program on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) was launched in October, 2018 with the vision to develop
indigenous and cost-effective therapies against AMR; categorization of AMR-specific pathogen priority list of India;
establishment of Bio-repository for AMR-specific pathogens; and development of rapid and cost-effective diagnostic kits to
identify AMR-specific pathogens.
Year End Review: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (Ministry of Science & Technology)
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) today is one of the largest public funded R&D organisations in the
world, covering a wide spectrum of science and technology areas. CSIR has the Prime Minister of India as the Council’s head.
The year 2018 has been of great significance for CSIR. Some of the major achievements during the year are as follows:
CSIR Incubation Centres: CSIR is creating entrepreneurship through world class translational research and is setting up
“Incubation Centres” which would work in identified domains. The CSIR Incubation Centres are a multipurpose facility.
India’s first biofuel-powered flight: CSIR Technology for Aviation Grade Biofuel: A historic flight powered by indigenously
produced aviation biofuel based on patented technology of CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Dehradun completed
journey from Dehradun to Delhi. With this maiden flight India joined the exclusive club of nations using biofuel in aviation. The
use of bio jet fuel, apart from reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about 15 percent and Sulfur Oxides (SOx) emissions by over
99 percent, is expected to provide indigenous jet fuel supply security, possible cost savings as feedstock availability at farm level
scales up, superior engine performance and reduced maintenance cost for the airline operators.
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Successful Inaugural Flight of SARAS PT1N: The primary objective of PT1N is to evaluate system performance in about 20
flights and the data collected from this shall be used to freeze the design of 19-seater production version aircraft – SARAS MkII.
Drishti Transmissometer: Deployment across Indian Airports: Drishti is an Indigenous – Innovative –Cost effective visibility
measuring system –- First of its type and CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) is the only organization to have
developed this technology in the country. It is useful for airport operations and gives information to pilots on the visibility at the
runway. Drishti Transmissometers have been installed at a number of airports across the country.
CSIR Mission on Sickle Cell Anaemia: The project envisages managing genetic burden of Sickle Cell Anaemia and
understanding genetic basis of differential response to Hydroxyurea Therapy, Drug discovery and development for management
of SCA, Genome editing and stem cell research approach for the treatment of SCA and development and on-ground
implementation of an affordable, accurate and accelerated diagnostic kit.
CSIR’s new patented Clot buster, PEGylated Streptokinase set to revolutionize the treatment of Strokes: Ischemic stroke
is a condition caused by a dysfunction in the supply of blood to the brain due to emboli, thrombus or atherosclerosis occurring in
cerebral arteries. Surprisingly, the prevalence of stroke is much higher in India than the West and about 87% of all strokes are
ischemic strokes.
CSIR-IGIB and Dr Lal Path Labs enter into partnership to enable Diagnosis of Prevalent Genetic Diseases: Genetic
diseases, though are individually rare, cumulatively affect a large number of individuals, estimated to affect over 70 million
Indians.
AI based Movement Detection System to Boost Border Security: CSIR-CSIO, Chandigarh has developed a technology which
can differentiate human movement from that of vehicles and cattle to check terrorism, drug influx and ensure full-proof border
security. The system is based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) –driven warning system. It generates an alarm and sends sky
information via email and text message to the registered users.
Development and licensing of affordable Water Disinfection System OneerTM: CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology
Research (CSIR-IITR), Lucknow has developed technology for “Drinking Water Disinfection System” with Trade name
“OneerTM”. It is useful for continuous treatment of water. Oneer will provide safe and clean drinking water at a cost of just 2
Paise / Ltr. The Community level model is of 450 LPH capacity. It can be scaled up to 5000 to 1 lakh L/day;
CSIR Phytopharmaceuticals Mission: The CSIR Phytopharmaceutical Mission is envisaged to bring transformative change in
the medicinal plants sector through captive cultivation of selected medicinal plants, including rare, engendered and threatened
species, production of quality planting material and development of region specific agro-technologies; technology packages for
production of GMP grade medicinal plant extracts; and phytopharmaceutical development from important medicinal plants.
Innovative Processes and Technologies for Indian Pharmaceuticals and Agrochemical Industries (IMPROTICS): The
project aims to develop cost effective, profitable processes for key drugs and agrochemicals. In case of pharmaceuticals, new or
non-infringing processes that are free to operate shall be developed. Thus, this proposal wishes to serve the country with its
contributions to ‘Make in India’ program and also toward better health and food security for all Indians.
Waterless Chrome Tanning Technology- a Game Changing Technology: Chromium is the most sought-after tanning agent
with about 2.0 billion sq. ft. of leather being made in India. About 20 thousand tons of chrome tanning agent is discharged in the
wastewater. In order to overcome the problem, CSIR-CLRI has developed waterless chrome tanning technology.
Zero liquid discharge leather technology: A zero-wastewater discharge process technology based on Electro-oxidation (EO)
has been developed for the first part of the leather manufacturing process, the pre-tanning processes. The potential environmental
benefits and potential social impacts for India includes:
 No discharge of wastewater from tanneries
 The possible reduction of cost will be about Rs. 96 million per annum from reduction in the cost of wastewater treatment
 This system does not result in generation of sludge (about 160 tons’ sludge per annum) and less average annual fatalities
due to release of H2S.
Year End Review – 2018: Department of Science and Technology
The year 2018 saw Indian Science getting further recognized as one of the most powerful instruments of growth and
development, especially in the emerging scenario and competitive economy.
Department of Science & Technology (DST) established in May 1971, with the objective of promoting new areas of Science &
Technology plays the role of a nodal department for organizing, coordinating and promoting S&T activities in the country

o National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) addresses the ever-increasing
technological requirements of the society, and takes into account the international trends and road maps of leading
countries for the next generation technologies.
o The Global Cooling Prize, an innovation challenge that aims to spur development of a residential cooling solution
that has at least five times (5x) less climate impact than today’s standard products. This technology could prevent
up to 100 gigatons (GT) of CO2-equivalent emissions by 2050.
o 1st ASEAN-India InnoTech Summit’s main objective was to exhibit and build networks between Indian and
ASEAN researchers, scientists, Innovators, Technocrats, private companies and Start-ups etc to facilitate building
an ASEAN-India Innovation and Technology Databank for sharing among India and ASEAN country
stakeholders.
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o To combat vehicular pollution WAYU (Wind Augmentation and purify Ying Unit) was inaugurated which will
help in reducing ambient air pollution levels ejected by vehicles at places, which have high concentration of
pollutants. WAYU can reduce PM10, PM2.5, CO, VOCs, HC emitted in the atmosphere.
o In July, a major partnership was announced between Indian Government and Republic of Korea in terms of
establishment of Indo-Korean Center for Research and Innovation (IKCRI) in India, which will act as the hub
for systematic operation and management of all cooperative programmes in research and innovation between the
two countries including innovation & entrepreneurship and technology transfer.
o India – UK Science & Innovation Policy Dialogue wherein it was agreed to scale up collaboration to tackle
global challenges realizing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), digital economy, health technologies, cyber
security and promoting clean growth, smart urbanisation, future mobility, environment (removal of plastic and
micro-plastics from land and ocean), fight against climate change and participation in International Solar Alliance
(ISA).
o Department of Science and Technology and the National Technological Innovation Authority of Israel jointly
established a US$ 40m “India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund (I4 Fund)” for a
period of five years. This fund will extend support to joint R&D projects aimed to co-develop innovative
technology-driven products, services or processes that have potential for commercialization. The Fund will provide
opportunity for techno-economic cooperation between India and Israel by extending institutional support in
building up consortia including private industry, enterprises and R&D institutions.
 Launch of three Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB)’s Schemes

o Teacher Associate ship for Research Excellence (TARE): The Scheme aims to tap the latent potential of faculty
working in state universities, colleges and private academic institutions who are well trained but have difficulty in
pursuing their research due to varied reasons including lack of facilities, funding and guidance. This scheme
facilitates mobility of such faculty members to carryout research in a well-established public funded institution
such as IITs, IISc, IISERS and other National Institutions (NITs, CSIR, ICAR, ICMR labs, etc) and Central
Universities located preferably nearer to the institution where the faculty member is working. Up to 500 TAs will
be supported under this scheme.
o Overseas Visiting Doctoral Fellowship (OVDF): This scheme offers opportunities for up to 100 PhD students
admitted in the Indian institutions for gaining exposure and training in overseas universities / institutions of repute
and areas of importance to country for period up to 12 months during their doctoral research.
o SERB Distinguished Investigator Award (DIA): DIA has been initiated to recognize and reward Principal
Investigators (PIs) of SERB/DST projects who have performed remarkably well. The scheme aims not only to
reward the best PIs of completed projects but also to motivate the ongoing PIs to perform exceedingly well. DIA is
a one-time career award devised to specifically cater to the younger scientists who have not received any other
prestigious awards or fellowships.
 Inauguration of India’s first supercritical Brayton Cycle CO2 test facility at IISc Bangalore, which has the potential to
pave the way for highly efficient compact power plants driven by wide range of heat sources including Solar; Organization
of Children’s Science Congress all over the country on the Focal Theme of “Science Technology and Innovation for
Clean, Green and Healthy Nation”.
Year End Review: Ministry of Earth Sciences
 The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is mandated to provide services for weather, climate, ocean and coastal state,
hydrology, seismology, and natural hazards; to explore marine living and non-living resources in a sustainable way and to
explore the three polar-regions (Arctic, Antarctic and Himalayas).
 High Performance Computing (HPC): The Ministry of Earth Sciences has augmented its HPC facility by 6.8 Peta Flops
(PF) which has been installed at two of its constituent units namely, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune
with 4.0 Peta Flops capacity and National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), Noida with 2.8
Peta Flops capacity. With this facility, a paradigm shift in weather and climate modeling activity for operational weather
forecast has been achieved.
 India’s ranking has moved from the 368th position to around the top 30 in the Top500 list of HPC facilities in the
world. India is now placed at the 4thposition after Japan, UK and USA for dedicated HPC resources for weather/climate
community.
 Improved Weather and Cyclone Predictions: A very high resolution (12 km) state of the art Global Ensemble
Prediction Systems (EPS) were commissioned by MoES. The resolution (12 km) of the EPS is the highest among all the
operational global operational weather forecast centres in the world. The Ensemble forecasts enhance the weather
information being provided by the current models by quantifying the uncertainties in the weather forecasts and generate
probabilistic forecasts.
 A Mumbai Weather Live Mobile App has been developed by collating ground measurements recorded by IMD and the
Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, observations from SAFAR-Mumbai, to provide live location specific
information on rainfall. Currently, the app covers about 100 sites spread across Mumbai city, suburban areas, Navi
Mumbai and surrounding areas.
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 Agro-Meteorological Advisory Services (AAS): The Ministry in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR) provides the district level Agromet Advisory Services (AAS) for the benefit of farmers. Farmers make
use of these services for planning the operations like sowing, irrigation, application of fertilizer and pesticide, harvest and
protection of crops from weather disasters.
 Services to Power Sector: India Meteorological Department (IMD) and POSOCO have launched a web portal dedicated
exclusively to energy sector. As the demand of power consumption changes due to change in weather conditions, the
forecasts of weather including temperature, wind and rainfall helped in better load assessment including generation and
distribution of power.
 Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) Advisories: The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)
continued to provide its flagship service of Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisories, which contains information on the
regions of fish availability. PFZ advisories are generated based on the satellite data on Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and
ocean colour along with other environmental parameters such as water clarity and sea level. There was a remarkable
growth in user community during 2018
 Desalination of water: The world’s first ever Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) powered desalination project
was launched in Kavaratti, Lakshadweep. OTEC is a renewable form of energy utilizing thermal gradient present across
the ocean depth. The proposed plant will utilize clean and green energy provided by OTEC to power desalination and this
plant will be set up at Kavaratti. This would not only pave the way for setting up of more environmentally friendly self-
sustainable desalination plants but also help in scaling up the OTEC technology for mainland uses.
 Ocean Science and Technology for Islands: The Atal Centre for Ocean Science and Technology for Islands in Port Blair;
The activities are focused towards offshore open sea cage culture for marine fishes, deep sea microbial technology aimed
at the production of novel bioactive compounds from actinobacteria and other deep sea microorganisms, isolation and
production of bio-molecules from macro algae and seawater quality monitoring.
 Coastal Research: The National Centre for Climate research (NCCR) is an attached office of the ministry with a mandate
to address societal needs of the country. The NCCR would provide scientific and technical support to the coastal states for
conservation and sustainable management of the resources to address blue economy in association with the coastal states.
 This would provide a strong institutional and scientific backing to solve the critical coastal issues and aid in the Nation
building exercise.The coastline of India is undergoing changes due to various anthropogenic and natural
interventions. Population explosion along the coastal area has added to an increase demand for coastal resources. Precise
information on shoreline changes is essential to address the various coastal problems such as coastal erosion; closure of
river / lagoons /creeks mouths, etc.
Please Note:
Vijay Diwas: To remember the indomitable spirit of the brave soldiers who fought in 1971
Timeless Laxman: Book is based on the famous cartoonist RK Laxman
Sardar Patel Award for National Integration: This award would be given for outstanding efforts to further national
integration.
Mantra of Textiles Ministry: Zero defect, Zero Effect (This industry contributes to 7% of industrial output in value terms, 2%
of India’s GDP and 15% of the country’s export earnings.)
Assam is the third largest silk producing state in the country, having potential for production of 3 varieties of silk (mulberry, eri
and muga), sharing around 15% of country’s total raw silk production. Muga silk of Assam is the unique golden-yellow silk
produced only in India.
Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) announced results of the first ever States’ Start-up Ranking 2018:
 Best Performer: Gujarat
 Top Performers: Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, and Rajasthan
24th December: National Consumer Day; with the theme “Timely Disposal of Consumer Complaints”
 On this day the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 had received the assent of the president. The enactment of this Act is
considered as a historic milestone in the consumer movement in the country.
 The Consumer Protection Act aims to provide consumers with effective safeguards against different types of exploitation
such as defective goods, deficiency in services and unfair trade practices. This day provides an opportunity for individuals
to highlight the importance of the consumer movement and the need to make every consumer more aware of their rights
and responsibilities.
A UNESCO Category 2, International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography: At INCOIS, Hyderabad;
Established as a training facility at INCOIS will give an opportunity to the South Asian and African states bordering the Indian
Ocean and the small island nations in the Pacific to benefit from the expertise and experience of INCOIS in the areas of ocean
science and management.
National Productivity Council (NPC) has done a study on ‘Soil Testing Infrastructure for Faster Delivery of Soil Health Cards
in India’ and found that as a result of application of fertilizers as per recommendations of soil health card, there is a decrease in
use of chemical fertilizers in the range of 8-10% and increase in yield of crops to the tune of 5-6%.
The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 was amended under Drugs & Cosmetics (Amendment) Act 2008 to provide stringent
penalties for manufacture of spurious and adulterated drugs. Certain offences have also been made cognizable and non-bailable.
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National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) Project: a device neutral and member centric application created to equip to handle
diverse House Business smartly by putting entire information regarding member contact details, rules of procedure, list of
business, notices, bulletins, bills, starred/unstarred questions and answers, papers laid, committee reports etc. in their hand-held
devices/ tablets and equip all Legislatures/ Departments to handle it efficiently.
 Citizens would also gain access to this information at their fingertips.
 Through the cloud technology (Meghraj), data deployed can be accessed anywhere at any time.
 Further, live webcasting of Lok Sabha TV and Rajya Sabha TVs is also available on this application.
 Doordarshan has already been enabled with provision to incorporate similar facility in respect of State Legislatures.
Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), the sub-scheme under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National
Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) has the objective of helping rural households including women to set-up enterprises.
 As on 30th November 2018, a total of 30,352 enterprises were formed across 20 States where the scheme is operational.
 Skill building support is provided to all the entrepreneurs supported under Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme
through Community Resource Persons for Enterprise Promotion (CRP-EP).
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) has been made operational from the year 2014-15 which aims at
making agriculture more productive, sustainable, remunerative and climate resilient by promoting location specific integrated
/composite farming systems; soil and moisture conservation measures; comprehensive soil health management; eﬃcient water
management practices and mainstreaming rainfed technologies.
 On Farm Water Management (OFWM): Implemented with the objective of enhancing water use efficiency by
promoting technological interventions like drip & sprinkler technologies, efficient water application & distribution system,
secondary storage etc. Thereafter, these activities have been subsumed under the ‘Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)’
component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) during 2015-16.
 The PMKSY-PDMC mainly focuses on water use efficiency at farm level through precision/ Micro Irrigation (Drip and
Sprinkler Irrigation). Besides, promoting precision irrigation and better on farm water management practices to optimize
the use of available water resources, the component also supports micro level water storage or water conservation
/management activities to supplement source creation.
 Rainfed Area Development Programme: The programme focuses on Integrated Farming System for enhancing
productivity and minimizing risks associated with climatic variability. Under this system, crops are integrated with
activities like horticulture, livestock, fishery, vermi-organic compost, green manuaring, apiculture etc. to enable farmers
maximising farm returns for sustained livelihood and mitigate the impacts of drought, flood or other extreme weather
events with the income opportunity from allied activities.
 Soil Health Management (SHM) aims at promoting Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) through judicious use of
chemical fertilizers including secondary and micro nutrients in conjunction with organic manures and bio fertilizers for
improving soil health and its productivity, strengthening of soil and fertilizer testing facilities to improve soil test based
recommendations to farmers for improving soil fertility.
 Soil Health Card will provide information to farmers on soil nutrients status of their soil and recommendation on
appropriate dosage of nutrients to be applied for improving soil health and its fertility.
Antyodaya Anna Yojana: AAY families are to be identified by States/Union Territories (UTs) as per the following criteria:
 Landless agriculture labourers, marginal farmers, rural artisans /craftsmen, such as potters, tanners, weavers, blacksmiths,
carpenters, slum dwellers and persons earning their livelihood on daily basis in the informal sector like porters, coolies,
rickshaw pullers, hand cart pullers, fruit and flower sellers, snake charmers, rag pickers, cobblers, destitute and other
similar categories in both rural and urban areas;
 Households headed by widows or terminally ill persons/disabled persons/ persons aged 60 years or more with no assured
means of subsistence or societal support;
 Widows or terminally ill persons or disabled persons or persons aged 60 years or more or single women or single men with
no family or societal support or assured means of subsistence;
 All primitive tribal households;
 All eligible Below Poverty Line (BPL) families of HIV positive persons
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA): Aims to link the Higher Education Institutions with atleast (5) villages, so that these institutions
can contribute to the economic and social betterment of these village communities using their knowledge base.
 Inspired by the vision of transformational change in rural development processes by leveraging knowledge institutions to
help build the architecture of an Inclusive India.
 It also aims to create a virtuous cycle between the society and an inclusive university system, with the latter providing
knowledge base; practices for emerging livelihoods and to upgrade the capabilities of both the public and private sectors
Objectives of the scheme are
 To engage the faculty and students of Higher Educational Institutions in understanding rural realities
 Identify and select existing innovative technologies, enable customization of existing technologies and development of
new technologies, or devise implementation methods for innovative solutions, as required by people
 To allow Higher Educational Institutions to contribute to devising systems for smooth implementation of various
Government Programs.
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Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana: To provide skilling to one crore people under Short Term Training (STT),
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Special Project (SP) across the country for over four years i.e. 2016-2020.
 Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 2016-20 has two components known as Centrally Sponsored Centrally
Managed (CSCM) being implemented by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Centrally Sponsored State
Managed (CSSM) being implemented by State Skill Development Missions of the States/ UTs popularly known as State-
Engagement Component of PMKVY (2016-20).
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY): Primary objective of developing the micro enterprise sector in the country by
extending various supports including financial support so as to achieve the goal of “funding the unfunded”
Pradhan Mantri Yuva Udyamita Vikas Abhiyan (PM-YUVA): Under the scheme, entrepreneurship education is given to
encourage entrepreneurship and help people to become self-employed within the country.
Boost to educational infrastructure in tribal areas
 Each block with over 50% tribal population and over 20,000 tribals to have EMRSs
 462 new Eklavya Model Residential Schools to set up
 Autonomous Society under M/o Tribal Affairs to run the EMRSs
 Cabinet approves revamping of ‘Eklavya Model Residential Schools’
National Digital Communications Policy 2018
 Objective: Catalyse the achievement of the Digital India dream of our Government by nurturing and promoting a robust,
competitive, and sustainable digital communications sector
 Objectives such as Broadband for All and the promise of Creating 4 Million Jobs in the sector have the potential to
drastically alter the dynamics of the sector, and make it possibly the single-most important enabler of socio-economic
development of the country.
Special Economic Zones (SEZs) policy
The salient features of the SEZ scheme are: –
 A designated duty-free enclave to be treated as a territory outside the customs territory of India for the purpose of
authorised operations in the SEZ;
 No licence required for import;
 Manufacturing or service activities allowed;
 The Unit shall achieve Positive Net Foreign Exchange to be calculated cumulatively for a period of five years from the
commencement of production;
 Domestic sales subject to full customs duty and import policy in force;
 Full freedom for sub-contracting;
 No routine examination by customs authorities of export or import cargo;
 SEZ developers, co-developers and units enjoy direct tax and indirect tax benefits as prescribed in the SEZs Act.
Measures to help the Rubber Growers
The Government has taken various measures to help rubber farmers struggling due to price fall of natural rubbers –
 Domestic rubber prices are highly sensitive to import of natural rubber. To regulate the import of natural rubber, the
Government has increased duty on import of dry rubber to create demand for locally produced rubber.
 Port restriction imposed on the import of natural rubber by restricting the port entry to Chennai and Nhava Sheva
(Jawaharlal Nehru Port) since 20th January, 2016.
 Rubber production incentive scheme is under implementation in the major rubber growing state of Kerala for providing
financial support to rubber growers under which the difference between the scheme reference price and the daily market
price is credited to the bank account of the farmer directly on the basis of purchase bills.
Project ‘Mausam’
 Implementation by: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as the nodal agency with research support of the Indira Gandhi
National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and National Museum as associate bodies.
 Aim: To explore the multi-faceted Indian Ocean ‘world’ – collating archaeological and historical research in order to
document the diversity of cultural, commercial and religious interactions in the Indian Ocean.
 Objective: To inscribe places and sites identified under Project Mausam as trans-national nomination for inscription on
UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Impactful Policy Research in Social Sciences (IMPRESS)
 Launched to promote Social Science Research in the country
 Under the Scheme, 1500 research projects will be awarded for 2 years to support the social science research in the higher
educational institutions and to enable research to guide policy making.
POSHAN Abhiyaan aims to reduce malnutrition from the country in a phased manner, through the life cycle concept, by
adopting a synergised and result oriented approach.
 Ensure mechanisms for timely service delivery and a robust monitoring as well as intervention infrastructure.
 The POSHAN Abhiyaan through the targets will strive to reduce the level of stunting, under-nutrition, anaemia and low
birth weight babies.
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 It will create synergy, ensure better monitoring, issue alerts for timely action, and encourage States/UTs to perform, guide
and supervise the line Ministries and States/UTs to achieve the targeted goals. Convergance, organising Community Based
Events, IEC and Advocacy, Jan Andolan, Incremental Learning training, ICDS-CAS etc. are core components of
POSHAN Abhiyaan which will also help to bring down stunting in children.
Government Initiatives in North Eastern region
 NITI Forum for North East – Focussed attention for development of NER: To prepare plans for the development of
the North East Region. The development projects in the NER would be based on the concept of “HIRA” (Highways,
Inland Waterways, Railways and Airways) and the emphasis would also be made on Education, Health and Skill
Development in the region.
 National Bamboo Mission: Allocation of Rs.1,290 crore

o Sikkim arrives on India’s air link map: Pakyong Airport in Sikkim; the first airport in the Himalayan State, and
the 100th airport in the country. In order to ensure that Pakyong Airport is affordable to the common man, this
airport is part of the UDAN scheme.
o Digital North East Vision 2022 released: The Vision Document identifies eight digital thrust areas – Digital
Infrastructure, Digital services, Digital empowerment, Promotion of Electronics Manufacturing, Promotion of IT
and ITes including BPOs, Digital Payments, Innovation & Startups and Cyber security.
 India’s first National Sports University
World Heritage Sites in India
Name of Site
Agra Fort (1983)
Ajanta Caves (1983)
Ellora Caves (1983)
Taj Mahal (1983)
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)
Sun Temple, Konarak (1984)
Churches and Convents of Goa (1986)
Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)
Khajuraho, Group of Temples (1986)
Elephanta Caves (1987)
Great Living Chola Temples at Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram

(1987 & 2004)
Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi (1993)
Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)
Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Park (2004)
Red Fort Complex, Delhi (2007)
Hill Forts of Rajasthan

(Chittaurgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Jaisalmer and Ranthambhore, Amber and Gagron Forts)
(2013)
(Amber and Gagron Forts are under protection of Rajasthan State Archaeology and Museums)
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Rani-ki-Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan (2014)
Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda University) at Nalanda (2016)

Under Protection of Ministry of Railways
23. Mountain Railways of India (Darjeeling,1999), Nilgiri (2005), Kalka-Shimla (2008)
24. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004)

Under Protection of Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee
25 Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, (2002)
Under Protection of Rajasthan State Archaeology and Museums

26. The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)
Under Protection of Chandigarh Administration

The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the
27.
Modern Movement (2016)
Under Protection of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation

28. Historic City of Ahmedabad (2017)
Under Protection of Bombay Municipal Corporation

29. Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai (2018)
NATURAL SITES:
Under Protection of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Changes
30. Kaziranga National Park (1985)
31. Keoladeo National Park (1985)
32. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)
33. Sunderbans National Park (1987)
34. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988, 2005)
35. Western Ghats (2012)
36 Great Himalayan National Park (2014)

MIXED SITE:
Under Protection of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Changes
37. Khangchendzonga National Park (2016)
Quotes:
India’s soft power
 India must use its moral and cultural strength to influence public opinion for establishing a truly peaceful, just and more
equitable world order.
 Soft power has been defined as the ability of nations to shape the preferences and influence the behavior of other nations
through appeal and attraction as opposed to coercion. It includes the ability to affect others through persuasion, agenda-
framing and positive attraction using culture, values, inherent knowledge, spirituality, wisdom and foreign policy.
 Soft Power represents one of the newest frameworks through which India could leverage its role in the international order.
 India never had ambitions of hegemony or attacked anybody and always believed in peaceful co-existence with other
nations in an equitable world order. India always believed in using soft power for the welfare and betterment of the entire
humanity. Share and care is the core of Indian philosophy.
 From Yoga to spirituality to Bollywood, from Bharatnatyam to Budhism, from cuisine to tourism, India has immense
potential to use its soft power for expanding global outreach. All-pervading presence of the internet should be used to
project India’s soft power.
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To promote safe driving

 Every year, road accidents claim over one lakh lives and, in most cases, victims are youngsters. These tragedies are
avoidable if basic precautions are taken. Negligence, over-speeding, disobeying traffic rules, drunken driving & bad roads
are the reasons for most road accidents
 Stipulations like wearing helmets and seat belts must be implemented strictly and effectively. Faulty road designs and
frequent accident-prone zones should be identified and adequate precautionary measures must be taken to prevent road
accidents. Scientific management of traffic, smart policing and stringent punishment to rules violators will aid ensuring
better behavior on roads.
 Suggested to adopt “SAFE” principles to prevent road accidents:
S – Speed in limit
A – Awareness spreading
F – Follow traffic rules
E – Empathise with the victim
Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 24th Dec to 30 Dec – 2018
ARCHIVES
Note: Since the yearly reviews are included in this, PIB this week is extremely Prelims specific. However, it acts as a goldmine
for questions in Mains that deals about the steps taken by Government to deal with a specific issue. It is important that you be
cognizant of the fact that not every information is to be remembered; as some of the information helps you shape your
perspective and refine it further. All the very best!
GS-2
Cabinet approves
A) Submission of India’s Second Biennial Update Report (BUR) to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC)
The scope of BUR is to provide an update to India’s first BUR to UNFCCC. The BUR contains five major components —
 National Circumstances
 National Greenhouse Gas Inventory
 Mitigation Actions
 Finance
 Technology and Capacity Building Needs and Support Received and Domestic Monitoring
 Reporting and Verification (MRV) arrangements
B) Setting up of the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) Bill, 2018
Seeks to replace the existing regulator Central Council for Homoeopathy (CCH) with a new body to ensure transparency.
 The draft bill provides for the constitution of a National Commission with three autonomous boards entrusted with
conducting overall education of Homoeopathy by Homoeopathy Education Board. The Board of assessment and rating to
assess and grant permission to educational institutions of Homoeopathy and Board of ethics and registration of
practitioners of Homoeopathy to maintain National Register and ethical issues relating to practice are under the National
Commission for Homoeopathy.
 It also proposes a common entrance exam and an exit exam which all graduates will have to clear to get practicing
licenses. Further, a teacher’s eligibility test has been proposed to assess the standard of teachers before appointment and
promotions.
 It further aims at bringing reforms in the medical education of Homoeopathy in lines with the National Medical
Commission proposed for setting up for Allopathy system of medicine. The CCH had been earlier superseded by Board of
Governors through an Ordinance and subsequent amendment of Act.
C) Setting up of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2018: Seeks to replace the existing regulator
Central Council for Indian Medicine (CCIM) with a new body to ensure transparency.
 Provides for the constitution of a National Commission with four autonomous boards entrusted with conducting overall
education of Ayurveda, under Board of Ayurveda and Unani, Siddha &Sowarigpa under Board of Unaini, Siddha and
Sowarigpa. There are two common Boards namely, Board of assessment and rating to assess and grant permission to
educational institutions of Indian systems of Medicine and Board of ethics and registration of practitioners of Indian
systems of medicine to maintain National Register and ethical issues relating to practice under the National Commission
for Indian Medicine.
 It also proposes a common entrance exam and an exit exam, which all graduates will have to clear to get practicing
licenses. Further, a teacher’s eligibility test has been proposed in the Bill to assess the standard of teachers before
appointment and promotions.
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 The draft bill is aimed at bringing reforms in the medical education of Indian medicine sector in lines with the National
Medical Commission proposed for setting up for Allopathy system of medicine.
 The proposed regulatory structure will enable transparency and accountability for protecting the interest of the general
public. The NCIM will promote availability of affordable healthcare services in all parts of the country.
D) Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification 2018: The move comes in the backdrop of a series of representations received
by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change from various Coastal States/UTs, besides other stakeholders, for a
comprehensive review of the provisions of the CRZ Notification, 2011, particularly related to the management and conservation
of marine and coastal eco-systems, development in coastal areas, eco-tourism, livelihood option and sustainable development of
coastal communities etc.
It will lead to enhanced activities in the coastal regions thereby promoting economic growth while also respecting the
conservation principles of coastal regions. It will not only result in significant employment generation but also to better life and
add value to the economy of India. The new notification is expected to rejuvenate the coastal areas while reducing their
vulnerabilities.
Salient Features:
1. Allowing FSI as per current norms in CRZ areas: As per CRZ, 2011 Notification, for CRZ-II (Urban) areas, Floor Space
Index (FSI) or the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) had been frozen as per 1991 Development Control Regulation (DCR) levels. In
the CRZ, 2018 Notification, it has been decided to de-freeze the same and permit FSI for construction projects, as prevailing
on the date of the new Notification. This will enable redevelopment of these areas to meet the emerging needs.
2. Densely populated rural areas to be afforded greater opportunity for development: For CRZ-III (Rural) areas, two
separate categories have now been stipulated as below:
(a) CRZ-III A – These are densely populated rural areas with a population density of 2161 per square kilometre as per 2011
Census. Such areas shall have a No Development Zone (NDZ) of 50 meters from the HTL as against 200 meters from the High
Tide Line stipulated in the CRZ Notification, 2011 since such areas have similar characteristics as urban areas.
(b) CRZ-III B – Rural areas with population density of below 2161 per square kilometre as per 2011 Census. Such areas shall
continue to have an NDZ of 200 meters from the HTL.
 Tourism infrastructure for basic amenities to be promoted: Temporary tourism facilities such as shacks, toilet blocks,
change rooms, drinking water facilities etc. have now been permitted in Beaches. Such temporary tourism facilities are
also now permissible in the “No Development Zone” (NDZ) of the CRZ-III areas as per the Notification. However, a
minimum distance of 10 m from HTL should be maintained for setting up of such facilities.
 CRZ Clearances streamlined: The procedure for CRZ clearances has been streamlined. Only such projects/activities, which
are located in the CRZ-I (Ecologically Sensitive Areas) and CRZ IV (area covered between Low Tide Line and 12
Nautical Miles seaward) shall be dealt with for CRZ clearance by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change. The powers for clearances with respect to CRZ-II and III have been delegated at the State level with necessary
guidance.
1. A No Development Zone (NDZ) of 20 meters has been stipulated for all Islands: For islands close to the main land coast
and for all Backwater Islands in the main land, in wake of space limitations and unique geography of such regions, bringing
uniformity in treatment of such regions, NDZ of 20 m has been stipulated.
2. All Ecologically Sensitive Areas have been accorded special importance: Specific guidelines related to their conservation
and management plans have been drawn up as a part of the CRZ Notification.
3. Pollution abatement has been accorded special focus: In order to address pollution in Coastal areas treatment facilities
have been made permissible activities in CRZ-I B area subject to necessary safeguards.
4. Defence and strategic projects have been accorded necessary dispensation
Committee involved: The Shailesh Nayank Committee
E) Amendment in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012: The amendment is expected to
discourage the trend of child sexual abuse by acting as a deterrent due to strong penal provisions incorporated in the Act. It may
protect the interest of vulnerable children in times of distress and ensures their safety and dignity. The amendment aims to
establish clarity regarding the aspects of child abuse and punishment thereof.
 The POCSO Act, 2012 was enacted to Protect the Children from Offences of Sexual Assault, Sexual harassment and
pornography with due regard for safeguarding the interest and well-being of children. The Act defines a child as any
person below eighteen years of age, and regards the best interests and welfare of the child as matter of paramount
importance at every stage, to ensure the healthy physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of the child. The
act is gender neutral.
 The amendment in Section-4, Section-5, Section-6, Section-9, Section-14, Section-15 and Section-42 of Protection of
Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, is made to address the aspects of child sexual abuse in appropriate
manner. The modification is made to address the need for stringent measures required to deter the rising trend of child sex
abuse in the country.
 To discourage the trend of child sexual abuse by acting as a deterrent Section-4, Section-5 and Section-6 are proposed to
be amended to provide option of stringent punishment, including death penalty, for committing aggravated penetrative
sexual assault crime on a child to protect the children from sexual abuse.
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 The amendments are also proposed in section-9 to protect children from sexual offences in times of natural calamities and
disasters and in cases where children are administered, in any way, any hormone or any chemical substance, to attains
early sexual maturity for the purpose of penetrative sexual assault.
 Section-14 and Section-15 of the POCSO Act, 2012 are also proposed to be amended to address the menace of the child
pornography. It is proposed to levy fine for not destroying/or deleting/ or reporting the pornographic material involving a
child. The person can be further penalized with jail term or fine or both for transmitting/propagating/administrating such
material in any manner except for the purpose of reporting as may be prescribed and for use as evidence in court. Penal
provisions have been made more stringent for storing/possessing any pornographic material in any form involving a child
for commercial purpose.
F) Indian Human Spaceflight Initiative: Gaganyaan Programme
 Gaganyaan Programme will establish a broader framework for collaboration between ISRO, academia, industry, national
agencies and other scientific organizations.
 This will allow pooling in of diverse technological and industrial capabilities and enable broader participation in research
opportunities and technology development benefitting large number of students and researchers.
 The flight system realization will be through Industry.
 It is expected to generate employment and train human resources in advanced technologies.
 It will inspire large number of young students to take up science and technology careers for national development.
 Gaganyaan Programme is a national effort and will involve the participation of the Industry, Academia and National
Agencies spread across the length and breadth of the country.
Impact:
 The programme is expected to spur research and development within the country in niche science and technology domains.
 Huge potential for technology spinoffs in areas such as medicine, agriculture, industrial safety, pollution, waste
management, water and food resource management etc.
 Human spaceflight programme will provide a unique micro-gravity platform in space for conducting experiments and test
bed for future technologies.
 The programme is expected to give impetus to economic activities within the country in terms of employment generation,
human resource development and enhanced industrial capabilities.
 Human Spaceflight capability will enable India to participate as a collaborating partner in future Global space exploration
initiatives with long term national benefits.
G) Cabinet apprised of two Bilateral MoUs between India and Cuba, and India and Korea in the area of
Biotechnology: The MoUs have been signed to
 Strengthen the Indo-Cuba and Indo-Republic of Korea bilateral ties
 Work out the future agenda for the collaboration for Innovation in S&T Diplomacy to evolve a concrete strategic plan in
the area of biotechnology education, training and research.
 The proposal has the potential towards employment generation for more than 50 postgraduates and Ph.Ds in biological
sciences and related areas for a period of upto five years.
GS-3
India submits Sixth National Report to the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD)
(Topic: Environment Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment)
India is among the first five countries in the world, the first in Asia and the first among the biodiversity rich megadiverse
countries to have submitted NR6 to the CBD Secretariat.
Submission of national reports is a mandatory obligation on Parties to international treaties, including CBD. As a responsible
nation, India has never reneged on its international commitments and has earlier submitted on time five National Reports to the
CBD.
The NR6 provides an update of progress in achievement of 12 National Biodiversity Targets (NBT) developed under the
Convention process in line with the 20 global Aichi biodiversity targets. Briefly, the Report highlights that while India has
exceeded/overachieved two NBTs, it is on track to achieve eight NBTs and in respect of the remaining two NBTs also, India is
striving to meet the targets by the stipulated time of 2020.
 With well over 20 percent of its total geographical area under biodiversity conservation, India has exceeded the terrestrial
component of 17 percent of Aichi target 11, and 20 percent of corresponding NBT relating to areas under biodiversity
management. Similarly, India has also made noteworthy achievement towards NBT relating to access and benefit sharing
(ABS) by operationalising the Nagoya Protocol on ABS. Having published the first internationally recognized certificate
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of compliance (IRCC) under the Protocol in 2015, India has since published nearly 75% of the IRCCs published so far on
ABS Clearing House. Thus, in respect of these two NBTs (6 and 9), the progress made by India has exceeded the targets.
 India has done well on raising awareness about biodiversity, which is an important thrust area in several programmes of
the Government. As a megadiverse country harbouring nearly 7-8% of globally recorded species while supporting 18% of
the global human population on a mere 2.4% of the world’s land area, India’s quest for inclusive economic development
while maintaining integrity of its natural capital is being pursued through various programmes and strategies.
 Measures have been adopted for sustainable management of agriculture, fisheries and forests, with a view to provide food
and nutritional security to all without destroying the natural resource base while ensuring intergenerational environmental
equity. Programmes are in place to maintain genetic diversity of cultivated plants, farms livestock and their wild relatives,
towards minimising genetic erosion and safeguarding their genetic diversity.
 Mechanisms and enabling environment are being created for recognising and protecting the vast heritage of coded and oral
traditional knowledge relating to biodiversity for larger human welfare while safeguarding the interests and rights of the
local communities as creators and holders of this knowledge.
 India has been investing a huge amount on biodiversity directly or indirectly through several development schemes of the
Central and State Governments, to the tune of Rs 70,000 crores per annum as against the estimated annual requirement of
nearly Rs 1,09,000 crores.
 India has nearly two third of the population of wild tigers in the world. The population of lion has risen from 177 in 1968
to over 520 in 2015, and elephants from 12,000 in 1970s to 30,000 in 2015. One-horned Indian Rhino which was on the
brink of extinction during the early 20th century, now number 2400.
 Further, while globally over 0.3 % of total recorded species are critically endangered, in India only 0.08% of the species
recorded are in this category. India is committed to protecting its rich heritage of biodiversity which are so vital to our
economic and social development.
Please Note:
2023: Year of Millets
Ace Badminton Player Ms. P.V. Sindhu: Scripted history by becoming the 1st Indian to win BWF World Tour Finals
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) software enables the identification of malnourished children based on auto-
plotting of Growth Charts. The drill–down dashboard available at National, State, District, Block level enables timely
identification and interventions to address the problem of under-nutrition.
Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY), the sub-scheme under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural
Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) to facilitate transport facilities in the rural areas and also provide job opportunities to
members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under DAY-NRLM.
 To provide safe, affordable and community monitored rural transport services to connect remote villages with key services
and amenities (including access to markets, education and health) for the overall economic development of the area by
making use of the supports available within the framework of DAY-NRLM.
 To provide an alternative source of livelihoods to members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their families under DAY-
NRLM by facilitating them to operate public transport services in backward rural areas, as identified by the States.
National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)
Scheme: Integrated development of identified pilgrimage destinations
Adopt a Heritage Project: To provide world class tourist facilities at the various natural/cultural heritage sites, monuments and
other tourist sites. The project plans to entrust heritage sites/monuments and other tourist sites to private sector companies, public
sector companies and individuals for the development of various tourist amenities.
Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP): In order to skill youth in environment, forest and wildlife sectors and enable
them to be gainfully employed/ self-employed
North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS), 2017 covers eligible industrial units in the manufacturing and service
sectors Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim to promote industrialization
and boost employment and income generation.
National Investment & Manufacturing Zones (NIMZs) are one of the important instruments of National Manufacturing
Policy, 2011. NIMZs are envisaged as large areas of developed land with the requisite eco-system for promoting world class
manufacturing activity. The main objective of Special Economic Zones is promotion of exports, while NIMZs are based on the
principle of industrial growth in partnership with States and focuses on manufacturing growth and employment generation.
NIMZs are different from SEZs in terms of size, level of infrastructure planning, governance structures related to regulatory
procedures, and exit policies.
National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS)
 To oversee dam safety activities in various States and suggest improvements to bring these in line with the latest state-of-
art consistently with Indian conditions.
 To act as a forum of exchange of views on techniques adopted for remedial measures to relieve distress.
 To monitor the follow-up action on the report on dam safety procedures.
 To recommend any other measures connected with dam safety.
Release of commemorative stamp and coin on Paika Rebellion:
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The Paika Rebellion (Paika Bidroha) (predates the first war of independence in 1857 but did not get similar recognition) was
fought against British rule, in Odisha in 1817. The Paikas rose in rebellion under their leader Bakshi Jagabandhu and, projecting
Jagannath as the symbol of Odia unity, the rebellion quickly spread across most of Odisha before being ruthlessly put down by
the company’s forces.
It was aimed at upholding the rights of the Odia people and sovereignty of Odisha. Paika Rebellion was not only the rebellion of
Paikas, it was a National War waged by ordinary people at the grassroots level who resented the dispossession of their Sovereign
of his rights and the consequential repressive measures that followed.
Who were the Paikas?
The Paikas were the traditional militia of Odisha. They served as warriors and were charged with policing functions during
peacetime.
Reasons behind the war:
 The Paiks were alienated by the British regime, who took over the hereditary rent-free lands granted to them after the
conquest of Khurda. They were also subjected to extortion and oppression at the hands of the company government and its
servants.
 The extortionist land revenue policy of the company affected the peasants and the zamindars alike. A source of much
consternation for the common people was the rise in prices of salt due to taxes imposed on it by the new government.
 The company also abolished the system of cowrie currency that had existed in Odisha prior to its conquest and required
that taxes be paid in silver. This caused much popular hardship and discontent.
 In 1804 the Raja of Khurda planned a rebellion against the British in alliance with the Paiks, but the plot was soon
discovered and the Raja’s territory confiscated.
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation
Aim: To establish infrastructure that could ensure adequate robust sewage networks and water supply for urban transformation
by implementing urban revival projects.
Rajasthan: First state in the country to submit State Annual Action Plan under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban
Transformation (AMRUT).
Mission of AMRUT:
 Ensure that every household has access to a tap with assured supply of water and a sewerage connection
 Increase the amenity value of cities by developing greenery and well-maintained open spaces (e.g. parks)
 Reduce pollution by switching to public transport or constructing facilities for non-motorized transport (e.g. walking and
cycling).
Synergy between Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT
The two missions that were simultaneously launched – Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT are interlinked. AMRUT adopts a
project approach to ensure basic infrastructure services in 500 cities and towns. Smart Cities Mission adopts an area-based
approach in 100 cities with focus on core infrastructure services like: Adequate and clean Water supply, Sanitation and Solid
Waste Management, Efficient Urban Mobility and Public Transportation, Affordable housing for the poor, power supply, robust
IT connectivity, Governance, especially e-governance and citizen participation, safety and security of citizens, health and
education and sustainable urban environment.
Note: The World Bank has recently released the Doing Business Report (DBR) 2019 and the country’s rank in Construction
Permits indicator has gone up to 52 from 181, a year ago. This was achieved due to the reforms implemented and consistent
efforts of the Municipal Corporations of Delhi and Mumbai in facilitating Ease of Doing Business in construction permits.
Must Read: Link 1
Doubling of Farmers’ Income
The Government has been reorienting the agriculture sector by focusing on an income-centeredness which goes beyond achieving
merely the targeted production. The income approach focuses on achieving high productivity, reduced cost of cultivation and
remunerative price on the produce, with a view to earn higher profits from farming.
 Initiating market reforms through the State Governments by amending the agriculture marketing regime.
 Encouraging contract farming through the State Governments by promulgating of Model Contract Farming Act.
 22,000 Gramin Haats are to be upgraded to work as centers of aggregation and for direct purchase of agricultural
commodities from the farmers.
 Launch of eNAM initiative to provide farmers an electronic online trading platform.
 Implementation of flagship scheme of distribution of Soil Health Cards to farmers so that the use of fertilizers can be
optimized. So far more than 15 crore Soil Health Cards have been distributed in two cycles.
 “Per drop more crop” initiative under which drip/sprinkler irrigation is being encouraged for optimal utilization of water.
 “Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)” under which organic farming is being promoted. North East is being
developed as organic hub.
 A revised farmer friendly “Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)” have been launched. The scheme covers various
types of risks from pre-sowing to post harvest and the farmers have to pay very nominal premium.
 Under “Har Medh Par Ped”, agro forestry is being promoted for supplementing farm income, increase risk management
and climate resilient agriculture as an important component of Integrated Farming Systems
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 The Indian Forest Act, 1927 was amended to exclude bamboo from the definition of ‘trees’. Henceforth bamboo grown
outside forest area will not be regulated under the provisions of felling and transit rules. As a corollary the restructured
National Bamboo Mission was launched for development of the value chain of bamboo as a measure to strengthen rural
economy by linking the producer (farmer) to markets (industry).
 Launch of PM-Asha scheme which will ensure MSP to farmers for oilseeds, pulses and copra.
 Minimum Support Price (MSP) is notified by the Government for certain crops. Giving a major boost for the farmers
income, the Government has approved the increase in the MSPs for all Kharif & Rabi crops for 2018-19 season at a level
of at least 150 percent of the cost of production.
 Bee keeping has been promoted under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) to increase the
productivity of crops through pollination and increase the honey production as an additional source of income of farmers.
 Rashtriya Gokul Mission has been implemented to enhance milk production and productivity of bovines and to make milk
production more remunerative to the farmers.
 National Livestock Mission has been implemented to increase productivity and genetic improvement of livestock.
 Foreseeing high potential in fisheries sector, a Blue Revolution with multi-dimensional activities mainly focusing on
fisheries production, both inland and marine is being implemented.
 The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), on of the eight Missions under the PM’s National Action Plan
on Climate Change is anchored in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The revised strategy document for
2018-2030 was prepared for enhancing preparedness of the agriculture and allied sector towards the challenges posed by
climate change
New initiatives taken for increasing production and productivity of Nutri-Cereals from 2018-19 onwards: –
 Breeder seed production of nutri-cereals
 Creation of seed hubs
 Certified seed production
 Seed mini kits allocation
 Strengthening/creation of Center of Excellence
 Publicity of nutri-cereals
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY) is an important scheme of the Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture and
Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW), aimed at strengthening infrastructure in agriculture and allied areas.
Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)
PM-AASHA will provide MSP assurance to farmers: A reflection of Government’s commitment to the “Annadata”
Giving a major boost to the pro-farmer initiatives of the Government and in keeping with its commitment and dedication for the
Annadata, the Union Cabinet has approved a new Umbrella Scheme “Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan’ (PM-
AASHA).
The Scheme is aimed at ensuring remunerative prices to the farmers for their produce as announced in the Union Budget for
2018.
Components of PM-AASHA:
The new Umbrella Scheme includes the mechanism of ensuring remunerative prices to the farmers and is comprised of
 Price Support Scheme (PSS),
 Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS)
 Pilot of Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPPS).
National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana – HRIDAY
By: The Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India
Aim: To preserve and revitalise soul of the heritage city to reflect the city’s unique character by encouraging aesthetically
appealing, accessible, informative & secured environment.
Objectives:
 Planning, development and implementation of heritage sensitive infrastructure.
 Service delivery and infrastructure provisioning in historic city core areas.
 Preserve and revitalize heritage wherein tourists can connect directly with city’s unique character.
 Develop and document a heritage asset inventory of cities – natural, cultural, living and built heritage as a basis for urban
planning, growth and service provision & delivery.
 Implementation and enhancement of basic services delivery with focus on sanitation services like public conveniences,
toilets, water taps, street lights with use of latest technologies in improving tourist facilities/amenities.
 Local capacity enhancement for inclusive heritage-based industry.
 Create effective linkages between tourism and cultural facilities and also the conservation of natural and built heritage.
 Urban heritage adaptive rehabilitation and maintenance, including appropriate technologies for historic buildings
retrofitting.
 Establish and manage effective public private partnership for adaptive urban rehabilitation.
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 Development and promotion of core tangible economic activities to enhance avenues of livelihoods amongst stakeholders.
This would also include necessary skill development amongst them including making public spaces accessible and
developing cultural spaces.
 Making cities informative with use of modern ICT tools and making cities secure with modern surveillance and security
apparatus like CCTV etc.
 Increase accessibility i.e. physical access (roads as well as universal design) and intellectual access (i.e. digital heritage
and GIS mapping of historical locations/ tourist maps and routes).
Year-end report of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
1. Policy, Framework & Standards
 Launch of the National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in 2015: First ever comprehensive policy
framework for skill development of the country
 National Skill Development Mission launched– First ever national implementation plan covering all states, territories and
people
 Common Norms – launched in 2015 to provide harmonization of training costs, processes, assessments, certification and
outcome. Presently over 20 Ministries are implementing skill development schemes
 Enforcement of National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) –more than 2,000Qualification Packs developed in four
years
1. Programs/Initiatives
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): It is one of the flagship schemes of the Ministry aimed at providing free-
of-cost skill training to over 1 Crore youth in 4 years in 221+ job roles; offering short term training between 2 months to 6
months.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK): It is an initiative towards creation of “Model Training Centers” with standardized
infrastructure for delivery of skill development training to be opened in every district of India; aiming to make benchmark
institutions that can demonstrate aspirational value for competency-based skill development amongst key stakeholders- industry
and trainees.
National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS): The scheme is aimed to increase the involvement of industries and
employers in engaging youth as apprentices and providing on-the-job skill training to create a ready workforce. The government
reimburses part of stipend paid by the employer.
SANKALP: Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) project aims to implement the
mandate of the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM)
STRIVE: “Skills Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE)” is an outcome-based project, marking a shift
in government’s implementation strategy in vocational education and training from inputs to results building in a strong shift to
an outcome-based skill ecosystem. The STRIVE project aims at creating awareness through industry clusters/ geographical
chambers that would address the challenge of involvement of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs).
Vision for the future of mobility in India
7 Cs: Common, Connected, Convenient, Congestion-free, Charged, Clean and Cutting-edge.
 Public Transport must be the cornerstone of India’s mobility initiatives
 It must be integrated with geographies and different modes of transport
 Mobility should be safe, affordable and accessible to all sections of society
 It must be a check on the economic and environment costs of congestion
 Investments are being made across value chains from batteries to smart charging to Electric Vehicle manufacturing
 Mobility must be powered by clean energy which is India’s most powerful weapon in the fight against climate change
 It is a sector with immense opportunity for innovation and growth which can help solve problems for public good
FAME-India [Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India]: The scheme is being
implemented over a period of 6 years till 2020.
 It will support the hybrid and electric vehicles market development and its manufacturing eco-system to achieve self-
sustenance at the end of this period.
 Government of India is committed to instil confidence in the industry and allow them to plan required investments and
create needed capacities.
 This will also enable the scheme to align with Government’s Make in India initiative.
 The scheme focuses on four areas:
o Technology Development
o Demand Creation
o Pilot Projects
o Charging Infrastructure
Vision for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)
CPSEs are the wealth of the nation and will be an important catalyst to fulfil the vision of New India by 2022.
Three mantras for CPSEs- Incentives, Imagination and Institution building in order to bring about this transformation –
 Unique incentives, not necessarily financial, will energize the public enterprises.
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 Imagination will bring about technological changes for which leadership is necessary
 Institution building will transform the public enterprises from Maharatna into New India Ratna Enterprises.
Formulae which will prepare the CPSEs to compete with the best companies in the world: 5 Ps- Performance, Process, Persona,
Procurement and Preparedness
Quotes
On Sports
 Every child should be encouraged to take up some form of sporting activity from early days.
 Participating in sports will instill confidence, team spirit and helps children to become better human beings.
 It is essential to be a healthy nation to become a wealthy and prosperous nation.
On Good Governance
 Good Governance and Reforms must empower the last man in the queue
 Development strategy to be effective & should help achieve broad-based economic growth
 People’s cooperation is vital for the development of the nation
 Need to nurture sustainable agricultural practices and place great emphasis on the efficiency to meet the food and nutrition
needs of India. There is a need to modernize and consolidate Indian agriculture and said that ‘Maximum output through
optimal utilization of resources’ should be the Mantra.
 India that witnessed a growth rate of 7.1% during the last quarter of 2018 must build on the growth story further by taking
advantage of the youth power by realising the demographic dividend.
IASbaba imparts 360-degree IAS preparation solutions with their exhaustive Prelims and Mains preparation courses, supported
by the latest UPSC preparation material. Avail our expert help by enrolling with us to keep your knowledge updated and stay
ahead of your competition.
Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 31st Dec to 6th Jan – 2019
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GS-2
Menstrual Hygiene for Adolescent girls Schemes

implementation)
Objective: To address the need of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls residing primarily in rural areas
Funds are provided to States/UTs through National Health Mission for decentralized procurement of sanitary napkins packs for
provision primarily to rural adolescent girls at subsidized rates as per proposals received from the States and UTs in their
Programme Implementation Plans.
This scheme encompasses the following:
 Increasing awareness among adolescent girls on Menstrual Hygiene
 Improving access to and use of high-quality sanitary napkins by adolescent girls in rural areas.
 Ensuring safe disposal of Sanitary Napkins in an environmentally friendly manner.
 Provision of funds to ASHAs to hold monthly meeting with adolescents to discuss issues related to menstrual hygiene.
A range of IEC material has been developed around Menstrual hygiene Scheme, using a 360 degree approach to create awareness
among adolescent girls about safe & hygienic menstrual health practices which includes audio, video and reading materials for
adolescent girls and job-aids for ASHAs and other field level functionaries for communicating with adolescent girls.
ASHAs across the country are trained and play a significant role in promotion of use and distribution of the sanitary napkins.
Department of Health Research, under the Ministry of Health, is involved in assessment of all newer, alternative, environment
friendly menstrual hygiene products to look into their safety and acceptability features.
Cabinet approves/apprised of
MoU between India and Morocco on Cooperation in the area of Cyber Security: The MoU intends to promote closer
cooperation for exchange of knowledge and experience in detection, resolution and prevention of security-related incidents
between India and Morocco. Implementation of the MoU will result in significant mutual benefits in the Cyber Security sector,
through institutional and capacity building with Morocco in the field of Cyber Security.
High level committee to implement Clause 6 of Assam Accord Several Longstanding demands of Bodos also
approved: After Assam agitation of 1979-1985, Assam Accord was signed on 15th August, 1985. Clause 6 of the Assam Accord
envisaged that appropriate constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards, shall be provided to protect, preserve and
promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people. The Committee shall examine the
effectiveness of actions since 1985 to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, will hold discussions with all stakeholders and
assess the required quantum of reservation of seats in Assam Legislative Assembly and local bodies for Assamese people. The
Committee will also assess the requirement of measures to be taken to protect Assamese and other indigenous languages of
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Assam, quantum of reservation in employment under Government of Assam and other measures to protect, preserve and promote
cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of Assamese people.
First-ever three-way merger in Indian Banking with amalgamation of Vijaya, Dena and Bank of Baroda: with Bank of
Baroda as the transferee bank and Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank as transferor banks. The amalgamation will be the first-ever three-
way consolidation of banks in India, with the amalgamated bank being India’s second largest Public Sector Bank.
 Help create a strong globally competitive bank with economies of scale and enable realisation of wide-ranging synergies.
 Leveraging of networks, low-cost deposits and subsidiaries of the three banks has the potential of yielding significant
synergies for positioning the consolidated entity for substantial rise in customer base, market reach, operational efficiency,
wider bouquet of products and services, and improved access for customers.
 The amalgamated bank will be better equipped in the changing environment to meet the credit needs of a growing
economy, absorb shocks and capacity to raise resources. Economies of scale and wider scope would position it for
improved profitability, wider product offerings, and adoption of technology and best practices across amalgamating
entities for cost efficiency and improved risk management, and financial inclusion through wider reach.
 It would also enable creation of a bank with scale comparable to global banks and capable of competing effectively in
India and globally.
 Strengths of individual banks – such as Dena Bank’s relatively higher access to low-cost CASA deposits, Vijaya Bank’s
profitability and availability of capital for growth, and the extensive and global network and offerings of BoB will translate
into advantages in terms of market reach, operational efficiencies and the ability to support a wider offering of product and
services.
 The amalgamated banks will have access to a wider talent pool, and a large database that may be leveraged through
analytics for competitive advantage in a rapidly digitalising banking context. Benefits would also flow as a result of wider
reach and distribution network and reduction in distribution costs for the products and services through subsidiaries.
 Public at large shall benefit in terms of enhanced access to banking services through a stronger network, the ability to
support a wider offering of product and services, and easy access to credit.
Amendment to the Trade Unions Act, 1926 to make provisions regarding Recognition of Trade Unions: The approval will
facilitate:
 Recognition of Trade Unions at Central and State level;
 Ensure true representation of workers in the tripartite bodies;
 Check on the arbitrary nomination of workers’ representatives by the Government; and
 Reduce litigations and industrial unrest.
Restructuring of National Health Agency as “National Health Authority” for better implementation of Pradhan Mantri –
Jan Arogya Yojana: With this approval, the existing society “National Health Agency” has been dissolved and will be replaced
by National Health Authority as an attached office to Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Continuation of Rastriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram Scheme: The Scheme aims to develop the personality and
leadership qualities of the youth and to engage them in nation building activities.
 Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan(NYKS)
 National Youth Corps (NYC)
 National Programme for Youth & Adolescent Development (NPYAD)
 International Cooperation
 Youth Hostels (YH)
 Assistance to Scouting & Guiding Organizations
 National Discipline Scheme (NDS)
 National Young Leaders Programme (NYLP)
The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2018’ for revision in list of Scheduled Tribes of Arunachal
Pradesh: After the Bill becomes an Act, member of the communities newly listed in the revised list of Scheduled Tribes of
Arunachal Pradesh will also be able to derive benefits meant for STs under the existing schemes of the Government.
Continuation of Umbrella scheme for “Family Welfare and Other Health Interventions” during 2017-18 to 2019-20: The
five schemes listed in the proposal are crucial to attaining the goals and objectives laid out in National Health Policy (NHP) 2017,
and international commitments in the form of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
SwasthaNagrikAbhiyan(SNA): For dissemination of information on health issues to create awareness among citizens of India
of ail age/sex/locations and appropriately influence their health seeking behavior to encourage healthy lifestyles and empower the
citizens.
Free Supply of Contraceptives: For providing free supply of contraceptives including condoms, Oral Contraceptive Pills,
Pregnancy Test Kits, other contraceptives, etc. to States with a view to improve Maternal and Child Health and achieving
population stabilization.
MIS Scheme now proposed as Health Surveys and Health Research (HSHR): For sourcing of data on population, health and
nutrition for India and its States including through periodically conducted National Family Health Survey, which is one of the
largest surveys of its kind worldwide. The NFHS provides valuable data for policy and programmes right up to the district level.
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Social Marketing of Contraceptives: For branding, attractively packaging, marketing arid selling of products and services
related to Family Planning for low-income groups at affordable prices.
Population Research Centres (PRCs): For third party evaluation of the scheme on PRCs and specially of those centres which
are being considered for continuation will be carried out.
Indo-US 2+2 Dialogue

(Topic:
 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
 Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests)
The launch is a reflection of the shared commitment by Prime Minister Modi and President Trump to provide a positive, forward-
looking vision for the India-U.S. strategic partnership and to promote synergy in their diplomatic and security efforts. They
resolved to continue meetings in this format on an annual basis.
Celebrating over 70 years of diplomatic cooperation, the Ministers reaffirmed their view that India and the United States, as
sovereign democracies founded on the values of freedom, justice, and commitment to the rule of law, must continue to lead
global efforts to promote peace, prosperity, and security.
Recognizing their two countries are strategic partners, major and independent stakeholders in world affairs, the Ministers
committed to work together on regional and global issues, including in bilateral, trilateral, and quadrilateral formats. The two
sides further decided to establish secure communication between the Minister of External Affairs of India and the U.S. Secretary
of State, and between the Minister of Defense of India and the U.S. Secretary of Defense, to help maintain regular high-level
communication on emerging developments.
Strengthening the Defense and Security Partnership:
 The Ministers reaffirmed the strategic importance of India’s designation as a Major Defense Partner (MDP) of the United
States and committed to expand the scope of India’s MDP status and take mutually agreed upon steps to strengthen
defense ties further and promote better defense and security coordination and cooperation.
 They welcomed the inclusion of India by the United States among the top tier of countries entitled to license-free exports,
re-exports, and transfers under License Exception Strategic Trade Authorization (STA-1) and also committed to explore
other means to support further expansion in two-way trade in defense items and defense manufacturing supply chain
linkages. They welcomed the signing of a Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) that will
facilitate access to advanced defense systems and enable India to optimally utilize its existing U.S.-origin platforms. The
Ministers also announced their readiness to begin negotiations on an Industrial Security Annex (ISA) that would support
closer defense industry cooperation and collaboration.
 Recognizing their rapidly growing military-to-military ties, the two sides committed to the creation of a new, tri-services
exercise and to further increase personnel exchanges between the two militaries and defense organizations.
 To encourage and prioritize co-production and co-development projects through the Defense Technology and Trade
Initiative (DTTI), and to pursue other avenues of defense innovation cooperation.
Partners in the Indo-Pacific and Beyond:
 Both sides committed to work together and in concert with other partners toward advancing a free, open, and inclusive
Indo-Pacific region, based on recognition of ASEAN centrality and on respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, rule of
law, good governance, free and fair trade, and freedom of navigation and overflight. Noting the importance of
infrastructure and
 Connectivity for the Indo-Pacific region, both sides emphasized the need to work collectively with other partner countries
to support transparent, responsible, and sustainable debt financing practices in infrastructure development.
 The Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to a united, sovereign, democratic, inclusive, stable, prosperous, and
peaceful Afghanistan. The two sides expressed support for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation
process.
 India welcomed the recent U.S.-North Korea summit. The two sides pledged to work together to counter North Korea’s
weapons of mass destruction programs and to hold accountable those countries that have supported them.
 The United States welcomed India’s accession to the Australia Group, the Wassenaar Arrangement, and the Missile
Technology Control Regime and reiterated its full support for India’s immediate accession to the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
Promoting Prosperity and People-to-People Ties:

 Both sides committed to further expanding and balancing the trade and economic partnership consistent with their leaders’
2017 joint statement, including by facilitating trade, improving market access, and addressing issues of interest to both
sides.
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 Both sides looked forward to full implementation of the civil nuclear energy partnership and collaboration between
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and Westinghouse Electric Company for the establishment of six
nuclear power plants in India.
 Observing the strong ties of family, education, and business, and the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation that unite
their people, the Ministers highlighted the unmatched people-to-people ties between their countries and recognized the
benefits to both nations and the world from these ties, including the free flow of ideas and collaboration in health, space,
oceans, and other areas of science and technology.
Must Read: Link
GS-3
Reducing Carbon Emission by Altering the Method of Farming

(Topic: Agriculture, Environment)
Initiative have been taken to make agriculture more adaptive and resilient to climate variability and in the process to reduce
carbon emission.
Soil, water and crop management practices that reduce carbon emission include:
 Increasing the area under System of Rice Intensification (SRI) as an alternative to transplanted paddy.
 Deployment of zero tillage drill machines and other residue management equipment which enable planting of rabi crop in
the standing residue of rice crop to avoid its burning.
 Alternate wetting and drying, direct seeded rice system of rice cultivation, use of slow release nitrogen fertilizers,
integrated nutrient management practices, leaf colour chart-based nitrogen application, use of urea super granules etc.
 Mandatory Neem coating of urea.
 Promotion of micro irrigation under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)-Per Drop More Crop.
 Planting of trees under National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI),
Sub-Mission on Agro Forestry (SMAF) and National Bamboo Mission (NBM).
 45 models of Integrated Farming System (IFS) have been developed for replication in Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and
in the States for enabling climate resilient agriculture.
 Climate resilient villages have been developed by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), one in each of 151
districts. Climate Vulnerability Atlas has been prepared under National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture
(NICRA). District Agriculture Contingency Plans have been developed for 633 districts in order to give real time agro
advisories for overcoming climate risks.
National Bamboo Mission (NBM)

(Topic: Schemes and policies under Agriculture)
The scheme aims to supplement farm income of farmers with focus on the development of complete value chain of bamboo
sector to link growers with consumers.
Major objectives of the Mission are:
 To increase the area under bamboo plantation in non-forest Government and private lands to supplement farm income and
contribute towards resilience to climate change as well as availability of quality raw material requirement of industries.
 To improve post-harvest management through establishment of innovative primary processing units near the source of
production, primary treatment and seasoning plants, preservation technologies and market infrastructure.
 To promote product development keeping in view market demand, by assisting R&D, entrepreneurship & business models
at micro small and medium levels and feed bigger industry.
 To rejuvenate the under developed bamboo industry in India.
 To promote skill development capacity building, awareness generation for development of bamboo sector from production
to market demand.
 To re-align efforts so as to reduce dependency on import of bamboo and bamboo products by way of improved
productivity and suitability of domestic raw material for industry, so as to enhance income of the primary producers.
1st rank in ‘Swachh Survekshan’ 2017: Indore
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Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) was established in National Housing Bank (NHB) with an objective to improve the
affordability of the target group to own their homes.
The “Ease of Living” Index is an initiative of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to help cities assess their liveability
vis-à-vis global and national benchmarks and encourage cities to move towards an ‘outcome-based’ approach to urban planning
and management.
CITIIS (Cities Investments to Innovate Integrate and Sustain) was launched in partnership with Agence Française de
Développement (AFD) and European Union.
 A Loan of EUR 100 million will be extended by AFD which shall be given as a grant to Smart Cities for implementation
of 15 innovative projects selected through the All-India Challenge.
 The projects would be in four sectors- sustainable mobility, public open spaces, urban governance & ICT and social and
organizational innovation in low-income settlements.
 Technical support with global expertise will be provided for preparation and implementation of selected demonstrative
projects.
Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA): The core objective of this transformative legislation is to
ensure regulation and promotion of real estate sector in an efficient manner and to protect the interest of home buyers.
Municipal bonds are an important instrument to mobilise financial resources for investment in Urban Infrastructure.
I-Metros (Indian Metro Rail Organisations’ Society) – a platform to exchange ideas, pooling of knowledge and sharing of
experience, best practices, innovations etc. among the Indian metro rail companies to nurture excellence in performance
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme being
implemented in the statutory towns in the country for reducing the poverty and vulnerability of urban poor households since
April 2014. The primary target of DAY-NULM is urban poor, including urban homeless & urban street vendors and emphasis is
laid on mobilisation of vulnerable sections of urban population into Self Help Groups (SHGs).
The World Bank has recently released the Doing Business Report (DBR) 2019 and the country’s rank in Construction
Permits indicator has gone up to 52 from 181, a year ago. This could be possible due to the reforms implemented and consistent
efforts of the Municipal Corporations of Delhi and Mumbai in facilitating Ease of Doing Business in construction permits.
National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) to enhance the experience of religious tourists
visiting prominent heritage sites is being implemented in 12 cities, namely, Ajmer, Amaravati, Amritsar, Badami, Dwaraka,
Gaya, Kancheepuram, Mathura, Puri, Varanasi, Velankanni and Warangal.
Setting up of two Defence Production Corridors: One each in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Tamil Nadu
INSV Tarini: The first-ever all-women crew circumnavigated the globe in an indigenously built 56-foot Indian Navy Sailing
Vessel
Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) ‘Tejas’: India joined the elite group of nation which have developed the Air-to-Air refuelling
system for military class aircraft when Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) ‘Tejas’ successfully completed mid-air refuelling trial by
wet (actual) engagement, transferring 1,900 kgs fuel from IAF IL78 mid-air refuelling tanker
Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti: To migrate from the culture of seeking Transfer of Technology (ToT) from foreign sources to
generating Intellectual Property in India, to achieve the goal of self-reliance in Defence sector.
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) a scheme of Department of Defence Production (DDP), formulated in collaboration
with Start Up India and Atal Innovation Mission, with the objective of bringing Start-ups to solve problems of defence
production, innovate new technologies required by defence forces and reduce dependence on imported technology. iDEX is
aimed at creation of an ecosystem to foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging
Industries including MSMEs, Start-ups, Individual Innovators, R&D institutes and Academia and provide them grants/funding
and other support to carry out R&D.
ShaGun (from the words Shaala and Gunvatta) which has two parts i.e., one is a Repository of good practices, photographs,
videos, studies, newspaper articles etc on elementary education, State /UT wise has been developed. Its purpose is to showcase
success stories and also to provide a platform for all stakeholders to learn from each other, and instill a positive competitive spirit
among all the States and UTs.
The second part is the online monitoring module of Shagun which measures state-level performance and progress against key
educational indicators which enables the Government of India and the State and UT Departments of education to conduct real-
time assessments which normal paper-based monitoring mechanisms did not allow. Through Shagun, the data collection and
reporting processes have been simplified; resulting in a totally transparent and efficient system.
Shaala Siddhi is a School Standards and Evaluation Framework, developed by the National University of Educational Planning
and Administration (NUEPA), which enables the schools to self-evaluate based on seven key domains.
e-PATHSHALA: a single point repository of e resources containing NCERT textbooks and various other learning resources has
been developed for showcasing and disseminating all educational resources including textbooks, audio, video, periodicals, and a
variety of other print and non-print materials.
Diksha Portal: The portal envisages to help teachers boost their teaching skills and create their own separate profile with their
skills and knowledge, and help in improving quality of education with use of latest technologies in education sector.
Rashtriya Gokul Mission: Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries has been implementing Rashtriya Gokul
Mission with the aim of development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds.
Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme:
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 Under the CHCDS, need based funding is provided for various interventions like technology upgradation, product
development, setting up of Value Addition Centre, Common Facility Centre (CFC), Marketing Complex, Dye House and
Corpus Fund for Yarn Depot
 Under the scheme, various projects like setting up of Common Facility Centre, Dye House, Garmenting Unit, Silk
Spinning Unit, Automatic Silk Reeling Unit etc. have been taken up in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, which are
functional.
 The scheme is under implementation in eight mega handloom Clusters i.e. Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Sivasagar (Assam),
Virudhanagar (Tamil Nadu), Murshidabad (West Bengal), Prakasam & Guntur districts (Andhra Pradesh), Godda &
neighbouring districts (Jharkhand), Bhagalpur (Bihar) and Trichy (Tamil Nadu).
BhoomiRashi portal: In the past years, acquisition of land for the purpose of National Highway projects, payment of
compensation to the land owners etc were done manually by physical movement of documents in the form of files. However, in
that procedure some constraints viz. delay in issuing notification, errors in the land/area details etc were being faced. In order to
overcome these issues, to cut short delays and avoid parking of public funds with the Competent Authority for Land Acquisition
(CALA), Ministry has developed a web-based Utility –BhoomiRashi to fully digitize and automate the entire process of land
acquisition.
With the operation of this Portal, the land acquisition process has been expedited significantly, become error-free and more
transparent and the notifications at every stage are being processed on real time basis. While the physical processing of the cases
usually took considerable time, ranging from weeks to even months, and there were errors whose rectification caused further
delays, the processing time using this portal has been reduced to less than two weeks in a majority of cases and even a few days
in some cases.
Samagra Shiksha scheme focuses on improvement of quality of education by providing support for different interventions like;
in-service training of teachers and schools heads, conduct of achievement surveys at National and State level, provision of
textbooks as per Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, remedial teaching for academically
weaker students, ICT and digital initiatives, vocational education, composite school grant to every school for providing a
conducive learning environment has been increased and from this year provisions for library grants and grants for sports and
physical education have also been introduced.
Geographical Indications (GIs) are registered as per the provisions of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration &
Protection) Act, 1999. As on 24.12.2018, 330 GIs have been registered.
 GIs have been defined under Article 22(1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property
Rights (TRIPS) Agreement as: “Indications which identify a good as originating in the territory of a member, or a region
or a locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its
geographic origin.”
 The GI tag ensures that none other than those registered as authorised users (or at least those residing inside the geographic
territory) are allowed to use the popular product name.
 Darjeeling tea became the first GI tagged product in India, in 2004-05
 List of GI products from India
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP): A proposed Free Trade Agreement between ten ASEAN
member states and their six Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners namely India, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and
Republic of Korea
 Expected to provide market access for India’s goods and services exports and encourage greater investments and
technology into India.
 It would also facilitate India’s MSMEs to effectively integrate into the regional value and supply chains.
 India is not a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) which is a grouping of twenty-one countries in
the Asia Pacific region with an aim to deepen and strengthen economic and technological cooperation amongst APEC
member countries.
INDO-France Pact for Sustainable Development
 India and France are today the leading nations in the fight against climate change. The joint hosting by India and France of
the Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) on 11th March 2018 in New Delhi and the first General
Assembly in New Delhi from 2nd to 5th October 2018 has bolstered our joint resolve to fight climate change.
 The second India-France Dialogue on Africa, which took place on 11th December 2018, provided both countries an
opportunity to exchange views on the latest developments in Africa as well as to explore possibilities for joint endeavour
to contribute towards peace, stability and prosperity in Africa.
Ministry of Food Processing Industries
Mega Food Parks: Mega Food Parks create modern infrastructure facilities for food processing along the value chain from farm
to market with strong forward and backward linkages through a cluster-based approach. Common facilities and enabling
infrastructure is created at Central Processing Centre and facilities for primary processing and storage is created near the farm in
the form of Primary Processing Centers (PPCs) and Collection Centers (CCs).
Integrated Cold Chain: Ministry of Food Processing Industries is implementing the Scheme of Integrated Cold Chain and
Value Addition Infrastructure as one of the component of Pradhan Mantri Kisan SampadaYojana with the objective of arresting
post-harvest losses of horticulture & non-horticulture produce and providing remunerative price to farmers for their produce. The
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integrated cold chain and preservation infrastructure can be set up by individuals, groups of entrepreneurs, cooperative societies,
Self Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), NGOs, Central/State PSUs, etc.
Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 6th Jan to 13th Jan – 2019
ARCHIVES
GS-2
Passage of One Hundred and Twenty-Fourth Constitution Amendment Bill, 2019

implementation)
Amendment carves up additional quota for poor not under SC/ST, OBC categories
 10% seats reserved for poor in higher education institutions, including private aided or unaided institutions
 10% state jobs reserved for poor. Reservation only in initial appointment
 10% reservation for ‘economically weaker sections’ will be in addition to the existing reservation
Articles 15 & 16 amended
 New clause 6 inserted in Article 15 (Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth)
 New clause 6 inserted in Article 16 (Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment)
Govt to notify who is poor: ‘Economically weaker sections’ to be defined by the State from time to time on the basis of family
income and other indicators of economic disadvantage
Government’s reasoning for bringing in the legislation
 Poor citizens outside the SC, ST and OBC categories are unable to compete with those who are better off
 Reservation benefits in line with the directive principles of state policy which call for extending help to the weaker
sections
No need for ratification by states as extension of reservation to (non-SC/ST-OBC) poor not listed in Art 368(2)
 While motions for introduction of Constitution Amendment Bills are adopted by simple majority, a majority of the total
membership of the House and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting is required for
adoption of effective clauses and motions for consideration and passing of these Bills
Lok Sabha passes “The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill – 2019”
implementation)
The Bill has been formulated recognizing the need for regulation of the use and application of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
technology, for establishing identity of missing persons, victims, offenders, under trials and unknown deceased persons.
The purpose of this Bill is to expand the application of DNA-based forensic technologies to support and strengthen the justice
delivery system of the country. The utility of DNA based technologies for solving crimes, and to identify missing persons, is well
recognized across the world.
By providing for the mandatory accreditation and regulation of DNA laboratories, the Bill seeks to ensure that with the proposed
expanded use of this technology in this country, there is also the assurance that the DNA test results are reliable, and furthermore
that the data remain protected from misuse or abuse in terms of the privacy rights of our citizens.
The key components of this Bill include:
 Establishment of a DNA Regulatory Board
 Accreditation of DNA laboratories undertaking DNA testing, analysing, etc.
 Establishment of the National and Regional DNA Data Banks, as envisaged in the Bill, will assist in forensic
investigations. This will aid in scientific up-gradation and streamlining of the DNA testing activities in the country with
appropriate inputs from the DNA Regulatory Board which would be set up for the purpose.
The Bill will add value in empowering the criminal justice delivery system by enabling the application of DNA evidence, which
is considered the gold standard in crime investigations.
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Cinematograph Act, 1952

implementation)
In order to check film piracy, particularly release of pirated version of films on internet which causes huge losses to the film
industry and government exchequer, Ministry of I&B intends to have an enabling provision in the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
Ministry proposes for introduction of Cinematograph Act (Amendment) Bill for inclusion of a new Sub-Section (4) of Section 7
of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 with the following text:
“Notwithstanding any law for the time being in force including any provision of the Copyright Act, 1957, any person who, during
the exhibition of an audiovisual work, cinematographic in an exhibition facility used to exhibit cinematograph films or
audiovisual recordings and without the written authorization of the copyright owner, uses any audiovisual recording device to
knowingly make or transmit or attempt to make or transmit or abet the making or transmission of a copy or visual recording or
sound recording embodying a cinematograph film or audiovisual recording or any part thereof or a copy of sound recording
accompanying such cinematograph film or audiovisual recording or any part thereof during subsistence of copyright in such
cinematograph film or sound recording, shall be punishable with imprisonment not exceeding three years and shall also be liable
to fine not exceeding Rs.10 Lakhs, or to a term of imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both.”
Government notifies High Level committee for implementation of Clause 6 of Assam Accord
(Topic:
 Refugee issue; Citizenship Amendment Bill.
implementation.
schemes)
Committee headed by: Shri M.P. Bezbarauah and includes eminent Assamese persons from different fields
To submit report: Within 6 months
The HLC has been constituted as per Clause 6 of the Memorandum of Settlement, known as the Assam Accord, signed on 15th
August, 1985. Clause 6 of the Accord states that:
“Constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards, as may be appropriate, shall be provided to protect, preserve and
promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people.”
The Terms of Reference for the Committee are as under: –
 The Committee will examine the effectiveness of actions taken since 1985 to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord.
 The Committee will hold discussions with various stakeholders including social organizations, legal and constitutional
experts, eminent persons from the field of art, culture and literature, conservationists, economists, linguists and
sociologists.
 The Committee will assess the appropriate level of reservation of seats in Assam Legislative Assembly and local bodies
for the Assamese people.
 The Committee will also suggest measures to be taken to protect Assamese and other indigenous languages of Assam.
 The Committee will recommend the appropriate level of reservations in employment under the Government of Assam for
the Assamese people.
 The Committee may suggest any other measures as may be necessary to protect, preserve and promote cultural, social,
linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people.
Must read: Updated National Register of Citizens(NRC) of Assam
National Policy on Domestic Workers

implementation)
As per the National Sample Survey (NSSO Statsitics-2011-2012,68th round) according to which estimated 39 lakhs people are
employed as domestic workers by private households, of which 26 lakhs are female domestic workers.
The Ministry of Labour & Employment is considering to formulate a National Policy on Domestic Workers which is in the draft
stage. The salient features of the proposed draft National Policy on Domestic Workers are as under: –
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 Inclusion of Domestic Workers in the existing legislations

 Domestic workers will have the right to register as unorganized workers. Such registration will facilitate their access to
rights & benefits.
 Right to form their own associations/unions
 Right to minimum wages, access to social security
 Right to enhance their skills
 Protection of Domestic Workers from abuse and exploitation
 Domestic Workers to have access to courts, tribunals for grievance redressal
 Establishment of a mechanism for regulation of private placement agencies.
 Establishment of a grievance redressal system for domestic workers
Regulation of Functions of MSMEs

implementation)
In order to promote the Ease of Doing Business, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has introduced
various initiatives including online filing of UdyogAadhaar Memorandum (UAM). The Ministry has also taken the following
steps:
 MSME SAMADHAAN Portal– for empowering micro and small entrepreneurs across the country to directly register
their cases relating to delayed payments.
 MSME SAMBANDH Portal– to help in monitoring the implementation of public procurement policy for micro and small
enterprises.
 MSME SAMPARK Portal – A digital platform wherein jobseekers (passed out trainees/students of MSME Technology
Centres) and recruiters get connected.
 Digital Payments– to pass on the benefits of the schemes of Ministry of MSME through digital payment gateway.
Two new Skill Development Scheme approved

implementation)
1. Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood (SANKALP): To reform the skill development landscape,
strengthen institutions at Central and State levels, enable greater decentralization of skill development governance, and
improve industry connect of skill development programs. The main objectives of the project are:

o Creating convergence among all skill training activities, both State-led and Government of India funded, at the
state level;
o Improving quality of skill development programs through enablers such as building a pool of quality trainers and
assessors, developing model curriculum and content, and standardizing assessment and certification;
o Establishing robust monitoring and evaluation system for skill training programs;
 Providing access to skill training opportunities to the disadvantaged sections; and
 Creating industry led and demand driven skill training capacity
1. Skills Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE) covering 4 result areas –
 Improved performance of ITI.
 Increased Capacities of State Governments to support ITIs and Apprenticeship Training
 Improved Teaching and Learning.
 Improved and Broadened Apprenticeship Training.
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Launch of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

implementation)
Aim: A time bound national level strategy for pan India implementation to tackle the increasing air pollution problem across the
country in a comprehensive manner
 A mid-term, five-year action plan with 2019 as the first year.
 Taking into account the available international experiences and national studies, the tentative national level target of 20%–
30% reduction of PM2.5 and PM10 concentration by 2024 is proposed under the NCAP taking 2017 as the base year for
the comparison of concentration.
 Overall objective of the NCAP is comprehensive mitigation actions for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution
besides augmenting the air quality monitoring network across the country and strengthening the awareness and capacity
building activities
 The approach for NCAP includes collaborative, multi-scale and cross-sectoral coordination between the relevant central
ministries, state governments and local bodies.
 Other features of NCAP include, increasing number of monitoring stations in the country including rural monitoring
stations, technology support, emphasis on awareness and capacity building initiatives, setting up of certification agencies
for monitoring equipment, source apportionment studies, emphasis on enforcement, specific sectoral interventions etc.
India & Export of Herbs and Herbal Products

implementation)
The total world herbal trade is currently assessed at USD 120 billion. India’s share in the global export of herbs and herbal
products is low due to the following reasons:
 Inadequate Agricultural practices.
 Inadequate Quality Control procedure.
 Lack of large-scale Organic Cultivation.
 Lack of Processing and R&D.
 Lack of Standardization in Products, Processes and Services.
 Lack of regulatory framework in trade of Medicinal Plants.
Numbers speak: The export of herbs and value-added extracts of medicinal herbs are gradually increasing over the years. India
exported USD 330.18 Million worth of Herbs during 2017-18 with a growth rate of 14.22% over the previous year. Also, the
export of value-added extracts of medicinal herbs / herbal products during 2017-18 stood at USD 456.12 Million recording a
growth rate of 12.23% over the previous year.
In order to promote India’s exports, the Government has taken several measures:
 Department of Commerce has set up Export Promotion Councils for promoting exports of various product groups / sectors.
The mandate of export promotion of Herbs and Medicinal Plants has been assigned to Shellac & Forest Products Export
Promotion Council (SHEFEXIL), headquartered at Kolkata. The export promotion of several Herbal Products has been
assigned to Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council (PHARMEXCIL), besides others. These EPCs facilitate the
exporting community and undertake various export promotional measures for promotion of export of their products.
 Under Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme of the Department of Commerce, the EPCs / Trade Bodies are provided
financial assistance for participation and organizing Trade Fairs, Buyer Seller Meets (BSMs), Reverse Buyer Seller Meets
(RBSMs), Research & Product Development, Market Studies, etc.
 Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) provides incentives to the exporting community for specified goods so as
to offset infrastructural inefficiencies and the associated costs of exporting products produced in India, giving special
emphasis to those which are of India’s export interest and have the capability to generate employment and enhance India’s
competitiveness in the world market.
 ‘Niryat Bandhu Scheme’ has been galvanised and repositioned to achieve the objectives of ‘Skill India’ and trade
promotion/awareness.
 International Cooperation Scheme of Ayush Ministry provides financial assistance to the exporters for the participation in
Trade Fairs, organising International Business Meets & Conferences and product registration reimbursements.
 The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India has launched a “Voluntary
Certification Scheme for Medicinal Plants Produce (VCSMPP)” on 22nd November, 2017 in order to encourage the Good
Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and Good Field Collection Practices (GFCPs) in medicinal plants. The VCSMPP will
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enhance the availability of the certified quality medicinal plants raw material in the country and also boost their export and
increase India’s share in the global export of herbs.
 Ministry of Ayush through its Quality Certification programme like Ayush mark and Premium mark is also assisting
industry in setting up of quality standards.
 Ministry of Ayush has entered into MoUs with few countries for promotion of traditional medicine which will help exports
in long run.
India & Gems and Jewellery Industry

implementation)
The gem and jewellery sector contribute significantly to the economy of the country in terms of exports as well as employment
generation. In the year 2017-18, the gem and jewellery exports was 13.69% of total merchandise exports from the country. As per
estimates, the sector provides employment to around 5 million people.
Steps taken to strengthen the gems and jewellery industry:
 Establishment of Special Notified Zone (SNZ)
 Setting up of common facility centres for gems and jewellery sector
 Creation of separate ITC HS Code for lab grown diamond
 Reduction of GST rates for cut and polished diamonds and precious stones
 Exempting IGST on import of gold by specified agencies and banks
 Exemption from GST on supply of gold by Nominated Agencies to exporters
 Providing financial assistance for participation of international fairs, for organizing buyer seller meets, creation of export
related infrastructure etc. under various schemes of Department of Commerce
Cabinet approves
MoU on Maritime issues between India and Denmark: Signing of the MoU will pave way for both countries for exploration
of areas for bilateral collaboration:
 Facilitating cross-border cooperation and investments between the maritime sectors of India and Denmark;
 Enabling both the countries to exchange expertise, publications, information, data and statistics to improve mutual
capabilities for ensuring quality shipping;cooperation in the field of green maritime technology and shipbuilding, granting
the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) the status of Recognized Organization (RO), cooperation in the fields of maritime
training and education;
 Research and development for sustained cooperation in the field of merchant shipping and maritime transport related
matters; and
 It will also further extend and deepen the cooperation on the opportunities of mutual benefits to both the countries, at both
bilateral and international level.
MoU between India and Japan on Development of Advanced Model Single Window: The MoU would lead to cooperation
between India and Japan on the development of ‘Advanced Model Single Window’ and its operationalization in Central and State
Governments in India for taking administrative procedures necessary for business operations, and to develop a structure in which
those procedures are completed in an expeditious manner, so as to accelerate India’s effort to promote Ease of Doing Business in
India. The ‘Advanced Model Single Window’ is based on the best practices in and outside India, with measurable parameters and
identify possible obstacles for establishment of the Single Window in India. It will thus, facilitate investments.
MoU between India and France on technical bilateral cooperation in the field of new and renewable energy: India and
France aim to establish the basis for a cooperative institutional relationship to encourage and promote technical bilateral
cooperation on new and renewable issues on the basis of mutual benefit, equality and reciprocity. The technical cooperation will
cover joint research working groups, pilot projects, capacity building programs, study tour, case studies and the sharing of
experience/expertise.
Signing of the TOR provide tax assistance to Swaziland: Will give impetus to India’s support in capacity building in tax
matters in developing countries.
 Background: The Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB) Programme which is jointly launched by UNDP and OECD is
intended to support developing countries to strengthen national tax administrations through building audit capacity and to
share this knowledge with other countries. The TIWB Programme aims to strengthen tax administrations of developing
countries by transferring technical know-how and skills to their tax auditors, and through the sharing of general audit
practices and dissemination of knowledge products with them. The TIWB Programme complements the efforts of the
international community to strengthen cooperation on tax matters and contribute to domestic tax mobilisation efforts of
developing countries. India has been supportive in capacity building in tax matters in developing countries. India being a
global leader in this respect has a very important role to play in South-South Cooperation in tax matters.
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Bilateral Swap Arrangement between India and Japan: The swap arrangement is an agreement between India and Japan to
essentially exchange and re-exchange a maximum amount of USD 75 Billion for domestic currency, for the purpose of
maintaining an appropriate level of balance of payments for meeting short-term deficiency in foreign exchange.
Must Read – Ayushman Bharat: Link 1 + Link 2
Kumbh Sangam: the confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati
‘Police’ and ‘Public’ are State subject as per the Constitution of India and States are primarily responsible for prevention,
detection and investigation of crime through their law enforcement machinery.
Performance Grading Index (PGI): The PGI is for the purpose of grading States and UTs on their performance across 70
indicators on school education. The PGI has seventy (70) indicators divided into two categories viz Outcomes and Governance
processes. The first category is divided into four domains viz. Learning outcomes, Access outcomes, Infrastructure and Facilities
and Equity outcomes; the second category is about Governance processes which covers attendance, teacher adequacy,
administrative adequacy, training, accountability and transparency.
Shagun Portal: It has two modules – (1) Repository of innovation and (2) Online monitoring.
 Repository: This repository of good practices focuses on positive stories and developments that are driving performance
improvements in school education. These innovative practices are documented in the form of case studies, videos,
testimonials and images.
 Monitoring: The online monitoring module of Shagun measures state-level performance and progress against key
educational indicators which enables DSEL and education departments of State and UTs to conduct real-time assessments.
The main functions are fund utilisation tracking, performance measurement on key educational indicators, online planning
& goal setting, physical targets and outcomes monitoring.
Section 34(1) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 mandates reservation of not less than four percent of the total
number of vacancies in Government Establishments for persons with benchmark disabilities.
The International Civil Aviation Organization has predicted a 100 percent increase in global air travel by the year 2030,
creating a need for extensive efforts to bring the entire aviation ecosystem to pace.
India takes over operations of part of Chabahar Port in Iran: This is the first time India will be operating a port outside its
territories.
Blue Revolution Scheme: For overall development of fisheries sector, including enhancement of production and productivity,
improving the livelihood of the fishers and welfare of fishermen for realizing “Blue Revolution” in the country.
Restructured National Bamboo Mission (NBM): The scheme aims to inter-alia supplement farm income of farmers with focus
on the development of complete value chain of bamboo sector linking growers with industry.
Launch of Sino-Indian Digital Collaboration Plaza (SIDCOP): An initiative to bring Indian IT companies and Chinese
enterprises closer to each other on a single AI enabled platform. This is a partnership by National Association of Software and
Services Companies (NASSCOM) with Municipal Governments of Guiyang and Dalian. This platform could be useful to
connect with top providers from India and help Chinese enterprises source the right solution providers for their projects.
Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) Scheme: To have an effective mechanism to handle
cybercrimes against women and children in the country
 Online cybercrime reporting platform
 One national level cyber forensic laboratory
 Training of Police officers, judges & prosecutors
 Cybercrime awareness activities
 Research & Development
Swachh Bharat Mission well on track to achieve ODF India: Under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), over 5.4 lakh
villages and 585 districts have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF). 27 States and Union Territories have declared
themselves ODF so far. Over 9 crore toilets have been built across rural India so far, taking the national rural sanitation coverage
up from 39% in 2014 to over 98% today. This progress has been independently verified by a large scale third-party National
Annual Rural Sanitation Survey 2017-18 under the World Bank-supported project across 90,000 households in over 6000
villages, which found the rural toilet usage to be 93.4%.
Formulation of a new Labour Code
The Ministry has prepared a Labour Code on Industrial Relations, by simplifying, amalgamating and rationalizing the relevant
provisions of the following three Labour Laws: –
 The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947,
 The Trade Unions Act, 1926,
 The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946.
UGC decides to set up Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics (CARE) to refine and strengthen research
publication: The good quality Research Journals in disciplines under Social Sciences, Humanities, Languages, Arts, Culture,
Indian Knowledge Systems etc., will be maintained by CARE and referred to as ‘CARE Reference List of Quality Journals’.
HRD Minister approves addition of 5000 more seats in Navodaya Vidyalayas from AY 2019-20: This is the biggest-ever
expansion of quality education for rural students. This unprecedented expansion of JNVs, nearly free of cost residential schools,
will provide more opportunity for talented children from rural areas to get quality education.
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Navodaya is the only education system in the country where students give entrance examination for admission into Class 6. The
Navodaya Vidyalaya system, which began as a unique experiment, is today unparalleled in the annals of school education in
India and elsewhere and have become passport out of poverty for thousands of underprivileged children. In the past five years
Navodaya Vidyalaya have consistently recorded a pass percentage of over 97 per cent in Class 10 and Class 12, of which 86%
securing first division, which is far better than private schools and CBSE’s national average.
The National Health Policy 2017 addresses the current and emerging challenges necessitated by the changing socio-economic,
technological and epidemiological landscape.
 Assurance based approach – The Policy advocates progressively incremental assurance-based approach with focus on
preventive and promotive healthcare
 Health Card linked to health facilities- The Policy recommends linking the health card to primary care facility for a
defined package of services anywhere in the country.
 Patient Centric Approach- The Policy recommends the setting up of a separate, empowered medical tribunal for speedy
resolution to address disputes /complaints regarding standards of care, prices of services, negligence and unfair practices,
standard regulatory framework for laboratories and imaging centers, specialized emerging services, etc
 Micronutrient Deficiency- There is a focus on reducing micronutrient malnourishment and systematic approach to
address heterogeneity in micronutrient adequacy across regions.
 Quality of Care- Public hospitals and facilities would undergo periodic measurements and certification of level of quality.
Focus on Standard Regulatory Framework to eliminate risks of inappropriate care by maintaining adequate standards of
diagnosis and treatment.
 Make-in-India Initiative- The Policy advocates the need to incentivize local manufacturing to provide customized
indigenous products for Indian population in the long run.
 Application of Digital Health– The Policy advocates extensive deployment of digital tools for improving the efficiency
and outcome of the healthcare system and aims at an integrated health information system which serves the needs of all
stake-holders and improves efficiency, transparency, and citizen experience.
 Private sector engagement for strategic purchase for critical gap filling and for achievement of health goals.
National Medical Commission Bill 2017
The Bill envisages to:
 replace the Medical Council 1956 Act.
 enable a forward movement in the area of medical education reform.
 move towards outcome-based regulation of medical education rather than process-oriented regulation.
 ensure proper separation of functions within the regulator by having autonomous boards.
 create accountable & transparent procedures for maintaining standards in Medical Education.
 create a forward-looking approach towards ensuring sufficient health workforce in India.
Expected benefits of the new legislation:
 End of heavy-handed regulatory control over medical education institutions and a shift towards outcome-based
monitoring.
 Introduction of a national licentiate examination. This will be the first time such a provision is being introduced in any
field of higher education in the country, as was the introduction of NEET and common counseling earlier.
 Opening up the medical education sector will lead to significant addition in the number of UG and PG seats and substantial
new investment in this infrastructure sector.
 Better coordination with AYUSH systems of treatment.
 Regulation of up to 40% seats in medical colleges to enable all meritorious students to have access to medical seats
irrespective of their financial status.
National Nutrition Mission
A joint effort of MoHFW and the Ministry of Women and Child development (WCD) towards a life cycle approach for
interrupting the intergenerational cycle of under nutrition.
The impact of the mission is envisioned to reduce the level of stunting, under-nutrition, anemia and low birth weight babies. It
will create synergy, ensure better monitoring, issue alerts for timely action, and encourage States/UTs to perform, guide and
supervise the line Ministries and States/UTs to achieve the targeted goals.
The mission aims to benefit more than 10 crore people.
Major components/features of the Mission:
 Mapping of various Schemes contributing towards addressing malnutrition
 Introducing a very robust convergence mechanism
 ICT-based real time monitoring system
 Incentivizing States/UTs for meeting the targets
 Incentivizing Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) for using IT based tools
 Eliminating registers used by AWWs
 Introducing measurement of height of children at the Anganwadi Centres (AWCs)
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 Social Audits
 Setting-up Nutrition Resource Centres, involving masses through Jan Andolan for their participation on nutrition through
various activities, among others.
Mission Indradhanush: A targeted programme to immunize children who have either not received vaccines or are partially
vaccinated. The activity focuses on districts with maximum number of missed children.
LABOUR ROOM QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE – LaQshya: MoHFW launched LaQshya to improve the
quality of care that is being provided to the pregnant mother in the Labour Room and Maternity Operation Theatres, thereby
preventing the undesirable adverse outcomes associated with childbirth. The goal is to reduce preventable maternal and new-born
mortality, morbidity and stillbirths associated with the care around delivery in Labour room and Maternity OT and ensure
respectful maternity care.
RADHAN MANTRI SURAKSHIT MATRITVA ABHIYAN (PMSMA): The program aims to provide assured,
comprehensive and quality antenatal care, free of cost, universally to all pregnant women on the 9th of every month.
National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)
By: Ministry of Commerce & Industry since 2001
 To provide the means of evaluation of certification programme for organic agriculture and products (including wild
harvest, aquaculture, livestock products) as per the approved criteria.
 To accredit certification programmes of Certification Bodies seeking accreditation.
 To facilitate certification of organic products in conformity with the prescribed standards.
 To facilitate certification of organic products in conformity with the importing countries organic standards as per
equivalence agreement between the two countries or as per importing country requirements.
 To encourage the development of organic farming and organic processing.
The newly introduced Agriculture Export Policy provides an assurance that no restrictions will be placed on export of organic
products. The Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), an autonomous organisation
under the administrative control of Department of Commerce, has been mandated with the export promotion of organic products.
APEDA provides assistance to the exporters of organic products under various components of its export promotion scheme.
National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been constituted under the NIA Act, 2008 to investigate and prosecute offences
affecting the sovereignty, security and integrity of India, security of State, friendly relations with foreign States and offences
under Acts enacted to implement international treaties, agreements, conventions and resolutions of the United Nations, its
agencies and other International organisations and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
Person in News:
Swami Vivekananda
1. Arise awake and stop not till the goal is reached — Swami Vivekananda (This quote can be used in Ethics/Essay answers
dealing with Hope/Corruption/Faith)
2. One ounce of practice is worth twenty thousand tons of big talk (Swami Vivekananda – This quote can be used to conclude
almost every essay).
3. “It is impossible to think about the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved. It is impossible for a bird
to fly on only one wing” – Swami Vivekananda. (On women empowerment)
4. All nations have attained greatness by paying proper respect to women. That country and that nation which do not respect
women have never become great, nor will ever be in future – Swami Vivekananda.
5. “All the different religions are but applications of the one religions adapted to suite the requirements of different nations”. –
Swami Vivekananda. (on Religion)
6. “If in this hell of a world one can bring a little joy & peace even for a day into the heart of a single person, that much alone is
true; this I have learnt after suffering all my life, all else is mere moonshine” – Swami Vivekananda (on serving Humanity)
Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 14th Jan to 20th Jan – 2019
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Phase 2 begins: SĀNJHI –MUJH MEIN KALĀKĀR

(Topic: Art forms of India – Indian culture and its significance)
By: Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) the National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama
The Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) is the nodal agency of the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India to coordinate the matters
related to Intangible Cultural Heritage and various UNESCO Conventions addressing Cultural Diversity and promotion and
dissemination of multifarious cultural traditions and expressions of the country.
Aim: An initiative to document and promote the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and diverse cultural traditions of the country
by direct public-participation.
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This is a unique talent search where the participant will showcase their talent in the fields of music, dance, drama, puppetry, folk
and tribal arts, culinary skills, painting, sculpture etc. The literal meaning of the term SĀNJHI is “to share” and “to partner”, and
the cultural traditions of our country has developed and prospered on the notions of harmony.
Second phase of this campaign: Has its main focus area- the folk, traditional, customary, socially events and ritualistic art
forms- woven as a cultural fabric around the harvest festival season of January. It is celebrated all across the country, known as
various nomenclatures like Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Lohri, Bhogali Bihu, Torgya, Uttarayan, Attukkal Pongal etc.
It intends to bring forth such forms that are aligned with the domains of intangible cultural heritage as per the Convention of
Safeguarding the ICH under UNESCO:
 Oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage;
 Performing arts;
 Social practices, rituals and festive events;
 Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe;
 Traditional craftsmanship
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The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Act, 2019
(Topic:
implementation.
schemes)
The amendment: Does away with the no-detention policy mentioned in the law.
 The existing policy under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, prohibits schools from
detaining students till they complete elementary education.
 The no-detention policy banned the practice of making under-performing children repeat classes in elementary school to
ensure they do not drop out.
 It was meant to reduce the emphasis on year-end examinations and replace it with a form of evaluation that would track
students’ progress through the year.
Post amendment:
Now, states can choose to hold a regular examination either at the end of Classes 5 and 8, or both. Students who fail this test will
receive additional instructions and the opportunity to appear for a re-examination within two months of the declaration of the
result. If the students still do not pass the exam, the state government may decide to detain them.
However, if states choose, they can continue the no-detention policy till Class 8. No child can be expelled from school before
they complete elementary education, the amendment bill states.
Note: The House also passed the National Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Bill.
Year-end Review: Ministry of Women & Child Development
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)
 It is a tri-ministerial, convergent effort of Ministries of Women and Child Development, Health & Family Welfare and
Human Resource Development with focus on Awareness and Advocacy Campaign; Effective enforcement of Pre-
Conception and Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC&PNDT) Act and Enabling girls’ education.
 The scheme is envisaged to bring an improvement in Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) in the short term while Child Sex Ratio
(CSR) with manifestation of over-all development such as improved health & nutrition, gender parity in education, better
sanitation, opportunities and removal of asymmetries between the genders is endeavored in the long term.
 Encouraging trends are visible as per the latest HMIS data of MoHFW for 161 BBBP districts for the time period between
April-March, 2015-16 & 2016-17 indicating that, an improving trend in Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) is visible in 104 districts,
119 districts have reported progress in first trimester registration against the reported Anti Natal Care registrations and 146
districts have reported improvement in institutional deliveries. In addition, as per Unified District Information System for
Education (U-DISE) 2015-16, the girl’s enrolment in secondary education has increased to 80.97% against 76% in 2013-
14. Construction of girl’s toilets in every school in selected districts has been achieved.
One Stop Centre:
 For facilitating access to an integrated range of services including police, medical, legal, psychological support and
temporary shelter to women affected by violence
 The Scheme is funded through Nirbhaya Fund.
 So far, 279 OSCs have become operational. These centres have offered support to over 1.93 Lakh women.
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Sexual Harassment at Workplace:

 The Sexual Harassment at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 covers all women, irrespective of
their age or employment status and protects them against sexual harassment at all workplaces whether organized or
unorganized. Students, apprentices, labourers, domestic workers and even women visiting an officer are included in the
Act.
 In order to ensure the effective implementation of the Act, MWCD has developed an online complaint management system
titled Sexual Harassment electronic–Box (SHe-Box) for registering complaints related to sexual harassment at
workplace. SHe-Box portal offers the facility of making online complaints of sexual harassment at workplace to all women
employees in the country, including all government and private employees.
Training of Elected Women Representatives:
 The Ministry has taken up the training of elected women representatives (EWRs) in panchayats to empower them to
govern their villages effectively and develop into grassroots changemakers.
 The programme aims at improving the leadership qualities and managements skills of EWRs for better implementation of
various schemes, impart knowledge on important legislations and monitor asset creation and public works.
 First phase of the training (2017-18) trained 18,578 EWRs covering 414 Districts across 14 States. The second phase
(started in Sept, 2018) is to train 13,950 EWRs covering 310 Districts across 19 States.
Grievance Redressal Cell: The Grievance Redressal Cell of the Ministry deals with the online grievances that are received on
issues related to women and children. The cell has processed close to 39,347 complaints in the one year since its inception.
Scheme for Adolescent Girls: Government is implementing Scheme for Adolescent Girls to improve the nutritional and health
status of out of school adolescent girls of age 11-14 years and to upgrade their skills. In addition to providing nutritional support
to the adolescent girls, the scheme aims to motivate out of school girls to go back to formal schooling/ skill training.
Swadhar Greh – Krishna Kutir, Home for Widows at Vrindavan: With a capacity of 1000 beds to provide safe and secure
place of stay, health services, nutritious food, legal and counseling services to widows.
Ujjawala Scheme: A scheme of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas for providing LPG connections to women from Below
Poverty Line (BPL) households.
POSHAN Abhiyaan aims to reduce mal-nutrition from the country in a phased manner, through the life cycle concept, by
adopting a synergised and result oriented approach. The Abhiyaan ensure mechanisms for timely service delivery and a robust
monitoring as well as intervention infrastructure.
 Target of Abhiyaan is to bring down stunting of the children in the age group of 0-6 years from 38.4% to 25% by the year
2022. More than 10 crore people will be benefitted by this programme.
 POSHAN Abhiyaan ensures convergence with various programmes i.e Anganwadi Services, Pradhan Mantri Matru
Vandana Yojana, Scheme for Adolescent Girls of WCD Ministry; Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), National Health Mission
(NHM) of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare; Swachh Bharat Mission of Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation
(DW&S); Public Distribution System (PDS) of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (CAF&PD);
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) of Ministry of Rural Development (M/o
RD); Drinking Water & Toilets with Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies through Ministry of Urban
Development.
 One of the key activities of Abhiyaan is implementation of ICDS-Common Application Software. As on 30th November,
2018, ICDS-CAS has been rolled-out in 64 districts across 9 States/UTs.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana: Pan-India implementation of Maternity Benefit Programme to eligible pregnant
women and lactating mothers.
Rashtriya Mahila Kosh: An apex micro-finance organization established in 1993 under the aegis of Ministry of Women &
Child Development (MWCD) to meet the credit needs of poor and asset less women in the informal sector for various livelihood
support and income generating activities at concessional terms in a client-friendly procedure to bring about their socio-economic
development.
Mahila E-haat: A unique direct online e- marketing platform to support Women entrepreneurs/SHGs/ NGOs. This is first of its
kind direct online marketing platform for women to strengthen the socio-economic empowerment of women by way of
mobilizing and providing avenue for their products & services.
Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) Scheme: To empower rural women through community participation and to create an
environment in which they realize their full potential. It aims to provide an interface for rural women to approach the government
for availing their entitlements and also empowering them through training and capacity building.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): With the aim of reforming Government delivery system by re-engineering the existing process
in welfare schemes for simpler and faster flow of benefits and services and to ensure accurate targeting of the beneficiaries, de-
duplication and reduction of fraud, Government of India has started Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) using Aadhaar as the primary
identifier of beneficiaries in its schemes. Use of Aadhaar ensures that benefits go to individuals’ bank accounts electronically,
minimising tiers involved in fund flow and thereby reducing delay in payment, ensuring accurate targeting of the beneficiary and
curbing pilferage and duplication.
Khoya-Paya Portal: In order to bring citizen participation for protecting children, a citizen based portal Khoya Paya has been
launched in June, 2015, which enables posting of information of missing or sighted children.
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E-Box for Children who have suffered sexual abuse: Children are often unable to complain about sexual abuse. In order to
provide them with a safe and anonymous mode of making a complaint, an internet based facility, POCSO e-Box, has been
provided at NCPCR website where the child or anyone on his/her behalf can file a complaint with minimal details.
Gender Budgeting (GB)
Why: Women face various forms of vulnerability and discrimination throughout their life cycle. It was recognized that budgets
are an important way to significantly reduce these vulnerabilities.
Under the scheme of Gender Budgeting (GB):
1. Steps are being taken to ensure the institutionalisation of GB from policy formulation to outcome achievement in the Centre
and across State Governments. The scheme has three main focus areas:
 Advocacy and guidance to Gender Budget Cells
 Training and capacity building of stakeholders
 Facilitating Gender Budget analysis and performance audit
1. MWCD provides financial support to Central/ State Government Institutes for imparting training to different stakeholders to
strengthen the process of gender budgeting.
Cabinet approves
MoU between India and Australia on the safety in Mines, Testing and Research Station: The MoU will help in establishing
a partnership between DGMS and SIMTARS for:
 implementation of risk based safety management system, providing training,
 organising, conference, seminar and other technical meetings, setting up occupations safety and health academy and
national mine disaster centre, and
 Modernising R&D laboratory of DGMS
Ex-post facto approval for Agreement on the facilitation of visa arrangements signed between India and Maldives: The
Visa Facilitation Agreement signed during the visit of Maldivian President to India aims to further deepen people to people
exchanges between the two countries making it easier for Maldivian and India nationals to travel to each other’s’ countries for
tourism, medical treatment, education as well as business and employment. The Agreement provides for 90-day visa free travel
for tourism, medical and limited business purpose and also provides for easy conversion of such visa free entry to medical visa as
well as visas for dependents of students and those pursuing employment in each other’s territories.
Recapitalisation of Export-Import Bank of India: Exim Bank is the principal export credit agency for India.
 The infusion of capital into Exim Bank will enable it to augment capital adequacy and support Indian exports with
enhanced ability.
 The infusion will give an impetus to anticipate new initiatives like supporting Indian textile industries, likely changes in
Concessional Finance Scheme (CFS), likelihood of new LoCs in future in view of India’s active foreign policy and
strategic intent.
1. Sree PadmanabhaSwamy Temple: Thiruvananthapuram
2. Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas -2019: Varanasi
3. Swadesh Darshan Scheme:
 Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, 13 thematic circuits have been identified, for development namely: North-East India
Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit,
Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit and Heritage Circuit.
 Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to State Governments/Union Territory Administrations
for infrastructure development of circuits.
4. First-ever Philip Kotler Presidential award presented to: Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India
5. National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC): Mumbai; aims to take its visitors through an absorbing journey of over a
century of Indian cinema in a story telling mode with the help of visuals, graphics, artifacts, interactive exhibits and
multimedia expositions.
6. Voter Awareness Forums will be set up in Ministries, Government Departments, Non-Government Departments and other
Institutions to promote electoral awareness.
 VAF is part of the Electoral Literacy Club programme of ECI
 Launched on the 8th National Voters Day
7. WAQF properties will be utilized for Socio-Economic Empowerment of the needy sections of the society: Central Waqf
Council is providing financial help to state waqf boards for digitalisation of waqf records so that state waqf boards can
complete digitalisation work within decided timeframe as 90 per cent waqf properties already have been digitised. Remaining
waqf properties will also be digitised soon. GIS mapping work of Waqf properties in the country have also been started.
8. Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Protsahan Yojana Achieves one crore milestones:
For: Employment Generation
Implemented by: Ministry of Labour and Employment through the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO)
Under the scheme
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 Government is paying full employers’ contribution of 12% (towards Employees’ Provident Fund and Employees’ Pension
Scheme both), for a period of 3 years in respect of new employees who have been registered with the EPFO on or after 1st
April 2016, with salary up to Rs. 15,000 per month.
 PMRPY has a dual benefit i.e. on the one hand, the employer is incentivised for increasing the employee base in the
establishment through payment of EPF contribution of 12% of wage, which otherwise would have been borne by the
employer and on the other hand, a large number of workers find jobs in such establishments. A direct benefit is that these
workers have access to social security benefit through Provident Fund, Pension and Death Linked Insurance.
9. Launch of UNNATI – Unispace Nanosatellite Assembly & Training programme of ISRO: A capacity building
programme on Nanosatellite development, is an initiative by ISRO to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first United
Nations conference on the exploration and peaceful uses of outer space (UNISPACE-50). The programme provides
opportunities to the participating developing countries to strengthen in assembling, integrating and testing of Nanosatellite.
10. Govt. to launch an end-to-end prediction system for predicting thunderstorms/lightning by April 2019: Indian Institute
of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and IMD are developing prediction tools for thunderstorm/lightning.

oIITM Pune has already installed 48 lightning sensors around the country which can locate the
thunderstorm/lightning activities on real time.
 IITM Pune also developed a Mobile App called “DAMINI” to give alerts on impending lightning activity over the area.
11. The Gandhi Peace Prize for the years 2015,2016,2017 and 2018 has been conferred on the following

o 2015: Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari for the year 2015 for their contribution in Rural Development,
Education , Development of natural resources.
 2016: Jointly to AkshayaPatra Foundation for its contribution in providing mid-day meals to millions of children across
India and Sulabh International for its contribution in improving the condition of sanitation in India and emancipation of
manual scavengers.
 2017: EkalAbhiyan Trust for their contribution in providing Education for Rural and Tribal Children in remote areas pan
India, Rural Empowerment, Gender and Social Equality
 2018: Shri YoheiSasakawa for his contribution in Leprosy Eradication in India and across the world.
12. Womaniya on GeM: Government e Marketplace [GeM] has launched it to enable women entrepreneurs and women self-
help groups [WSHGs] to sell handicrafts and handloom, accessories, jute and coir products, home décor and office
furnishings, directly to various Government ministries, departments and institutions. The initiative seeks to develop women
entrepreneurship on the margins of society to achieve gender-inclusive economic growth.
 India has approximately 500 million Internet users and nearly 54 percent of them are more than 25 years of age with
higher discretionary income and likely to transact more online, half of internet users reside in small towns and present new
opportunities for e-commerce and most importantly women constitute 33 percent or 143 million Internet users and control
44 percent of household spending in India.
 Womaniya on GeM will spur hyper-local economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs and address goals and
objectives under United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and
girls.
 Government e Marketplace is a 100 percent government owned company setup under the aegis of Ministry of Commerce
and Industry for procurement of common use goods and services by Government ministries, departments and CPSEs. GeM
was setup in 2016 and has 731,431 product categories, with 180,862 registered sellers and 32,114 government buyers.
Since inception, GeM has processed 1,171,761 orders worth Rs. 16,976 crores in gross merchandise value.
13. Govt. Launches two National level Initiatives in the field of science communication: The Department of Science and
Technology (DST) along with Doordarshan (DD), Prasar Bharati today launched two science communication initiatives, DD
Science and India Science .While DD Science is an one-hour slot on Doordarshan National channel, which will be telecast
Monday to Saturday from 5 pm to 6pm, India Science is a internet-based channel, which is available on any internet-enabled
device, and will offer live, scheduled play and video-on-demand services.
 To elevate science into a celebration and bring it close to everyday life. DST and DD aim to make them jewels in the
crown of the country for serving humanity for the furtherance of science.
 The two channels will have science-based documentaries, studio-based discussions, and virtual walkthroughs of scientific
institutions, interviews and short films and will be completely free to access.
14. MoU signed for Inter-Ministerial Cooperation for Promotion and Facilitation of Agricultural Biotechnology Research
and Education: In order to leverage the efforts, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR) has entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for much-needed emphasis on multi-disciplinary
R&D activities and nurturing innovations in Agricultural Biotechnology Research and Education.
 Five to ten focused programmes both short, medium and long term will be developed and implemented.
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 The collaborations also encompass to promote agri-innovations and start-ups, through the well-established BIRAC
mechanism. This flagship synergistic approach would be taken-up in mission mode through networking with the elite
institutions in the country.
Objectives
 To plan and implement jointly the mutually agreed major National programmes through joint funding and sharing of
resources in the priorities areas of agricultural biotechnology
 To form common think tank of experts from ICAR and DBT and others to formulate policies;
 To establish National platform/centres for services related to genomics, genotyping, data banking, agriculture
bioinformatics, GM food detection, validation of technologies such as vaccines, diagnostics of veterinary/ fisheries use,
molecular markers in crop and animal breeding
 To formulate and introduce courses/training programmes in the area of IPR, biosafety, biodiversity conservation and germ
plasm exchange, genomic selection and breeding for faculty and students through appropriate mechanisms and
 Research prioritization with other ministries and foreign collation like Indo-UK SIC, BRICS, African countries and ‘Look
East’ programme in relation to agricultural biotechnology.
Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 21st Jan to 26th Jan – 2019
ARCHIVES
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Reforms for Jan ShikshanSansthan (JSS)

implementation)
Objective: To boost skill training and entrepreneurship in the remotest corners of the country
Why: The emergence of the rural industry as an important growth engine for the economy makes it an imperative for us to stress
on skilling our youth in remote districts of the country. JSSs can play an important role in bridging information asymmetry
between skill training and market opportunities thereby giving an impetus to the creation of a workforce equipped in technology-
driven skills, including in areas like health & wellness, tourism, e-commerce, retail and trade.
JSS guidelines have been reformed keeping in mind the diverse stakeholders engaged in running these institutions, and will bring
in greater flexibility, transparency and uniformity.
 Jan ShikshanSansthan has been transferred to the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship in 2018.
 JSS has been aligned to the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF). This marks an important step towards the
convergence of all skilling activities under the aegis of one ministry, bringing in transparency and accountability to the
entire skilling ecosystem.
 Decentralization of powers for JSSs- giving more accountability and independence to district administration
 To identify and promote traditional skills in the district through skilling / upskilling;
 Evidence based assessment system
 Easy Online certification
 Linking JSS to PFMS (Public Finance Management system) maintaining transparency and accountability of the ecosystem
 Creating livelihood linkages
 Training of Trainers to develop the capacity through NSTIs (National Skills Training Institutes)
Jan ShikshanSansthan (JSS) has been instrumental in skill training and introducing avenues of entrepreneurship among the socio-
economically backward and educationally disadvantaged groups such as neo-literates, semi-literates, SCs, STs, women and girls,
slum dwellers, migrant workers.
 JSSs have helped open over 1 lakh bank accounts under Pradhan Mantri Jan DhanYojana (PMJDY) and mobilized around
7.5 lakh beneficiaries who were enrolled in Pradhan Mantri Suraksha BimaYojana (PMSBY).
 With a substantial rise in establishment of more than 1 lakh entrepreneurs, JSS has successfully generated employment
across various sectors.
 Earlier known as ShramikVidyapeeth and later renamed Jan ShikshanSansthan in April 2000, the scheme has been
successfully working for the past 50 years.
DAY-NRLM – Reducing Poverty through Livelihood Diversification

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implementation)
The pace of reduction of poverty in India has speeded up in recent years as per the Global Multi-dimensional Poverty Index 2018
as also the note published by the Brookings Institution.
The Deendayal Antodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) is aimed at alleviation of rural poverty
through building sustainable community institutions of the poor.
 It seeks to mobilize about 9 crore households into SHGs and link them to sustainable livelihood opportunities by building
their skills and enabling them to access formal sources of finance, entitlements and services from both public and private
sectors.
 It is envisaged that the intensive and continuous capacity building of rural poor women will ensure their social, economic
and political empowerment and development.
Mahila Kisan Shashaktikaran Pariyojana and Value Chain Initiatives: In order to promote agro-ecological practices that
increase women farmers’ income and reduce their input costs and risks, the Mission has been implementing MKSP. DAY-NRLM
has also made significant efforts on creating value chain development interventions to enhance market linkages. The idea is to
develop a complete business model to provide primary producers with end-to-end solutions from creating producer organizations
to building marketing linkages.
Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme: DAY-NRLM has been promoting SVEP to promote and strengthen rural
start-ups in the non-farm and off-farm sector. The strategy is to promote knowledge about business feasibility, management and
to provide access to loan finance for start-up as well as scaling-up the existing enterprise.
Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY) was launched to provide safe, affordable and community monitored rural
transport services to connect remote rural villages.
eCourts Services through Common Service Centres

(Topic:
 Judiciary
implementation)
The eCourts project has made significant progress under the guidance of e-Committee of Supreme Court of India in
computerizing district and subordinate courts of the country through installation of case information software, hardware and local
area network in courts.
Court case information such as judicial proceedings/decisions, case registration, cause list, case status, daily orders, and final
judgments of all computerized district and subordinate courts of the country will now be available across all Common Service
Centers in the country.
 The Government of India had initiated second phase of the eCourts project as one of the National e-Governance projects,
in August, 2015 with an outlay of Rs.1670 crores. As on date, 16845 district and subordinate courts has been IT enabled.
 They are also being connected on Wide Area Network through a dedicated network offering bandwidth upto 100 Mbps.
eCourts services have now been successfully rolled out through SMS, email, web, mobile app etc. benefiting millions of
litigants and advocates.
 In order to provide efficient and time-bound access to the Courts services to litigant public, who are on the other side of
the digital divide and don’t have access to internet, the Department of Justice has decided to deliver eCourts services to
them through around 2 lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs).
The rural reach of the CSC’s is extensive, envisaging a minimum of one CSC in each Gram Panchayat, thus enabling eCourts
services to reach all corners of the country. The collaboration between Department of Justice and Common Service Centers
would thus mean that litigants can access easily, and readily case status information available on eCourts database from any CSC.
The eCourts database contains case information in respect of over 10 crore cases and more than 7 crore orders / judgments.
To ensure affordability, Department of Justice has decided not to charge any fee from the customers for eCourts related services
delivered through CSC’s. However towards cost of service, CSC’s has been authorized to charge Rs.5/- for any of the 23 services
available on Courts portal. Printing charges will be Rs.5/- per page, if it is more than one page.
Inauguration of international forum for advancing global collaboration in Homoeopathy

(Topic: International forums; Government policy)
260
The World Integrated Medicine Forum on the regulation of Homoeopathic Medicinal Products with the theme ‘Advancing
Global Collaboration’ was inaugurated.
Why: More than a billion patients worldwide are demanding safe and effective medicines for their healthcare. As a result, the
demand for Homoeopathy is growing. There is still a highly disparate situation among countries with regard to the regulations of
homeopathic medicines and this directly affects the availability of these medicines.
Western medicine is today facing a huge challenge of management of non-communicable diseases which can be tackled by
means of safer medicines. Excessive use of anti-biotics, pain-killers, anti-depressants, anti-hypertensive, statins, etc. are causing
much harm to the society.
Homoeopathy, with its safe dosage can prove to be an effective alternative in such situations. It has the potential to address non-
communicable diseases by appropriately treating patients holistically in the initial stages and can also reduce the usage of these
drugs.
Aim of the Forum
 The core aim of the forum is to sensitise more and more stakeholders to the needs and challenges of regulating HMPs, by
providing an appropriate stage to discuss such issues, and not to enforce or impose what is deliberated.
 AIMF aims to further develop evidence-based Traditional, Complementary and Integrated systems of Medicine (TCIM) by
promoting public-private co-operation, where the public and private sectors are the ‘actors’, while patients and health care
providers are the ‘drivers’.
The legitimate and increasing demand for homeopathic products by patients and health care providers worldwide needs to be
balanced by appropriate regulatory framework which proportionally addresses quality, safety, effectiveness and availability of
medicines. To achieve this, the role of regulators, industry and respective countries are intertwined. India is the rightful host to
such a forum, given its openness to medical pluralism, both politically and culturally.
Cabinet approves
MoC between India and Japan in the field of Food Processing Industry: Bilateral cooperation in the field of food processing
between India and Japan will be mutually beneficial to the food processing sector in both countries. It will promote understanding
of best practices in food processing in the two countries and will help in improving the food processing sector as well as
improved market access, leading to equity and inclusiveness.
Memorandum of Understanding between India and Kuwait for cooperation on the Recruitment of Domestic
Workers: The MOU provides a structured framework for cooperation on domestic workers related matters and provides
strengthened safeguards for Indian domestic workers including female workers deployed in Kuwait. The MOU is initially valid
for a period of five years and incorporates provision for automatic renewal.
Amendment to the ‘Framework on Currency Swap Arrangement for SAARC Member Countries’ to incorporate ‘Standby
Swap’ amounting to USD 400 million operated within the overall size of the facility
Creation of the National Bench of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT): Goods and Services Tax
Appellate Tribunal is the forum of second appeal in GST laws and the first common forum of dispute resolution between Centre
and States. Being a common forum, GST Appellate Tribunal will ensure that there is uniformity in redressal of disputes arising
under GST, and therefore, in implementation of GST across the country.
Please Note:
1. 24th January: National Girl Child Day (NGCD)
1. The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), India’s premiere container port got listed amongst the top 30 container ports
globally, as per the latest Lloyds Report.
1. Swachh Credit: To increase lending in the water and sanitation (WASH) sector by large banks and financial institutions
 There is an importance of financing and credit for retrofitting and upgrading toilets towards sustaining the gains made over
the past four years. Water and sanitation are already a part of the priority sector lending framework of the Reserve Bank of
India under the social infrastructure category of banking finance.
 The Swachh Bharat Mission has made rapid strides in rural sanitation over the past four years, with sanitation coverage
increasing from 39% in 2014 to over 98% today. 5.47 lakh villages, 600 districts and 27 States and UTs have already been
declared Open Defecation Free. India is on track to achieve ODF status by 2nd October, 2019.
1. e-NAM platform: The start of online inter-state trade through the e-NAM portal this month is a landmark achievement in e-
NAM history and its strengthening in future will definitely add a new chapter to Agricultural marketing in the Indian context.
 The e-NAM platform is a pan-India electronic trading (e-trading) portal to network the existing physical regulated
wholesale market (known as APMC market) through a virtual platform to create a unified national market for agricultural
commodities.
 e-NAM platform promotes better marketing opportunities for the farmers to sell their produce through online, competitive
and transparent price discovery system and online payment facility. Already 2.29 crore MT trade with value of more than
Rs.60,000 crore has been recorded on e-NAM platform.
 Initially, trade on e-NAM started inside the individual e-NAM mandi, with involvement of farmers and traders of that
mandi. After persuasive efforts by the Government of India, inter-mandi trade on e-NAM platform started within the State.
Now inter-mandi trade within e-NAM States is happening in 10 States.
1. India and Maldives to Continue Close Cooperation on Maritime Security and Counter-Terrorism
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India and Maldives held substantive discussions on further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation. Both side agreed that the
two countries would continue their traditionally close cooperation on issues of maritime security, counter-terrorism and medical
cooperation.
Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman reiterated India’s commitment to contribute towards capacity building and training
requirements of the Maldives National Defence Forces.
1. Bureau of Indian Standards in Collaboration with Indian Air Force Releases New Standard for Bio-Jet Fuel
 To use bio-jet fuel on all military and civilian aircraft, BIS has in collaboration with IAF, research organisations and the
industry brought out a new standard for Aviation Turbine Fuels. These specifications will align Indian standards with
current international standards.
 This standard would enable the oil companies to manufacture bio-jet fuel for the Indian aviation industry. Given the advent
of Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) by the International Civil Aviation
Organisation (ICAO) by 2027, this is a significant development which could reduce the carbon emissions and help India
become a green fuel production hub.
1. INS Kohassa – a New Bird’s Nest in the Andamans
 For enhanced surveillance in North Andaman
 The close proximity of Coco Islands (Myanmar) and wide expanse of Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) makes the
base a very vital asset.
1. NITI Aayog pitches for transition to Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy as an Economic Paradigm for New
India
A few notable actions for transformation of RE Ecosystem in India are:
 Formulation of a National Policy on RE/CE,
 Establishment of Bureau of Resource Efficiency (BRE),
 Mainstreaming RE&CE in existing flagship missions,
 A Modern Recycling Industry with level playing between primary and secondary producers,
 R&D for development of scalable technologies for RE & CE, and
 Development and promotion of skill and capacity building programmes for informal sector.
1. Successful Flight Test of LRSAM:
 Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) has been successfully test fired against an incoming aerial target flying at
low altitude.
 The missile destroyed the target with a direct hit. All the mission objectives have been met.
 LRSAM has been jointly developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India and M/s Israel
Aerospace Industries (IAI), Israel for the Indian Navy.
1. Successful launch of PSLV: With this launch, India also becomes the first country to use the fourth stage of a space rocket
as an orbital platform for micro-gravity experiments.
1. Exercise Sea Vigil, India’s largest-ever Coastal Defence Exercise
Conceptualised and led by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard saw the simultaneous activation of India’s entire Coastal Security
apparatus across all nine Coastal States and four Union Territories.
The exercise saw the complete support and earnest participation of all Central and State agencies including the MHA, MoD,
Customs, CISF, Dept of Fisheries, DGLL, DG Shipping, Port authorities and the Coastal police of all participating states.
 Nigrani: Phase I commenced with the deployment of personnel and sea-going units of all stakeholders. This is
the surveillance net along the entire coast of India and outlying islands. It was further enhanced by the Chain of radar
stations setup along the coast as part of the Coastal surveillance network.
 Nireekshan: The uniform and technical surveillance network was further augmented by the fishing communities along the
coast as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the nation’s coastal security construct. The Phase I also saw an intensive audit of all
measures put in place since 26/11 to improve the measures of efficiency and effectiveness of coastal security. This
‘Nireekshan’ was undertaken by multi-agency teams deployed to check and audit important landing points including Fish
Landing Centres and Vulnerable areas and important installations along the coast as well as in the hinterland.
 Nakabandi, Phase II: This Phase saw attempts to penetrate and land dummy explosives by designated ‘RED’ forces
comprising teams drawn from the Navy Coast Guard, Police and CISF. These teams were given a free hand to
commandeer fishing vessels, merchantmen etc and attempt to reach the coast. 8-10 teams were deployed in each state and
it is to the credit of all participating agencies that only a few ‘attacks’ were successful. Many attacks were allowed to ‘go-
through’ to test robustness of Police ‘Nakabandi’ which was found to be very effective throughout the exercise.
1. PSLV-C44 successfully launches Microsat-R and Kalamsat-V2
Kalamsat-V2, a student payload, first to use PS4 as an orbital platform – this flight marked the first mission of PSLV-DL, a new
variant of PSLV with two strap-on motors.
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Quotes:
Vice President of India Shri. M. Venkaiah Naidu
On development of rural areas
 Development of rural areas should not erode their unique identities but must fortify their spirits.
 Educational institutions must re-orient their curricula to ensure that students spend time in rural areas, interacting with
people and understanding their problems.
 3 ‘D’s – Demography, Demand and Democracy are making the India of today outshine other countries in the world.
 By steering itself towards eco-friendly industrialisation, sustainable urbanisation, and inclusion of the rural economy, India
has the potential to not only become the world’s fastest growing economy, but also to serve as an inspiration, a model to
the world
 We have to constantly innovate and reinvent our agriculture to make farming rewarding, profitable and sustainable. The
facilities in villages must resemble those of a city but the soul and the values of Indian villages, must be preserved.
 ‘One size fits all’ approach will not ensure development in a vast and diverse country like India. ‘Every village has its own
individuality, its own industries & its own developmental needs. Our plans should capture aspirations of the people,
leverage their strengths & mitigate their weaknesses’.
On bridging Income inequalities
 India is continuously focussing on equitable, inclusive growth and on bridging income inequalities.
 Jan Dhan Yojana, Saubhagya and Ujjwala stand testament to the core values of inclusiveness that India adheres to.
 India will not tolerate negative forces like terrorism and corruption that negate human progress and prosperity.
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 Tamil Nadu is one of the best-performing states of India and has emerged as one of the most sought-after investment
destinations.
 India accounts for about 15% of global growth and it has been estimated that the Indian economy would grow to $10
trillion by 2030.
On plastic use
 Plastics pose a developmental dilemma; we must use plastic responsibly and judiciously.
 There is a need to create awareness and educate people on the need to recycle, re-purpose and reuse plastic items
 The country’s plastics industry also offers immense potential in terms of capacity, infrastructure and skilled manpower –
the need to adopt better waste management technologies, involving a circular economy approach, where used plastic
becomes a feedstock rather than a waste.
 There has to be a proper appreciation of the appropriate use of different plastics.
 Focus more on developing indigenous technologies and innovations on products in order to facilitate export growth.
On Cancer treatment
 Advanced cancer treatment must be made available at an affordable price and should also be made available for those
living in rural areas.
 Make advanced cancer treatment accessible and affordable to all sections.
 Awareness and early detection are crucial for winning war on cancer.
 Governments, NGOs & Hospitals must organise cancer awareness camps in a big way. Public Private Partnership is the
best way to bridges the urban rural divide in healthcare. It should be a matter of concern for all stakeholders in the health
sectors that millions get pushed into poverty and the vicious cycle of debts due to out-of-pocket expenses and high
treatment costs.
 Proton Therapy would be a beacon of hope to people; the cutting-edge of cancer treatment gives many more patients
greater strength to battle cancer and lead fulfilling lives. It isolates the affected area, without causing any harm to adjacent
organs and hence is the most suitable for treatment of cancer in children, and complex cases where cancerous organs are
closely located to crucial life-critical organs.
 Ayushman Bharat scheme is a major flagship initiative of the Union Government to provide comprehensive insurance
coverage to 10 crore poor and vulnerable families, it would establish 150,000 health and wellness centres throughout India
to provide affordable and quality health services.
Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 27th Jan to 2nd Feb – 2019
ARCHIVES
Key highlights of the Interim Budget 2019-20

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Farmers
 12 crore small and marginal farmers to be provided with assured yearly income of Rs. 6000 per annum under PM-KISAN
 Outlay of Rs. 75,000 crore for FY 2019-20 with additional Rs. 20,000 crore in RE 2018-19
 Outlay for Rashtriya Gokul mission increased to Rs 750 crore
 Rashtriya Kamdhenu Ayog to be setup for sustainable genetic up-gradation of the Cow resources
 New separate Department of Fisheries for welfare of 1.5 crore fishermen
 2% interest subvention to Farmers for Animal husbandry and Fisheries activities; additional 3% in case of timely
repayment
 Interest subvention of 2% during disaster will now be provided for the entire period of reschedulement of loan
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Labour
 Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan scheme to ensure fixed monthly pension to 10 crore unorganized sector workers
 Rs 3000 per month after 60 years of age with an affordable contribution of only Rs 100/55 per month
MGNREGA
 Rs. 60, 000 crore allocation for MGNREGA in BE 2019-20
Direct Tax proposals
 Income upto Rs. 5 lakh exempted from Income Tax
 More than Rs. 23,000 crore tax relief to 3 crore middle class taxpayers
 Standard Deduction to be raised to Rs. 50,000 from Rs. 40,000
 TDS threshold to be raised from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 40,000 on interest earned on bank/post office deposits
 Existing rates of income tax to continue
 Tax exempted on notional rent on a second self-occupied house
 Housing and real estate sector to get boost-
o TDS threshold for deduction of tax on rent to be increased from Rs. 1,80,000 to Rs. 2,40,000
o Benefit of rollover of capital gains increased from investment in one residential house to two residential houses for
capital gains up to Rs. 2 crore.
o Tax benefits for affordable housing extended till 31st March, 2020 under Section 80-IBA of Income Tax Act
o Tax exemption period on notional rent, on unsold inventories, extended from one year to two years
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Fiscal Programme
 Target of 3% of fiscal deficit to be achieved by 2020-21
 Fiscal deficit brought down to 3.4% in 2018-19 RE from almost 6% seven years ago
 Allocation for Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) increased by over 18% to Rs. 27,584 crore in BE 2019-20
 Substantial increase in allocation for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes –
o Allocation for SCs increased by 35.6% – from Rs. 56,619 crore in BE 2018-19 to Rs. 76,801 crore in BE for 2019-
20
o Allocation for the STs increased by 28% – from 39,135 crore in BE 2018-19 to Rs. 50,086 crore in 2019-20 BE
Poor and Backward Classes
 “First right on the resources of country is that of the poor”: FM
 25% additional seats in educational institutions to meet the 10% reservation for the poor
 Targeted expenditure to bridge urban-rural divide & to improve quality of life in villages
 All willing households to be provided electricity connections by March 2019
North East
 Allocation to be increased by 21% to Rs. 58,166 crore in 2019-20 BE over 2018-19 BE
 Arunachal Pradesh came on the air map recently
 Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram came on India’s rail map for the first time
 Container cargo movement through improved navigation capacity of the Brahmaputra
Vulnerable sections
 A new committee under NITI Ayog to identify all the remaining De-notified nomadic and semi-Nomadic tribes
 New Welfare development Board under Ministry of social justice and empowerment for development and welfare of De-
notified nomadic and semi nomadic tribes
Defence
 Defence budget to cross Rs 3,00,000 crore for the first time ever
Entertainment Industry
 Indian filmmakers to get access to Single window clearance as well for ease of shooting films
 To introduce anti-camcording provisions in the Cinematograph Act to control piracy
MSME and Traders
 2% interest subvention on an incremental loan of Rs 1 crore for GST registered SMEs
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 Atleast 3% of the 25% sourcing for the Government undertakings will be from women owned SMEs
 Renewed Focus on Internal trade ; DIPP renamed to Department for Promotion of Industries and Internal trade
Digital Villages
 The Government to make 1 lakh villages into Digital Villages over next five years
Artificial Intelligence
 New National Artificial Intelligence portal to support National Program on Artificial Intelligence
Achievements during 2014-19
State of the Economy
 India universally recognized as a bright spot of the global economy during last five years
 India is now the 6th largest economy in the world from being the 11thlargest in 2013-14
 Annual average GDP growth during 2014-19 higher than any government since 1991
 Inflation in December 2018 down to 2.19% only
 Liberalization of FDI policy, allowing most FDI to come through the automatic route
Farmers
 Assured MSP of minimum 50% to all 22 crops
 Interest subvention doubled in last 5 years
 Soil Health card, Neem coated Urea game changer in farm sector
Labor
 Employment opportunities expanded; EPFO membership increased by 2 crore
 Minimum income for every category of workers increased by 42% in last 5 years
Poor and Backward Classes
 10% reservation for the poor in educational institutions and government jobs
 Free electricity connection to every household under Saubhagya Yojana
 World’s largest healthcare programme, Ayushman Bharat, for nearly 50 crore people
 Aspirational Districts Programme for development in 115 most backward districts
 Rs. 1,70,000 crore spent during 2018-19 for cheaper food grains to poor and middle class
 143 crore LED bulbs provided in mission mode with the cooperation of private sector
 Poor & middle class are saving Rs. 50, 000 crore p.a. in electricity bills due to LED bulbs
 10 lakh patients benefited from free treatment under Ayushman Bharat
 Jan Aushadhi Kendras providing medicines at affordable prices to poor and middle class
 14 out of 21 AIIIMS operating presently have been announced since 2014
 Government tripled rural roads’ construction under the PMGSY
 15.80 lakh habitations out of 17.84 lakh connected with pucca roads
 Rs. 19,000 crore for PMGSY in BE 2019-20 against Rs. 15,500 crore in RE 2018-19
 1.53 crore houses built under PM Awas Yojana during the 2014-18
Women development to women led development
 6 crore free LPG gas connections provided under Ujjwala Yojna ; All 8 crore by next year
 70% of MUDRA Loan availed by Women
 Maternity leave extended to 26 weeks
 Financial support for pregnant women under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana
Youth
 Over one crore youth trained under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikash Yojana
 Self-employment boost through MUDRA, STAND-UP and START-UP India
MSME and Traders
 Up-to Rs 1 crore loans can be availed in less than an hour
 25%-28% is the average savings due to GeM (Government e-Market place)
Income Tax
Tax collections nearly doubled in five years- from Rs. 6.38 Lakh crore in 2013-14 to almost Rs. 12 lakh crore this year
80% growth in tax base- from 3.79 crore to 6.85 crore in five years
GST
GST made India a common market; GST led to increased tax base, higher collections and ease of trade as well as Inter-state
movements now faster, more efficient, and hassle free
Infrastructure
Civil Aviation – UDAN Scheme
 Number of Operational Airports crossed 100
 Latest: Pakyong airport in Sikkim
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 Domestic Passenger traffic doubled in last 5 years

Roads
 India is the fastest highway developer in the world
 Bogibeel rail-cum-road bridge in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh
Waterways
 Flagship programme of Sagarmala along the coastal areas
 For first time, container freight movement started on Kolkata to Varanasi inland waterways
Railways
 ‘Safest year’ for railways in its history
 All Unmanned Level Crossings on broad gauge network eliminated.
 Semi high-speed “Vande Bharat Express” introduced – first indigenously developed and manufactured
Climate Change
International Solar Alliance
 To promote renewable energy
 First treaty based international inter-governmental organisation headquartered in India
 Installed solar generation capacity grown over ten times in last five years
Digital India Revolution
 More than 3 lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs) exist to deliver services to the citizens
 India now leading the world in the consumption of mobile data
 Monthly consumption of mobile data increased by over 50 times in the last five years
 Under Make in India, mobile and parts manufacturing companies increased from 2 to more than 268 providing huge job
opportunities
Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) and Direct Benefit Transfer
 In the last five years, nearly 34 crore Jan Dhan bank accounts opened
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 Aadhaar now near universally implemented

 Ensure the poor and middle class receive the benefits of Government schemes directly in their bank accounts by
eliminating middlemen
Customs and trading across borders
 Customs duties on 36 capital goods abolished
 Digitization of import and export transactions
 RFID technology to improve logistics
Steps against corruption
 Government walked the talk on corruption and ushered in a new era of transparency: FM
 RERA and Benami Transaction (Prohibition) Act have brought transparency in real estate
 The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 to help confiscate economic offenders
 Government conducted transparent auction of natural resources such as coal & spectrum
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Ten dimensions of Vision for India of 2030

India would be a modern, technology driven, high growth, equitable and transparent society
1. To build physical as well as social infrastructure and to provide ease of living
2. To create a Digital India, digitize government processes with leaders from youth
3. Making India pollution free by leading transport revolution with Electric Vehicles and focus on Renewables
4. Expanding rural industrialisation using modern digital technologies to generate massive employment
5. Clean Rivers, safe drinking water to all Indians and efficient use of water through micro-irrigation
6. Besides scaling up of Sagarmala, Coastline and Ocean waters powering India’s development and growth
7. Aim at our space programme – Gaganyaan, India becoming the launch-pad of satellites for the World and placing an Indian
astronaut into space by 2022
8. Making India self-sufficient in food, exporting to the world to meet their food needs and producing food in the most organic
way
9. A healthy India via Ayushman Bharat with women having equal rights and concern for their safety and empowerment
10. Transforming India into a Minimum Government Maximum Governance nation with pro-active and responsible bureaucracy
The Future of Rail Report: By International Energy Agency (IEA)
2019 is an important milestone for India
 150th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi
 150th anniversary of the death of Mirza Ghalib
 100th anniversary of the Government of India Act of 1919
 100th anniversary of Rowlatt Act or Black Act
 100th anniversary of Jallianwala Bagh massacre
 50th anniversary of the Gujarat riots of September-October 1969
 35th anniversary of first Indian to be in outer space
 35th anniversary of Operation Blue Star
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 Nation celebrates 70th anniversary of the Constitution Day this year.

 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji this year: He taught us to lead our lives with the spirit of service and
goodwill.
Note: All the above historic persons and happenings are important for exam this year. While preparing, give more focus on these
issues/events.
First Swadesh Darshan project in Sikkim:
 Development of North East Circuit: Rangpo– Rorathang- Aritar- Phadamchen- Nathang-Sherathang- Tsongmo- Gangtok-
Phodong- Mangan- Lachung-Yumthang- Lachen- Thangu-Gurudongmer- Mangan- Gangtok-Tuminlingee- Singtam
 Under this project, the Ministry has developed tourism infrastructure facilities like Tourist Information Centre, Meditation
Centre, Organic Eco Tourism centre, Log Huts, Zip Line, Flower Exhibition Centre, Walkways, Souvenir Shops,
Cafeteria, Rain Shelters, Wayside Amenity, Last Mile Connectivity, Parking, Public Toilets etc,.
National Salt Satyagraha Memorial: In Dandi, Gujarat; Dandi memorial encapsulates the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi- Agrah
for Swadeshi, Swatchagrah and Satyagraha
 One can view statues of Mahatma Gandhi and 80 Satyagrahis who had marched with him during the historic Dandi Salt
March in 1930 to make salt from sea water against the British law.
 The memorial also has 24-narrative murals depicting various events and stories from the historic 1930 Salt March.
 Solar trees are installed to meet the energy requirements of the memorial complex.
CSC launches First Cash and Carry Store in Kanth, Muradabad (Uttar Pradesh): To promote rural marketing and create
employment; Each cash and carry store will provide employment minimum 4 persons directly and indirectly. Clubbed with
economic census initiative, stage has been set to create 25 lakh job opportunities in the near future in under–exposed parts of
India.
Integrated Refinery Expansion Project Complex (IREP) at Kochi: IREP will be a modern expansion complex and transform
Kochi refinery into the largest PSU Refinery in India with world class standards.
 It will be equipped for production of cleaner Fuels for India.
 It will double the production of LPG & diesel and commence production of feedstock for petrochemical projects in this
plant.
National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP): To attract talent and strengthen higher agricultural education in
the country
 It is a Rs 1100 crore ambitious project to attract talent and strengthen higher agricultural education in the country.
 This project will be funded by the World Bank and the Indian Government on a 50:50 basis.
 In addition, a four year degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries and Forestry has been declared a professional degree.
Agro-textiles
 Potential of agricultural textiles has been proven that the income of a farmer who uses agro-tech goes up by 60% – 70%.
 The job-giving potential of the technical textiles sector is huge; every Rs. 1 crore investment generates 70 jobs. This will
lead to growth in sectors such as research, education and facilities such as testing labs as well. A McKinsey Global
Institute report states that application of agricultural technologies can help close to 90 million farmers by 2025.
India and OECD sign agreement to enable India’s participation in Programme for International Students Assessment
(PISA) to be held in 2021
The participation in PISA 2021 would indicate the health of the education system and would motivate other schools /states in the
subsequent cycles. This will lead to improvement in the learning levels of the children and enhance the quality of education in the
country.
Features of India’s participation in PISA:
 Within the country (or specific geography to be covered in case of large countries), PISA covers a sample of 15-year-old
students representing all forms of schooling i.e. public, private, private aided etc.
 PISA is a competency based assessment which unlike content-based assessment, measures the extent to which students
have acquired key competencies that are essential for full participation in modern societies. It would lead to recognition
and acceptability of Indian students and prepare them for the global economy in the 21st century.
 Learnings from participation in PISA will help to introduce competency based examination reforms in the school system
and help move away from rote learning. The CBSE and NCERT will be part of the process and activities leading to the
actual test.
 More than 80 countries, including 44 middle-income countries, have participated in the assessment since the first round of
testing in 2000. Next round of PISA is going to be held in 2021. The list of registered countries includes Brazil, China
(certain areas like Shanghai and Beijing) and countries from South-East Asia like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and
Vietnam.
Key features of PISA:
 PISA is a triennial international survey (every three years) which aims to evaluate the education system worldwide by
testing the skills and knowledge of 15-year-old students.
 Students are assessed in reading, mathematics, science and collaborative problem-solving.
 Participation in PISA allows benchmarking performance against a wide range of countries.
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 PISA uses test items aligned with international benchmarks. Test items are adapted to the local context and language, pilot
tested and validated before being used for the test.
 OECD has agreed to contextualize the questions for Indian students.
Quotes:
On Education
 Has called for revisiting education system with emphasis on history, heritage, culture, traditions, values and ethos of India
 Has also called for reorienting the education system to make students think rationally and independently to enable them
face the challenges in life with equanimity.
 The stories of sacrifice, valour and contributions made by the freedom fighters and other leaders should become an
important component of our education system.
 An education which balances the head, heart, body and spirit alone can be called a truly holistic education. The child
should not only be able acquire and absorb knowledge, but should also be able to apply the knowledge in real life
situation.
 Education system must allow children enjoy schooling and make them lifelong learners. True learning takes place through
“observation”, “reading”, “discussion”, “reflection”, “analysing” and “synthesizing.
 Character-building should become the essential dharma of education.
 Apart from learning and acquiring knowledge, students must also learn to practice yoga and participate in sporting
activities as it was essential to develop a sense of equilibrium in the stress- filled world of today.
Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 3rd Feb to 9th Feb – 2019
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National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE)

(Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population)
Objective: The objective of the scheme is to establish an enabling environment to reduce the drop outs and to promote the
enrolment of girl child belonging to SC/ST communities in secondary schools and ensure their retention up to the 18 years of age.
Features of the scheme:
 According to the scheme, an amount of Rs.3000/- is deposited in the name of eligible unmarried girls as fixed deposit on
enrolment in class IX, who are entitled to withdraw it along with interest thereon reaching on 18 years of age and passing
class 10th class examination.
 The scheme is covered under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Scheme.
 The scheme is on-boarded on National Scholarship Portal (NSP) since 2015-16.
The scheme covers:
 All girls belonging to SC/ST communities who pass class VIII and
 All girls who pass class VIII examination from Kasturba Gandhi BalikaVidyalayas (irrespective of whether they belong to
SC/ ST) and enroll in class IX in State/ UT Government, Government-aided and Local Body schools.
Facts and figures
 The ASER surveys estimate that national attendance in primary and upper primary schools is 71.4 per cent and 73.2 per
cent respectively, with considerable differences across states. The retention rates in elementary school are 70.7 per cent.
The retention rates amongst scheduled tribes (STs) is 50.1 per cent.
 Data from the National Crime Records Bureau shows that student suicides have increased from about 6,600 in 2012 to
about 9,000 in 2015, many of these because of stress related to examinations and careers. Thus, there is a need to reduce
the mental stress students suffer from.
About NSIGSE
 It is Centrally Sponsored Scheme aims to promote enrollment of girl child in the age group of 14-18 at secondary stage,
especially those who passed Class VIII and to encourage the secondary education of such girls. State/ UT Governments,
Schools controlled and managed by State Governments, Local Bodies and Aided Private Schools and Panchayati Raj
Institutions will be the implementing partners. The amount of incentive may be released to the State/ UT Governments for
depositing, the same in favour of the eligible girls.
Other schemes promoting girls education are__
 The Central board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is implementing Merit Scholarship Schemes for single girl child to
provide scholarships to the meritorious Single Girl Students, who are the only child of their parents. It provide Rupees
Five Hundred (Rs.500/‐) per month to Single Girl Child who is pursuing further studies for class XI & XII and have passed
the CBSE class Xth exam with 60% / 6.2 CGPA or more marks/grades.
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 The Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Higher Education is implementing the Central Sector
Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students since 2008. Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided
to meritorious students whose family income of less than Rs.8 lakhs per annum for pursuing higher studies. The scheme
envisages 82000 fresh scholarships award of every year, of which 50% is earmarked for girls.
 University Grant Commission (UGC) is implementing the scheme of Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for
Single Girl Child since 2006 for providing financial assistance to selected students for pursuing Post-Graduation in
Universities/Institutions/Colleges in India. This scheme has been on boarded on National Scholarship Portal (NSP) since
2017-18.
 UGC is also implementing the schemes namely 1) Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Fellowship for Research in
Social Sciences. 2) Post-Doctoral fellowship for Women for providing financial assistance to selected candidates for
pursuing research / higher research on full time/regular basis in University/Institute/Colleges in India.
 The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is implementing “Pragati Scholarship Scheme for Girls
Student” to provide assistance for advancement of girl’s participation in Technical Education. Under the scheme, 4000
scholarships are granted annually on “one girl, per family”basis where the family income is Rs.6 Lakhs/ annum or less.
Digitalisation of schools across the country

Resources.)
The Central Government has launched an Integrated Scheme for school education- Samagra Shiksha, which subsumes the three
erstwhile Centrally Sponsored Schemes of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) and
Teacher Education, from the year 2018-19.
Government has undertaken various initiatives for providing education through digital means such as.
 ICT in Education Curriculum for School System – ICT curriculum for teachers and students has been developed by
NCERT. Students’ curriculum was piloted in 588 Navodaya Vidyalayas for one year.
 e-pathshala –Developed by NCERT for showcasing and disseminating all educational e-resources including textbooks,
audio, video, periodicals and a variety of other print and non-print materials.
 National Repository of Open Educational Resources (NROER) – is an initiative to bring together all digital and
digitisable resources across all stages of school education and teacher education. States/ UTs are motivated to contribute
resources on NROER and create OERs for their own State/ UT.
 SWAYAM– The ‘Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds’ (SWAYAM) is an integrated platform for
online courses, using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and covering school (9th to 12th) to Post
Graduate Level. It offers online courses for students, teachers and teacher educators.
 SWAYAM PRABHA– A programme for utilization of satellite communication technologies for transmission of
educational e-contents through 32 National Channels i.e. SWAYAM PRABHA DTH-TV has been launched.
 CBSE initiatives- SARANSH is a tool for comprehensive self review and analysis for CBSE affiliated schools and
parents. It enables them to analyse students’ performance in order to take remedial measures.
 KVS initiatives– ICT Skills are imparted in all the Kendriya Vidyalayas to the students of classes III to XII
 Operation Digital Board– An initiative has been taken by Government of India to provide interactive digital boards to
nearly 15 lakh classrooms across the country for 9th standard to post graduate level, where they can receive lectures from
best teachers/professors and access quality e-content, in order to enhance overall learning process and experience of the
students.
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Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme

(Topic: Changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth)
In order to facilitate import of capital goods for producing quality goods and services and enhance India’s manufacturing
competitiveness, the Central Government has been implementing a Scheme called the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG)
Scheme under the Foreign Trade Policy for manufacturer exporters with or without supporting manufacturer(s), merchant
exporters tied to supporting manufacturer(s) and service providers.
Features of the scheme
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 Under the Scheme, EPCG Authorizations are issued with actual user condition and import validity of 24 months to import
capital goods (except those specified in negative list) for pre-production, production and post-production at zero customs
duty, and subject to fulfilment of specific Export Obligation equivalent to 6 times of duties, taxes and cess saved on capital
goods, to be fulfilled in 6 years from date of issue of Authorization.
 In addition, the Authorization holder is required to fulfil Average Export Obligation achieved by him in the preceding
three licensing years for the same and similar products.
 However, if minimum 75% of specific Export Obligation and 100% of Average Export Obligation is fulfilled within half
the original export obligation period, remaining export obligation can be condoned.
 Further, in case of indigenous sourcing of capital goods and for exports of Green Technology products, specific EO is only
75%.
 For Units located in North East Region and Jammu & Kashmir, specific EO is only 25%.
 Presently, capital goods imported for physical exports are also exempt from IGST and Compensation Cess up to
31.03.2019.
What is EPCG?
 EPCG is a zero duty scheme which allows the import of capital goods such as machinery for preproduction, production
and post-production of export items.
 The duty free import by an exporter has to be paid back in the form of an export obligation equivalent to 6 times of duty
saved on capital goods imported under EPCG scheme, to be fulfilled in 6 years reckoned from Authorization issue-date.
EPCG Scheme Eligibility – Applicant
 Manufacturer exporters with or without supporting manufacturer(s), merchant exporters tied to supporting manufacturer(s)
and service providers are eligible under the EPCG scheme. EPCG scheme also covers Common Service Provider (CSP).
Report of Shekatkar Committee

(Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas)
The Committee of Experts (CoE) constituted by the Ministry of Defence under the chairmanship of Lt. Gen (Retd) DB Shekatkar
to recommend measures to enhance combat capability and rebalance defence expenditure of the armed forces, submitted its
report.
The Report was taken up by the Ministry of Defence to frame key action points and roadmap for implementation.
Measures as recommended by the Committee and taken up for implementation include:
 Optimization of Signals Establishments to include Radio Monitoring Companies, Corps Air Support Signal Regiments, Air
Formation Signal Regiments, Composite Signal Regiments and merger of Corps Operating and Engineering Signal
Regiments.
 Restructuring of repair echelons in the Army to include Base Workshops, Advance Base Workshops and Static / Station
Workshops in the field Army.
 Redeployment of Ordnance echelons to include Vehicle Depots, Ordnance Depots and Central Ordnance Depots apart
from streamlining inventory control mechanisms.
 Better utilization of Supply and Transportation echelons and Animal Transport units.
 Closure of Military Farms and Army Postal Establishments in peace locations.
 Enhancement in standards for recruitment of clerical staff and drivers in the Army.
 Improving the efficiency of the National Cadet Corps.
About NCC
 The National Cadet Corps is a voluntary organization which recruits cadets from high schools, colleges and universities all
over India. The Cadets are given basic military training in small arms and parades. The officers and cadets have no liability
for active military service once they complete their course.
 The NCC is the world’s largest uniformed youth organization. Its motto is ‘Unity and Discipline’.
GSAT-31 launched successfully

(Topic: science and technology)
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India’s latest communication satellite, GSAT-31 was successfully launched from the Spaceport in French Guiana. GSAT-31 has
a unique configuration of providing flexible frequency segments and flexible coverage. The satellite will provide communication
services to Indian mainland and islands
About GSAT satellites
 GSAT satellites are India’s indigenously developed communications satellites, used for digital audio, data and video
broadcasting.
 The GSAT series of geosynchronous satellites is a system developed by ISRO with an objective to make India self-reliant
in broadcasting services.
 The repertoire of 10 GSAT satellites, a total of 168 transponders (out of which 95 transponders are leased out to provide
services to the broadcasters) in the C, Extended C and Ku-bands provides services to telecommunications, television
broadcasting, weather forecasting, disaster warning and search and rescue operations.
Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog

(Topic: animal-rearing)
Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for establishment of Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog for Conservation protection and
development of cows and their progeny.
Impact:
 The setting up of Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog will lead to conservation, protection and development of cattle population in
the country including development and conservation of indigenous breeds.
 It will result in increased growth of livestock sector which is more inclusive, benefitting women, and small and marginal
farmers.
 The Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog will work in collaboration with Veterinary, Animal Sciences or Agriculture University or
departments or organizations of the Central/State Government engaged in the task of research in the field of breeding and
rearing of cow, organic manure, biogas etc.
Background:
 The creation of Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog for the conservation, protection and development of cows and their progeny.
 It will provide the policy framework and direction to the cow conservation and development programmes in the country
and for ensuring proper implementation of laws with respect to the welfare of cows.
 It is in pursuance of the announcement of setting up of the Aayog in the Union Budget 2019-20.
About Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog
 Under this scheme, the government will give Kisan credit card for the purpose of promoting animal husbandry, in which
the cow cohort will be given 500 rupees per month.
 The Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog would be responsible for effective implementation of laws and welfare schemes for
cows.
Banking Sector Reforms

(Topic: Economic development)
To strengthen banks and foster a culture of clean and responsible banking, the Government has followed a comprehensive 4 R’s
approach ofrecognition, resolution, recapitalization and reforms. A number of steps have been taken to promote the functioning
of PSBs, including, inter alia, the following:
Reforms, as per the PSB Reforms Agenda adopted by PSBs-
 Increasing access to banking services from home and mobile through digital banking and enhanced customer ease.
 Enabling easy accessibility to senior citizens and the differently-abled, through online update of pension life certificates,
etc.
 Instituting efficient practices for effective coordination in large consortium loans by restricting number of lenders in
consortium and by adoption of standard operating procedures,
 Strict segregation of pre- and post-sanction roles and responsibilities for enhanced accountability.
 Ring-fencing of cash flows and use of technology and analytics for comprehensive diligence across data sources for
prudent lending.
 Institution of transparent and robust one-time settlement mechanism with automated escalation and monitoring.
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 Monitoring of loans above ₹250 crore through specialised agencies for effective vigil,
 Establishment of stressed asset management verticals in banks for focused recovery and timely and effective management
of stressed accounts.
 Institution and implementation of a risk appetite framework for a structured approach to manage, measure and control risk
and check aggressive and imprudent lending.
 Monetisation of non-core assets for strengthening capital base,
 Enabling faster bill realisation for MSMEs through discounting by banks on the Trade Receivables electronic Discounting
System (TReDS),
 Enabling proactive reach-out to borrowers and stepping-up cluster-based financing to MSMEs, and
 Developing human resources by rewarding top performers and enabling specialisation through job-families, and role based
learning for executives.
IBA issues advisory guidelines on Kisan Credit Card/crop loans

(Topic e-technology in the aid of farmers)
In yet another move to provide direct benefit to farmers and ease the pressure on them, the Indian Banking Association issued
advisory guidelines requesting banks to waive off the processing, documentation, inspection, ledger folio charges and all other
service charges for Kisan Credit Card /crop loans upto 3 Lakhs.
Small and Marginal farmers in India
 In India, Land Holding pattern is dominated by Small and Marginal farmers (SMF) category Roughly 85 per cent of the
total operational holding I the country (about 43 percent of the gross cropped area) are in the SMF category.
 There are around 21.6 crore small and marginal farmers (or 4.3 crore families). Providing timely and affordable credit to
this resource constrained group is the key to attaining inclusive growth.
 The small and Marginal farmers are the most affected during times of floods, droughts, and other natural calamities.
 As per parliamentary standing committee on Agriculture the losses due to climate change account for overall GDP loss of
1.5% of agriculture economy.
 The instability in income of the farmers due to various types of risks involved in production, low bargaining power, etc,
add more distress to the already affected farmers.
Kisan Credit Card and IBA guidelines
 The Kisan Credit Card Scheme aims at providing adequate and timely credit support from the banking system under a
single window with flexible and simplified procedure to the farmers to meet the short term credit requirements for
cultivation of crops, investment credit requirements for agriculture and allied activities and other needs.
 In this context, it was learnt that some of scheduled commercial banks are collecting a nominal amount of service charges
towards processing, documentation, inspection, etc. for agriculture loans.
 However, some of the banks are collecting service charges which are at a bit higher. This is not irrespective of whether the
loan is sanctioned or not. This often acts as a deterrent for the farmers to approach the banks for loans.
About KCC
 Kisan Credit Card (KCC) is a credit delivery mechanism that is aimed at enabling farmers to have quick and timely access
to affordable credit. It was launched in 1998 by the Reserve Bank of India and NABARD.
 The scheme aims to reduce farmer dependence on the informal banking sector for credit – which can be very expensive
and suck them into a debt spiral. The card is offered by cooperative banks, regional rural banks and public sector banks.
Please Note:
1. First State Level Awareness Programme on Agri Export Policy Held in Pune:
 Agriculture Export Policy has been prepared jointly with the state governments and will be implemented by the concerned
state agriculture and horticulture departments.
1. Gems and Jewellery Domestic Council:
 The Government is supporting the process of setting up of Domestic Council for Gems and Jewellery, to encourage and
boost domestic gems and jewellery sector.
 An Ad-hoc National Committee of Domestic Council for Gems and Jewellery consisting 14 Members representing various
associations of Gems and Jewellery Sector has been constituted to draft Memorandum and Article of Association and other
Rules/Bye-laws of the Domestic Council.
1. Data-Adequacy Status for Indian Companies:
 A Data Security Expert Group was set up by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MEITY) to resolve
the Information Technology and Information Technology Enabled Services (IT/ ITES) business issues relating to Data
adequacy/ security with the European Union.
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1. Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS): Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports is implementing Target Olympic Podium
Scheme (TOPS) within overall ambit of National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) for providing financial assistance to
elite athletes included in TOPS for their customized training in world class training institutes/academies within the country
and abroad.
1. FDI Policy on E-Commerce: In order to ensure due compliance of the FDI policy on e-Commerce, certain conditions are
included. These conditions are:
 An entity having equity participation by e-commerce marketplace entity or its group companies, or having control on its
inventory by e-commerce marketplace entity or its group companies, will not be permitted to sell its products on the
platform run by such marketplace entity.
 e-Commerce marketplace entity will not mandate any seller to sell any product exclusively on its platform only.
1. National Virtual Library of India (NVLI): is to facilitate creation of a comprehensive database on digital resources of
India on information about India in an open access environment under the Ministry of Culture.
Salient features of NVLI are:
 Federated searching through multilingual user interfaces.
 Virtual learning environment
 E-Governance platform facilitating data analytics
 Multilingual searching and retrieval on ontology/thesaurus based.
1. Mashoka5 – Mobile App Launched:
 The mobile app for booking of Bungalow No.5, Ashoka Road, which has been launched. This app does away with the
requirement of the physical presence of the applicant at the Directorate for either submitting form/getting a challan for
making payments or obtaining authority slip.
 One of the focus areas of developing this app is reducing the decision-making layers to minimum while allowing the faster
means of information sharing/dissemination and simplification of the procedure.
1. Draft National River Ganga Bill, 2018:
 Provides for the constitution of Ganga Protection Corps as an armed forces of the union.
 The Ganga Protection Corps is proposed to be empowered to arrest or caused to be arrested for offence under the Act, and
to take the person to the nearest police station.
1. Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana:
 Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has introduced a scheme for providing physical aids and Assisted Living
Devices for Senior Citizens belonging to BPL category named “Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)” .
1. National Institutes of Food Technology, Enterpreneurship and Management Bill, 2019: The objective of the bill is to
confer the status of Institutions of National Importance to National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and
Management (NIFTEM) at Kundli, Haryana, and the Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT) at Thanjavur,
Tamil Nadu.
Benefits:
 The legislation would provide for functional autonomy to the institutes to design and develop courses, undertake research
activities and leverage enhanced status in their academic pursuits, so that they become world class institutes.
 The institutes would implement the reservation policy of the Government and would also undertake special outreach
activities for the benefits of concerned stakeholders.
 It would enable the institutes to provide world class teaching and research experience by adopting innovative practices.
1. K. Exercise ‘CUTLASS EXPRESS – 19’ : The aim of the exercise was to improve law enforcement capacity, promote
regional security and progress inter-operability between the armed forces of the participating nations for the purpose of
interdicting illegal maritime activity in the Western Indian Ocean.
2. New Scientific Standard of Kg: The prototype of one kilogram (NPK-57) is already available in India and placed at
National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi as per the provisions made under the Legal Metrology (National Standards) Rules,
2011. There is no such proposal at present before the Government to achieve the new prototype of kilogram through physical
constants.
The previous definition of kilogram was based on the mass of the international prototype ‘kilogram’ which is an artefact,
however, the new definition is based on physical constants of nature. The change is in the definition of kilogram and will not
have any practical implications.
1. Know My India Programme: It is a unique programme initiated by National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH)
to bring together financially assisted children of the Foundation from different States/Regions of the country to promote
oneness, fraternity and national integration. The programme is all about familiarization with the environment, family life,
social customs, etc. of the people living in different parts of the country; developing understanding of the common historical
and cultural heritage of the country.
About NFCH:
 The NFCH is an autonomous organization under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
 The main objective of the Foundation is to provide assistance to the children / youth rendered orphan / destitute
in communal, caste, ethnic or terrorist violence for their rehabilitation besides promoting communal harmony and national
integration through various activities.
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2019. unified authority for regulating all financial services in IFSCs: Cabinet approves establishment of a unified
authority for regulating all financial services in International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) in India through
International Financial Srvices Centres Authority Bill, 2019.
About IFSCs
 An IFSC caters to customers outside the jurisdiction of the domestic economy. Such centres deal with flows of finance,
financial products and services across borders. London, New York and Singapore can be counted as global financial
centres.
 The first IFSC in India has been set up at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
1. Abolition of Institution of Income-Tax Ombudsman and Indirect Tax Ombudsman: The approval comes in the wake of
alternative complaint redressal mechanisms chosen by public and the institution of Ombudsman could not prove to be more
effective than regular existing parallel channels of grievance redressal, both the institutions of Income-Tax Ombudsman as
well as Indirect Tax Ombudsman have been abolished.
Background:
 The Institution of Income-Tax Ombudsman was created in the year 2003 to deal with grievances of public related to
settlement of complaints relating to Income Tax. However, the Institution of Ombudsman failed to achieve its objectives.
 It was observed that institution of new complaints have in turn fallen to single digits.
 Also, tax payers started preferring alternate methods of grievance redressal like CPGRAMS (Centralized Public Grievance
Redress and Monitoring System), AaykarSevaKendras etc. further, it was also decided in 2011 to close vacant offices of
Indirect Tax Ombudsman.
Quotes:
Vice President of India Shri. M. Venkaiah Naidu
On education
 An ideal educational institution must focus on making a student into a holistic individuals by equipping them to face the
challenges of life with equanimity and stability.
 Education should make students think innovatively and come out with bright, out-of-box solutions to overcome
challenges.
 Educational institutions to employ counsellors to provide support and guidance to students during challenging times.
 Need to revamp our education system to improve standards and impart world class learning.
 Education must lay the foundation for developing a society that is strongly grounded in morals, ethics and value systems.
President of India Shri. Ram Nath Kovind
On justice
 The PIL tradition is an Indian contribution to the practice of law and the process of justice delivery. This has been admired
by other democracies and other legal systems as well.
 The very definition of justice as well as the roads by which justice is reached have evolved and grown through the course
of human history. Over three decades ago, Justice Bhagwati and his generation of jurists spread the horizons of justice.
Today, at our stage of development, there are new challenges in the realisation of social and economic justice, and of
climate and technology justice.
Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 10th Feb to 16th Feb – 2019
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Land Rights of Scheduled Tribes

The Scheduled Tribes (STs) have been the most marginalized, isolated and deprived population. To protect and safeguarding the
land rights and other rights of Scheduled Tribes, following constitutional and legislative measure have been put in place.
 The Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs) (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act,
2006– to recognize and vest the forest rights and occupation in forest land to forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes.
 Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013
(RFCTLARR Act, 2013) – safeguards against displacement of Scheduled Tribes. Special provisions have been made for
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes under Sections 41 and 42 of the RFCTLARR Act, 2013 which protect their
interests. The RFCTLARR Act, 2013 also lays down procedure and manner of rehabilitation and resettlement.
 The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996– provides that the Gram Sabha or the Panchayats at the
appropriate level shall be consulted before making the acquisition of land in the Scheduled Areas or development projects
and before resettling or rehabilitating persons affected by such projects in the Scheduled Areas
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 Constitutional provisions under Schedule – V also provide for safeguards against displacement of tribal population
because of land acquisitions etc. The Governor of the State, having scheduled Areas, is empowered to prohibit or restrict
transfer of land from tribals and regulate the allotment of land to members of the Scheduled Tribes in such cases.
 The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 provides for legal services to members of Scheduled Tribes.
 The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 has been introduced to prevent
the commission of offences of atrocities against members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, to provide for
the trial of such offences and for the relief of rehabilitation of the victims of such offences and for matters connected
therewith or incidental thereto.
Cabinet approves Introduction of Registration of Marriage of NRI Bill 2019

The Union Cabinet has approved the introduction of Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Bill, 2019, for
creating more accountability and offering more protection against exploitation of Indian citizens, mostly women by their NRI
spouses.
Details:
 The Bill provides for amendment of the legal framework to act as a deterrent to the erring NRI spouses and creating more
accountability and offer protection against exploitation of Indian Citizens married to NRIs.
 Once the Bill is passed, marriages performed by NRIs would be registered in India or Indian Missions & Posts abroad, and
necessary changes would be carried out in the:
o Passports Act, 1967; and
o Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 by insertion of Section 86A.
Major Impact:
 Serving judicial summons for Court proceedings in India is a major problem, which would be taken care of by this Bill by
amending the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Thus, the Bill would offer great protection to Indian citizens married to
NRIs and serve as a deterrent to NRIs against harassment of their spouses.
 This Bill would benefit Indian women married to NRIs worldwide.
Increase in duration of e-Tourist and e –Business Visa

(Topic: International Relations)
The e-Tourist Visa which was introduced in September 2014 with 46 countries has now been made applicable for 166 countries.
Recently, government has made series of amendments in e-visa regime, liberalizing it further and making it more tourist friendly.
Important modifications made are highlighted as under_
 Duration of stay in India of e-Tourist and e-Business Visas is maximum upto 1 Year with multiple entry subject to the stay
stipulations.
 Also, the existing restriction of allowing foreigner for a maximum of three times has also been removed.
Changes in e-Tourist Visa
 On e-Tourist Visa continuous stay during each visit shall not exceed 90 days in case of nationals of all countries who are
eligible for grant of e-visa except nationals of USA, UK, Canada and Japan.
 In case of nationals of USA, UK, Canada and Japan continuous stay during each visit shall not exceed 180 days.
 In all cases no registration will be required.
Changes in e-Business Visa
 Continuous stay during each visit shall not exceed 180 days in case of nationals of all countries who are eligible for grant
of e-visa
 No registration will be required if the stay is for a period of less than 180 days.
Other changes:
 e-Visa is valid for entry through 2 (two) more designated Airports (Bhubaneswar and Port Blair) raising the total number
of such airports to 28.
 Attending Destination wedding under normal e-Tourist visa or Tourist visa- No separate category of Destination Wedding
Visa
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 Foreign nationals who fall sick during their stay in India can now avail medical treatment without converting their visa
into Medical Visa. This would take care of sudden medical emergencies.
 Visa-on-Arrival facility extended to the nationals of Republic of Korea.
Extension of tenure of the National Commission for Safai Karmacharis

(Topic: Institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections)
The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for Extension of tenure of the National Commission for Safai Karmacharis
(NCSK) beyond 31.3.2019 for three years.
Salient Features
 The NCSK was established in the year 1993 as per the provisions of the NCSK Act 1993 initially for the period upto
31.3.1997. Later the validity of the Act was initially extended upto 31.3.2002 and thereafter upto 29.2.2004.
 The NCSK Act ceased to have effect from 29.2.2004. After that the tenure of the NCSK has been extended as a non-
statutory body from time to time. The tenure of the present Commission is upto 31.3.2019.
Major impact
 The major beneficiaries of the proposal would be the SafaiKaramcharis and persons engaged in manual scavenging in the
country since the NCSK will work for their welfare and upliftment.
 The number of Manual Scavengers identified under the MS Act Survey as on 31.01.2019 is 14226 and under the National
Survey undertaken by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment at the behest of NITI Aayog is 31128 on 31.01.2019.
Background
 The NCSK has been giving its recommendations to the Government regarding specific programmes for welfare of
SafaiKaramcharis, study and evaluate the existing welfare programmes for SafaiKaramcharis, investigate cases of specific
grievances etc.
 Also as per the provisions of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act,
 NCSK has been assigned the work to monitor the implementation of the Act, tender advice for its effective implementation
to the Centre and State Governments and enquire into complaints regarding contravention/non-implementation of the
provisions of the Act.
Current situation and steps needed
 Though the Government has taken many steps for the upliftment of the SafaiKaramcharis, the deprivation suffered by
them in socio-economic and educational terms is still far from being eliminated.
 Practice of manual scavenging is still prevalent in the country and its eradication continues to be an area of the highest
priority for the Government.
 Hence, the Government feels that there is a continued need to monitor the various interventions and initiatives of the
Government for welfare of SafaiKaramcharis and to achieve the goal of complete eradication of the practice of manual
scavenging in the country.
Methodology for Fixing National Minimum Wage

(Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector)
The Ministry of Labour and Employment had constituted an expert committee on 17th January 2017, under the Chairmanship Dr.
Anoop Satpathy to review and recommend methodology for fixation of National Minimum Wage (NMW). The Expert
Committee has submitted its report on “Determining the Methodology for Fixation of the National Minimum Wage” to the
Government of India.
Proposed criteria for minimum wage
 Using the nutritional requirement norms as recommended by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for Indian
population, the report has recommended a balanced diet approach which is culturally palatable for fixation of national
minimum wage.
 Accordingly, it has proposed that food items amounting to the level of ± 10 per cent of 2,400 calories, along with
proteins ≥ 50 gm and fats ≥ 30 gm per day per person to constitute a national level balanced food basket.
 It also proposes minimum wage should include reasonable expenditure on ‘essential non-food items’, such as clothing,
fuel and light, house rent, education, medical expenses, footwear and transport, which must be equal to the median class
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and expenditure on any ‘other non-food items’ be equivalent to the sixth fractile (25-30 per cent) of the household
expenditure distribution as per the NSSO-CES 2011/12 survey data.
 Apart from proposing the level of a single national minimum wage at an all-India level, the report has also estimated and
recommended different national minimum wages for different geographical regions of the country to suit the local realities
and as per socio-economic and labour market contexts.
Way forward
 The committee has also recommended reviewing the consumption basket every five years, subject to the availability of
NSSO-CES data, and – within the period of 5 years – revising and updating the basic minimum wage at least in line with
the consumer price index (CPI) every six months, to reflect changes in the cost of living.
 The report will be put before the Central Advisory Board/tripartite bodies for necessary consultations and approval of the
methodology.
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1st Mega Food Park of Himachal Pradesh

(Topic: Marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints)
1st Mega Food Park of Himachal Pradesh inaugurated, the park will give an impetus to the growth of the Food Processing Sector
in Himachal Pradesh.
What is Mega Food Park?
Mega Food Park is an inclusive concept and a scheme of the Ministry of Food Processing of the Government of India, aimed at
establishing a “direct linkage from farm to processing and then to consumer markets” through a network of collection centres
and primary processing centres
Need for Mega Food Parks
 Mega Food Parks create modern infrastructure facilities for food processing along the value chain from farm to market
with strong forward and backward linkages through a cluster based approach.
 Common facilities and enabling infrastructure is created at Central Processing Centre and facilities for primary processing
and storage is created near the farm in the form of Primary Processing Centers (PPCs) and Collection Centers (CCs).
 Attraction of youths towards agriculture and allied activities.
Highlights of scheme
 Government provides grants up to Rs 50 crores for each food park to a consortium of companies.
 30-35 food processing units are expected to be established.
 Collective investment of companies is expected to be at least 250 crores.
 A turnover of 400-500 crore and employment generation of at least 30000 from each mega food park is expected.
PETROTECH-2019
(Infrastructure: Energy)
PETROTECH-2019, the 13th Edition of India’s flagship hydrocarbon Conference, held at Greater Noida. The theme of this
conference is – ‘Shaping the New Energy World through Innovation and Collaboration’
PETROTECH provides the perfect setting to ponder over the future of the energy sector. It is a good platform to reflect on how
global shifts, transitions, policies and new technologies will influence market stability and future investments in the sector.
Importance of energy security for India
 Energy is integral to support the fast growing Indian economy and need to deliver energy justice to the poorest of the poor.
 The robust growth of India has been achieved through a series of policy reforms focused on improving India’s long-term
economic and social prospects.
 India has made remarkable jump in World Bank’s ease of doing business ranking from 142 in 2014 to 77th position in
2018.
 Significant increase in the energy demand over the next 20 years and oil and gas are likely to remain prominent fuels in the
global energy basket. However, given the increasing emission and CO2 levels globally, it is also important that we take
care of challenges arising out of global warming.
 India is third largest energy consumer in the world, with demand growing at more than five percent annually.
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Facts and figures

 Oil & Gas sector is a key contributor to India’s economy and accounted for almost 55% of our energy mix in 2017.
 India is the third largest consumer of crude oil and petroleum products globally, accounting for 4.5 % of world oil
consumption.
 Indian Oil and Gas companies are present in 28 countries with investments worth approximately 38 billion US dollars.
 National Data Repository has been set up to facilitate potential investors to take informed decisions based on the geo-
scientific data of hydrocarbon resources in the country.
Energy security schemes
 UJJWALA scheme, under which 64 million households have been provided the LPG connections, enhancing access to
clean cooking fuel which is called as the Blue Flame Revolution.
 Ambitious projects with 3200 KM long Prandhan Mantri Urja Ganga Project and 1600 KM long Indradhanush Gas
Grid to connect eastern and north eastern parts of India with the National Gas Grid.
 India is shifting directly from BS-IV to BS-VI standards for fuel from April 2020. The supply of BS VI quality fuel has
already begun in national capital of Delhi from April 2018.
 Ethanol Blended Petrol Program is being implemented and National Biofuel Policy to promote alternate fuels has been
introduced.
 In next few years 70% of India’s population and 53 % of the country’s area shall get covered with city gas distribution
networks.
 LNG is being promoted as a transport fuel for long-haul trucking along expressways, industrial corridors and inside
mining areas.
 Hundred per cent electrification of households in India, through a targeted programme called SAUBHAGYA.
 LED bulbs distributed across the country under the UJALA scheme, have resulted in an annual saving of seventeen
thousand crore rupees, or nearly 2.5 billion dollars.
 The Enhanced Oil Recovery Policy aims to promote the use of latest technology in improving productivity of upstream
fields.
Visakhapatnam Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR)

(Infrastructure: Energy)
In a boost to energy security of the country, PM dedicated to the nation, 1.33 MMT Visakhapatnam Strategic Petroleum Reserve
(SPR) facility of Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL). The cost of the Project is Rs. 1125 crore. The Facility has
the largest underground storage compartment in the country.
Background
 Central Government under phase I of SPR programme had announced to build three underground crude oil storage
facilities with total capacity of 5.33 million tonnes at Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh, storage capacity of 1.33 million
tonnes), Mangalore (Karnataka, 1.5 million tonnes) and Padur (Kerala, 2.5 million tonnes) to provide energy security of 10
days of consumption in response to external supply disruptions.
 All these are located on the east and west coasts of India which are readily accessible to the refineries. These strategic
storages are in addition to the existing storages of crude oil and petroleum products with the oil companies and serve in
response to external supply disruptions.
 In the 2017-18 budget, it was announced that two more such caverns will be set up Chandikhole in Jajpur district of
Odisha and Bikaner in Rajasthan as part of the second phase. This will take the strategic reserve capacity to 15.33 million
tons
 They are maintained by ISPRL, a special purpose vehicle (SPV), which is wholly owned subsidiary of Oil Industry
Development Board (OIDB) under Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
India and Norway launch initiative to combat Marine Pollution

The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change signed a letter of Intent establishing the India-Norway Marine
Pollution Initiative.
Highlights of the initiative
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 A joint Task Force on Blue Economy with government officials, researchers and experts as well as private sector was
established to develop sustainable solutions within strategic areas of the blue economy, such as maritime and marine sector
in addition to energy sector.
 In partnership, Norway and India will share experiences and competence, and collaborate on efforts to develop clean and
healthy oceans, sustainable use of ocean resources and growth in the blue economy.
 Both the governments launched the first Joint initiative under this new partnership. The India-Norway Marine Pollution
Initiative will combat marine pollution, which is one of the fastest growing environmental concerns.
Objective of Blue economy
The objective of the Blue Economy is to promote smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and employment opportunities within
the Indian Ocean region’s maritime economic activities.
 Sustainable harnessing of ocean resources, research and development
 Developing relevant sectors of oceanography.
 Stock assessment of marine resources.
 Introducing marine aquaculture, deep sea/long line fishing and biotechnology; and human resource development.
International Dam Safety Conference

(Topic: disaster management)
The 5th International Dam Safety Conference–2019 is being held in Bhubaneswar as a joint initiative of the Government of India,
Government of Odisha and the World Bank under aegis of the ongoing World Bank assisted Dam Rehabilitation and
Improvement Project (DRIP) as a part of institutional strengthening.
Facts and figures on dams in India
 About 80 per cent of our large dams are over 25 years old. About 209 dams are over 100 years old and were built in an era
when design practices and safety considerations were much below the current design and safety norms.
 Several of these dams may be experiencing distress and are in need of attention for ensuring their structural safety and
operational efficiency
 In the 1990s, a World Bank assisted DSRP project was launched to rehabilitate 183 distressed dams.
 In 2012, the Water Resources Ministry initiated the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) with a duration
of six years and financial outlay of Rs. 2100 crores. Presently, DRIP covers rehabilitation of 198 large dam projects
located in seven states namely Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Uttarakhand.
Environmental Problems Caused By Dams
 Soil erosion: Dams hold back the sediment load normally found in a river flow, depriving the downstream
 Spread of Disease: Dam reservoirs in tropical areas, due to their slow-movement, are literally breeding grounds for
mosquitoes, snails and flies, the vectors that carry malaria and river blindness
 Water logging: The Indian Institute of science estimates that 40 percent of the command area for Sardar Sarovar Dam will
become waterlogged. This area contains black cotton soils which are particularly prove to water logging under perennial
irrigation due to high water retention capacity. Soils become water logged and crop yields fall.
 Salinisation: The arid and semi-arid areas are incapable of handling large amounts of water brought by irrigation.
Irrigation water has more saline content and adds more salt to the system leading to the increase of salinisation.
Dam Health and Rehabilitation Monitoring Application (DHARMA)
 It is software tool for asset management has been developed to capture authentic data pertaining to all large dams to act as
information repository.
 It covers the monitoring and health information to regularly review the safety aspects of any dam.
 This tool has the appropriate access to policymakers, project managers, and dam managers to review the information and
take appropriate action.
 The central government is striving to address the issue of dam safety in a comprehensive way for quite a long time.
Importance of Dam Safety Conference
 The government has given in-principle approval to the project and will be funded by the World Bank. The project has wide
spatial coverage, having 18 states and two central agencies, and covering about 13 per cent of large dams of India.
 The basic objective of these annual events is to give exposure to non-DRIP states as well as other stakeholders across the
country and world, to the best global practices and technological advancements to address the emerging dam safety
challenges.
 The new project is proposed to be a state sector scheme with a 10-year duration, with each proposed phase of six years
duration with two years overlapping.
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LADIS – Least Available Depth Information System

(Topic: Infrastructure- ports)
Inland Waterways Authority of India launches portal for real-time information on available depth on stretches of National
Waterways (NWs)
About LADIS
 LADIS will ensure that real-time data on least available depths is disseminated for ship/barge and cargo owners so that
they can undertake transportation on NWs in a more planned way.
 An assured depth of waterway is required for seamless movement of vessels.
 If real time information is made available regarding LADs in stretches of various NWs, it will help transporters by guiding
them on the suitability of time of movement.
 Details of LAD will be fed into the portal by respective surveyors and regional in charge deputed with IWAI survey
vessels which constantly move on NWs.
 It will enhance credibility and efficiency of information sharing to achieve seamless operations on National Waterways,
besides pre-empting problems that may occur during movement of vessels.
Inland Waterways Authority of India
 Inland Waterways Authority of India was created by Government of India on 27 October 1986 for development and
regulation of Inland waterways for shipping and navigation.
 The Authority primarily undertakes projects for development and maintenance of Inland Waterway Terminal infrastructure
on National Waterways through grant received from Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways.
Please Note:
1. Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh: The Project costing Rs. 687 crore being constructed by the Border Roads Organisation
(BRO) would be completed in the next three years. It covers a total distance of 12.04 kms which consist of two tunnels of
1790 and 475 meters. Once completed this would result in.
 All weather connectivity to Tawang and forward areas.
 Reduction in more than one hour of travelling time from Tezpur to Tawang.
 Travellers would be able to avoid the dangerous snow covered Sela top at a height of 13,700 feet.
1. ‘GiveItUp’ campaign: As on 06.02.2019, nearly 1.04 crore LPG consumers have voluntarily surrendered their LPG subsidy
under ‘GiveItUp’ campaign. Domestic LPG prices are revised every month in line with international price of LPG with
corresponding revision in monthly LPG subsidy under PAHAL scheme. Entire subsidy burden is borne by the Government.
2. PM serves 3 billionth meal to underprivileged children: PM serves 3 billionth meal to underprivileged children in
Vrindavan by Akshaya Patra Foundation.
 The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a non-profit organisation in India that runs school lunch programme across India. The
organisation was established in 2000.
 Once the Mid-Day Meal Scheme was mandated centrally by the Government of India in 2003, Akshaya Patra partnered
with the Government to serve cooked meals at all Government schools.
1. Defence Innovation Hubs: The Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework of the Government envisages setting
up and managing independent Defence Innovation Hubs (DIHs). These DIHs will serve as platforms where innovators can
get information about needs and feedback from the Services directly and create solutions for India’s major defence platforms.
The Framework to Fund Defence Innovation Hubs under iDEX, approved by the Board of Defence Innovation Organisation
(DIO) prescribes the following minimum criterion for setting up Defence Innovation Hubs:
 Any Central Government recognized Incubator including but not limited to:
 Department of Science and Technology (DST) recognized Incubators.
 Atal Innovation Mission, NITIAayog created Atal Incubation Centers (AICs) and Established Incubation Centers (EICs).
 Ministry of MSME recognized incubators.
 Any other incubator recognized or funded through any Central government scheme.
 The incubator located in districts mentioned in the list of SME clusters hosted by the Ministry of MSME in collaboration
with UNIDO.
 Incubator / Hub promoted by local industry associations.
1. Light House Projects challenge: The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has instituted a challenge for States/ UTs to
select six sites across the country for constructing the Lighthouse projects under Global Housing Technology Challenge-
India (GHTC- India).
 The challenge has three components viz. i) Conduct of Grand Expo-cum-Conference, ii) Identifying Proven Demonstrable
Technologies from across the globe and iii) Promoting Potential Technologies through the establishment of Affordable
Sustainable Housing Accelerators- India (ASHA-I) for incubation and accelerator support.
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1. KUSUM scheme: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has formulated a Scheme ‘Kisan Urja Suraksha evam
Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM)’. The Scheme is currently under the process of seeking approval. The proposal on KUSUM
Scheme provides for:
 Installation of grid-connected solar power plants each of Capacity up to 2 MW in the rural areas;
 Installation of standalone off-grid solar water pumps to fulfil irrigation needs of farmers not connected to grid; and
 Solarisation of existing grid-connected agriculture pumps to make farmers independent of grid supply and also enable
them to sell surplus solar power generated to DISCOM and get extra income.
1. Swachh Shakti 2019: Swachh Shakti-2019 is a national event which aims to bring in to focus the leadership role played by
rural women in Swachh Bharat Mission. Women Sarpanches and Panches from all over the country will be attending the
event. Around 15,000 women are expected to participate in this year’s Swachh Shakti event aimed at empowering the
women.
 Swachh Shakti is an example of how at the grass root level, rural women champions are acting as a change agent to
mobilize the community and lead from the front women taking initiatives for a Swachh Bharat.
 The movement is a part of ongoing activities under the aegis of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
1. e-AUSHADHI portal for Online Licensing System of AYUSH Medicine: Ministry of State (IC) for AYUSH launched the
e-AUSHADHI portal, for online licensing of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy drugs and related matters. Portal is
intended for increased transparency, improved information management facility, improved data usability and increased
accountability.
 Timelines will be fixed for processing of application through this portal with SMS and e-mail status updates at each step of
the process
 This portal will not only aid the licensing authority , manufactures and consumers, as it will provide real time information
of the licensed manufactures and their products, cancelled and spurious drugs, contact details of the concerned authority
for specific grievances.
Quotes:
On energy security
 My vision for India’s energy future has four pillars: Energy access, Energy efficiency, Energy sustainability &Energy
security.
On nutrition
 If we succeed in delivering the nutrition coverage to every mother, every child many lives will be saved.
On sustainable development
 Sustainable development is inclusive development.
 India’s traditional practices reflected a sustainable lifestyle
On health and modern life style
 Instant food means constant disease
 Yoga and meditation would not only help in improving physical fitness, but also ensure mental equilibrium, which is the
need of the hour in view of the increased stress faced by the youngsters.
Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 17th Feb to 23rd Feb – 2019
ARCHIVES
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Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS)

DDRS is being organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice
and Empowerment. It will cover 13 States of Eastern & North Eastern region namely West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha,
Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim & Tripura. The stakeholders
i.e. the NGOs receiving grant under DDRS, State Government Officers & District level officers will be participating.
Provisions of the scheme
 Every year more than 600 NGOs are provided with financial assistance for running their projects for the rehabilitation of
persons with disability such as Special school, pre-school and early intervention, Halfway Homes and Community Based
Rehabilitation etc.
 The NGOs being funded are catering the rehabilitative services to more than 35000 to 40000 beneficiaries every year.
Facts and figures
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 According to Census 2011, there were about 2.68 crore persons with disabilities in India, constituting 2.21% of the total
population in the country.
 The mandate of the Constitution of India is to ensure equality, freedom, justice and dignity of all individuals, which
implies an inclusive society for all, especially the disadvantaged.
 Article 41 of Part IV (Directive Principles of State Policy – which is particularly relevant with regard to persons with
disabilities.
 In 2015, the Government launched the National Action Plan (NAP) for skill development of persons with disabilities.
The NAP envisages skilling of the persons with disabilities on various trades so as to enhance their employability both in
the government and private sector and also to enhance the scope of their self-employment
Important initiatives on women’s safety

The Ministry of Women and Child Development has conceptualized several initiatives to promote safety of women in their living
spaces, working spaces and the public spaces. Three of these important initiatives are.
 Panic Button:
The idea of having a panic button on the mobile phone was conceived way back in 2015. Ministry of Telecom mandated a
physical panic button on all mobile phones in the country.
This system was then conceptualized in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs and state governments were asked to put
in place a dedicated Emergency Response Centre through which the entire system will be operated.
 SCIM portal under Safe City Project: In order to provide safety for women in public spaces, the Government has
identified eight cities for implementation of Safe City project. The 8 major cities which have been chosen are Ahmedabad,
Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow and Mumbai. The projects include creation on ground assets &
resources and mindset safety of women.
Some of the key features of the safe city project include:
 Identification of sensitive hot spots in each city,
 Installation of CCTV surveillance covering the entire hot spot.
 Automated number plate reading machines to be deployed in extremely sensitive areas.
 Intensive patrolling in vulnerable areas beyond the identified hot spots.
 Improving street lighting and public toilet facilities for women.
 Others like setting up women help desks in police stations, augmentation of women support centres etc.
 DNA Analysis Facilities in States: In view of the complaints of delay in cases of sexual assault investigations, it was
proposed that dedicated DNA analysis facilities should be created in the forensic science laboratories on a mission mode.
Timely testing of DNA samples from the crime scene is the quickest process of obtaining forensic evidence in cases of
sexual assault on women.
International Vision Zero Conference

Ministry of Labour and Employment started VISION ZERO conference and its relevance to Occupational Safety and Health.
Objectives
 The concept of ‘Vision Zero’ is fast gaining international acceptance and is expected to leverage the efforts of the
Government of India to raise the occupational safety and health standards in the country so as to improve the occupational
safety and health situation.
 The concept of Vision Zero is based on four fundamental principles viz.
o Life is non-negotiable,
o Humans are fallible,
o Tolerable limits are defined by human physical resistance, and
o People are entitled to safe transport and safe workplaces.
The Vision is based on principles of Controlling Risks, Ensuring Safety and Health in Machines, Equipment and Workplaces and
Skill Upgradation of Workforce.
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National Workshop on Promoting Healthy Diets Through Local Food Systems

Under the aegis of POSHAN Abhiyaan, promoting consumption and household/community production of locally available
nutritionally rich food resources has been a priority concern. The academic institutions will serve as resource centres and
Nutrition Support Units to the Districts and State administration for technical, training, concurrent monitoring support to achieve
the goals of POSHAN Abhiyaan.
POSHAN Abhiyaan
 The POSHAN (PM’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment) Abhiyaan is aimed to ensure attainment of
malnutrition free India by 2022.
 The programme targets reduction of under-nutrition, anemia and low birth weight by ensuring convergence of evidence-
based nutrition interventions and by creating a mass movement (Jan Andolan) for food nutrition in India.
 One of the key nutrition interventions to meet these targets is to improve the quality of daily diets by making them
nutritionally rich and locally sustainable.
 Academic institutions were also encouraged to frame scientific methodologies and prepare achievable action plans with
clearly defined indicators.
Hope Portal
Resources.)
National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Organizations (NABH) has revamped Entry-Level Certification
Process to make it simpler, digital, faster and user-friendly. The revised process is driven through a new portal called HOPE –
Healthcare Organizations’ Platform for Entry-Level-Certification with a focus to promote quality at nascent stages by
enrolling a wide range of hospitals across the country including Healthcare Organizations (HCOs) and Small Healthcare
Organizations (SHCOs).
Aim of HOPE
 The aim is to create a momentum for HCOs and SHCOs that want to avail benefits associated with Insurance Regulatory
and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and Ayushman Bharat by getting themselves NABH certified along with
the primary aim of creating a quality healthcare ecosystem in India.
 The idea of cashless payment to patients under insurance coverage has been promoted by IRDAI to reduce financial
burden on households.
 The IRDAI has mandated hospitals to ensure a quality healthcare ecosystem through NABH Entry-Level Certification
Process.
Activities under HOPE
 Nationwide awareness workshops to sensitize the hospitals on the entire process of assessment.
 Call centre support to hospitals through an active helpline for resolving issues while filling the application form.
 Platform to connect hospitals with certified consultants for assistance in the certification process following a cost effective
manner.
 Knowledge bank providing a comprehensive guidebook, presentation etc. with detailed information of the step-by-step
certification procedure.
 Created a larger and stronger network of qualified assessors
Quality Council of India (QCI)
 Established in 1997 Quality Council of India (QCI) is an autonomous organization under the Department for Promotion of
Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
 It is the Quality Apex and National Accreditation Body for accreditation and quality promotion in the country.
 The Council was established to provide a credible, reliable mechanism for third party assessment of products, services and
processes which is accepted and recognized globally.
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GS-3
Big Bang Reforms in Oil & Gas Sector

(Topic: Infrastructure- Energy)
The Union Cabinet approved the Policy framework on reforms in exploration and licensing sector for enhancing domestic
exploration and production of oil and gas.
Objective
 The decision signals a paradigm shift in the core goal of the Government, moving from revenue-maximisation to
production-maximisation, with focus on exploration. This will incentivise increased investment and production.
Category I basins
 In Category I basins where potential is established and production is taking place, to give boost to further exploration in
unexplored areas of these basins, the weightage of revenue sharing has been reduced from 50% to 30%.
 Also, in order to ensure that revenue sharing does not disincentivise higher production, the maximum revenue sharing has
been capped at 50%.
Category II and Category III basins
 In the less prospective Category II and Category III basins, revenue sharing has been totally dispensed with and allotment
of basins would be solely based on the exploration work programme.
 On successful discovery, the production and full revenue will accrue to the operator, with Government asking for no share.
 This is apart from marketing and pricing freedom, which has been assured in all basins.
Benefits
 It gives complete marketing and pricing freedom to oil and gas production.
 In gas, it is also extended this to those fields whose first Field Development Plan (FDP) is yet to be approved.
 It also gives concession in the royalties in case the oil fields are brought to production earlier.
 Integrating the recommendations of NITI Aayog, the cabinet decision focuses on enhancing exploration & production
activities, which would have massive macro-economic benefits in terms of development of support services, employment
generation, transfer of advanced technology etc.
Operation Digital Board (ODB)

Resources)
Operation Digital Board to leverage technology in order to boost quality education in the country. Operation Digital Board is a
revolutionary step which will make the learning as well as the teaching process interactive and popularize flipped learning as a
pedagogical approach.
Objectives
 ODB aims at converting a class room into a digital class room and in addition to availability of e-resources at any time and
at any place to students.
 It will also help in provisioning of personalised adaptive learning as well as Intelligent Tutoring by exploiting emerging
technologies like Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence & Data Analytics.
 An expert committee has worked out optimum configuration of the Digital Class Rooms under ODB.
Implementation in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
 UGC will be the implementing agency for ODB in HEIs.
 It is estimated that there would be 5 lakh classrooms in the institutions which are aided by Centre or State Governments.
Out of this, based on the readiness, UGC proposed to take up 300 universities and about 10,000 colleges in the first phase
covering 2 lakh classrooms.
 For the 2 lakh class rooms, the cost is estimated at Rs. 2000 crores. This can be implemented as a Central scheme, as a
loan from HEFA.
Implementation in Schools
 Digital / SMART board will be provided in all Government and Government – aided schools having Secondary and Sr.
Secondary classes.
 Nearly 1.5 lakh Secondary / Sr. Secondary schools will be covered under the scheme in collaboration with the State and
UTs
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All India Citizens Survey of Police Services

(Topic: Internal security)
Ministry of Home Affairs has commissioned the Bureau of Police Research and Development to conduct a pan-India survey
called “ALL INDIA CITIZENS SURVEY OF POLICE SERVICES”. The survey will be conducted through the National
Council of Applied Economic Research, New Delhi.
Importance of the survey

The outcome of the survey is expected to bring out useful suggestions for stakeholders in formulating and implementing
appropriate policy responses and changes in the functioning of police at the cutting edge and for improving crime prevention and
investigation, transformation in community policing, improvement in the access to the justice and increased appropriate resource
allocation for police in a systematic manner.
Super-Efficient Air Conditioning programme launched by EESL

(Topic: Development of new technology)
Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of four National Public Sector Enterprises under Ministry of Power
launched its Super-Efficient Air Conditioning Programme.
About Air Conditioners
 These Super-Efficient Air Conditioners are 40 percent more efficient than, but priced comparably with, the 3-star ACs
currently available in the market (ISEER 3.8).
 EESL is working towards making this programme and its benefits available to all consumers across the nation with the
other DISCOMs likely to partner with EESL in future.
EESL and GEF
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 EESL’s investment in the programme is partially supported by a grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), an
independent financing mechanism that was established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit to address global
environmental issues. The GEF is an international partnership of 183 countries, international institutions, civil society
organizations and the private sector.
 Further, Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing necessary grant support and loan while United Nations
Environment (UNEP) is providing technical assistance support to the Super-Efficient AC programme.
Accepted outcomes
 The programme directly addresses the prospect of the nearly four-fold increase in energy consumption from buildings and
cooling appliances in India by 2032, while also addressing goals of India’s Cooling Action Plan and Hydrochlorofluro
carbons Phase Out Management Plan, enabling achievement of India’s targets under the Kigali and Paris Agreements.
Please Note:
NCST Leadership Award: Awards which will be conferred for significant and exemplary services towards Scheduled Tribes in
the country. The awards will be given in 3 categories i.e.
 Educational Institutions/ Universities,
 Public Sector Undertakings/Banks and
 Public Service rendered by an Individual, NGO or Civil Society.
Eco Circuit: Pathanamthitta – Gavi – Vagamon – Thekkady: Major works carried out under the project includes Eco
Adventure Tourism Park at Vagamon, Cultural Centre at Kadamanitta, Eco Log Huts at Peerumedu, Idukki, Approach Roads,
Walking trails, Rain Shelters at Pine Valley Forest, Thekkady, Kumily, Moozhiyar Dam, Penstock and Kakki Dam in Kerala.
Central Waqf Council: It is a statutory body established in 1964 by the Government of India under Wakf Act, 1954 (now a sub
section the Wakf Act, 1995) for the purpose of advising it on matters pertaining to working of the State Wakf Boards and proper
administration of the Wakfs in the country.
 Wakf is a permanent dedication of movable or immovable properties for religious, pious or charitable purposes as
recognized by Muslim Law, given by philanthropists. The grant is known as mushrut-ul-khidmat, while a person making
such dedication is known as Wakf.
 The Council is headed by a Chairperson, who is the Union Minister in charge of Wakfs and there are maximum 20 other
members, appointed by Government of India as stipulated in the Wakf Act. Presently the chairperson
642nd birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas: Guru Ravidas was a North Indian mystic poet-sant of the bhakti movement during
the 14th to 16th century CE. Venerated as a guru (teacher) in the region of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and
Madhya Pradesh the devotional songs of Ravidas made a lasting impact upon the bhakti movement.
He was a poet-saint, social reformer and a spiritual figure. He is considered as the founder of 21st-century Ravidassia religion, by
a group who previously were associated with Sikhism He gave the people a message of peace, harmony and fraternity. He made
people aware of the evils of discrimination and urged overcoming them.
VIVID 2019: VIVID-Vision Insight and Voices as India goes Digital”- the District Informatics Officer (DIO) meet, is being
organised by National Informatics Centre (NIC). The meet is held as an initiative to interact with the DIO’s and to share their
experiences as well as contribution, as digital change-makers at the grass-root level in the States.
 VIVID started in 2017, as an annual event, with the objective to empower NIC officials in the field of technology.
Runway to a Billion Opportunities: 12th biennial edition of International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition and declared the
Aero India 2019 in Bengaluru.
 This edition of Aero India, for the first time, combines the defence and civil aviation segments into a holistic event with
the co-involvement of the defence and civil aviation ministries in the event.
 More than 600 Indian Companies and 200 Foreign Companies are participating and witnessing the largest Air show of
Asia.
‘Shisht Bharat Abhiyan’: organised by an NGO, theme of the event was to discuss the importance of moral science education in
schools and colleges and to include Moral Science as a subject in the educational curriculum.
Atmospheric Water Generator safe Drinking Water: Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has unveiled its new product, the
Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG), an innovative solution to meet the ever-increasing need for drinking water worldwide.
BEL’s Atmospheric Water Generator can be used to generate water straight from the humidity present in the atmosphere.
“Waste to Wonder” Park in South Delhi: this park has set an example for others, as for the first time scrap has been used to
create ‘Wealth from waste’. The efforts should be made towards behavioural change of the people and proper arrangement
should be made for waste disposal. A system should be developed for recycling of waste that can be reused. The products which
cannot be recycled should be minimally used.
Quotes:
On India- Korea relation
 You would go fast if you go alone, but you would go far if you go together
On Centre-State relation
 As far as development is concerned, both State and Central governments must work as Team India
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On energy security
 In today’s era of rapid technological advance, energy and environment are major concerns not only for developing
countries but also for developed countries.
Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 24th Feb to 2nd March – 2019
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PM-KISAN scheme
About Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM KISAN)
 The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-KISAN) was announced in the interim Budget 2019-20.
 PM KISAN is a Central Sector scheme with 100% funding from Government of India.
 Under the Scheme, Rs 6,000 will be given per year to small and marginal farmer families having combined land
holding/ownership of upto 2 hectares.
 The amount will be given in three installments of Rs.2000 each.
 The amount will be transferred directly to the bank account of beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer. DBT will
ensure transparency in the entire process and will save time for the farmers.
 The Scheme was introduced to augment the income of the Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs). It is estimated to benefit
more than 12 crore small and marginal farmers.
Eligibility criteria
 In the database, the land owner’s name, gender,
 Social Classification (Scheduled Tribes / Scheduled Tribes)
 Aadhaar number, bank account number and mobile number etc.
 Imitation of agricultural land Khatuani imitation
 Janshan Bank Account Number, Aadhaar and Mobile Number will help in identifying eligible beneficiaries and
incompetent claimants
 The farmers having cultivated land of two hectare or less than this will be understood eligible for this scheme.
 The scheme is sponsored by the Central Government. Therefore, the farmers have to be citizens of the country.
Significance
 The PM-KISAN scheme aims to supplement the financial needs of the SMFs in procuring various inputs to ensure proper
crop health and appropriate yields, commensurate with the anticipated farm income at the end of the each crop cycle.
 This would also protect them from falling in the clutches of moneylenders for meeting such expenses and ensure their
continuance in the farming activities.
National Youth Parliament Festival 2019

(Topic: Important aspects of- governance, transparency and accountability)
National Youth Parliament Festival 2019 has been jointly organised by National Service Scheme and Nehru Yuva Kendra
Sangathan under the aegis of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on the theme of ‘Be the Voice of New India and Find solutions
and Contribute to Policy’.
Objectives of organising Youth Parliament.

o To hear the voice of youth between 18 and less than 25 years of age, who are allowed to vote but cannot stand as a
candidate for election, through deliberations in Youth Parliaments at district level and above.
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o To encourage the youth to engage with public issues, understand the common man’s point of view, form their
opinions and express it in an articulate manner.
o To develop and enhance decision making abilities.
 To develop in them a respect and tolerance for the views of others.
 To develop in them an understanding that respect for rules is essential for conducting any discussion systematically and
effectively.
 To obtain and document their opinions on Vision of New India in 2022.
 To make available their views to policy makers and implementers to take it forward.
About Nehru Yuva Kendras
 Nehru Yuva Kendras were established in the year 1972 with the objective of providing rural youth avenues to take part in
the process of nation building as well providing opportunities for the development of their personality and skills.
About National Service Scheme (NSS)
 The National Service Scheme (NSS) is a Central Sector Scheme of Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs &
Sports. It provides opportunity to the student youth of 11th & 12th Class of schools at +2 Board level and student youth of
Technical Institution, Graduate & Post Graduate at colleges and University level of India to take part in various
government led community service activities & programmes.
 The sole aim of the NSS is to provide hands on experience to young students in delivering community service. Since
inception of the NSS in the year 1969, the number of students strength increased from 40,000 to over 3.8 million up to the
end of March 2018 students in various universities, colleges and Institutions of higher learning have volunteered to take
part in various community service programmes.
Skill Saathi Youth Conclave in Bhubaneswar.

Resources.)
Skill Saathi is a career counselling initiative of the National Skill Development Corporation, under the aegis of MSDE, to create
awareness about the Skill India Mission and guide candidates by providing them with information on career paths and
opportunities.
The initiative provides information on vocational training programs under Skill India mission, conduct psychometric test and
provide face-to-face counselling interventions to guide aspirants to make the right choice of based on their interest and aptitude.
The program aims to create a mass movement around skill development in the state and inspire youth to make the most of various
skill development opportunities in the country.
Objectives
 The Skill Saathi initiative, it said, has so far mobilised and counselled over 1 lakh candidate in Odisha and over 10 lakh
youth across the country in the past three months.
 The Skill Saathi model was created to impart information on vocational education and available market opportunities to
the youth. With the potential Odisha has and with the right intent, together Odisha soon becomes the skill capital of India.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban)

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) Programme launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation
(MoHUPA), in Mission mode envisions provision of Housing for All by 2022, when the Nation completes 75 years of its
Independence. The Mission seeks to address the housing requirement of urban poor including slum dwellers through following
programme verticals:
 Slum rehabilitation of Slum Dwellers with participation of private developers using land as a resource
 Promotion of Affordable Housing for weaker section through credit linked subsidy
 Affordable Housing in Partnership with Public & Private sectors
 Subsidy for beneficiary-led individual house construction /enhancement
Beneficiaries
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 The mission seeks to address the housing requirement of urban poor including slum dwellers. A slum is defined as a
compact area of at least 300 people or about 60 – 70 households of poorly built congested tenements in unhygienic
environment usually with inadequate infrastructure and lacking in proper sanitary and drinking water facilities.
 Beneficiaries include Economically weaker section (EWS), low-income groups (LIGs) and Middle Income Groups
(MIGs). The annual income cap is up to Rs 3 lakh for EWS, Rs 3-6 lakh for LIG and Rs 6 + -18 lakhs for MIG. EWS
category of beneficiaries is eligible for assistance in all four verticals of the Missions whereas LIG and MIG categories are
eligible under only Credit linked subsidy scheme (CLSS) component of the Mission.
 For identification as a EWS or LIG beneficiary under the scheme, an individual loan applicant will submit self-certificate/
affidavit as proof of income.
 A beneficiary family will comprise husband, wife, unmarried sons and/or unmarried daughters.
 The beneficiary family should not own a pucca house either in his/her name or in the name of any member of his/her
family in any part of India to be eligible to receive central assistance under the mission.
 States/UTs, at their discretion, may decide a cut-off date on which beneficiaries need to be resident of that urban area for
being eligible to take benefits under the scheme.
Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL)

Resources.)
NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and Adobe today signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) to collectively drive the
charter of developing creative skills and spreading digital literacy across all Atal Tinkering Labs in India.
About the agreement
 Adobe shall be adopting 100 schools under Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) initiative.
 Adobe shall be implementing its Digital Disha Program in ATLs , under which free licenses of Adobe Spark premium
shall be offered to ATLs. Launched in 2018, the Adobe Digital Disha Programme is aimed at driving synergies in creative
thinking and technology-based learning.
 Under this collaboration with AIM, children and teachers across these schools and communities shall benefit from creative
learning resources, thereby empowering them with new age skills to thrive in the current digital era and preparing them for
long term success.
About Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

o AIM is the Government of India’s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the
country.
o As a part of AIM, ATLs are being established in more than 5,000 schools in India where students of class 6th to
class 12th acquire problem solving and innovation skills, developing innovative solutions leveraging Tinkering
technologies like 3D printers, robotics, miniaturised electronics, IOT and programming, do it yourself kits with
support from teachers.
o The Atal Tinkering Lab is based on the philosophy to identify and nurture innovation in young students across the
country.
 The Atal Innovation Mission proactively seeks to promote scientific temper and the spirit of entrepreneurship.
 Through various initiatives such as the ATL Community Day, Teacher Training Sessions, ATL Marathon, Student
Innovator Program, Tinkerfest etc AIM has successfully integrated students, teachers, mentors, parents and even the
governments at the state and local level within a larger fabric of encouraging science skills, digital literacy and creativity.
Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS)

(Topic: Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations)
Ministry of Human Resource Development launched the Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills
(SHREYAS) for providing industry apprenticeship opportunities to the general graduates exiting in April 2019 through the
National Apprenticeship Promotional Scheme (NAPS).The program aims to enhance the employability of Indian youth by
providing ‘on the job work exposure’ and earning of stipend.
Importance of SHREYAS
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 SHREYAS will be a major effort in this direction to make degree students more skilled, capable and employable and
aligned to the needs of our economy so that they contribute to country’s progress and also obtain gainful employment.
 SHREYAS portal will enable educational institutions and industry to log in and provide their respective demand and
supply of apprenticeship. The matching of students with apprenticeship avenues will take place as per pre-specified
eligibility criteria.
 The State Governments are expected to play a major role in securing apprenticeship opportunities, apart from the Sector
Skill Councils, so that general degree students passing out in April 2019, gain the option of industry & service sector
apprenticeship.
Objectives of SHREYAS
 To improve employability of students by introducing employment relevance into the learning process of the higher
education system
 To forge a close functional link between education and industry/service sectors on a sustainable basis
 To provide skills which are in demand, to the students in a dynamic manner
 To establish an ‘earn while you learn’ system into higher education
 To help business/industry in securing good quality manpower
 To link student community with employment facilitating efforts of the Government
Operation of the Scheme
 The primary scheme will be operated in conjunction with National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) which
provides for placing of apprentices upto 10% of the total work force in every business/industry.
 The scheme will be implemented by the Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) , initially the Banking Finance Insurance Services
(BFSI), Retail, Health care, Telecom, Logistics, Media, Management services, ITeS and Apparel.
 More sectors would be added over time with emerging apprenticeship demand and curriculum adjustments.
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IPrism
(Topic: Issues related to Intellectual Property)
The Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM), Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, in
collaboration with ASSOCHAM and ERICSSON India, has launched the second edition of ‘IPrism’, an Intellectual Property (IP)
competition for students of schools, polytechnic institutes, colleges and universities.
Objective
 Aiming to foster a culture of innovation and creativity in the younger generation, the competition will provide young
creators an opportunity to see their creations recognized on a national platform.
 Creating IPR Awareness through outreach and promotional activities is a key objective of the Policy. The Cell for IPR
Promotion and Management, set up under the aegis of the DPIIT to fulfil the policy objectives, has been actively involved
in many outreach activities including a nation-wide IPR awareness campaign.
About CIPAM
 CIPAM is a professional body under the aegis of the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) Ministry of
Commerce & Industry.
 Its mandate is to effectively implement National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy adopted in May 2016 with
slogan – “Creative India; Innovative India”.
 It has undertaken several measures to strengthen IP ecosystem in the country.
Heat wave risk reduction

(Topic: Disaster management)
Heat wave has emerged as one of the major severe weather events around the globe in recent years. Climate change is driving
temperatures higher as well as increasing the frequency and severity of heat waves. India too is experiencing increased instances
of heat waves every year. NDMA has been closely working with vulnerable States to reduce the adverse impacts of heat wave.
India too is feeling the impact of climate change in terms of increased instances of heat waves which are more intense in nature
with each passing year, and have a devastating impact on human health thereby increasing the number of heat wave casualties.
295
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has given the following criteria for Heat Waves:
 Heat Wave need not be considered till maximum temperature of a station reaches atleast 40*C for Plains and atleast 30*C
for Hilly regions
 When normal maximum temperature of a station is less than or equal to 40*C Heat Wave Departure from normal is 5*C to
6*C Severe Heat Wave Departure from normal is 7*C or more
 When normal maximum temperature of a station is more than 40*C Heat Wave Departure from normal is 4*C to 5*C
Severe Heat Wave Departure from normal is 6*C or more
 When actual maximum temperature remains 45*C or more irrespective of normal maximum temperature, heat waves
should be declared
Health Impacts of Heat Waves
The health impacts of Heat Waves typically involve dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke. The signs and
symptoms are as follows:
 Heat Cramps: Ederna (swelling) and Syncope (Fainting) generally accompanied by fever below 39*C i.e.102*F.
 Heat Exhaustion: Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and sweating.
 Heat Stoke: Body temperatures of 40*C i.e. 104*F or more along with delirium, seizures or coma. This is a potential fatal
condition
Sustained efforts
 Timely release and effective implementation of the national Guidelines on heat wave, preparation of Heat Action Plans by
13 vulnerable States.
 Regular follow-up and monitoring by NDMA, extensive awareness generation campaigns through print, electronic and
social media, preparedness workshops in 2017 and 2018 – have significantly brought down the number of heat-related
deaths in the past few years. From more than 2,000 deaths in 2015, the number came down to 25 in 2018.
IEA Bioenergy TCP

(Topic: Infrastructure-Energy security)
International Energy Agency’s Technology Collaboration Programme on Bioenergy (IEA Bioenergy TCP) is an international
platform for co-operation among countries with the aim of improving cooperation and information exchange between countries
that have national programmes in bioenergy research, development and deployment.
IEA Bioenergy TCP works under the framework of International Energy Agency (IEA) to which India has “Association” status
since 30th March, 2017.
Goals and benefits of IEA Bioenergy TCP
 It facilitate the market introduction of advanced biofuels with an aim to bring down emissions and reduce crude imports.
 IEA Bioenergy TCP also provides a platform for international collaboration and information exchange in bioenergy
research, technology development, demonstration, and policy analysis with a focus on overcoming the environmental,
institutional, technological, social, ‘and market barriers to the near-and long-term deployment of bioenergy technologies.
 Engagement with International Agencies will also apprise the Ministry of the developments taking place Worldwide in
Biofuel sector, provide opportunity of personal interaction with innovators/ Researchers and help in bringing suitable
policy ecosystem.
SATAT scheme
(Topic: Infrastructure-Energy security)
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has launched Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) aimed
at providing sustainable alternative towards affordable transportation. The initiative was launched with PSU Oil Marketing
Companies (OMCs i.e. IOC, BPCL and HPCL).
SATAT was launched with a four-pronged agenda
 Utilising more than 62 million metric tonnes of waste generated every year in India,
 Cutting down import dependence
 Supplementing job creation in the country
 Reducing vehicular emissions and pollution from burning of agricultural / organic waste.
Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG)
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 Bio-gas is produced naturally through a process of anaerobic decomposition from waste / bio-mass sources like agriculture
compressed and called CBG, which has pure methane content of over 90%.
 Compressed Bio-Gas is exactly similar to the commercially available natural gas in its composition and energy potential.
 CBG can be used as an alternative, renewable automotive fuel. Given the abundance of biomass in the country, CBG has
the potential to replace CNG in automotive, industrial and commercial uses in the coming years.
Benefits from converting agricultural residue
Please Note:
India hosts ‘4th Global Digital Health Partnership Summit’: The Global Digital Health Partnership (GDHP) is an
international collaboration of governments, government agencies and multinational organisations dedicated to improving the
health and well-being of their citizens through the best use of evidence-based digital technologies.
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes for Science and Technology : The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, named after the founder
Director of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Dr Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, is given annually to recognize
outstanding Indian work in various disciplines of Science and Technology.
Gandhi Peace Prize: The Gandhi Peace Prize was presented to the Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari for 2015, jointly to the
Akshaya Patra Foundation and the Sulabh International for 2016, to the Ekal Abhiyan Trust for 2017, and to Shri Yohei
Sasakawa for 2018.
Quotes:
During Gandhi Peace Price
 In his advocacy of sustainability, ecological sensitivity and living in harmony with nature, he anticipated some of the
pressing challenges of our times. The Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations are Gandhian
philosophy in action.
On health care sector
 From the Surakshit Mathritva Abhiyan to secure maternal health to Mission Indradhanush that aims to achieve 100 percent
child vaccination by 2022 to the opening of more than 3000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras to provide affordable medicines,
efforts are being made to envision and deploy out of the box, inclusive healthcare solutions.
 To crystallize Universal Healthcare (UHC) or Universal Health Assurance (UHA), we must focus upon safeguarding the
health and wellbeing of the vulnerable sections of our population, the women, the children, the poor and the differently
abled.
 Mental wellbeing is crucial and complementary to physical wellbeing, especially in the high stress environment that we
live and work in.
 To crystallize Universal Healthcare (UHC) or Universal Health Assurance (UHA), we must focus upon safeguarding the
health and wellbeing of the vulnerable sections of our population, the women, the children, the poor and the differently
abled.
On operations of Indian Air Force
 Peace loving pacifist India not weak; can strike against disruptive terror designs.
On education
 Education we impart must lead to self-discovery, enlightenment and awakening of an individual.
During Gandhi Peace Price
 Mahatma Gandhi had merged the streams of Jan Bhagidari (public participation) and Jan Andolan (mass movement).
Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 3rd March to 9th March – 2019
ARCHIVES
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Launch of Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana

(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)
297
What: A pension scheme for unorganized workers is being implemented for an estimated 42 crore workers, constituting around
85 per cent of the total labour force of the country.
The scheme is for unorganised workers who are mostly engaged as home-based workers, street vendors, mid-day meal workers,
head loaders, brick kiln workers, cobblers, rag pickers, domestic workers, washer men, rickshaw pullers, rural landless labourers,
own account workers, agricultural workers, construction workers, beedi workers, handloom workers, leather workers, audio-
visual workers, and in similar other occupations, according to the release.
Objective: Will assure a monthly pension of Rs.3000 for the enrolled unorganized sector workers during their old age.
Administration: Administered by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and implemented through Life Insurance Corporation
of India and CSC eGovernance Services India Limited (CSC SPV). LIC will be the Pension Fund Manager and responsible for
Pension pay out.
It is for the first time since independence that such a scheme is envisaged for the crores of workers engaged in the informal
sector
 It is a central sector scheme open to unorganised workers, whose monthly income is Rs. 15,000 or below and who have an
Aadhaar number as well as savings bank account. The minimum age for joining the scheme is 18 years and the maximum
is 40 years
 PM-SYM is a voluntary and contribution-based scheme under which the subscriber gets an assured minimum monthly
pension of Rs. 3,000 from the age of 60 years onwards.
 A contribution of equal amount as that of the beneficiary will be made by the Union Government. The cost incurred by the
Common Service Centre for enrolling a beneficiary will be borne by the Union Government.
Cabinet approves
Scheme to Rebate State and Central Embedded Taxes to Support the Textile Sector: This will enable the Government to
take various measures for making exports of apparel and made-ups zero rated. The proposed measures are expected to make the
textile sector competitive. Rebate of all Embedded State and Central taxes/levies for apparel and made-ups segments would make
exports zero-rated, thereby boosting India’s competitiveness in export markets and ensure equitable and inclusive growth of
textile and apparel sector.
Reservation in Teachers’ Cadre Ordinance, 2019: This decision is expected to improve the teaching standards in the higher
educational institutions to attract all eligible talented candidates. This decision will allow filling up of more than 5000 vacancies
by direct recruitment in Teachers’ Cadre duly ensuring that the Constitutional Provisions of Articles 14, 16 and 21 shall be
complied with and stipulated reservation criteria for the Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes and Socially and Educationally
Backward Classes are met with.
Continuation of National AIDS Control Programme-IV (NACP-IV) beyond 12th Five Year Plan for a period of three
years from April, 2017 to March, 2020:
 More than 99% of population will be kept HIV free.
 More than 70 lakhs of key population covered annually through a comprehensive HIV prevention programme.
 Around 15 crores of vulnerable population (including five crore pregnant women) will be tested for HIV in three years of
project.
 Two crore 32 lakh units of blood will be collected at NACO’s supported blood banks during three year of project.
 Two crore 82 lakh episodes of sexually transmitted infections will be managed under project during three years of project.
 Seventeen lakhs of PLHIV will be put on free anti-retroviral treatment by end of project period.
Revival and development of un-served and under-served air strips of State Governments, Airports Authority of India,
Civil enclaves, CPSUs, helipads and water aerodromes: As an outcome, small cities/towns shall be connected on
commencement of operation of flights to under-served/un-served airports and it will further boost the economic development in
these as well as surrounding areas in terms of job creation and related infrastructure development.
Additional funds under the Scheme for extending financial assistance to sugar mills for enhancement and augmentation
of ethanol production capacity: The approval of interest subvention will help in:
 Improving liquidity of sugar mills by way of value addition to their revenues from supply of ethanol under Ethanol
Blended Petrol Programme (EBP);
 Reducing sugar inventories and thereby facilitate timely clearance of cane price dues of farmers
 Achieving 10% blending target of EBP
Measures to promote Hydro Power Sector:
 These include Declaring Large Hydropower Projects (HPO) as part of non-solar Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO).
Large Hydropower Projects to be declared as Renewable Energy source (as per existing practice, only hydropower projects
less than 25MW are categorized as Renewable Energy).
 HPO as a separate entity within non-solar Renewable Purchase Obligation to cover LHPs commissioned after notification
of these measures (SHPs are already covered under Non-Solar Renewable Purchase Obligation). The trajectory of annual
HPO targets will be notified by Ministry of Power based on the projected capacity addition plans in hydropower sector.
Necessary amendments will be introduced in the Tariff Policy and Tariff Regulations to operationalize HPO.
 Tariff rationalization measures including providing flexibility to the developers to determine tariff by back loading of tariff
after increasing project life to 40 years, increasing debt repayment period to 18 years and introducing escalating tariff of
2%;
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 Budgetary support for funding flood moderation component of hydropower projects on case to case basis
 Major Impact including employment generation potential: As most of the hydro power potential is located in the
higher reaches of Himalayas and North- East Region, it will result in overall socio-economic development of the region by
providing direct employment in the power sector. It will also provide indirect employment/entrepreneurial opportunities in
the field of transportation, tourism and other small-scale businesses. Another benefit would be of having a stable grid
considering 160 GW capacity addition by 2022 from infirm sources of power like solar and wind.
 Background: India is endowed with large hydropower potential of 1,45,320 MW of which only about 45,400 MW has
been utilized so far. Only about 10,000 MW of hydropower has been added in the last 10 years. The hydropower sector is
currently going through a challenging phase and the share of hydropower in the total capacity has declined from 50.36% in
the 1960s to around 13% in 2018-19.
 Besides being environment friendly, hydropower has several other unique features like ability for quick ramping, black
start, reactive absorption etc. which make it ideal for peaking power, spinning reserve and grid balancing/ stability.
Further, hydropower also provides water security, irrigation and flood moderation benefits, apart from socio-economic
development of the entire region by providing employment opportunities and boosting tourism etc.
“FMBAP” for Flood Management Works in entire country and River Management Activities and works related to
Border Areas during 2017-18 to 2019-20: The FMBAP Scheme will be implemented throughout the country for effective flood
management, erosion control and anti-sea erosion. The proposal will benefit towns, villages, industrial establishments,
communication links, agricultural fields, infrastructure etc. from floods and erosion in the country. The catchment area treatment
works will help in reduction of sediment load into rivers. The aim of the Scheme is to assist the State Governments to provide
reasonable degree of protection against floods in critical areas by adopting optimum combination of structural and non-structural
measures and enhancing capabilities of State/Central Government officials in related fields.
MoU between India and Austria: The MoU aims to create an effective framework for bilateral cooperation in the field of Road
Transportation, Roads/Highways infrastructure development, management and administration, Road safety and Intelligent
Transport Systems between both countries. The MoU will further strengthen ties, promote long standing bilateral relations and
enhance trade and regional integration between Republic of India and the Republic of Austria.
Agreement between India and Belarus on MLAT in Civil and Commercial Matters: The proposal aims to benefit the
citizens of the respective Parties seeking Legal Assistance in Civil and Commercial Matters in the requested Party irrespective of
any gender, class or income bias.
MoU between India and Germany on Cooperation in the field of Occupational Safety and Health: The collaboration till
date has immensely helped in adopting the modern training techniques and tolls on various aspects of Occupational Safety and
Health in different sectors of economic activity.
 Under the MoU, German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) through the International Social Security Association (ISSA)
is bringing in knowhow to meet the OSH challenges, especially in the construction and manufacturing sector.
 Also, it will benefit the large work force by improving their safety and health, and preventing occupational injuries and
diseases.
 The cooperation is expected to result in capacity building of Directorate General Factory Advice Service and Labour
Institutes (DGFASLI), the technical arm and attached office of Ministry of Labour, India & Chief Inspector of Factories
Officers (CIFs) in the field of OSH, Strengthening of Inspection system for meeting emerging challenges, upgradation of
laboratories for carrying out applied research in the area of OSH, Development of OSH Standards and development in
Safety Culture for enhancing the well-being of the Indian workforce.
Amendment to the Article 3 of the Agreement between India and Bhutan regarding MHEP in order to extend the loan
repayment tenure by two years: The proposal aims to secure:
 The First Year Tariff for import of power from the 720 MW MHEP in Bhutan at Indian Rupees 4.12 per unit.
 Certainty of supply of surplus power to India by Bhutan from MHEP.
 Strengthening India-Bhutan economic relations and inter-linkages especially in the field of hydro-power co-operation and
overall deepening of India-Bhutan relations.
MoU between India and UK on Cancer Research Initiative: The India-UK Cancer Research Initiative will identify a core set
of research challenges that address issues of affordability, prevention and care of cancer by bringing together leading Indian and
UK experts across clinical research, demographic research, new technologies and physical sciences. The initiative will provide
funding to develop new research alliances and undertake impactful research to enable significant progress against cancer
outcomes.
The India-UK Cancer Research Initiative sets forth a roadmap for catalysing collaborations that align the best researchers,
scientists, healthcare organizations and institutions to a multi-disciplinary research platform leading to high value, low cost
outcomes for cancer care. Through this initiative the number of positions for doctoral-level, post-doctoral level researchers and
early career scientists are expected to grow. They will not only be trained in cutting technology but will also be trained in
essential leadership and project management skills which would help them in securing tenure-track research positions in
academia or in related bio-pharma industry.
Background: The India-UK Cancer Research Initiative is a collaborative 5-year bilateral research initiative by the Department of
Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, India and Cancer Research UK (CRUK) that will focus on affordable
approaches to cancer.
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Government of India and ADB sign $926 Million Loan Agreement

Why: To operationalize two lines for the Mumbai Metro Rail System that will ease the distress of millions of commuters each
day and help provide a cleaner, less congested city.
 The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will implement the project.
 Once operational by the end of 2022, an estimated 2 million passengers a day will use the two new lines, travelling in
improved safety and comfort.
 It will also reduce emissions from vehicles, with carbon dioxide emissions expected to fall by about 166,000 tons a year.
Government of India and World Bank

A.Sign $250 Million Agreement: The National Rural Economic Transformation Project (NRETP) to boost rural incomes across
13 States in India.
 Benefit: Will help women in rural households shift to a new generation of economic initiatives by developing viable
enterprise for farm and non-farm products. It will provide technical assistance, skills building and investment support to
strengthen women-owned and women-led producer collectives diversify into high value farm and non-farm commodities
such as commercial crops and livestock products, and fisheries.
 Key Focus of the Project

o Promote women-owned and women-led farm and non-farm enterprises across value chains
o Enable them to build businesses that help them access finance, markets and networks
o Generate employment
 About the project: The National Rural Economic Transformation Project (NRETP) is an additional financing to the $500
million National Rural Livelihoods Project (NRLP) approved by the World Bank in July 2011. The NRLP which is
currently being implemented across 13 states, 162 districts and 575 blocks, has so far mobilized more than 8.8 million
women from poor rural households into 750,000 self-help groups (SHGs). These SHGs have been further federated into
48,700 Village Organizations and 2900 Cluster/Gram Panchayat-level Federations. While these 13 states will continue to
be supported under the new project signed today, 125 new districts will be added from within these states.
B.Signs Loan Agreement of USD 25.2 Million: Chhattisgarh Public Financial Management and Accountability Program
 This support will cover Expenditure Planning, Investment Management, Budget Execution, Public Procurement and
Accountability.
 The Chhattisgarh Public Financial Management and Accountability Program, which is the First Bank-Financed State-
Level Project in Chhattisgarh in nearly a decade, will also help the State strengthen its Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and
Tax Administration Systems.
 The New Project will build capacity of the State’s Human Resources and the Institutions Handling Management of Public
Finances. The World Bank will facilitate cross-learning from Public Financial Management (PFM) Reforms undertaken by
it in other Indian States while bringing in global experiences.
C.Signs Loan Agreement for USD 96 Million: To provide additional funds to the State of Uttarakhand in its post-disaster
recovery plans, ongoing since the floods of 2013, as well as strengthen its capacity for Disaster Risk Management (the technical
capacity of the State Entities to respond promptly and more effectively to such crises in the future).
 The Project has helped in strengthening the State’s Disaster Risk Management Capacity which has led to enhanced
investment in long-term resilience through policies and institutions.
 The capacity of the SDRF, meant to be at the forefront during emergency situations of the State, has also been significantly
strengthened and it has so far conducted over 250 operations rescuing over 3,500 people, during the high pilgrimage
season.
 While the impacts of climate change in future disasters remain uncertain, efforts to ensure that the State has additional
capabilities and resilient infrastructure to reduce the potential damages and recover more quickly from disasters will
translate into important beneficial ripple effects on the State’s economy and livelihoods in the long term.
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Amendment in Hazardous Waste (Management& Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016

Aim: To strengthen the implementation of environmentally sound management of hazardous waste in the country
By: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
The amendment has been done keeping into consideration the “Ease of Doing Business” and boosting “Make in India” initiative
by simplifying the procedures under the Rules, while at the same time upholding the principles of sustainable development and
ensuring minimal impact on the environment.
Some of the salient features of the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management& Transboundary Movement) Amendment Rules,
2019 are as follows:
 Solid plastic waste has been prohibited from import into the country including in Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and by
Export Oriented Units (EOU).
 Exporters of silk waste have now been given exemption from requiring permission from the Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change.
 Electrical and electronic assemblies and components manufactured in and exported from India, if found defective can now
be imported back into the country, within a year of export, without obtaining permission from the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
 Industries which do not require consent under Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 and Air (Prevention
and Control of Pollution) Act 1981, are now exempted from requiring authorization also under the Hazardous and Other
Wastes (Management & Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016, provided that hazardous and other wastes generated by
such industries are handed over to the authorized actual users, waste collectors or disposal facilities.
Smart Fencing on Indo-Bangladesh border

(Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas)
The Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) project will vastly improve the capability of BSF in
detecting and controlling the cross-border crimes like illegal infiltration, smuggling of contraband goods, human trafficking and
cross border terrorism etc.
Project: BOLD-QIT (Border Electronically Dominated QRT Interception Technique) has been implemented along riverine
border, it was not feasible to construct border fencing. The 61 kms of border area in Dhubri where River Brahmaputra enters into
Bangladesh consists of vast char lands and innumerable river channels thus making border guarding in this area a challenging
task especially during rainy season.
CIBMS involves deployment of a range of state-of-the-art surveillance technologies — thermal imagers, infra-red and laser-
based intruder alarms, aerostats for aerial surveillance, unattended ground sensors that can help detect intrusion bids, radars,
sonar systems to secure riverine borders, fibre-optic sensors and a command and control system that shall receive data from all
surveillance devices in real time. Implementation of CIBMS projects on Indo – Pakistan and Indo – Bangladesh border will
enhance the capabilities of Border security Force (BSF).
Bogibeel Bridge: Longest rail-cum-road bridge in India
Launch of First indigenous semi high speed train: Vande Bharat Express between Delhi and Varanasi
National Council of Science Museums of Culture Ministry collaborates with Google Arts & Culture: For largest interactive
online exhibition on inventions and discoveries
Sampriti – 2019: India-Bangladesh Joint Military Exercise; The exercise is aimed to strengthen and broaden the aspects of
interoperability and cooperation between the Indian and Bangladesh Armies. The exercise will involve tactical level operations
in a counter insurgency and counter terrorism environment under the UN mandate.
Launch of Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS): For providing industry
apprenticeship opportunities to the general graduates exiting in April 2019 through the National Apprenticeship Promotional
Scheme (NAPS).
 The program aims to enhance the employability of Indian youth by providing ‘on the job work exposure’ and earning of
stipend.
 SHREYAS is a programme conceived for students in degree courses, primarily non-technical, with a view to introduce
employable skills into their learning, promote apprenticeship as integral to education and also amalgamate employment
facilitating efforts of the Government into the education system so that clear pathways towards employment opportunities
are available to students during and after their graduation.
 SHREYAS is a programme basket comprising the initiatives of three Central Ministries, namely the Ministry of Human
Resource Development, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and the Ministry of Labour& Employment viz
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the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), the National Career Service (NCS)and introduction of
BA/BSc/BCom (Professional) courses in the higher educational institutions.
World’s largest Bhagavad Gita: It measures over 2.8 meters and weighs over 800 kg; at ISKCON-Glory of India Cultural
Centre, New Delhi.
Note: Lokmanya Tilak had written the “Gita Rahasya,” while in jail, in which he explained in a simple way, Lord Krishna’s
message of Nishkam Karma.
India’s first indigenous semiconductor chips for 4G/LTE and 5G NR modems: By Signal chip
 India is just breaking into the elite club of the world and this will have huge implications for India’s data security and data
sovereignty, besides the positive economic implications.
 At present only 8 companies and a few countries can design and build semiconductor chips and launch of Indigenous Chip
is in a real sense Make in India for the World.
 The pioneering work will lead to a whole new architecture of tower building mainly in the light of emission complaints
and growing environmental concerns.
 These chips also support positioning using India’s own satellite navigation system, NAVIC.
National War Memorial: Near India Gate in New Delhi, and is a fitting tribute to our soldiers who laid down their lives
defending the nation, post-independence.
 The National War Memorial also commemorates the soldiers who participated and made the supreme sacrifice in Peace
Keeping Missions, and Counter Insurgency Operations.
 The layout of the National War Memorial comprises four concentric circles, namely, the ‘Amar Chakra’ or Circle of
Immortality, the ‘Veerta Chakra’ or Circle of Bravery, the ‘Tyag Chakra’ or Circle of Sacrifice, and the ‘Rakshak Chakra’
or Circle of Protection.
 The National War Memorial complex includes a central obelisk, an eternal flame, and six bronze murals depicting famous
battles fought by Indian Army, Air Force and Navy.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban): The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has approved the construction of another
5,60,695 more affordable houses for the benefit of urban poor.
 The scheme envisions provision of Housing for All by 2022, when the Nation completes 75 years of its Independence.
 The Mission seeks to address the housing requirement of urban poor including slum dwellers through following
programme verticals:
 Slum rehabilitation of Slum Dwellers with participation of private developers using land as a resource
 Promotion of Affordable Housing for weaker section through credit linked subsidy
 Affordable Housing in Partnership with Public & Private sectors
 Subsidy for beneficiary-led individual house construction /enhancement.
Van Dhan Scheme: An initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED, launched to improve tribal incomes through
value addition of tribal products. TRIFED has also launched the “Friends of Tribes” Scheme for sourcing of CSR funds from
Public Sector Organizations (PSUs) were requested to fund tribal Entrepreneurship Development Programme through their CSR
initiatives.
Rail Drishti: To promote transparency and accountability; encompassing all the digitisation efforts in Indian Railways and
promoting transparency and accountability. It brings information from various sources on a single platform and gives access to
key statistics and parameters to every citizen of the country.
Bringing Green Revolution in Eastern India (BGREI) programme:
 Nodal agency: ICAR – National Rice Research Institute (NRRI) in Cuttack (Odisha)
 Being implemented in 118 districts of seven Eastern states.
 With its implementation, more than 25% of yield increase has been recorded in the states of Assam, Bihar and
Chhattisgarh, whereas 12-15% yield increase has been reported in Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Eastern UP.
The Global Digital Health Partnership (GDHP) is an international collaboration of governments, government agencies and
multinational organisations dedicated to improving the health and well-being of their citizens through the best use of evidence-
based digital technologies. Governments are making significant investments to harness the power of technology and foster
innovation and public-private partnerships that support high quality, sustainable health and care for all. The GDHP facilitates
global collaboration and co-operation in the implementation of digital health services.
Gandhi Peace Prize for the years 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018 awarded to –
1. Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari for the year 2015: For its contribution in Education, Rural Development, and
Development of Natural Resources
2. Akshaya Patra Foundation (for providing mid-day meals to the children) and Sulabh International (for improving the
condition of sanitation in India and emancipation of manual scavengers) for the year 2016 (Jointly)
3. Ekal Abhiyan Trust for the year 2017: Recognizes the manifold contribution of Ekal Abhiyan Trust over vast number of
villages in providing education to Rural and Tribal children in remote areas pan India, in spreading awareness about Health
and Hygiene, in promoting Rural Entrepreneurship through natural farming and skills, in making rural communities aware of
issues related to Gender and Social Equality and thus realizing Gandhian concept of Gram Swaraj through voluntary efforts.
4. Sh Yohei Sasakawa for the year 2018: For the work of leprosy eradication in India and across the world through his tireless
advocacy to promote greater awareness and understanding of leprosy and for speaking out against stigma and discrimination.
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About the Award:

 Gandhi Peace Prize for Social, Economic and Political transformation through Non-violence was instituted in the year
1995. The Award comprises an amount of Rs. One Crore and a Citation.
 This annual award is given to individuals, associations, institutions or organizations who have worked selflessly for peace,
non-violence and amelioration of human sufferings particularly of the less-privileged section of society contributing
towards social justice and harmony. The Award is open to all persons regardless of nationality, race, language, caste, creed
or gender.
 Normally, contributions made during ten years immediately preceding the nomination are considered.
Janaushadhi Diwas: 7th March 2019 (making quality healthcare affordable for all); Health is one of the most important part of
development and this Government has been incessantly working to ensure quality healthcare affordable for all, through schemes
like Ayushman Bharat, PMBJP among others. The Janaushadhi medicines have played a big role in bringing down the out of
pocket expenditure of patients suffering from life threatening diseases in India. The PMBJP scheme has led to total savings of
approximately Rs.1000 crores for common citizens, as these medicines are cheaper by 50% to 90% of average market price.
Azaadi ke Diwane Museum: Red Fort, Delhi
 Created by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the museum within the Red Fort complex pays homage to all the unsung
heroes of freedom struggle of the nation, who would have otherwise been merged away in forgetfulness.
 The museum is fifth in the series of recently inaugurated museums in the Red Fort Complex – others being, Subhash
Chandra Bose and INA museum, Yaad-e-Jallian museum, Museum on 1857 – India’s first war of Independence and
Drishyakala – Museum on Indian Art.
Scheme for Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) for Specified Agriculture Products: To provide assistance for the
international component of freight and marketing of agricultural produce which is likely to mitigate disadvantage of higher cost
of transportation of export of specified agriculture products due to trans-shipment and to promote brand recognition for Indian
agricultural products in the specified overseas markets.
Permanent Commission to Women
Indian Air Force: All branches, including Fighter Pilots are now open for women officers.
Indian Navy:
 All non-sea going Branches/Cadre/Specialisation have been opened for induction of women officers through Short Service
Commission. In addition to education, Law & Naval Constructor branch/cadre, women SSC officers have been made
eligible for grant of Permanent Commission in the Naval Armament branch, at par with the male officers.
 The proposal for induction of three new training ships for the Indian Navy is underway. This will provide the requisite
infrastructure for training of both men and women officers. Indian Navy will start inducting women in all branches, once
the training ships are in place.
Indian Army:
 Women officers will be granted Permanent Commission in the Indian Army in all the ten branches where women are
inducted for Short Service Commission.
 So, besides the existing two streams of Judge Advocate General (JAG) and Army Education Corps, now PC will be
granted in Signals, Engineers, Army Aviation, Army Air Defence, Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, Army Service
Corps, Army Ordinance Corps and Intelligence also to women officers.
 SSC women officers will give their option for PC before completion of four years of Commissioned Service and they will
exercise option for grant of PC and their choice of specialisation.
 SSC Women officers will be considered for grant of PC based on suitability, merit etc and will be employed in various
staff appointment.
National Common Mobility Card, NCMC: India’s first indigenously developed payment platform

o Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs brought to the fore the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) to enable
seamless travel by different metros and other transport systems across the country besides retail shopping and
purchases.
o India’s First Indigenously Developed Payment Eco-system for transport consisting of NCMC Card, SWEEKAR
(Swachalit Kiraya: Automatic Fare Collection System) and SWAGAT (Swachalit Gate) is based on NCMC
Standards.
o These are bank issued cards on Debit/Credit/Prepaid card product platform. The customer may use this single card
for payments across all segments including metro, bus, suburban railways, toll, parking, smart city and retail.
 Benefits:

o Help in higher digital payments penetration, savings on closed loop card lifecycle management cost
o Reduced operating cost
o The rich data insights may be used by operators for business intelligence leading to efficient operation.
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o With NCMC Ecosystem, Banks will get an access to segments which are highly driven by cash but stickiness in
nature.
o NCMC Ecosystem will further help government in digitization of low value payments and reduced cost for the
entire ecosystem.
The National Annual Rural Sanitation Survey (NARSS) 2018-19
Findings:
 96.5% of the households in rural India who have access to a toilet use it.
 95.4% of the villages surveyed found to have minimal litter and minimal stagnant water
 The NARSS also re-confirmed the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status of 90.7% of villages which were previously
declared and verified as ODF by various districts/States.
SBM, the world’s largest sanitation program, has changed the behaviour of hundreds of millions of people with respect to toilet
access and usage. 500 million people have stopped defecating in the open since the SBM began, down from 550 million at the
beginning of the programme to less than 50 million today. Over 9 crore toilets have been built across rural India under the
Mission. Over 5.5 lakh villages and 615 districts have been declared ODF, along with 30 ODF States and Union Territories.
Time to work on it – Essay topic: Science and technology is the fulcrum for the levers of government to effect social and
economic change
Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 10th March to 17th March – 2019
ARCHIVES
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Launch of Pulse Polio Programme for 2019

With the global initiative of eradication of polio in 1988 following World Health Assembly resolution in 1988, Pulse Polio
Immunization programme was launched in India in 1995. Children in the age group of 0-5 years administered polio drops during
National and Sub-national immunization rounds (in high risk areas) every year.
Objective: Achieve hundred per cent coverage under Oral Polio Vaccine.
It aimed to immunize children through improved social mobilization, plan mop-up operations in areas where poliovirus has
almost disappeared and maintain high level of morale among the public.<
Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 18th March to 24th March – 2019
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Health Ministry reviews the preparedness on West Nile Fever

Resources)
The State has been advised to follow the National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP) guidelines of personal
protective measures to prevent mosquito bites. The Ministry has also recommended vector surveillance and control to be carried
out in coordination with NVBDCP.
West Nile Fever is a mosquito borne zoonotic disease caused by a flavivirus -West Nile Virus (WNV). This virus is related to
viruses that cause Japanese Encephalitis, yellow fever and St. Louis encephalitis. Human infection is most often due to bites from
infected mosquitoes. To date, no human-to-human transmission of WNV through casual contact has been documented. Infection
with WNV is either asymptomatic (no symptoms) in around 80% of infected people, or can lead to West Nile fever or severe
West Nile disease.
Do you know?
 West Nile virus can cause a fatal neurological disease in humans.
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 Approximately 80% of West Nile virus infections in humans have few or no symptoms.
 WNV is found in temperate and tropical regions of the world.
 The virus was discovered in Uganda in 1937 and was first detected in North America in 1999.
 West Nile fever is spread by Culex mosquitoes and the infection could be confirmed only if the second samples test
positive. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, occasionally with a skin rash on
the trunk of the body, and swollen lymph glands.
Pic: https://iasbaba.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/PIB.jpg
World Water Day

implementation)
Theme: Leaving no one behind – Whoever you are, wherever you are, water is your human right.
600 million people face acute water shortage and 200,000 die each year because they have no access to clean water. By 2020, 21
cities will run out of groundwater. Just over a decade from now, water woes could cause a 6% loss in GDP.
What is ‘safe water’?
Safe water means water that is free from contamination, and available whenever needed. The world cannot grow and prosper if
there are people without access to safe water. When they are forced to use unsafe or contaminated water, they risk contracting
deadly diseases.
Women, children, refugees, and disabled people sometimes face discrimination when they try to access water. This is against the
basic human right to water — which entitles everyone to water for drinking, personal sanitation, washing clothes, food
preparation, and household hygiene. This year’s World Water Day will focus on the reasons why so many people are being left
behind.
Composite Water Management Index: Seventy per cent of the water resources in the country is polluted, 75 per cent
households do not have drinking water and more than 600 million people in the country face high to extreme water distress.
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The Mihir Shah Committee argued that there is little “understanding of river systems or their interconnections with the health of
catchment areas or groundwater”. There needs to be a paradigm shift in the country’s water governance: From a predominantly
engineer-centred approach of the CWGB to one involving hydrologists, geologists, agronomists, and ecologists.
Water scarcity is a clear and present danger, not a distant threat, and global warming heightens this threat.
World Tuberculosis Day

Resources)
24th March marks the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB, which
opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease.
TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious killer. Each day, nearly 4500 people lose their lives to TB and close to 30,000 people
fall ill with this preventable and curable disease.
Global efforts to combat TB have saved an estimated 54 million lives since the year 2000 and reduced the TB mortality rate by
42%. To accelerate the TB response in countries to reach targets – Heads of State came together and made strong commitments
to end TB at the first-ever UN High Level Meeting in September 2018.
Theme of World TB Day 2019 – ‘It’s time’ – puts the accent on the urgency to act on the commitments made by global leaders
to:
 Scale up access to prevention and treatment
 Build accountability
 Ensure sufficient and sustainable financing including for research;
 Promote an end to stigma and discrimination
 Promote an equitable, rights-based and people-centered TB response.
India’s War on TB – The Way Forward
Countering Delay in Diagnosis:
 To block transmission, treatment should begin as soon as a symptom shows up. As cough is a very common symptom of
many diseases, doctors don’t think of TB until other treatments fail.
 Partnership with the private sector is essential for early diagnosis of TB.
 Universal primary health care, a basic human right, and a diagnostic algorithm for early diagnosis are essential for TB
control.
 To retard progression: Employ the biomedical method is drug treatment of latent TB. Experts recommend an age window
of 5-10 years when all children must be screened with TST; those with latent TB must be treated to prevent progression.
Private Sector: The private sector has a very crucial role to play in checking the rise of TB as it is the first place a patient from
an urban area visits. We need to make them a partner in this fight.
 Strict guidelines need to be followed to report cases of TB to government.
 Developing a comprehensive set of national guidelines could strengthen private sector engagement in TB
 Efforts should be made to map and categorise private practitioners based on the nature of their education, experience and
services provided.
 Private hospitals need to be penalised for failure to report early TB cases to government. This will enhance the
accountability of the private players.
 If cannot provide free treatment, it needs to refer the patient to a government clinic.
Strengthening research: We urgently require rapid and cost-effective point-of-care devices that can be deployed for TB
diagnosis in different settings across the country.
 Additionally, new drug regimens are necessary for responding to the spread of drug-resistant strains as is an effective
vaccine for preventing TB in adults. It is a big challenge in current times, which is due to irregular treatment.
 Operational research for optimising service delivery is also critical because it is often the case that diagnostics and drugs
do not reach those who need them the most.
 TB with other disease like HIV is difficult to treat and the research needs to be strengthened in this field.
 The India TB Research and Development Corporation launched in 2016 must play a pivotal role in accelerating these
efforts.
Technology: Technology has to be introduced and utilized in the most effective manner to ensure early access and monitoring.
Ending social stigma: TB is not a health issue alone. It is a broader societal challenge. Patients often hesitate to seek treatment
or deny their condition altogether for fear of losing social standing. The consequence is that TB becomes a death sentence for
many even though it is a fully curable illness. Women are disproportionately affected with estimates suggesting that 100,000
Indian women are asked to leave their homes every year after being diagnosed with TB.
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 Mass awareness campaigns like ‘TB Harega Desh Jeetega’ can play an important role in breaking social taboos.
 Local communication channels such as community radios and street plays must also be leveraged.
 Children should be engaged through anganwadis and schools for disseminating accurate messages about TB to their
families.
 Paediatric TB is often a neglected area. Children come from low socio-economic strata with social stigma and
discrimination which needs to be de-stigmatised.
Major initiatives taken by India–
Shift to Daily regime of medication: With DOT Centres, the treatment will be at individual door level leading to no defaulter.
Cash benefit for TB patients & Medical Practitioner:
 About 35 lakh identified Tuberculosis patients across the country will soon get Rs. 500 every month from the Centre as
social support. The cash benefit for social support will cover loss of wages, travel and mainly nutrition.
 INR 500/- to the private medical practitioner for notification of the disease
Will this work: Need to incentivise both the patients and the private practitioners as both the sides will ensure that they stand to
gain from the treatment, which, in the long term, might lead to behavioural change.
Web-based Application – Nikshay: To enable health functionaries at various levels across the country to monitor TB cases in
their areas
 Patients receive daily SMSes to ensure they continue their medication.
 The medicines come with a toll free number that is visible only after the medicine has been taken out of the foil pack;
patients are required to give the number a missed call.
 Every missed call is tracked, and when there are too many gaps, the patient is traced, often by treatment supervisors who
travel to remote areas on bikes that the programme pays for.
Introduction of Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT): It is a revolutionary rapid molecular test
which simultaneously detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin drug resistance. This test is fully automated and
provides results within two hours. It is a highly sensitive diagnostic tool and can be used in remote and rural areas without
sophisticated infrastructure or specialised training.
Connect the Dots:
1. TB remains one of the leading causes of death from any single infectious agent worldwide. Comment on the national and
global efforts to eliminate the disease by 2035.
2. TB is still one of the major cause of deaths across the world. To eliminate this epidemic, understanding the private sector and
designing the corresponding strategies is one of the important solutions. Elucidate.
3. To outsmart TB bacilli, we must intercept infection, progression and transmission concerted use of all interventions —
biomedical and socio-behavioural- is required. Analyze.
GS-3
Strong Action against Terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir

(Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism)
Central Government has followed the policy of ‘Zero Tolerance’ against terrorism and has acted strongly against
terrorists. Central Government in its pursuit of strong action against terrorism, has declared JKLF (Yasin faction) as an unlawful
association under the provisions of Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
1. Securities Forces have been given free hand to deal with terrorism.
2. Government is committed to relentlessly pursuing the policy of curbing the activities of secessionist organizations which are
threat to unity and integrity of the country. NIA and Enforcement Directorate are taking strong action against these
organizations.
3. With above objective, Government has declared ‘Jamaat-e-Islami (J&K)’ as an unlawful association under the provisions of
Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. It was made clear at that time that ‘Jamaat-e-Islami (J&K)’ is
separate from ‘Jamaat-e-Islami Hind’. In 1953, it made its own constitution. JeI (J&K) is responsible for formation of Hizbul
Mujahidin (HM), the biggest terrorist organization active in Jammu & Kashmir. JeI (J&K) has been providing all kind of
support to HM in terms of recruits, funding, shelter, logistics, etc
4. Jammu & Kashmir Liberation Front led by Md. Yasin Malik has spearheaded the separatist ideology in the valley and has
been at the fore-front of separatist activities and violence since 1988. Murders of Kashmiri Pandits by JKLF in 1989 triggered
their exodus from the valley. Md. Yasin Malik was the mastermind behind the purging of Kashmiri Pandits from the Kashmir
valley and is responsible for their genocide.
5. JKLF has many serious cases registered against it. This organisation is responsible for murder of 4 Indian Air Force
personnel and kidnapping of Dr. Rubaiya Sayeed (daughter of the then Home Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in Shri V.
P. Singh’s Government). This organization, alongside, is also responsible for illegal funnelling of funds for fomenting
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terrorism. JKLF is actively involved in raising of funds and its distribution to Hurriyat cadres and stone-pelters to fuel unrest
in the Kashmir valley as well as for subversive activities.
6. Activities of JKLF (Y) pose a serious threat to the security of the country and are prejudicial to the territorial integrity and
sovereignty of India. The organization has been actively and continuously encouraging, feelings of enmity and hatred against
the lawfully established Government as well as armed rebellion.
7. 37 FIRs have been registered by J&K Police against JKLF. Two cases including the case of murder of IAF personnel were
registered by CBI. NIA has also registered a case, which is under investigation. It is evident from these that JKLF continues
to be actively engaged in supporting and inciting secessionism and terrorism including terror financing.
8. A large number of secessionist leaders were being provided security by the State. Government, after review, has withdrawn
the security of many such persons. This process will continue further.
9. The Government has re-vitalized grass-root democracy in J&K by conducting elections peacefully for the first time in 2018
for Urban Local bodies after 2005 and for Panchayats after 2011. There was active participation of the people in these
elections and overall polling percentage was 74%. More than 3,652 Sarpanches and 23,629 Panches were elected in these
elections. Panchayats have been empowered and made more accountable towards public. Direct elections were held for
Sarpanches. Financial powers of Panchayats have been increased 10 times. About 20 Departments have been brought under
Panchayati Raj. Government is committed for integrated and coordinated development of all the three regions of the State,
Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.
Please Note:
AFINDEX-19: Africa-India Field Training Exercise-2019 for India and African nations
Exercise MITRA SHAKTI: Conducted annually as part of military diplomacy and interaction between armies of India & Sri
Lanka
Quotes:
On Media and Elections
 Advised the media to present a report card on the performance of parties in an objective manner to enable people make an
informed choice during elections.
 If the media can present report card and the people can demand accountability from political party’s vis-a-vis their
promises, raising resources and how they intend to spend them, our country can boast of not only being the largest
democracy in the world but also one of the most vibrant, cleanest democracies in the world.
 Media should act as a mirror that reflects the reality, neither magnifying nor diminishing, neither distorting nor mystifying
facts.
 Advised the media to “shun this tendency lest ‘money power’ is used to influence voters through ‘manufactured’ views
and opinions of paid news”.
 To make elections more credible and inclusive the pitfalls such as money and muscle power, breaching the limits of
election expenditure, invoking caste and religion, criminal antecedents of candidates, paid news and fake news, violating
the Model Code of Conduct, inadequate representation of women in legislatures need to be addressed in quick time.
 As an old saying goes ‘facts are sacred and opinion is free’. So, stick to facts, present them fearlessly and give opinions
fearlessly but when giving opinion don’t ‘change’ the facts.
 We must foresee that these 4C’s are coming and must be careful – Cash, Community, Caste and Criminality.
 Must Read: Link 1 + Link 2
On Blue Economy

o The objective of the Blue Economy is to promote smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and employment
opportunities through maritime economic activities.
o There is a need to focus on ocean centric technology to harness the marine resources for sustained growth of India.
Development of technologies for deep sea mining, underwater vehicles and underwater robotics for extraction of
minerals should be initiated. NIO should also undertake research on development of drugs from the sea.
o A focused approach in some of the areas such as minerals from the ocean, energy from ocean can make India a
global leader and serve our national goals. However, while pursuing the “blue growth”, every effort must be made
by all the stakeholders, including private and public sectors, to prevent further degradation of the ocean and its
ecosystems.
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Citizenship
5. Right to vote in elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislative
assembly.
6. Right to contest for the membership of the Parliament and the state
legislature.
7. Eligibility to hold certain public offices, that is,
President of India,
Vice-President of India,
Judges of the Supreme Court and the high courts,
Governor of states,
Attorney general of India and advocate general of states.
Citizens also owe certain duties towards the Indian State –

a. Paying taxes,
b. Respecting the national flag and national anthem,
c. Defending the country and so on.
In India – citizen by birth as well as a naturalised citizen are eligible – for
the office of President.
In USA – only a citizen by birth is eligible – for the office of President.
CONSTITUTIONAL
PROVISIONS
Constitution – Citizenship -> Articles 5 to 11 -> Part II.
Not deal with problem of acquisition or loss of citizenship subsequent to
its commencement.
Empowers-> Parliament to enact a law to provide for matters relating
to citizenship.
Four categories of persons became the citizens of India on 26 January,
1950:
1. A person who had his domicile in India and also fulfilled any one of the
three conditions, viz.,
> If he was born in India;
> If either of his parents was born in India; or
> If he has been ordinarily resident in India for five years immediately
before the commencement of the Constitution, became a citizen of India
(Article 5).
2. A person who migrated to India from Pakistan became an Indian
citizen
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> If he or either of his parents or any of his grandparents was born in

undivided India
> In case he migrated to India before July 19, 1948, he had been
ordinarily resident in India;
> In case he migrated to India on or after July 19, 1948, registered as a
citizen of India if he had been resident in India for six months preceding
the date for registration (Article 6).
3. A person who migrated to Pakistan from India after March 1, 1947, but
later returned to India
for resettlement could become an Indian citizen.
>he had to be resident in India for six months preceding the date of his
application (Article 7).
4. A person, any of whose parents or grandparents, born in undivided
India but ordinarily residing
outside India shall become an Indian citizen.
> if he has been registered as a citizen of India by the diplomatic or
consular representative of
India in the country of his residence (Article 8).
Other provisions :
No person shall be a citizen of India -> acquired the citizenship of any
foreign state (Article 9).
Citizen of India shall continue to be, subject to any law made by
Parliament (Article 10).
Parliament have the power to make any provision with respect to the
acquisition and termination of citizenship and all other matters relating to
citizenship (Article 11).
CITIZENSHIP ACT, 1955

Citizenship Act (1955) provides for acquisition and loss of citizenship
after the commencement of the Constitution.
Act has been amended so far four times by the following Acts:
1. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 1986.
Citizenship Act of 1955 prescribes five ways of acquiring citizenship, viz,
a. Birth,
b. Descent (origin or background of a person in terms of family or
nationality)- Jus Sanguinis,
c. Registration,
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d. Naturalisation,
e. Incorporation of territory.
1. By Birth
1. By Birth :
Person born in India on or after 26th January 1950 but before 1st July
1987 is a citizen of India by birth irrespective of the nationality of his
parents.
Person born in India on or after 1st July 1987 is considered as a citizen
of India if either of his parents is a citizen of India at the time of his
birth.
Born in India on or after 3rd December 2004 are considered citizens of
India if both of their parents are citizens of India whose one parent is a
citizen of India and the other is not an illegal migrant.
2. By Descent
2. By Descent :- Jus Sanguinis
A person born outside India on or after 26th January 1950 but before
10th December 1992 is a citizen of India, if his father was a citizen of
India at the time of his birth.
A person born outside India on or after 10th December 1992 is a citizen
of India if either of his parents is a citizen of India at the time of his
birth.
From 3rd December 2004 onwards, a person born outside India shall not
be a citizen – unless his birth is registered at an Indian consulate within
one year of the date of birth or with the permission of the Central
Government, after the expiry of the said period.
An application, for registration of the birth of a minor child, to an Indian
consulate shall be accompanied by an undertaking in writing from the
parents that child does not hold the passport of another country.
3. By Registration :
3. By Registration : NO Jus Soli & NO Sanguinis
Register as a citizen of India any person (not being an illegal migrant) if
he belongs to any of the following categories, namely:-
(a) Who is ordinarily resident in India for seven years before making an
application for registration;
(b) Who is ordinarily resident in any country or place outside undivided
India;
(c) Who is married to a citizen of India – ordinarily resident in India for
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seven years;
(d) Minor children(less than 18 yrs) of persons who are citizens of India;
4. By Naturalisation:
4. By Naturalisation:
Central Government, grant a certificate of naturalisation- possesses the
following qualifications:
(a) He is not a citizen of any country where citizens of India are
prevented from becoming subjects or citizens of that country by
naturalisation;
(b) If he is a citizen of any country, he undertakes to renounce the
citizenship of that country in the event of his application for Indian
citizenship being accepted;
(c) During the fourteen years immediately preceding the said period of
twelve months, he has either resided in India, in the service of a
Government in India, or partly the one and partly the other, for periods
amounting in the aggregate to not less than eleven years;
(d) Knowledge of a language specified in the Eighth Schedule to the
Constitution,
(e) Criminal record not allowed
5. By Incorporation of
Territory
5. By Incorporation of Territory :
If any foreign territory becomes a part of India, the Government of India
specifies the persons who among the people of the territory shall be the
citizens of India.
For example, when Pondicherry became a part of India, the Government
of India issued the Citizenship (Pondicherry) Order, 1962, under the
Citizenship Act, 1955.
Loss of Citizenship
The Citizenship Act, 1955, prescribes three ways of losing citizenship :
1. By Renunciation :
• Any citizen of India can make a declaration renouncing his Indian
citizenship.
• Every minor child of that person also loses Indian citizenship.
• Child attains the age of eighteen, may resume Indian citizenship.
2. By Termination
• Indian citizen (consciously, knowingly and without duress, undue
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influence or compulsion) acquires the citizenship of another country, his

Indian citizenship automatically terminates.
3. By Deprivation:
It is a compulsory termination of Indian citizenship by the Central
government, if:
(a) obtained the citizenship by fraud, (b) shown disloyalty to the
Constitution of India,
(c) unlawfully traded or communicated with the enemy during a war, (d)
within five years after registration or naturalisation, been imprisoned in
any country for two years; and
(e) the citizen has been ordinarily resident out of India for seven years
continuously.
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Fundamental Rights
Fundamental Rights –Part III –>Articles 12 to 35.
Derived inspiration from –Constitution of USA (i.e., Bill of Rights).
Part III – described as the Magna Carta of India.
 It contains a very long and comprehensive list of ‘justifiable’
Fundamental Rights.
Fundamental Rights in our Constitution are more elaborate than any
other country in the world, including the USA.
FRs are guaranteed to all persons without any discrimination.
Uphold the equality, the dignity, the larger public interest and unity of
the nation.
Prevent the establishment of
1)-An authoritarian and
2)-Despotic(शशशशशश श) rule in the country.
Protect the liberties and freedoms of the people against the invasion by
the State.
Aim-> establishing ‘a government of laws and not of men’.
All-round development (material, intellectual, moral and spiritual) of the
individuals.
Originally, the Constitution provided for seven Fundamental Rights viz,
1. Right to equality-> (Articles 14–18)
2. Right to freedom-> (Articles 19–22)
3. Right against exploitation-> (Articles 23–24)
4. Right to freedom of religion-> (Articles 25–28)
5. Cultural and educational rights-> (Articles 29–30)
6. Right to property-> (Article 31)
7. Right to constitutional remedies-> (Article 32)
Right to property was deleted from- list of FRs by the 44th Amendment
Act, 1978.
It is made a legal right under Article 300-A in Part XII of the
Constitution.
At present, there are only six Fundamental Rights.
FEATURES OF FUNDAMENTAL
RIGHTS
FRs guaranteed by the Constitution are characterised by the following:
1. Some of them are available only to the citizens while others are
available to all persons whether citizens, foreigners or legal persons like
314
corporations or companies.
2. They are not absolute but qualified- The state can impose reasonable
restrictions on them.
Restrictions are reasonable or not is to be decided by the courts->
Strike a balance
a)-Between the rights of the individual and the society,
b)-Between individual liberty and social control.
3. Are mostly available against the arbitrary action of the State, with a
few exceptions like those against the State’s action and against the action
of private individuals.
4. Some of them are negative in character – place limitations on the
authority of the State,
Others are positive in nature, conferring certain privileges on the
persons.
5. Justifiable, allowing persons to move the courts for their enforcement,

when they are violated.
6. Defended and guaranteed by the Supreme Court.
7. Not sacrosanct or permanent :
Parliament can curtail or repeal them – only by a constitutional
amendment act(not by an ordinary act) – without affecting the ‘basic
structure’ of the Constitution.
8. Can be suspended – during National Emergency except the rights
guaranteed by Art 20 and 21.
Rights guaranteed by Article 19 – suspended only in external emergency
–Not internal emergency.
9. Their scope of operation is limited by –
Article 31A (saving of laws providing for acquisition of estates, etc.),
Article 31B (validation of certain acts and regulations included in the 9th
Schedule) and
Article 31C (saving of laws giving effect to certain directive principles).
10. Application to the members of armed forces, paramilitary forces,
police forces, intelligence agencies and analogous services can be
restricted by the Parliament (Article 33).
11. Application can be restricted while martial law is in force in any area.
Martial law-> ‘military rule’ imposed under abnormal circumstances
(Article 34).
Different from the imposition of national emergency.
12.Most of them are directly enforceable (Self-Executory) while a few of
them can be enforced on the basis of a law made for giving effect to
them.
Such a law can be made only by the Parliament and not by state
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legislatures so that uniformity throughout the country is maintained

(Article 35).
Lecture – 16 : Equality before

Law VS Equal protection of
Laws| (Fundamental Rights)
BY ADMIN · MAY 13, 2018
DEFINITION OF STATE
Term ‘State’ has been used in different provisions concerning the
fundamental rights.
Article 12 has defined the term for the purposes of Part III.
The State includes the following:
(a) Government and Parliament of India – Executive and legislative
organs of Union government.
(b) Government and legislature of states – Executive and legislative
organs of state government.
(c) All local authorities – Municipalities, panchayats, district boards,
improvement trusts , etc.
(d) All other authorities – Statutory or non-statutory authorities like
LIC, ONGC, SAIL, etc.
It is the actions of these agencies that can be challenged in the
courts as violating the Fundamental Rights.
According to the Supreme Court, even a private body or an agency
working as an instrument of the State falls within the meaning of
the ‘State’ under Article 12.
LAWS INCONSISTENT WITH

FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
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Article 13 declares that all laws that are inconsistent with or in

derogation of any of the fundamental rights shall be void(शशशशश)
Supreme Court (Article 32) and the high courts (Article 226) that
can declare a law unconstitutional and invalid on the ground of
contravention of any of the Fundamental Rights.
Term ‘law’ in Article 13- Include the following:
(a) Permanent laws enacted by the Parliament or the state
legislatures;
(b) Temporary laws like ordinances issued by the president or the
state governors;
(c) Statutory instruments in the nature of delegated legislation
(executive legislation) like order, bye-law, rule, regulation or
notification; and
(d) Non-legislative sources of law, that is, custom or usage having
the force of law.
Article 13 – Constitutional Amendment is not a law and hence
cannot be challenged.
Supreme Court held in Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) –
Constitutional amendment can be challenged on the ground that it
violates a fundamental right that forms a part of the ‘basic
structure’ of the Constitution and hence, can be declared as void.
RIGHT TO EQUALITY
1. Equality before Law and Equal Protection of Laws :
Article 14 – State shall not deny to any person equality before the
law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.
Word ‘person’ includes legal persons – Statutory corporations,
Companies, registered societies or any other type of legal
person (whether citizens or foreigners within the territory of
India).
Concept of ‘Equality before law’ is of British origin
Absence of any special privileges in favour of any person,
Equal subjection of all persons to ordinary law of the land
317
administered by ordinary law courts,

No person (whether rich or poor, high or low, official or non-official)
is above the law.
Concept of ‘Equal protection of laws’ has been taken from
American Constitution, connotes:
(a) Equality of treatment under equal circumstances, both in the
privileges conferred and liabilities imposed by the laws,
(b) Similar application of the same laws to all persons who are
similarly situated, and
(c) Like should be treated alike(शश शशशश) without any
discrimination.
 Rule of Law :
The concept of ‘equality before law’ is an element of the concept of
‘Rule of Law’, propounded by A.V. Dicey, the British jurist.
His concept has the following three elements or aspects:
(i) Absence of arbitrary power – No man can be punished except for
a breach of law.
(ii) Equality before the law – Equal subjection of all citizens (rich or
poor, high or low, official or non-official) to the ordinary law of the
land administered by the ordinary law courts.
(iii) The primacy of the rights of the individual – the constitution is
the result of the rights of the individual as defined and enforced by
the courts of law rather than the constitution being the source of
the individual rights-(UK)
The first and the second elements are applicable to the Indian
System and not the third one.
In the Indian System, the constitution is the source of the
individual rights.
Supreme Court held that the ‘Rule of Law’ as embodied in Article
14 is a ‘basic feature’ of the constitution- Hence, it cannot be
destroyed even by an amendment.
Exceptions to Equality
318
 Exceptions to Equality :
Rule of equality before law is not absolute and there are
constitutional and other exceptions :
1. President and Governor enjoy immunities (Article 361):
(i) Not answerable to any court for exercise & performance of the
powers and duties of his office.
(ii) No criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued in any
court during his term of office.
(iii)No process for the imprisonment shall be issued from any court
during his term of office.
(iv) No civil proceedings shall be instituted during his term of office
in any court until the expiration of two months next after notice has
been delivered to him.
2. No person shall be liable to any civil or criminal proceedings in
any court – publication in a newspaper (or by radio or television) of
a substantially true report of any proceedings of either House of
Parliament or either House of the Legislature of a State (Article 361-
A).
3. No member of Parliament shall be liable to any proceedings in
any court in respect of anything said or any vote given by him in
Parliament or any committee thereof (Article 105).
4. No member of Legislature of a state shall be liable to any
proceedings in any court in respect of anything said or any vote
given by him in Legislature or any committee thereof (Article 194).
5. Article 31-C is an exception to Article 14.
It provides that the laws made by the state for implementing the
Directive Principles contained in clause (b) or clause (c) of Article 39
cannot be challenged on the ground that they are violation of Article
14.
Supreme Court held that “where Article 31-C comes in, Article 14
goes out”.
6. Foreign sovereigns (rulers), ambassadors and diplomats enjoy
319
immunity from criminal and civil proceedings.

7. The UNO and its agencies enjoy the diplomatic immunity.
Lecture – 17 : Creamy Layer |

Mandal Commission |
(Fundamental Rights)
2. Prohibition of Discrimination
on Certain Grounds :
2. Prohibition of Discrimination on Certain Grounds :
Article 15 – State shall not discriminate against any citizen on
grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.
Two crucial words in this provision are ‘discrimination’ and ‘only’.
• ‘Discrimination’ –‘To make an adverse distinction with regard to’
or ‘to distinguish unfavourably from others’.
• ‘Only’ -> Discrimination on other grounds is not prohibited.
Second provision of Article 15 – No citizen shall be subjected to any
disability, liability, restriction or condition on grounds only of
religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth –
Access to shops, public restaurants, hotels and places of public
entertainment;
Use of wells, tanks, bathing ghats, road and places of public resort
maintained wholly or partly by State funds or dedicated to the use
of general public.
This provision prohibits discrimination both by the State and private
individuals, while the former provision prohibits discrimination only
by the State.
There are three exceptions to the rule of non-discrimination:
The state is permitted to make any special provision for :
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(a) Women and children – reservation of seats for women in local

bodies or provision of free education for children.
(b) Any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for
the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes –
• Reservation of seats or fee concessions in public educational
institutions.
• Admission to educational institutions including private educational
institutions, whether aided or unaided by the state, except the
minority educational institutions – this is added by the
93rd Amendment Act of 2005.
• The Centre enacted Central Educational Institutions (Reservation
in Admission) Act, 2006
• Provided a quota of 27% for candidates belonging to the Other
Backward Classes (OBCs) in all central higher educational
institutions including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
and the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
April 2008, Supreme Court upheld the validity of both->

Amendment Act and OBC Quota Act.
Court directed central government to exclude the ‘Creamy Layer’
(advanced sections) among the OBCs while implementing the law.
 Creamy Layer : Children of the following different categories
belong to ‘creamy layer’ among OBCs and thus will not get the
quota benefit :
1. Persons holding constitutional posts like President, Vice-
President, Judges of SC and HCs, Chairman and Members of UPSC
and SPSCs, CEC, CAG and so on.
2. Group ‘A’ / Class I and Group ‘B’ / Class II Officers of the All
India, Central and State Services; and Employees holding
equivalent posts in PSUs, Banks, Insurance
Organisations, Universities etc., and also in private employment.
3. Persons who are in the rank of colonel and above in the Army
and equivalent posts in the Navy, the Air Force and the Paramilitary
Forces.
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4. Professionals like doctors, lawyers, engineers, artists, authors,

consultants and so on.
5. Persons engaged in trade, business and industry.
6. People holding agricultural land above a certain limit and vacant
land or buildings in urban areas.
7. Persons having gross annual income of more than `4.5 lakhs or
possessing wealth above the exemption limit.
`1 lakh in 1993 – `2.5 lakh in 2004 – `4.5 lakh in 2008 – `6 lakh
in 2013.
3. Equality of Opportunity in
Public Employment
3. Equality of Opportunity in Public Employment :
Article 16 – Equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters of
employment or appointment to any office under the State.
No citizen can be discriminated against or be ineligible for any
employment or office under the State on grounds of only religion,
race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth or residence.
There are three exceptions to the rule of equality of opportunity in
public employment:
(a) Parliament can prescribe residence as a condition for certain
employment or appointment in a state or union territory or local
authority or other authority.
• Public Employment (Requirement as to Residence) Act of 1957
expired in 1974, there is no such provision for any state except
Andhra Pradesh.
(b) State can provide – reservation of appointments or posts in
favour of any backward class that is not adequately represented in
the state services.
(c) Law can provide – Incumbent of an office related to religious or
denominational institution or a member of its governing body should
belong to the particular religion denomination.
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Mandal Commission and

Aftermath
 Mandal Commission and Aftermath :
1979 – Morarji Desai Government – Second Backward Classes
Commission under the chairmanship of B P Mandal, Member of
Parliament – Article 340 – To investigate the conditions of the
Socially and Educationally backward classes – Measures for
advancement.
Commission’s report in 1980– Identified 3743 castes as socially
and educationally backward classes – nearly 52% of population,
excluding scheduled castes (SCs) and scheduled tribes (STs).
Commission recommended – Reservation of 27% government jobs
– Other Backward Classes (OBCs) – total reservation for all (SCs,
STs and OBCs) amounts to 50%.
1990 – V P Singh Government declared reservation of 27%
government jobs for the OBCs.
1991, Narasimha Rao Government introduced two changes:
(a) Preference to the poorer sections among the OBCs in the 27%
quota, adoption of the economic criteria in granting reservation, and
(b) Reservation of another 10% of jobs for poorer (economically
backward) sections of higher castes who are not covered by any
existing schemes of reservation.
 Mandal case(1992), the scope and extent ofArticle 16(4) –
provides reservation of jobs in favour of backward classes –
examined thoroughly by the Supreme Court.
Court rejected the additional reservation of 10% for poorer sections
of higher castes
Upheld the constitutional validity of 27% reservation for the OBCs
with conditions :
(a) Advanced sections among the OBCs (the creamy layer) should
be excluded from the list of beneficiaries of reservation.
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(b) No reservation in promotions; reservation should be confined to

initial appointments only.
(c) Total reserved quota should not exceed 50% except in some
extraordinary situations.
(d)‘Carry forward rule’ in case of unfilled- backlog vacancies is valid
– should not violate 50% rule.
(e) Permanent statutory body should be established to examine
complaints of over-inclusion and under-inclusion in the list of OBCs.
After rulings of Supreme Court- government taken the following
actions:
(a) Ram Nandan Committee- 1993 was appointed to identify the
creamy layer among the OBCs.
(b) National Commission for Backward Classes was established in
1993 by an act of Parliament.
For inclusions in and exclusions from lists of castes notified as
backward for job reservation.
(c) Nullify the ruling with regard to reservation in promotions – 77th
Amendment Act,1995 – add a new provision in Article 16 –
empowers the State to provide – reservation in promotions of
any services under the State in favour of the SCs and STs- not
adequately represented state services.
• 85th Amendment Act,2001 – ‘consequential seniority’ – promotion
by virtue of rule of reservation for government servants belonging
to the SCs and STs with retrospective effect from June 1995.
(d) backlog vacancies – nullified by the 81st Amendment Act,2000 –
new provision in Article 16 – empowers the State to consider the
unfilled reserved vacancies of a year as a separate class
of vacancies to be filled up in any succeeding year or years.
• Such class of vacancies are not to be combined with vacancies of

the year in which they are being filled up to determine ceiling of
50% reservation on total number of vacancies of that year.
In brief, it ends the 50% ceiling on reservation in backlog
vacancies.
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(e) 76th Amendment Act of 1994 has placed the Tamil Nadu
Reservations Act of 1994 in the Ninth Schedule to protect it from
judicial review as it provided for 69 per cent of reservation, far
exceeding the 50 per cent ceiling.
Lecture – 18 : Award vs Titles

| Abolition of Untouchability
|(Fundamental Rights)
Abolition of Untouchability
Abolition of Untouchability :
Article 17 – Abolishes ‘ untouchability ’ and forbids its practice in
any form.
Enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability shall be
an offence punishable in accordance with law.
1976 : Untouchability (Offences ) Act,1955 – Amended and
renamed – Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 – Enlarge the scope
and make penal provisions more stringent
The term ‘untouchability’ has not been defined either in the
Constitution or in the Act.
Mysore High Court – held the subject matter of Article 17 – Social
disabilities imposed on certain classes of persons by reason of their
birth in certain castes – Does not cover social boycott of a few
individuals or their exclusion from religious services.
Protection of Civil Rights Act (1955) – offences committed on the
ground of untouchability are punishable either by imprisonment up
to six months or by fine upto `500 or both.
Person convicted – of ‘untouchability’ – disqualified – election to
Parliament or state legislature.
The act declares the following acts as offences:
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> Preventing any person from entering any place of public worship
or from worshipping therein;
> Justifying untouchability on traditional, religious, philosophical or
other grounds;
> Denying access to any shop, hotel or places of public
entertainment;
> Insulting a person belonging to scheduled caste on the ground of
untouchability;
> Refusing to admit persons in hospitals, educational institutions or
hostels ;
> Preaching untouchability directly or indirectly; and
> Refusing to sell goods or render services to any person.
Supreme Court held that- right under Article 17 is available against
private individuals and it is constitutional obligation of State to take
necessary action to ensure that this right is not violated.
Abolition of Titles
Abolition of Titles :
Article 18 – abolishes titles and makes four provisions in that
regard:
(a) It prohibits the state from conferring any title (except a military
or academic distinction) on any body, whether a citizen or a
foreigner.
(b) It prohibits a citizen of India from accepting any title from any
foreign state.
(c) A foreigner holding any office of profit or trust under the state
cannot accept any title from any foreign state without the consent
of the president.
(d) No citizen or foreigner holding any office of profit or trust under
the State is to accept any present, emolument or office from or
under any foreign State without consent of the president.
Hereditary titles of nobility like Maharaja, Raj Bahadur, Rai
Bahadur, Rai Saheb, Dewan Bahadur, etc, are banned by Article
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18 as these are against the principle of equal status of all.

In 1996, Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the
National Awards—Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan
and Padma Sri.
It ruled that these awards do not amount to ‘titles’ within the
meaning of Article 18 that prohibits only hereditary titles of
nobility.
Are not volatile of Article 18 as the theory of equality does not
mandate that merit should not be recognised.
Should not be used as suffixes or prefixes to the names of
awardees.
National Awards were instituted in 1954.
Janata Party government headed by Morarji Desai discontinued
them in 1977.
They were again revived in 1980 by the Indira Gandhi
government.
Lecture – 19 : Right to
Freedom of Speech &
Expression (Fundamental
Right)
RIGHT TO FREEDOM
1. Protection of Six Rights
Article 19 guarantees to all citizens the six rights-> Democratic
rights
(i) Right to freedom of speech and expression.
(ii) Right to assemble peaceably and without arms.
(iii) Right to form associations or unions or co-operative societies.
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(iv) Right to move freely throughout the territory of India.

(v) Right to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India.
(vi) Right to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation,
trade or business.
Originally, Article 19 contained seven rights.
Right to acquire, hold and dispose of property – Deleted by the
44th Amendment Act,1978.
These six rights are protected against only state action and not
private individuals.
These rights are available only to the citizens and to shareholders
of a company but not to foreigners or legal persons like companies
or corporations, etc.
The State can impose ‘reasonable’ restrictions – On these six rights
– only on the grounds mentioned in the Article 19 itself and not on
any other grounds.
 Freedom of Speech and Expression
Every citizen has the right to express his views, opinions, belief and
convictions freely by word of mouth, writing, printing, picturing or in
any other manner.
Supreme Court held that the freedom of speech and expression
includes :
(a) Right to propagate one’s views as well as views of others.
(b) Freedom of the press.
(c) Freedom of commercial advertisements.
(d) Right against tapping of telephonic conversation.
(e) Right to telecast – government has no monopoly on electronic
media.
(f) Right against bundh called by a political party or organisation.
(g) Right to know about government activities.
(h) Freedom of silence.
(i) Right against imposition of pre-censorship on a newspaper.
(j) Right to demonstration or picketing but not right to strike.
State -> reasonable restrictions – on the grounds of
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1)-Sovereignty and integrity,

2)-Security,
3)-Friendly relations with foreign states,
4)-Public order,
5)-Decency or morality,
6)-Contempt of court, defamation, and incitement (provoking) to an
offence.
Freedom of Assembly :
Every citizen has the right to assemble peaceably and without
arms.
Right to hold public meetings, demonstrations and take out
processions.
Does not protect violent, disorderly, riotous assemblies, or one that
causes breach of public peace or one that involves arms- Does not
include the right to strike.
State can impose reasonable restrictions on two grounds –
1)- Sovereignty and integrity of India and
2)- Public order including the maintenance of traffic in the area
concerned.
Under Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (1973) – Magistrate
can restrain an assembly, meeting– if risk of obstruction,
annoyance or danger to human life, health & safety.
Under Section 141 of the Indian Penal Code, as assembly of five or
more persons becomes unlawful if the object is
Resist the execution of any law or legal process;
Forcibly occupy the property of some person;
Commit any mischief or criminal trespass(शशशशशश)- Enter without
permission;
Force some person to do an illegal act; and
Threaten the government or its officials on exercising lawful
powers.
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Freedom of Association :
Citizens have the right to form associations or unions or co-
operative societies.
Right to form political parties, companies, partnership firms,
societies, clubs, organisations, trade unions or any body of
persons.
Reasonable restrictions can be imposed – by the State on the
grounds of sovereignty and integrity of India, public order and
morality.
Supreme Court held that the trade unions have no guaranteed right
to effective bargaining or right to strike or right to declare a lock-
out.
The right to strike can be controlled by an appropriate industrial
law.
 Freedom of Movement-
This freedom entitles every citizen to move freely throughout
the territory- Move freely from one state to another or from one
place to another within a state.
Purpose is to promote national feeling and not
parochialism(शशशशशशशश).
Reasonable restrictions two-
1)-General public and
2)-Protection of interests of any scheduled tribe-> Entry of
outsiders in tribal areas is restricted to protect the distinctive
culture, language, customs and manners of scheduled tribes and to
safeguard their traditional vocation and properties against
exploitation.
Supreme Court held that the freedom of movement of
prostitutes(शशशशशश) can be restricted on the ground of public
health and in the interest of public morals.
Bombay High Court validated the restrictions on the movement of
persons affected by AIDS.
Two dimensions-> Internal (move inside the country) and external
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(move out of the country).

Article 19 protects only first dimension-> 2nd is dealt by Article 21
(right to life and personal liberty)
Freedom of Residence :
Citizens – Right to reside and settle in any part of territory of
country – two parts:
(a) Right to reside in any part of the country –Temporarily,
(b) Right to settle in any part of the country – Permanently.
Promotes nationalism and avoids narrow mindedness.
State-> Reasonable restrictions – Two grounds
Interest of general public and the protection of interests of any
scheduled tribes.
Right of outsiders to reside and settle in tribal areas is restricted to
protect the distinctive culture, language, customs and manners of
scheduled tribes.
Right to residence and the right to movement are overlapping –
complementary to each other.
Freedom of Profession, etc. :
Citizens have the right to practise any profession or to carry on any
occupation, trade or business.
It covers all the means of earning one’s livelihood.
State impose reasonable restrictions in the
1)-Interest of the general public;
2)-Empowered to: (a) prescribe professional or technical
qualifications necessary for practising any profession.
(b) The State is not required to justify its monopoly.
Does not include the right to carry on a profession or business or
trade or occupation that is immoral (trafficking in women or
children) or dangerous (harmful drugs or explosives, etc,).
The State can absolutely prohibit these or regulate them through
licensing.
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Lecture – 20 : Every Indian

Should Know This- Protection
of Life & Personal Liberty |
Right to Education
BY ADMIN · PUBLISHED MAY 13, 2018 · UPDATED MAY 19, 2018
Protection in Respect of Conviction

for Offences :
Protection in Respect of Conviction for Offences :
 Article 20 – Protection against arbitrary and excessive
punishment to an accused person, whether citizen or foreigner or
legal person like a company or a corporation.
It contains three provisions in that direction:
(a) No ex-post-facto law: No person shall be (i) convicted of any
offence except for violation of a law in force at the time of the
commission of the act, nor (ii) subjected to a penalty greater than
that prescribed by the law in force at the time of the commission of
the act.
(b) No double jeopardy: No person shall be prosecuted and
punished for the same offence more than once.
(c) No self-incrimination: No person accused of any offence shall be
compelled to be a witness against himself.
This limitation is imposed – on criminal laws and not on civil laws or
tax laws.
Civil liability or a tax can be imposed retrospectively.
Protection against double jeopardy – in proceedings before a court
of law or a judicial tribunal
Not in proceedings before departmental or administrative
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authorities – are not of judicial nature.

Protection against self-incrimination extends to – oral evidence and
documentary evidence.
It does not extend to :
(i) Compulsory production of material objects,
(ii) Compulsion to give thumb impression, specimen signature,
blood specimens,
(iii) Compulsory exhibition of the body.
It extends only to criminal proceedings and not to civil proceedings
or proceedings which are not of criminal nature.
Protection of Life and Personal

Liberty
Protection of Life and Personal Liberty :
Article 21 – no person shall be deprived of his life or personal
liberty except to the procedure established by law – right is
available to both citizens and non-citizens.
Gopalan case (1950)-> Supreme Court has taken a narrow
interpretation of the Article 21.
Protection under Article 21 – Available against arbitrary executive
action – not from arbitrary legislative action->State can deprive
right to life and personal liberty of a person based on a law.
Because of the expression ‘procedure established by law’ in Article
21, which is different from the expression ‘due process of law’
contained in the American Constitution.
Validity of a law – procedure cannot be questioned on the ground
that the law is unreasonable, unfair or unjust.
Supreme Court – ‘personal liberty’ means liberty relating to the
person or body of the individual.
 Menaka case (1978)-> Supreme Court overruled its judgement
in the Gopalan case – it ruled that the right to life and personal
333
liberty of a person can be deprived by a law provided the procedure

prescribed by that law is reasonable, fair and just.
It has introduced the American expression ‘due process of law’.

Protection under Article 21 – should be available not only against
arbitrary executive action but also against arbitrary legislative
action.
Court held that the ‘right to life’ in Article 21 – not merely confined
to animal existence or survival – it includes within its ambit the
right to live with human dignity and all those aspects of life which
go to make a man’s life meaningful, complete and worth living.
It has declared the following rights as part of Article 21:
(a) Right to live with human dignity.
(b) Right to decent environment including pollution free water and
air and protection against hazardous industries.
(c) Right to livelihood.
(d) Right to privacy.
(e) Right to shelter.
(f) Right to health.
(g) Right to free education up to 14 years of age.
(h) Right to free legal aid.
(i) Right against solitary confinement.
(j) Right to speedy trial.
(k) Right against handcuffing.
(l) Right against inhuman treatment.
(m) Right against delayed execution.
(n) Right to travel abroad.
(o) Right against bonded labour.
(p) Right against custodial harassment.
(q) Right to emergency medical aid.
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(r) Right to timely medical treatment in government hospital.

(s) Right not to be driven out of a state.
(t) Right to fair trial.
(u) Right of prisoner to have necessities of life.
(v) Right of women to be treated with decency and dignity.
(w) Right against public hanging.
(x) Right to hearing.
(y) Right to information.
(z) Right to reputation.
Right to Education :
Article 21 A – State shall provide free and compulsory education to
all children of the age of 6-14.
Makes only elementary education – a Fundamental Right and not
higher or professional education.
86th Constitutional Amendment Act,2002- Aim to achieve
‘Education for All’
Before this amendment – Constitution contained – free and
compulsory education for children under Article 45 in Part IV – being
a directive principle – not enforceable by the courts.
Amendment changed subject matter- Directive principles->
Fundamental Right
It now reads—‘The state shall endeavour to provide early childhood
care and education for all children until they complete the age of six
years.’
Added a new fundamental duty under Article 51A —‘It shall
be duty of every citizen of India to provide opportunities for
education to his child or ward between the age of 6-14.
In 1993 – Supreme Court recognised a Fundamental Right to

primary education in the right to life under Article 21.
Right to education is subject to the limits of economic capacity and
development of the state.
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In pursuance of Article 21A – Parliament enacted the Right of

Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 –
provide that every child has a right to be provided full time
elementary education of satisfactory and equitable quality in a
formal school
This legislation->-belief that the values of equality, social justice
and democracy and the creation of a just and humane society can
be achieved only through provision of inclusive elementary
education to all.
Lecture – 22 : Protection
Against Arrest and Detention
(Article-22)
Fundamental Rights
Originally, the Constitution provided for seven Fundamental Rights
viz,
1. Right to equality-> (Articles 14–18)
2. Right to freedom-> (Articles 19–22)
3. Right against exploitation-> (Articles 23–24)
4. Right to freedom of religion-> (Articles 25–28)
5. Cultural and educational rights-> (Articles 29–30)
6. Right to property-> (Article 31)
7. Right to constitutional remedies-> (Article 32)
Right to property was deleted from- list of FRs by the 44th
Amendment Act, 1978.
It is made a legal right under Article 300-A in Part XII of the
Constitution.
At present, there are only six Fundamental Rights.
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Protection Against Arrest and

Detention :
Protection Against Arrest and Detention :
Article 22 – Protection to persons who are arrested or detained.
Detention is of two types – punitive and preventive.
• Punitive detention –> Punish a person for an offence committed
by him after trial in a court.
• Preventive detention –> Detention of a person without trial and
conviction by a court – Purpose is not to punish a person for a past
offence but to prevent him from committing an offence in the near
future – Only a precautionary measure and based on suspicion.
Article 22 has two parts— First part deals with the cases of ordinary
law and the second part deals with the cases of preventive
detention law.
(a) First part of Article 22 – Following rights on a person who is
detained under an ordinary law:
(i) Right to be informed of the grounds of arrest.
(ii) Right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner.
(iii) Right to be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours,
excluding the journey time.
(iv) Right to be released after 24 hours unless the magistrate
authorises further detention.
Supreme Court ruled – arrest and detention in first part of Article
22 – do not cover arrest under orders of a court, civil arrest, arrest
on failure to pay income tax, and deportation of an alien.
(b) Second part of Article 22 –> Protection to persons who are
arrested or detained under a preventive detention law – Both
citizens + aliens and includes the following:
(i) Detention of a person cannot exceed three months unless an
advisory board reports sufficient cause for extended detention- The
board is to consist of judges of a high court.
337
(ii) Grounds of detention should be communicated to the detainee.

(iii) Detent should be afforded an opportunity to make a
representation against the detention order.
Article 22 –> Authorises the Parliament to prescribe

Circumstances of cases –> a person can be detained for more than
three months under a preventive detention law without obtaining
the opinion of an advisory board.
44th Amendment Act of 1978 – reduced the period of detention
without obtaining the opinion of an advisory board from three to
two months.
This provision has not yet been brought into force – original period
of three months still continues.
Constitution has divided the legislative power with regard to
preventive detention – between the Parliament and the state
legislatures.
Parliament has exclusive authority – To make a law of preventive
detention for reasons connected with defence, foreign affairs and
the security of India.
Parliament and State legislatures – Concurrently make a law of
preventive detention for reasons – Security of a state, maintenance
of public order & of supplies, services essential to the community.
The preventive detention laws made by the Parliament are:

(a) Preventive Detention Act, 1950 – Expired in 1969.
(b) Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA), 1971 – Repealed in
1978.
(c) Conservation of Foreign Exchange & Prevention of Smuggling
Activities Act(COFEPOSA),1974.
(d) National Security Act (NASA), 1980.
(e) Prevention of Black-marketing & Maintenance of Supplies of
Essential Commodities Act (PBMSECA), 1980.
(f) Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA), 1985.
Repealed in 1995.
338
(g) Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic

Substances Act (PITNDPSA), 1988.
(h) Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), 2002. Repealed in 2004.
No democratic country in the world – Made preventive detention as
an integral part of the Constitution except, India –> Britain only
during first and second world war time
In India, existed even during the British rule – Bengal State
Prisoners Regulation, 1818 & Defence of India Act, 1939 provided
for preventive detention.
Lecture – 23 : Say No To Child

Labour | RIGHT AGAINST
EXPLOITATION
RIGHT AGAINST
EXPLOITATION
Prohibition of Traffic in Human Beings and Forced Labour :
Article 23 – Prohibits traffic in human beings, begar (forced
labour) and other similar forms of forced labour – is available to
both citizens and non-citizens.
It protects the individual not only against the State but also against
private persons.
‘Traffic in human beings’ include –
(a) Selling and buying of men, women and children like goods;
(b) Immoral traffic in women and children, including prostitution;
(c) Devadasis; and
(d) Slavery.
To punish these acts, the Parliament has made the Immoral Traffic
(Prevention) Act, 1956.
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• ‘Begar ’ – Compulsory work without remuneration(money paid for

work).
• It was a peculiar Indian system under which the local zamindars
sometimes used to force their tenants to render services without
any payment.
 Article 23 prohibits other ‘similar forms of forced labour’
like ‘bonded labour’.
• ‘Forced labour’ – compelling a person to work against his will.
• ‘Force’ includes –
a. Physical or legal force and
b. Force arising from the compulsion of economic circumstances –
Working for less than the minimum wage.
In this regard, the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976;
the Minimum Wages Act, 1948; Contract Labour Act, 1970 and the
Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 were made.
Article 23 – Permits the State to impose compulsory service for
public purposes – military service or social service, for which it is
not bound to pay.
In imposing such service, the State is not permitted to make any
discrimination on grounds only of religion, race, caste or class.
Prohibition of Employment of
Children in Factories
Prohibition of Employment of Children in Factories, etc. :
Article 24 – Prohibits the employment of children below the age of
14 years in any factory, mine or other hazardous activities like
construction work or railway – does not prohibit their
employment in any harmless or innocent work.
• Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986;
• Employment of Children Act, 1938;
• Factories Act, 1948;
• Mines Act,1952;
340
• Merchant Shipping Act, 1958;

• Plantation Labour Act, 1951;
• Motor Transport Workers Act, 1951;
• Apprentices Act, 1961;
• Bidi and Cigar Workers Act, 1966;
• Other similar acts prohibit the employment of children below
certain age.
In 1996 – Supreme Court directed –
a. Establishment of Child Labour Rehabilitation Welfare Fund in
which the offending employer should deposit a fine of `20,000 for
each child employed by him.
b. Directions for the improvement of education, health and nutrition
of children.
Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 –
• Establishment of a National Commission and State Commissions
for Protection of Child Rights and Children’s Courts for providing
speedy trial of offences against children or of violation of child
rights.
2006, the government banned the employment of children as
domestic servants or workers in business establishments like hotels,
dhabas, restaurants, shops, factories, resorts, spas, tea-shops and
so on.
Anyone employing children below 14 years of age would be liable
for prosecution and penal action.
Total Ban on Child Labour :

August 2012- Union Cabinet approved – Completely ban
employment of children below 14 years in all occupations and
processes.
Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986, will be
amended to incorporate the renamed a Child and Adolescent Labour
(Prohibition) Act.
Children under age 14 are prohibited- employment in “hazardous
occupations and processes” –> conditions of work in non-
341
hazardous occupations ->Regulated.

Amendments include – increasing the age of prohibition for
employment of children and adolescents in hazardous occupations,
such as mining, from 14 to 18.
Maximum punishment for offence increased –
From one year to two years of imprisonment and,
From `20,00 to `50,000 fine or both.
For repeated offences, it has been raised to three years of
imprisonment.
Lecture – 24 : Right To
Freedom Of Religion |
Fundamental Rights
RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF
RELIGION
Freedom of Conscience and Free Profession, Practice and
Propagation of Religion :
Article 25 – all persons are equally entitled to freedom of
conscience and the right to freely profess, practice and propagate
religion.
The implications of these are:
(a) Freedom of conscience: Inner freedom ofan individual to mould
his relation with God or creatures in whatever way he desires.
(b) Right to profess: Declaration ofone’s religious beliefs and
faith openly and freely.
(c) Right to practice: Performance ofreligious worship, rituals,
ceremonies and exhibition of beliefs and ideas.
(d) Right to propagate: –Transmission and dissemination of
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one’s religious beliefs to others or exposition of the tenets of one’s

religion.
• It does not include a right to convert another person to one’s own
religion.
Article 25 covers not only religious beliefs (doctrines) but
also religious practices (rituals).
The State is permitted to:
(a) Regulate or restrict any economic, financial, political or
other secular activity associated with religious practice; and
(b) Provide for social welfare and reform or throw open
Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and
sections of Hindus.
Article 25 contains two explanations:
a. Wearing and carrying of kirpans is to be included
in the profession of the Sikh religion; and
b. Hindus, in this context, include Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists.
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Freedom to Manage Religious

Affairs
Article 26 –Shall have the following rights:
(a) Right to establish and maintain institutions for religious and
charitable purposes;
(b) Right to manage its own affairs in matters of religion;
(c) Right to own and acquire movable and immovable property; and
(d) Right to administer such property in accordance with law.
Article 25 – Guarantees rights of individuals,
Article 26 – Guarantees rights of religious
denominations(शशशशशश) or their sections i.e. protects collective
freedom of religion.
Supreme Court -> Religious denomination must satisfy three

conditions:
(a) It should be a collection of individuals who have a system of
beliefs (doctrines) which they regard as conductive to their spiritual
well-being;
(b) It should have a common organisation; and
(c) It should be designated by a distinctive name.
The Supreme Court held that –
• ‘Ramakrishna Mission’ and ‘Ananda Marga’ are religious
denominations within the Hindu religion.
• Aurobindo Society is not a religious denomination.
Freedom from Taxation for

Promotion of a Religion :
Freedom from Taxation for Promotion of a Religion :
Article 27 – No person shall be compelled to pay any taxes for
promotion or maintenance of any particular religion.
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State should not spend the public money collected by way of tax
for the promotion or maintenance of any particular religion.
Prohibits the State from favouring, patronising and supporting one
religion over the other.
Taxes can be used for the promotion or maintenance of all
religions.
Prohibits only levy of a tax and not a fee – because the purpose of
a fee is to control secular administration of religious institutions and
not to promote or maintain religion.
Fee can be levied on pilgrims to provide them some special service
or safety measures.
Freedom from Attending Religious

Instruction :
Freedom from Attending Religious Instruction :
Article 28 – No religious instruction shall be provided in any
educational institution wholly maintained out of State funds.
Shall not apply to an educational institution administered by the
State but established under any endowment or trust, requiring
imparting of religious instruction in such institution.
Article 28 distinguishes between four types of educational
institutions:
(a) Institutions wholly maintained by the State (religious instruction
is completely prohibited)
(b) Institutions administered by the State but established under any
endowment or trust (religious instruction is permitted)
(c) Institutions recognised by the State (religious instruction is
permitted on a voluntary basis)
(d) Institutions receiving aid from the State (religious instruction is
permitted on a voluntary basis)
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CULTURAL AND
EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS
Article 29 – Any section of the citizens having a distinct language,
script or culture of its own, shall have the right to conserve the
same.
No citizen shall be denied admission into any educational institution
maintained by the State or receiving aid out of State funds
Article 29 – Grants protection to both religious minorities as well as
linguistic minorities.
Supreme Court held that the scope of this article is not necessarily
restricted to minorities only.
Because – of words ‘section of citizens’ in the Article – Include
minorities as well as majority.
Supreme Court also held that the right to conserve the language
includes –right to agitate for the protection of the language.
Right of Minorities to Establish and

Administer Educational Institutions :
Article 30 – grants the following rights to minorities, whether
religious or linguistic:
(a) All minorities shall have the right to establish and administer
educational institutions
(b) The compensation amount fixed by the State for the compulsory
acquisition of any property of a minority educational institution shall
not restrict the right guaranteed to them.
Added by the 44th Amendment Act of 1978 – to protect the right of
minorities.
Act deleted the right to property as a Fundamental Right (Article
31).
(c) In granting aid- State shall not discriminate against any
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educational institution managed by a minority.

Protection under Article 30 is confined only to minorities (religious
or linguistic) and does not extend to any section of citizens (as
under Article 29).
The term ‘minority’ has not been defined anywhere in the
Constitution.
Article 30 – the right of a minority to impart education to its
children in its own language.
Minority educational institutions are of three types:

(a) Institutions that seek recognition as well as aid from the State;
(b) Institutions that seek only recognition from the State and not
aid; and
(c) Institutions that neither seek recognition nor aid from the State.
First and second type are subject to the regulatory power of the
state with regard to syllabus prescription, academic standards,
discipline, sanitation, employment of teaching staff and so on.
Third type are free to administer their affairs but subject to
operation of general laws like contract law, labour law, industrial
law, tax law, economic regulations, and so on.
Lecture – 25 : Heart & Soul of

Indian Constitution | Article -
32(Fundamental rights)
347
RIGHT TO CONSTITUTIONAL
REMEDIES
Declaration of fundamental rights in the Constitution is
meaningless, useless and worthless without providing an effective
machinery for their enforcement, if and when they are violated.
Article 32 –Right to remedies for enforcement of fundamental
rights of an aggrieved citizen.
This makes the fundamental rights real.
Dr Ambedkar called Article 32 as the most important article of the
348
Constitution—‘ Article without which this constitution would be a

nullity-> It is the very soul of the Constitution and the very heart
of it’.
Supreme Court has ruled that –
Article 32 is a basic feature of the Constitution.
It cannot be taken away even by way of an amendment to the
Constitution.
Contains the following four provisions:

(a) The right to move the Supreme Court by appropriate
proceedings for the enforcement.
(b) Supreme Court shall have power to issue directions or orders or
writs for the enforcement of any of the fundamental rights.
Writs issued may include habeas
corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari and quo-warranto.
(c) Parliament can empower any other court to issue directions,
orders and writs of all kinds.
• Any other court here does not include high courts because Article
226 has already conferred these powers on the high courts.
(d) The right to move the Supreme Court shall not be suspended
except as otherwise provided for by the Constitution.
• Constitution provides that the President can suspend the right to
move any court for the enforcement of the fundamental rights
during a national emergency (Article 359).
Supreme Court has been constituted as –> defender and
guarantor of the fundamental rights
It has been vested with the ‘original’ and ‘wide’ powers for that
purpose.
a. Original, because an aggrieved citizen can directly go to the
Supreme Court.
b. Wide, because its power is not restricted to issuing of orders or
directions but also writs of all kinds.
Purpose of Article 32 – to provide a guaranteed, effective,
expeditious, inexpensive and summary remedy for the protection of
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the fundamental rights.

Only the Fundamental Rights guaranteed by the Constitution can
be enforced under Article 32 and not any other right like statutory
rights, customary rights and so on.
It is concurrent with the jurisdiction of the high court under Article
226.
Right guaranteed by Article 32 is in itself a fundamental right.
WRITS—TYPES AND SCOPE
Writ jurisdiction of the Supreme Court differs from-> High Court

in three respects:
1. Supreme Court can issue writs only for the enforcement of
fundamental rights.
• HC-> Fundamental Rights + Any other purpose-> Enforcement of
an ordinary legal right
• Supreme Court-> Powers narrower than that of HC-> (Related to
writs)
2. Supreme Court can issue writs against a person or government->
Territory of India
• High Court can issue writs against a person residing or against a
government or authority located within its territorial jurisdiction only
• Territorial jurisdiction Powers=> SC > HC.
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Remedy under Article 32 is in itself a Fundamental Right

• Supreme Court may not refuse to exercise its writ jurisdiction.
• Remedy under Article 226 is discretionary – HC may refuse to
exercise its writ jurisdiction.
• Article 32 does not merely confer power on SC as Article 226 does
on a HC to issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights or
other rights as part of its general jurisdiction.
• Supreme Court is thus constituted as a defender and guarantor of
the fundamental rights.
Meaning and scope of different kinds of writs in Articles 32 and 226
:
a. habeas corpus,
b. mandamus,
c. prohibition,
d. certiorari and
e. quo-warranto.
Habeas Corpus
It is a Latin term which literally means ‘to have the body of’.
It is an order issued by the court to a person who has detained
another person, to produce the body of the latter (शशश शशशश)
before it.
Court then examines the cause and legality of detention.
It would set the detained person free, if the detention is found to
be illegal.
This writ is a bulwark of individual liberty against arbitrary
detention.
Writ of habeas corpus can be issued against both public
authorities as well as private individuals.
Writ, is not issued where the
(a) Detention is lawful,
(b) Proceeding is for contempt of a legislature or a court,
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(c) Detention is by a competent court, and

(d) Detention is outside the jurisdiction of the court.
Mandamus
It literally means ‘we command’.
It is a command issued by the court to a public official asking him
to perform his official duties that he has failed or refused to
perform.
It can be issued against any public body, a corporation, an inferior
court, a tribunal or government for the same purpose.
The writ of mandamus cannot be issued
(a) Against a private individual or body;
(b) Enforce departmental instruction that does not possess statutory
force;
(c) When the duty is discretionary and not mandatory;
(d) Enforce a contractual obligation;
(e) Against the president of India or the state governors; and
(f) Against the chief justice of a high court acting in judicial
capacity.
Prohibition
Literally, it means ‘to forbid’.
It is issued by a higher court to a lower court or tribunal to prevent
the latter from exceeding its jurisdiction or usurping a jurisdiction
that it does not possess.
Unlike mandamus that directs activity, the prohibition directs
inactivity.
The writ of prohibition can be issued only against
• Judicial and
• Quasi-judicial authorities.
It is not available against :
• Administrative authorities,
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• Legislative bodies, and

• Private individuals or bodies.
Certiorari
It means ‘to be certified’ or ‘to be informed’.
Higher court to a lower court or tribunal either to transfer a case
pending with the latter to itself or to squash the order of the latter
in a case.
Issued on the grounds of excess of jurisdiction or lack of
jurisdiction or error of law.
 Unlike prohibition, -> only preventive, certiorari ->
both preventive as well as curative.
Till recently, the writ of certiorari could be issued only against
judicial and quasi-judicial authorities and not against administrative
authories.
In 1991, the Supreme Court ruled that –
• the certiorari can be issued even against administrative authorities
affecting rights of individuals.
Like prohibition, certiorari is also not available against legislative
bodies and private individuals or bodies.
Quo-Warranto
It means ‘by what authority or warrant’.
Issued by court to enquire into the legality of claim of a person to a
public office.
Prevents illegal usurpation of public office by a person.
Writ can be issued only in case of a substantive(शशश) public office
of a permanent character created by a statute or by the
Constitution.
It cannot be issued in cases of ministerial office or private office.
Unlike the other four writs, this can be sought by any interested
person and not necessarily by the Aggrieved(शशशशश) person.
353
Lecture – 26 : Martial Law |

Criticism of Fundamental
Rights
ARMED FORCES AND

FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
354
Article 33 – Empowers the Parliament to restrict the fundamental

rights of the members of armed forces, paramilitary forces, police
forces, intelligence agencies and analogous forces.
Objective – To proper discharge of their duties and the
maintenance of discipline among them.
Power to make laws under Article 33 is conferred only on
Parliament and not on state Legislatures
–> Parliament cannot be challenged in any court
Parliament has enacted –
355
• Army Act (1950),

• Navy Act (1950),
• Air Force Act (1950),
• Police Forces (Restriction of Rights) Act, 1966,
• Border Security Force Act and so on.
These impose restrictions on their –

• Freedom of speech,
• Right to form associations,
• Right to be members of trade unions or political associations,
• Right to communicate with the press,
• Right to attend public meetings or demonstrations(शशशशश ं), etc.
Expression ‘members of the armed forces’ covers such employees
of the armed forces as –barbers, carpenters, mechanics, cooks,
chowkidars, bootmakers, tailors who are non-combatants.
Parliamentary law enacted under Article 33 can also exclude ->
Court martials (tribunals established under the military law) from
the writ jurisdiction of SC and HC, so far as the enforcement of
Fundamental Rights is concerned.
MARTIAL LAW AND

FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
Article 34 – Restrictions on fundamental rights while martial law is
in force in any area within territory of India.
Parliament can validate any sentence passed, punishment inflicted,
forfeiture ordered or other act done under martial law in such
area.
Act of Indemnity(शशशश शश शशशशशश made by the Parliament
cannot be challenged in any court on the ground of contravention of
any of the fundamental rights.
Concept of martial law has been borrowed in India from the English
common law.
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Expression ‘martial law’ has not been defined anywhere in the

Constitution.
Literally, it means ‘military rule’ – refers to a situation where civil
administration is run by the military authorities according to their
own rules and regulations framed outside the ordinary law.
Article 34 under which martial law can be declared in any area

within the territory of India.
Imposed under extraordinary circumstances like war, invasion,
insurrection, rebellion, riot or any violent resistance to law.
Justification is to repel force by force for maintaining or restoring
order in the society.
During the operation of martial law, military authorities are vested
with abnormal powers to take all necessary steps.
They impose restrictions and regulations on the rights of the
civilians, can punish the civilians and even condemn them to
death.
Supreme Court held that declaration of martial law does not ipso
facto( very fact ) result in the suspension of the writ of habeas
corpus.
EFFECTING CERTAIN
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
Article 35 – Power to make laws, to give effect to certain specified
fundamental rights shall vest only in the Parliament and not in the
state legislatures.
Provision ensures – uniformity throughout India with regard to the
nature of those fundamental rights and punishment for their
infringement.
357
CRITICISM OF FUNDAMENTAL
RIGHTS
FRs enshrined in Part III of Constitution have met with a wide and
varied criticism.
Arguments of the critics are:
1. Excessive Limitations
2. No Social and Economic Rights
3. No Clarity :
• ‘Public order’, ‘minorities’, ‘reasonable restriction’, ‘public interest’
and so on are not clearly defined.
4. No Permanency
• They are not sacrosanct or immutable as the Parliament can
curtail or abolish them, as for example, the abolition of the
fundamental right to property in 1978.
•Judicially innovated ‘doctrine of basic structure
5. Suspension During Emergency
• The suspension of their enforcement during the operation of
National Emergency (except Articles 20and 21) is another blot on
the efficacy of these rights.
•Provision cuts at the roots of democratic system in the country by
placing the rights of the millions of innocent people in continuous
jeopardy.
.
6. Expensive Remedy
•Judicial process is too expensive and hinders the common man
from getting his rights enforced through the courts.
7. Preventive Detention
• The critics assert that the provision for preventive detention
(Article 22) takes away the spirit and substance of the chapter on
fundamental rights.
• It confers arbitrary powers on the State and negates individual
358
liberty.
•It justifies the criticism that the Constitution of India deals more
with the rights of the State against the individual than with the
rights of the individual against the State.
• Notably, no democratic country in the world has made preventive
detention as an integral part of their Constitutions as has been
made in India.
8. No Consistent Philosophy
• According to some critics, the chapter on fundamental rights is not
the product of any philosophical principle.
359
Lecture – 28 : DPSP-
Gandhian | Socialistic |
Liberal–intellectual Principles
Directive Principles of State Policy

Directive Principles of State Policy –Part IV of the Constitution.
Articles 36 to 51.
Framers of the Constitution-> idea from the Irish Constitution of
1937, which had copied it from the Spanish Constitution.
Dr B R Ambedkar ->‘novel features’ of the Indian Constitution.
Directive Principles along with the Fundamental Rights contain the
philosophy of the Constitution and is the soul of the Constitution.
Granville Austin->Described the Directive Principles and the
Fundamental Rights as ‘Conscience(शशशशश) of the Constitution’.
360
FEATURES OF THE DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES

1. ‘Directive Principles of State Policy’ –>
• These are-> Constitutional instructions/ recommendations
• ->To State in legislative, executive and administrative matters.
• Article 36 – Term ‘State’ in Part IV has the same meaning as in
Part III dealing with Fundamental Rights-> Includes the legislative
and executive organs of the central and state governments, all local
authorities and all other public authorities in the country.
2. Directive Principles – resemble the ‘Instrument of Instructions’

enumerated in the Government of India Act of 1935.
• Dr B R Ambedkar – ‘Directive Principles are like the instrument of
instructions-> Which were issued to Governor-General and to
Governors of the colonies of India by British Government under the
Government of India Act of 1935.
3. Directive Principles constitute a very comprehensive

-Economic,
-Social and
-Political programme for a modern-> Economic and Social
democracy in the country.
• Aim at realising the high ideals of justice, liberty, equality and
fraternity as outlined in the Preamble to the Constitution.
• Concept of a ‘welfare state’ and not that of a ‘police state’, which
existed during colonial era.
4. Directive Principles are non-Justiciable in nature

• Constitution (Article 37) – Principles are fundamental in the
governance of the country duty of the State to apply these
principles in making laws.
5. Directive Principles, though non-justiciable in nature, help the

courts in examining and determining the constitutional validity of a
law.
361
• If a court finds that the law in question seeks to give effect to a

Directive Principle, it may consider such law to be ‘reasonable’ in
relation to
CLASSIFICATION OF THE DIRECTIVE

PRINCIPLES
Constitution does not contain any classification of Directive
Principles.
On the basis of their content and direction, they can be classified
into three broad categories,
1- Socialistic,
2- Gandhian
3- Liberal–intellectual.
Socialistic Principles :
Reflect the ideology of socialism.
Aim at providing social and economic justice, and set the path
towards welfare state.
 Direct the state:
1. Article 38-> Promote the welfare of the people by securing a
social order permeated by justice social, economic and political —
and to minimise inequalities in income, status, facilities and
opportunities
2. To secure :
(a) Right to adequate means of livelihood for all citizens;
(b) Equitable distribution of material resources of the community for
the common good;
(c) Prevention of concentration of wealth and means of production;
(d) Equal pay for equal work for men and women;
(e) Preservation of the health and strength of workers and children
against forcible abuse; and
(f) Opportunities for healthy development of children (Article 39).
362
3. Article 39 A-> To promote equal justice and to provide free legal

aid to the poor
4. Article 41-> To secure the right to work, to education and to
public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and
disablement
5. Article 42-> To make provision for just and humane conditions
for work & maternity relief
6. Article 43-> To secure a living wage, a decent standard of life
and social and cultural opportunities for all workers
7. Article 43 A-> To take steps to secure participation of workers in
the management of industries
8. Article 47-> To raise the level of nutrition and the standard of
living of people and to improve public health
Gandhian Principles : Gandhian Ideology

In order to fulfil the dreams of Gandhi, some of his ideas were
included as Directive Principles.
They require the State:
1. Article 40- To organise village panchayats and endow them with
necessary powers and authority to enable them to function as units
of self-government
2. Article 43- To promote cottage industries on an individual or co-
operation basis in rural areas
3. Article 43B- To promote voluntary formation, autonomous
functioning, democratic control and professional management of co-
operative societies
4. Article 46 To promote the educational and economic interests of
SCs, STs, and other weaker sections of the society and to protect
them from social injustice and exploitation.
5. Article 47- To prohibit consumption of intoxicating drinks and
drugs which are injurious to health
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Liberal–Intellectual Principles
The principles included in this category represent the ideology of
liberalism.
They direct the state:
1. Article 44- To secure for all citizens a uniform civil code
throughout the country
2. Article 45- To provide early childhood care and education for all
children until they complete the age of six years
3. Article 48- To organise agriculture and animal husbandry on
modern and scientific lines
4. Article 48A- To protect and improve the environment and to
safeguard forests and wild life
5. Article 49- To protect monuments, places and objects of artistic
or historic interest which are declared to be of national importance
6. Article 50- To separate the judiciary from the executive in the
public services of the State
7. Article 51- To promote international peace and security and
maintain just and honourable relations between nations;
• To foster respect for international law and treaty obligations, and
• To encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration
SANCTION BEHIND DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES
Sir B N Rau-> Constitutional Advisor to the Constituent Assembly,
recommended –
• Rights of an individual should be divided into two categories—
a. Justiciable and b. Non-justiciable,
which was accepted by the Drafting Committee.
Fundamental Rights
Directive Principles
Directive Principles are non-justiciable, the Constitution (Article 37)
make it clear that ‘these principles are fundamental in the
governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the state to
364
apply these principles in making laws’.

They impose a moral obligation on the state authorities for their
application, but the real force behind them is political, that is, public
opinion.
As observed by Alladi Krishna Swamy Ayyar, ‘no ministry
responsible to the people can afford light heartedly to ignore the
provisions in Part IV of the Constitution’.
Framers of the Constitution made the Directive Principles non-
justiciable and legally non enforceable because:
1. The country did not possess sufficient financial resources to
implement them.
2. Presence of vast diversity and backwardness in the country would
stand in the way of their implementation.
3. Newly born independent Indian State with its many
preoccupations might be crushed under burden unless it was free to
decide the order, time, place and mode of fulfilling them.
‘Constitution makers – Taking a pragmatic view.
CRITICISM OF THE DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES

1. No Legal Force
2. Illogically Arranged- Neither properly classified nor logically
arranged, mixes up relatively unimportant issues with the most
vital, Modern with the old and provisions
3. Conservative –(शशशशशशशशशशशशश)- Based on the political
philosophy of the 19th century England, question whether they are
suitable for the twenty-first century cannot be answered
4. Constitutional Conflict-
(a) Between the Centre and the states,
(b) Between the President and the Prime Minister, and
(c) Between the governor and the chief minister.
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Lecture – 29 : Fundamental
Rights VS Directive Principles
Directives also play the following roles:

1. They facilitate stability and continuity in domestic and foreign
policies in political, economic and social spheres in spite of the
changes of the party in power.
2. They are supplementary to the fundamental rights of the citizens.
• They are intended to fill in the vacuum in Part III by providing for
social and economic rights.
3. Creates a favourable atmosphere for the full and proper
enjoyment of the fundamental rights by the citizens-> Political
democracy, without economic democracy, has no meaning.
4. They enable the opposition to exercise influence and control over
the operations of the government-> Opposition can blame the ruling
party on the ground that its activities are opposed to the Directives.
5. Test for the performance of the government-> People can
examine the policies and programmes of the government
6. They serve as common political manifesto.
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CONFLICT BETWEEN
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
AND DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES
Champakam Dorairajan case (1951)-> the Supreme Court ruled
that in case of any conflict between the Fundamental Rights and
Directive Principles, the former would prevail.
367
Declared DPSP have to conform to and run as subsidiary to the

Fundamental Rights.
Underwent a major change in Golaknath case 1967 – the Supreme
Court ruled that the Parliament cannot take away or abridge any of
the Fundamental Rights, which are ‘sacrosanct’ in nature.
Fundamental Rights cannot be amended for the implementation of
the Directive Principles.
42nd -> Amendment Act accorded position of legal primacy and
supremacy to the Directive Principles over the Fundamental Rights
conferred by Articles 14, 19 and 31.
Fundamental Rights conferred by Article 14 and Article 19 were
accepted as subordinate to the Directive Principles specified in
Article 39 (b) & (c).
 Minerva Mills case (1980)–> Supreme Court also held that ‘the
Indian Constitution is founded on the bedrock of the balance
between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles.
 Present – Fundamental Rights enjoy supremacy over the Directive
Principles.
Yet, this does not mean that the Directive Principles cannot be
implemented.
Minerva Mills case (1980) – Directive Principles were once again made
subordinate to the Fundamental Rights.
Parliament can amend FRs for implementing DPSPs, so long as the
amendment does not damage or destroy the basic structure of
the Constitution
IMPLEMENTATION OF
DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES
Since 1950, the successive governments at the Centre and in the
states have made several laws and formulated various programmes
for implementing the Directive Principles.
 These are mentioned below:
1. Planning Commission was established in 1950 to take up the
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development of the country in a planned manner.

• The successive Five Year Plans aimed at securing socio-economic
justice and reducing inequalities of income, status and
opportunities.
2. Almost all the states have passed land reform laws to bring
changes in the agrarian society and to improve the conditions of the
rural masses.
• These measures include :
(a) Abolition of intermediaries like zamindars, jagirdars, inamdars,
etc;
(b) Tenancy reforms like security of tenure, fair rents, etc;
(c) Imposition of ceilings on land holdings;
(d) Distribution of surplus land among the landless labourers; and
(e) Cooperative farming.
3. Have been enacted to protect the interests of the labour sections
:
• Minimum Wages Act (1948),
• Payment of Wages Act (1936),
• Payment of Bonus Act (1965),
• Contract Labour Regulation and Abolition Act (1970),
• Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act (1986),
• Bonded Labour System Abolition Act (1976),
• Trade Unions Act (1926),
• Factories Act (1948),
• Mines Act (1952),
• Industrial Disputes Act (1947),
• Workmen’s Compensation Act (1923) and so on
• In 2006, the government banned the child labour.
4. Maternity Benefit Act (1961) and the Equal Remuneration Act

(1976) have been made to protect the interests of women workers.
5. Legal Services Authorities Act (1987) has established a nation-

wide network to provide free and competent legal aid to the poor
369
and to organise lok adalats for promoting equal justice.

• Lok adalat is a statutory forum for conciliatory settlement of legal
disputes.
• Its awards are enforceable, binding on the parties and final as no
appeal lies before any court against them.
6. Set up for the development of cottage industries in rural areas :

• Khadi and Village Industries Board,
• Khadi and Village Industries Commission,
• Small-Scale Industries Board,
• National Small Industries Corporation,
• Handloom Board,
• Handicrafts Board,
• Coir Board, Silk Board and so on
7. Launched for raising the standard of living of people.

• The Community Development Programme (1952),
• Hill Area Development Programme (1960),
• Drought-Prone Area Programme (1973),
• Minimum Needs Programme (1974),
• Integrated Rural Development Programme (1978),
• Jawahar Rozgar Yojana (1989),

• Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (1999),
• Sampoorna Grameena Rozgar Yojana (2001),
• National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme (2006) and so
on.
8. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and the Forest (Conservation) Act,

1980, have been enacted to safeguard the wildlife and the forests
respectively.
9. Three-tier panchayati raj system (at village, taluka and zila

levels) has been introduced to translate into reality Gandhiji’s
dream of every village being a republic.
370
10. Laws to prohibit the slaughter of cows, calves, and bullocks

have been enacted in some states.
Lecture – 30 : शशशशश
शशशशशशश – Fundamental
Duties
371
Fundamental Duties
Rights and duties of the citizens are Correlative and Inseparable,
Original constitution contained only the fundamental rights
Framers of the Constitution did not feel it necessary
Duties of the State in the Constitution in the form of Directive
372
Principles of State Polity.

Later in 1976, the fundamental duties of citizens were added in the
Constitution.
In 2002, one more Fundamental Duty was added.
Fundamental Duties -> Constitution of erstwhile USSR.
None of-> Major democratic countries like USA, Canada, France,
Germany, Australia and so on specifically contain a list of duties of
citizens.
Japanese Constitution is the only democratic Constitution in world
which contains a list of duties of citizens.
SWARAN SINGH COMMITTEE

RECOMMENDATIONS
1976, the Congress -> Sardar Swaran Singh Committee to make
recommendations about fundamental duties
Need and necessity of which was felt during the operation of the
internal emergency (1975–1977).
Recommended the inclusion of a separate chapter on fundamental
duties.
42nd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1976.
Added a new part – Part IVA to the Constitution –Only one Article –
Article 51A
Ten fundamental duties of the citizens.
Congress party declared-> Non-inclusion of fundamental duties in
Constitution as a historical mistake and claimed that what the
framers failed to do was being done now.
Swaran Singh Committee-> Eight Fundamental Duties

42nd Constitutional Amendment Act (1976) included ten
Fundamental Duties.
Certain recommendations of the Committee were not accepted by
the Congress
373
These include:
1. The Parliament may provide for the imposition of such penalty or
punishment as may be
considered appropriate for any non-compliance with or refusal to
observe any of the duties.
2. No law imposing such penalty or punishment shall be called in
question in any court on the
ground of infringement of any of Fundamental Rights or on the
ground of repugnancy to any
other provision of the Constitution.
3. Duty to pay taxes should also be a Fundamental Duty of the
citizens.
LIST OF FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES

According to Article 51 A, it shall be the duty of every citizen of
India:
(a) To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and
institutions, National Flag and National Anthem;
(b) To cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired national
struggle for freedom;
(c) To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of
India;
(d) To defend the country and render national service when called
upon to do so;
(e) To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood
amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and
regional or sectional diversities and to renounce practices
derogatory(शशशशशशशश) to the dignity of women;
(f) To value and preserve the rich heritage of the country’s
composite culture;
(g) To protect and improve the natural environment including
forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living
creatures;
374
(h) To develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry

and reform;
(i) To safeguard public property and to abjure(शशशशशशश) violence;
(j) To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and
collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels
of endeavour and achievement;
(k) To provide opportunities for education to his child or ward
between the age of six and fourteen years-> 86th Constitutional
Amendment Act, 2002.
Like the Directive Principles, the fundamental duties are also Non-
Justiciable.
The Constitution does not provide for their direct enforcement by
the courts.
Parliament is free to enforce them by suitable legislation.
CRITICISM OF FUNDAMENTAL
DUTIES
Part VIA of the Constitution have been criticised on following
grounds:
1. List of duties is not exhaustive as it does not cover other
important duties like casting vote, paying taxes, family planning and
so on.
• In fact, duty to pay taxes was recommended by the Swaran Singh
Committee.
2. Some of the duties are vague, ambiguous and difficult to be
understood by the common man.
• For example, different interpretations can be given to the phrases
like ‘noble ideals’, ‘composite culture’, ‘scientific temper’ and so on.
3. Non justiciable character.
• The Swaran Singh Committee had suggested for penalty or
punishment for the non-performance of Fundamental Duties.
4. Described by the critics as superfluous(शशशशशश शशशशशशशशश).
375
• Performed by the people even though they were not incorporated

in the Constitution.
5. Inclusion of fundamental duties ->Part IV of the has reduced
their value and significance.
• They should have been added after Part III so as to keep them on
par with Fundamental Rights.
SIGNIFICANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL
DUTIES
In spite of criticisms and opposition, the fundamental duties are
considered significant from the following viewpoints :
1. They serve as a reminder to the citizens-> Enjoying their rights,
they should also be conscious of duties they owe to their country,
their society and to their fellow citizens.
2. Warning against the anti-national and antisocial activities like
burning the national flag, destroying public property and so on.
3. Promote a sense of discipline and commitment among them.
4. They help the courts in examining and determining the
constitutional validity of a law.
5. They are enforceable by law-> Parliament can provide for the
imposition of appropriate penalty or punishment for failure to fulfill
any of them.
H R Gokhale-> Law Minister, gave reason for incorporating the

fundamental duties in the Constitution after twenty- six years of its
inauguration:
• ‘In post-independent India, particularly on the eve of emergency
in June 1975, a section of the people showed no anxiety to fulfil
their fundamental obligations of respecting the established legal
order ….. Anti-national and Unconstitutional agitations in the past’.
Indira Gandhi->Prime Minister, justified inclusion of fundamental
duties in Constitution and argued that their inclusion would help to
376
strengthen democracy.
She said, ‘the moral value of fundamental duties would be not to
smoother rights but to establish a democratic balance by making
the people conscious of their duties equally as they are conscious of
their rights’.
Opposition in the Parliament strongly opposed the inclusion of
fundamental duties
The new Janata Government headed by Morarji Desai in the post-
emergency period did not annul the Fundamental Duties.
The new government sought to undo many changes introduced in
the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act(1976) through – the
43rd Amendment Act (1977) and the 44th Amendment Act (1978).
There was an eventual consensus on the necessity and desirability
of including the Fundamental Duties in the Constitution.
This is more clear with the addition of one more Fundamental Duty
in 2002 by the 86th Amendment Act.
VERMA COMMITTEE
OBSERVATIONS
Verma Committee on Fundamental Duties of the Citizens (1999)
identified the existence of legal provisions for the implementation of
some of the Fundamental Duties.
They are mentioned below:
1. Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act (1971) prevents
disrespect to the Constitution of India, the National Flag and the
National Anthem.
2. The various criminal laws in force provide for punishments for
encouraging enmity between different sections of people on grounds
of language, race, place of birth, religion and so on.
3. The Protection of Civil Rights Act(1955) provides for punishments
for offences related to caste and religion.
4. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) declares the imputations and
377
assertions prejudicial to national integration as punishable offences.

5. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967 provides for the
declaration of a communal organisation as an unlawful association.
6. The Representation of People Act (1951) provides for the

disqualification of members of the Parliament or a state legislature
for indulging in corrupt practice, that is, soliciting votes on the
ground of religion or promoting enmity between different sections of
people on grounds of caste, race, language, religion and so on.
7. The Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 prohibits trade in rare and
endangered species.
8. The Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 checks indiscriminate
deforestation and diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
Lecture – 31 : शशशशशश-
Amendment of the
Constitution
378
Amendment(शशशशशश)
To adjust itself to the changing conditions and needs.
Procedure -> Neither as easy as in Britain nor as difficult as
in USA.
Neither flexible nor rigid but a synthesis of both.
 Article 368 in Part XX of the Constitution deals with the powers
of Parliament to amend Constitution and its procedure.
Parliament cannot amend those provisions which form the ‘Basic
structure’.
This was ruled by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda
Bharati case (1973).
PROCEDURE FOR
AMENDMENT
379
Procedure laid down -> Article 368

Initiated only-> Introduction of a bill for the purpose in either
House of Parliament and not in the state legislatures.
Bill can be introduced either by a minister or by a private member
and does not require prior permission of the president.
Bill must be passed in each House by a special majority,
Majority (more than 50 per cent) of the total membership of the
House and a majority of twothirds of the members of the House
present and voting.
Each House must pass the bill separately.
• Disagreement -> No provision for holding a joint sitting
If bill seeks to amend federal provisions of the Constitution->
Ratified by the legislatures of half of the states by a simple
majority, that is, a majority of the members of the House present
and voting.
After passed by both the Houses -> Ratified by the state

legislatures, where necessary, the bill is
presented to the president for assent.
President must give his assent to the bill.
Neither withhold his assent to bill nor return-> Reconsideration of
the Parliament.
After president’s assent-> Bill becomes an Act->i.e., a
constitutional amendment act
TYPES OF AMENDMENTS
Article 368 – Two types of amendments
• By a special majority of Parliament and
• Through the ratification of half of the states by a simple majority.
But, some other articles provide for the amendment of certain
provisions of the Constitution by a simple majority of Parliament – a
majority of the members of each House present and voting (similar
to the ordinary legislative process).
These amendments are not deemed to be amendments of the
380
Constitution for purposes of Article 368.

Constitution can be amended in three ways:
(a) Amendment by simple majority of the Parliament,
(b) Amendment by special majority of the Parliament, and
(c) Amendment by special majority of Parliament & ratification of
half of state legislatures.
By Simple Majority of Parliament

Constitution can be amended by a simple majority of two Houses of
Parliament outside scope of Article 368.
Admission or establishment of new states.
Formation of new states and alteration of areas, boundaries or
names of existing states.
Abolition or creation of legislative councils in states.
Second Schedule—> emoluments, allowances, privileges and so
on of the president, the governors, Speakers, judges, etc.
Salaries and allowances of the members of Parliament.
Rules of procedure in Parliament.
Majority of the provisions in the Constitution need to be amended

by a special majority of Parliament – a majority (that is, more than
50 per cent) of total membership of each House and a majority of
two-thirds of members of each House present and voting.
Expression ‘total membership’ means the total number of members
comprising the House irrespective of fact whether there are
vacancies or absentees.
Provisions which can be amended by this way includes:
Fundamental Rights;
Directive Principles of State Policy; and
All other provisions which are not covered by first and third
categories.
381
By Special Majority of Parliament

and Consent of States
Provisions of the Constitution related to the federal structure of the
polity can be amended by a special majority of the Parliament and
also with the consent of half of the state legislatures by a simple
majority.
If one or some or all the remaining states take no action on the bill,
it does not matter; the moment half of the states give their consent,
the formality is completed.
There is no time limit within which the states should give their
consent to the bill.
Following provisions can be amended in this way:
Election of the President and its manner.
Extent of the executive power of the Union and the states.
Supreme Court and high courts.
Distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the
states.
Any of the lists in the Seventh Schedule.
Representation of states in Parliament.
Power of Parliament to amend the Constitution and its procedure
(Article 368)
CRITICISM OF THE
AMENDMENT PROCEDURE
 Critics have criticised the amendment procedure of the
Constitution on the following grounds:
1. There is no provision for a special body like Constitutional
Convention (as in USA) or Constitutional Assembly for amending the
Constitution.
• Constituent power is vested in the Parliament and only in few
382
cases, in the state legislatures.

2. Power to initiate an amendment to the Constitution lies with the
Parliament.
• Unlike in USA, the state legislatures cannot initiate any bill or
proposal for amending the Constitution except in one case – passing
a resolution requesting the Parliament for the creation or abolition
of legislative councils in the states.
• Parliament can either approve or disapprove such a resolution or
may not take action on it.
3. Major part of the Constitution can be amended by the Parliament
alone either by a special majority or by a simple majority.
• Only in few cases, the consent of the state legislatures is required
and that too, only half of them, while in USA, it is three-fourths of
the states.
4. Constitution does not prescribe the time frame within which the
state legislatures should ratify or reject an amendment submitted to
them.
• It is silent on the issue whether the states can withdraw their
approval after according the same.
5. There is no provision for holding a joint sitting of both the Houses
of Parliament if there is a deadlock over the passage of a
constitutional amendment bill.
• A provision for a joint sitting is made in the case of an ordinary
bill.
6. Process of amendment is similar to that of a legislative process.
• Except for the special majority, the constitutional amendment bills
are to be passed by the Parliament in the same way as ordinary
bills.
7. Provisions relating to the amendment procedure are too sketchy.
• They leave a wide scope for taking the matters to the judiciary.
383
Lecture-32 : Basic Structure of

the Constitution
BASIC STRUCTURE OF THE

CONSTITUTION
EMERGENCE OF THE BASIC STRUCTURE :
Whether Fundamental Rights can be amended by the Parliament
under Article 368 came for consideration of the Supreme Court
within a year of the Constitution coming into force.
Shankari Prasad case(1951) -> constitutional validity of the First
Amendment Act (1951), which curtailed the right to property, was
challenged.
Supreme Court ruled that the power of Parliament to amend the
Constitution under Article 368 also includes power to amend
The word ‘law’ in Article 13 includes only ordinary laws and not the
constitutional amendment acts (constituent laws).
Parliament can abridge or take away any of the Fundamental
Rights by enacting a constitutional amendment act and such a law
will not be void under Article 13.
But in Golak Nath case(1967), Supreme Court reversed its earlier
stand.
Supreme Court ruled that Fundamental Rights are given a
‘transcendental and immutable’ position and hence, the Parliament
cannot abridge or take away any of these rights.
A constitutional amendment act is also a law within the meaning of
Article 13 and hence, would be void for violating any of
Parliament reacted to Supreme Court’s judgement in Golak Nath
384
case (1967) by enacting the 24th Amendment Act (1971).

This Act amended Articles 13 and 368.
It declared that the Parliament has the power to abridge or take
away any of the Fundamental Rights under Article 368 and such an
act will not be a law under the meaning of Article 13.
Kesavananda Bharati case(1973)-> Supreme Court -> judgement

in the Golak Nath case (1967).
It upheld the validity of the 24th Amendment Act (1971) and
stated that Parliament is empowered to abridge or take away any of
the Fundamental Rights.
At the same time, it laid down a new doctrine of the ‘basic
structure’ (or ‘basic features’) of the Constitution – Constituent
power of Parliament under Article 368 does not enable it to alter the
‘basic structure’ of the Constitution.
This means that Parliament cannot abridge or take away a
Fundamental Right that forms a part of the ‘basic structure’ of the
Constitution.
Parliament reacted to this judicially innovated doctrine of ‘basic
structure’ by enacting the 42nd Amendment Act (1976).
This Act amended Article 368 and declared that there is no
limitation on the constituent power of Parliament and no
amendment can be questioned in any court on any ground including
that of the contravention of any of the Fundamental Rights.
Supreme Court in the Minerva Mills case(1980) invalidated this

provision as it excluded judicial review which is a ‘basic feature’ of
the Constitution.
Applying the doctrine of ‘basic structure’ with respect to Article
368, the court held that: “Since the Constitution had conferred a
limited amending power on the Parliament, the Parliament cannot
under the exercise of that limited power enlarge that very power
into an absolute power.
Parliament cannot, under article 368, expand its amending power so
385
as to acquire for itself the right to repeal or abrogate the

Constitution or to destroy its basic features. The donee of a limited
power cannot by the exercise of that power convert the limited
power into an unlimited one”.
Waman Rao case(1981)- Supreme Court adhered to the doctrine of
the ‘basic structure’ and it would apply to constitutional
amendments enacted after April 24, 1973 (the date of the
judgement in Kesavananda Bharati case).
ELEMENTS OF THE BASIC STRUCTURE

Parliament under Article 368 can amend any part of Constitution
including the Fundamental Rights but without affecting the ‘basic
structure’ of Constitution.
Supreme Court is yet to define or clarify as to what constitutes the
‘basic structure’ of the Constitution.
From the various judgements, the following have emerged as ‘basic
features’ of the Constitution or elements / components / ingredients
of the ‘basic structure’ of the constitution:
1. Supremacy of the Constitution
2. Sovereign, democratic and republican nature of the Indian polity
3. Secular character of the Constitution
4. Separation of powers between the legislature, the executive and
the judiciary
5. Federal character of the Constitution
6. Unity and integrity of the nation
7. Welfare state (socio-economic justice)
8. Judicial review
9. Freedom and dignity of the individual

10. Parliamentary system
11. Rule of law
12. Harmony and balance between Fundamental Rights and
Directive Principles
386
13. Principle of equality

14. Free and fair elections
15. Independence of Judiciary
16. Limited power of Parliament to amend the Constitution
17. Effective access to justice
18. Principle of reasonableness
19. Powers of the Supreme Court under Articles 32, 136, 141 and
142
Lecture – 33 : शशशशशश
शशशशशशश- (Parliamentary VS
Presidential Systems)
Parliamentary System
Parliamentary System at Centre & State
1)- Parliamentary System at Centre -> 74 & 75
2)- Parliamentary System at State -> 163 & 164
Modern democratic governments are classified into
1)- Parliamentary-> Executive is responsible to the legislature
2)-Presidential-> Independent of the legislature
Basis of nature of relations between the executive and the
legislative organs of the government
 Parliamentary government is also known as
1)- Cabinet government or
2)- Responsible government or
3)- Westminster model of government
Eg-> Britain, Japan, Canada, India
 Presidential government-> also known as
1)- Non-responsible or
2)- Non-parliamentary or
387
3)- Fixed executive system of government

Eg-> USA, Brazil, Russia, Sri Lanka among others
Features or principles of
parliamentary government
Nominal and Real Executives
 Majority Party Rule
 Collective Responsibility
 Political Homogeneity
Double Membership
Leadership of the Prime Minister
Dissolution of the Lower House
Secrecy
Comparing Parliamentary and

Presidential Systems
388
REASONS FOR ADOPTING

PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM
Familiarity with the System
Preference to More Responsibility
Need to Avoid Legislative—Executive Conflicts
Nature of Indian Society
Parliamentary system-> India is largely based on-> British
parliamentary system.
However, it never became a replica of the British system
Differs in the following respects:
Republican system VS Hereditary position
Doctrine of the sovereignty of Parliament VS doctrine of the
sovereignty of Constitution
Britain, PM should be a member of the Lower House (House of
Commons) VS Both House
Members of Parliament alone are appointed as ministers in
Britain VS Anyone (6 months-Max)
‘Shadow cabinet’ VS No such institution
389
शशशशशशश- Federal System
Federal System(शशशशश शशशशश)
Britain, France, Japan, China, Italy, Belgium, Norway, Sweden,

Spain and so on have the unitary model of government.
US, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Russia, Brazil, Argentina and
so on have the federal model of government.
Federal model-> national government is known as
1)- Federal government or
2)-Central government or
3)-Union government and
Regional government is known as
1)- State government or
2)-Provincial government.
390
Units of a federation are known by various names like

1)- States (as in US) or
2)-Cantons (as in Switzerland) or
3)-Provinces (as in Canada) or
4)-Republics (as in Russia)
Federation can be formed in two ways

Way of integration-> US
Way of disintegration-> Canada
US is the first and the oldest federation in the world. It was formed
in 1787 following the American Revolution (1775–83).
It comprises 50 states (originally 13 states) and is taken as the
model of federation.
Canadian Federation, comprising 10 provinces (originally 4
provinces) is also quite old—formed in 1867
391
Constitution Framers adopted federal system

Two main reasons
1)-Large size of country and
2)-Its socio-cultural diversity.
Federal system ensures-> Efficient governance + National unity
with regional autonomy
Q-Federation is union-?
‘Federation’-> No where been used in Constitution.
Article 1-> Describes India as a ‘Union of States’.
Dr B R Ambedkar-> phrase ‘Union of States’-> preferred
to ‘Federation of States’ to indicate two things:
(i) Indian federation is not the result of an agreement among the
states like the American federation; and
(ii) States have no right to secede from the federation.
Federation is union because it is indestructible.
Indian federal system-> based ‘Canadian model’

‘Canadian model’ differs from the ‘American model’ in so far as it
establishes a very strong centre-> Canadian model
(i) In its formation (i.e., by way of disintegration);
(ii) In its preference to the term ‘Union’ (the Canadian federation is
also called a ‘Union’);
(iii) In its centralizing tendency (i.e., vesting more powers in the
centre vis-a-vis the states).
Federal features of the Constitution of

India
 Dual Polity
 Written Constitution
 Division of Powers
392
 Supremacy of the Constitution

 Rigid Constitution
 Independent Judiciary
 Bicameralism
Bommai case-1994 Supreme Court laid down that Constitution is
federal and characterised federalism as its ‘basic feature’
Unitary or non-federal features:

Strong Centre
States Not Indestructible
Single Constitution
Flexibility of the Constitution
No Equality of State Representation
Emergency Provisions
Single Citizenship
Integrated Judiciary
All-India Services
Integrated Audit Machinery
Parliament’s Authority Over State List
Appointment of Governor
Integrated Election Machinery
Veto Over State Bills
CRITICAL EVALUATION OF
THE FEDERAL SYSTEM
KC Wheare described the Constitution of India as “quasi-
federal”.
However, there are other political scientists who do not agree with
the above descriptions.
Paul Appleby -> “Extremely federal”.
Morris Jones -> “Bargaining federalism”.
Ivor Jennings -> “Federation with a strong centralising
393
tendency”.
Alexandrowicz -> “India is a case sui generis(i.e., unique in
character).
Granville Austin -> “Cooperative federalism”
Dr B R Ambedkar “The Constitution is a Federal Constitution in
as much as it establishes a dual polity.
Both derive their respective authority from the Constitution
Lecture – 35 : Relations b/w

Centre & State (Legislative
Relations) ( Part 1 )
Centre – State Relations

Constitution of India- Federal in Nature
Divide all power between-> Financial, Executive & Legislature ->
Between Centre & State
Integrated Judicial
Centre and states are supreme in their respective fields

Maximum harmony and coordination between them is
essential for effective operation of federal system.
Constitution contains elaborate provisions to regulate
various dimensions of relations between Centre and states.
Centre- State relations can be studied under three heads:
• Legislative relations.
• Administrative relations.
• Financial relations.
394
LEGISLATIVE RELATIONS
Articles 245 to 255-> Part XI of Constitution deal-> Legislative
relations between Centre and states
Centre–states legislative relations->
• Territorial extent of Central and state legislation;
• Distribution of legislative subjects;
• Parliamentary legislation in the state field;
• Centre’s control over state legislation.
• Territorial extent of Central and state legislation;

Parliament can make laws for the whole or any part of the territory
of India
State legislature can make laws for the whole or any part of the
state
Parliament alone can make ‘extra-territorial legislation’
President can make regulations
Direct that an act of Parliament does not apply to a scheduled
area
Parliament does not apply to a tribal area
• Distribution of legislative subjects; Seventh Schedule:
List-I (Union List)-Present 100 subjects (originally 97)
List-II (State List)-> present 61 subjects (originally 66)
List-III (Concurrent List)-52 subjects (originally 47)
Residuary subjects -> vested in the Parliament.
US-> Residuary powers are left to the states
Canada-> Residuary powers are vested in the Centre.
Government of India (GoI) Act of 1935->Three-fold enumeration,
viz., Federal, Provincial and Concurrent.
Residuary powers were given neither to the federal legislature
Governor-general of India-> India follows Canadian precedent
Union List over State List ->Exception-
Reserved for Consideration President
395
• Parliamentary legislation in the state field;

1)- When Rajya Sabha Passes a Resolution
2)- During a National Emergency
3)- When States Make a Request
4)- To Implement International Agreements
5)- During President’s Rule
• Centre’s control over state legislation.
Constitution empowers Centre to exercise control over the state’s
legislative matters
Governor can reserve certain types of bills
Bills on certain matters in the State List->Introduced state
legislature only previous sanction of the president.
(Example-> Bills imposing restrictions on freedom of trade and
commerce)
President can direct the states to reserve money bills and other
financial bills passed by the state legislature for his
consideration during a financial emergency
Lecture – 36 : Relations b/w

Centre & State
(Administrative) ( Part – 2 )
ADMINISTRATIVE RELATIONS
Articles 256 to 263-> Part XI of Constitution deal with
administrative relations between Centre and states.
Distribution of Executive Powers
Centre’s Directions to the States
Mutual Delegation of Functions
Cooperation Between the Centre and States
396
All-India Services
Public Service Commissions
Integrated Judicial System
Relations During Emergencies
Extra-Constitutional Devices
FINANCIAL RELATIONS
Articles 268 to 293-> Part XII of Constitution deal with Centre–
state financial relations.
Allocation of Taxing Powers
Distribution of Tax Revenues
Distribution of Non-tax Revenues
Grants-in-Aid to the States
Finance Commission
Protection of the States’ Interest
Borrowing by the Centre and the States
Inter-Governmental Tax Immunities
TRENDS IN CENTRE–STATE
RELATIONS
Tension Areas in Centre-State
Relations
 (1) Mode of appointment and dismissal of governor;
 (2) Discriminatory and partisan role of governors;
 (3) Imposition of President’s Rule for partisan interests;
 (4) Deployment of Central forces in the states to maintain law
and order;
 (5) Reservation of state bills for the consideration of the
President;
 (6) Discrimination in financial allocations to the states;
 (7) Role of Planning Commission in approving state projects;
397
 (8) Management of All-India Services (IAS, IPS, and IFS);

 (9) Use of electronic media for political purposes;
 (10) Appointment of enquiry commissions against the chief
ministers;
 (11) Sharing of finances (between Centre and states); and
 (12) Encroachment by the Centre on the State List.
Administrative Reforms Commission-1966
Rajamannar Committee-1969
Anandpur Sahib Resolution-1973
West Bengal Memorandum-1977
Sarkaria Commission-1983
Punchhi Commission-2007
Lecture – 37 : Committee &

Commission Related to Centre
& State Relation
Administrative Reforms Commission – 1966
Rajamannar Committee – 1969
Anandpur Sahib Resolution – 1973
West Bengal Memorandum – 1977
Sarkaria Commission – 1983
Punchhi Commission – 2007
Administrative Reforms Commission

Six-member ARC- 1966 under -> Chairmanship of Morarji
Desai (followed by K Hanumant-hayya)-> Report Submitted 1969.
Examination of Centre–State relations->ARC constituted a study
team under M C Setalvad.
Imp. Recommendations for improving Centre–state relations.
398
Establishment of Inter-State Council under Article 263 of the

Constitution
Appointment of persons having long experience in public life and
administration and nonpartisan attitude as governors.
Transferring of more financial resources to the states.
Reduce their dependency upon the Centre.
Deployment of Central armed forces in states either on their
request or otherwise.
No action was taken by the Central government on
recommendations of the ARC
Rajamannar Committee
1969->Tamil Nadu Government ->3-member committee-
>chairmanship of Dr P V Rajamannar
Examine the Centre–state relations & Suggest amendments to the
Constitution so as
Secure utmost autonomy to the states.
Committee submitted its report to Tamil Nadu Government in
1971.
Committee identified reasons for prevailing unitary trends
(tendencies of centralisation) in country.
 Certain provisions in Constitution which confer special powers on
Centre;
 One-party rule both at Centre and in states;
 Inadequacy of states’ fiscal resources and
Dependence on Centre for financial assistance; and
 Institution of Central planning and role of the Planning
Commission.
The important recommendations of the committee are as follows:
Inter-State Council should be set up immediately;
Finance Commission should be made a permanent body;
Planning Commission -> disbanded and its place should be taken
by a statutory body;
Articles 356, 357 and 365 (dealing with President’s Rule) should be
399
totally omitted;
 Provision-> state ministry holds office during pleasure of governor
should be omitted;
 Certain subjects of Union List and Concurrent List should be
transferred to State List;
 Residuary powers should be allocated to states; and
 All-India services (IAS, IPS and IFS) should be abolished.
Central government completely ignored recommendations of
Rajamannar Committee.
Anandpur Sahib Resolution

1973-> Akali Dal adopted a resolution containing both political
and religious demands in a meeting held at Anandpur Sahib in
Punjab.
Resolution, generally known as Anandpur Sahib
Demanded that the Centre’s jurisdiction should be restricted only
to
1)- Defence,
2)- Foreign affairs,
3- Communications, and
4)- Currency and
5)- Entire residuary powers should be vested in the states.
6)- It stated that Constitution should be made federal in the real
sense and
7)- Should ensure equal authority and representation to all states
at the Centre.
West Bengal Memorandum

1977, West Bengal Government published a memorandum on
Centre– state relations and sent to Central government.
Suggested the following:
Word ‘union’ in Constitution should be replaced by word ‘federal’;
Jurisdiction of the Centre should be confined to defence, foreign
400
affairs, currency, communications and economic co-ordination;

All other subjects including residuary should be vested in states;
Articles 356 and 357 (President’s Rule) and 360 (financial
emergency) should be repealed;
State’s consent should be made obligatory for formation of new
states or reorganisation of existing states;
Of the total revenue raised by Centre from all sources, 75 per cent
should be allocated to states;
Rajya Sabha should have equal powers with that of the Lok Sabha;
and
There should be only Central and state services and all-India
services should be abolished.
Central government did not accept the demands made in the
memorandum.
Sarkaria Commission
1983, Central government appointed a 3-member Commission on
Centre–state relations
Examine and review working of existing arrangements between the
Centre and states in all spheres and recommend appropriate
changes and measures.
It was initially given one year to complete its work, but its term
was extended four times.
Final report was submitted in October 1987.
Did not favour structural changes and regarded existing
constitutional arrangements
Emphasised on the need for changes in the functional or
operational aspects
Made 247 recommendations to improve Centre–state relations.
Permanent Inter-State Council called Inter-Governmental Council
set up under Article 263.
Article 356 (President’s Rule) should be used very sparingly, in
extreme cases as a last resort when all the available alternatives
401
fail.
Institution of All-India Services should be further strengthened and
some more such services should be created.
Autonomy for radio and television
Residuary powers of taxation should continue to remain with

Parliament, while other residuary powers should be placed in
Concurrent List.
National Development Council (NDC) should be renamed and
reconstituted as National Economic and Development Council
(NEDC).
Promote the spirit of federalism.
Centre should have powers to deploy its armed forces, even
without the consent of states.
Centre should consult the states before making a law on a subject
of the Concurrent List.
Procedure of consulting chief minister in the appointment of state
governor should be prescribed in Constitution itself.
Governor’s term of five years in a state should not be disturbed
except for some extremely compelling reasons.
Inter-State Council in 1990
When president with holds his assent to the state bills, reasons
should be communicated to state government.
Punchhi Commission
Second commission on Centre-State Relations was set-up by
Government of India in April 2007 under the Chairmanship of Madan
Mohan Punchhi, former Chief Justice of India.
Keeping in view sea-changes that have taken place in polity and
economy of India since Sarkaria Commission had last looked at
issue of Centre-State relations over two decades ago.
Commission was required to keep in view social and economic
developments
402
Submitted its report to the government in April 2010

Commission made over 310 recommendations-> Working of
Centre-state relations.
Commission took extensive help from Sarkaria Commission
Effective implementation ofthe laws on List III subjects- broad
agreement is reached between Union and states
While selecting Governors
He should be eminent in some walk of life, outside the state & who
has not taken too great a part in politics- recent past
Should be given a fixed tenure of five years- Impeachment of
Governors
On the question of Governor’s role in appointment of Chief Minister

in case of an hung assembly, it is necessary to lay down certain
clear guidelines to be followed as Constitutional conventions.
Question of invoking Article 356 – S.R. Bommai V. Union of India
(1994) .
Finance Commission division in Ministry of Finance should be
converted into a full fledged department
Lecture – 38 : Water Disputes

| Inter-State Councils
Inter-State Relations
Adjudication of inter-state water disputes.
Coordination through inter-state councils.
Mutual recognition of public acts, records and judicial
proceedings.
Freedom of inter-state trade, commerce and intercourse.
403
Inter-state water disputes

Article 262 of Constitution provides for adjudication of inter-state
water disputes
It makes two provisions:
Parliament may by law provide for the adjudication of any dispute
or complaint with respect to the use, distribution and control of
waters of any inter-state river and river valley.
Parliament may also provide that neither the Supreme Court nor
any other court is to exercise jurisdiction in respect of any such
dispute or complaint.
404
Parliament has enacted two laws –

River Boards Act (1956) &
Inter-State Water Disputes Act (1956)
INTER-STATE COUNCILS
Article 263 contemplates the establishment of an Inter-State
Council to effect coordination between the states and between
Centre and states.
President can establish such a council-> public interest
Establishment of Inter-State Council
Sarkaria Commission on Centre-State Relations (1983–87) made
a strong case for establishment of a permanent Inter-State Council
under Article 263 of Constitution.
Janata Dal Government headed by V. P. Singh established
the Inter-State Council in 1990
Inter-State Council
(i) Prime minister as the Chairman
(ii) Chief ministers of all the states
(iii) CMs of union territories having legislative assemblies
405
(iv) Administrators of UTs not having legislative assemblies

(v) Governors of States under President’s rule
(vi) Six Central cabinet ministers, including the home minister, to
be nominated by the Prime Minister.
Council may meet at least thrice in a year-> Its meetings are
held in camera and all questions are decided by consensus
PUBLIC ACTS, RECORDS

AND JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS
Articles 301 to 307 in Part XIII-> Constitution deal with the trade,
commerce and intercourse within the territory of India
Article 301 declares that trade, commerce and intercourse
throughout territory of India shall be free
Break down the border barriers between the states
Create one unit with a view to encourage free flow
Other provisions (Articles 302 to 305) of Part XIII
Parliament can impose restrictions on freedom of trade, commerce
and intercourse-> public interest
Cannot give preference to one state over another
Except in the case of scarcity of goods
Legislature only with previous sanction of president
ZONAL COUNCILS
Zonal Councils are statutory (and not constitutional) bodies.
Established by an Act of Parliament, that is, States Reorganisation
Act of 1956
Act divided the country into five zones
Northern, Central, Eastern, Western and Southern
Provided a zonal council for each zone
Objectives (or Functions)

406
Integration of the country.

To help in removing the after-effects of separation in some cases
so that the process of reorganization, integration and economic
advancement may synchronize.
To enable the Centre and states to cooperate with each other in
social and economic matters and exchange ideas and experience in
order to evolve uniform policies.
To cooperate with each other in the successful and speedy
execution of major development projects.
To secure some kind of political equilibrium between different
regions of the country.
North-Eastern Council
In addition to the above Zonal Councils was created by a separate
Act of Parliament— North-Eastern Council Act of 1971.
Its members include Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunchal Pradesh,
Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura and Sikkim.
407
Lecture – 39 : National
Emergency- Article 352 ( Part
1)
Emergency Provisions
Part XVIII- Article-352-360
To safeguard
Sovereignty,
Unity,
Integrity and
Security of the country,
Democratic political system, and
Constitution
Converts the federal structure into a unitary one without a formal

amendment of Constitution.
Dr B R Ambedkar->Constitution of India can be both unitary as
well as federal according to requirements of time and circumstances
Three types of Emergencies

Due to war, external aggression or armed rebellion-> (Article
352)-‘National Emergency’
Due to the failure of the constitutional machinery in the states
(Article 356)-‘President’s Rule’/‘State Emergency’ or ‘constitutional
Emergency’.
Due to a threat to the financial stability or credit of India (Article
360)- Financial Emergency
408
NATIONAL EMERGENCY
Grounds of Declaration-> Article 352->President can declare a
national emergency
Ground of ‘war’ or ‘external aggression’, it is known as ‘External
Emergency’.
Ground of ‘armed rebellion’, it is known as ‘Internal Emergency’.
May be applicable to entire country or only a part of it
42nd Amendment Act of 1976- limit operation to a specified
Originally, the Constitution mentioned ‘internal disturbance’ -
>44th Amendment Act of 1978 substituted the words ‘armed
rebellion’ for ‘internal disturbance’.
No longer possible to declare a National Emergency on the ground
of ‘internal disturbance’ as was done in 1975 by the Congress
government headed by Indira Gandhi.
President->National emergency only after receiving a written

recommendation from cabinet.
44th Amendment Act of 1978
Not merely on advice of the prime minister
Indira Gandhi advised the president to proclaim emergency
without consulting her cabinet
38th Amendment Act of 1975 made declaration of a National

Emergency immune from judicial review.
But, this provision was subsequently deleted by the 44th
Amendment Act of 1978.
Parliamentary Approval and Duration

Emergency must be approved by both the Houses of Parliament
within one month from the date of its issue.
Originally-> Two months-> 44th Amendment Act of 1978.
Lok Sabha has been dissolved or the
Dissolution of Lok Sabha takes place during the period of one
409
month without approving the proclamation,

Survives until 30 days from first sitting of the Lok Sabha after its
reconstitution.
If approved by both Houses-> Emergency continues for six
months,
and can be extended to an indefinite period with an approval of the
Parliament for every six months.
This provision for periodical parliamentary approval was also added
by the 44th Amendment Act of 1978.
This special majority provision was introduced by the 44th

Amendment Act of1978.
Previously, such resolution could be passed by a simple majority of
the Parliament.
Revocation of Proclamation
Revoked by the President at any time-> Does not require the
parliamentary approval.
44th Amendment Act of 1978 also provided that,
1/10 of the total number of members of the Lok Sabha give a
written notice to the Speaker (or to the president if the House is not
in session), a special sitting of the House should be held within 14
days for the purpose of considering a resolution disapproving
Resolution of disapproval is different from a resolution approving
1. The first one is required to be passed by the Lok Sabha only,
while the second one needs to be passed by the both Houses of
Parliament.
2. The first one is to be adopted by a simple majority only, while the
second one needs to be adopted by a special majority
Effects of National Emergency

 Three categories:
1. Effect on Centre–state relations,
410
2. Effect on life of Lok Sabha and State assembly,

3. Effect on Fundamental Rights.
Declarations Made So Far

Three times so far—in 1962, 1971 and 1975.
October 1962 on account of Chinese aggression in the NEFA
(North-East Frontier Agency—now Arunachal Pradesh), and was in
force till January 1968.
Fresh proclamation was not needed at the time of war against
Pakistan in 1965.
December 1971 in the wake of attack by Pakistan.
Even when this Emergency was in operation, a third proclamation
of National Emergency was made in June 1975.
Both the second and third proclamations were revoked in March
1977.
The first two proclamations (1962 and 1971) were made on the
ground of ‘external aggression’
Third proclamation (1975) was made on the ground of ‘internal
disturbance’,
Elections held to the Lok Sabha in 1977 after the Emergency

Congress Party led by Indira Gandhi lost and the Janta Party came
to power.
This government appointed the Shah Commission to investigate
the circumstances that warranted the declaration of an Emergency
in 1975.
The commission did not justify the declaration of the Emergency.
Hence, the 44th Amendment Act was enacted in 1978 to introduce
a number of safeguards against the misuse of Emergency
provisions.
411
Lecture – 40 : President’s Rule

(Article 356) | State
Emergency
President’s Rule
Grounds of Imposition :
Article 355 ->Duty -> Centre ->Government of every state is
carried on in accordance with provisions of the Constitution.
Centre takes over the government of a state under Article 356 in
case of failure of constitutional machinery in state.
Known as ‘President’s Rule’-> It is also known as ‘State
Emergency’ or ‘Constitutional Emergency’.
President’s Rule can be proclaimed under Article 356 on two
grounds one mentioned in Article 356 it self and another in Article
365:
President’s Rule can be proclaimed under Article 356 on Two
grounds->
1)- One mentioned in Article 356 it self
412
2)- Another in Article 365

Article 356 empowers the President to issue a proclamation.
He is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which government of a
state cannot be carried on in accordance with provisions of the
Constitution.
Notably, president can act either on a report of the governor of
state or otherwise too (ie, even without the governor’s report).
Article 365 says that whenever a state fails to comply with or to
give effect to any direction from the Centre, it will be lawful for the
president to hold that a situation has arisen in which government of
the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of
Constitution.

Imposing President’s Rule must be approved by both the Houses of
Parliament within two months from the date of its issue.
Proclamation of President’s Rule is issued at a time when Lok
Sabha has been dissolved or dissolution of Lok Sabha takes place
during the period of two months without approving proclamation,
then the proclamation survives until 30 days from first sitting of Lok
Sabha after its reconstitution, provided the Rajya Sabha approves it
in mean time.
If approved by both Houses of Parliament, President’s Rule
continues for six months.
It can be extended for a maximum period of three years with the
approval of Parliament, every six months.
If dissolution of Lok Sabha takes place during period of six months
without approving further continuation of President’s Rule, then
proclamation survives until 30 days from first sitting of Lok Sabha
after its reconstitution.
House of Parliament only by a simple majority, that is, a majority
of the members of that House present and voting.
44th Amendment Act of 1978 introduced a new provision to put
413
restraint on the power of Parliament to extend a proclamation of

President’s Rule beyond one year.
Beyond one year, President’s Rule can be extended by six months
at a time only when the following two conditions are fulfilled:
1. A proclamation of National Emergency should be in operation in
the whole of India, or in the whole or any part of the state; and
2. Election Commission must certify that the general elections to the
legislative assembly of the concerned state cannot be held on
account of difficulties.
A proclamation of President’s Rule may be revoked by the President
at any time by a subsequent proclamation.
Such a proclamation does not require the parliamentary approval.
Consequences of President’s Rule

1. He can take up functions of state government and powers vested
in governor or any other executive authority in state.
2. Powers of state legislature are to be exercised by Parliament.
3. He can take all other necessary steps including suspension of
constitutional provisions relating to any body or authority in state.
President dismisses state council of ministers headed by chief
minister.
State governor, on behalf of President, carries on state
administration with help of chief secretary of state or advisers
appointed by President.
This is the reason why a proclamation under Article 356 is
popularly known as the imposition of ‘President’s Rule’ in a state.
President either suspends or dissolves state legislative assembly.
Parliament passes state legislative bills and state budget
414
Constitutional :
1)-Position,
2)-Status,
3)-Powers and
4)-Functions of concerned state high
court remain same even during
President’s Rule.
Use of Article 356
Since 1950, President’s Rule has been imposed on more than 100
occasions, that is, on an average twice a year.
Imposed in an arbitrary manner for political or personal reasons.
Most controversial and most criticised provision of the
Constitution.
First time-> President’s Rule was imposed in Punjab in 1951.
All states have been brought under the President’s Rule, once or
twice or more
Lok Sabha in 1977 after the internal emergency-> Janta Party
came to power.
Headed by Morarji Desai imposed President’s Rule in nine states 9
(where the Congress Party was in power) on the ground that the
assemblies in those states no longer represented the wishes of the
electorate.
When the Congress Party returned to power in 1980, it did the
same in nine states on the same ground
Dr B R Ambedkar, while replying to the critics of this provision in

the Constituent Assembly, hoped that the drastic power conferred
415
by Article 356 would remain a ‘dead-letter’ and would be used only

as a measure of last resort.
‘dead-letter’ has turned to be a ‘deadly-weapon’ against a number
of state governments.
Scope of Judicial Review

38th CAA-1975 made satisfaction of President in invoking Article
356 final and conclusive which could not be challenged in any court
on any ground.
Provision was deleted by 44th Amendment Act of 1978 implying
that satisfaction of President is not beyond judicial review.
Bommai case (1994)->

President’s Rule is subject to judicial review.
Satisfaction of the President must be based on relevant material-
>The action of the president can be struck down by the court if it is
based on irrelevant.
Burden lies on the Centre to prove that relevant material exist.
Court cannot go into the correctness of the material or its adequacy
but it can see whether it is relevant to the action.
Court power to restore the dismissed state government and revive
the state legislative assembly if it was suspended or dissolved.
Secularism is one of the ‘basic features’ of the Constitution->
Hence, a state government pursuing anti-secular politics is liable to
action under Article 356.
Question of the state government losing the confidence of the
legislative assembly should be decided on the floor of House and
until that is done the ministry should not be unseated.
Power under Article 356 is an exceptional power and should be
used only occasionally to meet the requirements of special
situations.
416
Lecture – 41 : Financial
Emergency (Article 360 ) (
Part 3)
Financial Emergency
Article 360 empowers the president to proclaim a Financial
Emergency if he is satisfied that a situation has arisen due to which
the financial stability or credit of India or any part of its territory is
threatened.
38th Amendment Act of 1975 made satisfaction of president in
declaring a Financial Emergency final and conclusive and not
questionable in any court on any ground.
Provision was subsequently deleted by 44th Amendment Act of
1978 implying that satisfaction of the president is not beyond
judicial review

Approved by both the Houses of Parliament within two months from
the date of its issue. However, if the proclamation of Financial
Emergency is issued at a time when the Lok Sabha has been
dissolved or the dissolution of the Lok Sabha takes place during the
period of two months without approving the proclamation, then the
proclamation survives until 30 days
from the first sitting of the Lok Sabha after its reconstitution,
provided the Rajya Sabha has in the meantime approved it.
Once approved by both Houses of Parliament, Financial Emergency
continues indefinitely till it is revoked.
This implies two things:
No maximum period prescribed for its operation; and
417
Repeated parliamentary approval is not required for its

continuation.
Resolution can be passed by either House of Parliament only by a
simple majority.
May be revoked by president at anytime->Such a proclamation
does not require parliamentary approval
Effects of Financial Emergency

The executive authority of the Centre/ President extends-> to
directing any state may deem necessary and adequate for the
purpose.
Any such direction may include a provision requiring
Reduction of salaries and allowances of all or any class of persons
serving in the state; and
Reservation of all money bills or other financial bills for the
consideration of the President after they are passed by the
legislature of the state
President may issue directions for the reduction of salaries and
allowances of (a) all or any class of persons serving the Union->
Judges of Supreme Court and the high court.
Centre acquires full control over the states in financial matters.
H N Kunzru, a member of the Constituent Assembly, stated that
the financial emergency provisions pose a serious threat to the
financial autonomy of the states.
No Financial Emergency has been declared so far, though there was
a financial crisis in 1991
CRITICISM OF THE EMERGENCY

PROVISIONS
Federal character of the Constitution will be destroyed and the
Union will become all powerful.
The President will become a dictator.
418
The financial autonomy of the state will be nullified.

Fundamental rights will become meaningless and, as a result, the
democratic foundations of Constitution will be destroyed.’
Lecture – 42 : President of
India ( Part 1 )
President of India
Ram nath govind 14th president
419
Articles 52 to 78-> Part-V-> Union Executive

Union Executive ->
1)-President,
2)-Vice President,
3)-Prime Minister,
4)-Council of Ministers,
5)-Attorney GeneralPresident is the head of the
Indian State.
He is the first citizen of India and Acts as the
symbol of
1)-Unity,
2)-Integrity and
3)-Solidarity of the nation
420
President is election
Elected not directly by the people
By members of electoral college consisting of:
 Elected members of both Houses of Parliament;
Elected members of legislative assemblies of the states;
Elected members of legislative assemblies of the Union
Territories of Delhi and Puducherry.
Nominated members Not allowed
1)-Parliament,
2)-Legislative assemblies,
3)-Members (both elected and nominated) of state legislative
councils
4)-Legislative Assemblies of Delhi + Puducherry
Where an assembly is dissolved -> Members cease to be qualified to
vote in presidential election.
President’s election is held in accordance with system of

proportional representation
Single transferable vote
The voting is by secret ballot.
First phase, the first preference votes are counted
Doubts and disputes in connection with election of President are

inquired into and decided by Supreme Court whose decision is
final.
Constituent Assembly criticised the system of indirect election
Constitution makers chose the indirect election due to the following

reasons :
Under this system, the President is only a nominal executive and
the real powers are vested in the council of ministers
headed by the prime minister.
421
The direct election of the President would have been very costly
and, time and energy consuming due to the vast size of
the electorate.
Qualifications for Election as President

Should be a citizen of India.
Should have completed 35 years of age.
Should be qualified for election as a member of the Lok Sabha.
Should not hold any office of profit under the Union government or
any state government or any local authority or
any other public authority.
A sitting President or Vice-President of the Union, the Governor of
any state and a minister of the Union or any state
is not deemed to hold any office of profit and hence qualified as a
presidential candidate.
Oath or Affirmation by the President

1. Faithfully execute the office;
2. Preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law;
3. to devote himself to the service and well-being of the people of
India.
Oath -> Chief Justice of India and in his absence, the senior most
judge of the Supreme Court
Conditions of President’s Office

Should not be a member of either House of Parliament or a House
of the state legislature
Not hold any other office of profit
Without payment of rent, to the use of his official residence (the
Rastrapathi Bhavan)
Emoluments and allowances cannot be diminished during his term
of office
422
Impeachment of President
Term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his
office
He can resign from his office at any time by addressing the
resignation letter to the Vice President
Can also be removed from the office before completion of his term-
>IMPEACHMENT
‘Violation of the Constitution’-> Not define the meaning of
‘violation of the Constitution’
Initiated by either House of Parliament
Charges should be signed by one-fourth members of the House
14 days’ notice should be given to the President
Passed by a majority of two-thirds- Sent to the other House,
Removed from his office from the date on which the bill is so
passed
Nominated members of either House of Parliament can participate
Legislative assemblies of states and the UTs of Delhi and
Puducherry do not participate
Vacancy in the President’s Office

1. On the expiry of his tenure of five years.
2. By his resignation.
3. On his removal by the process of impeachment.
4. By his death.
5. Otherwise, for example, when he becomes disqualified to hold
office or when his election is declared void.
Can hold office beyond his term of five years until his successor
assumes charge
Eligible for re-election to that office.
He may be elected for any number of term (USA-2 Terms)
423
Lecture – 43 : President –
Powers and functions ( Part –
2)
424
Legislative Powers
When a bill is sent to the President after -> Passed by the
Parliament.
(i) Give his assent to the bill, or
(ii) Withhold his assent to the bill, or
(iii) Return the bill (if it is not a money bill) for reconsideration ofthe
Parliament.
However, if the bill is passed again by the Parliament, with or
without amendments, the President has to give his assent to the
bill.
When a bill passed by a state legislature is reserved by the
governor for consideration of the President
(i) give his assent to the bill, or
(ii) withhold his assent to the bill, or
(iii) direct the governor to return the bill (if it is not a money bill) for
reconsideration of the state legislature. It should be noted here that
it is not obligatory for the President to give his assent even if the bill
is again passed by the state legislature and sent again to him for his
consideration
425
He can promulgate ordinances when the Parliament is not in

session.
Approved by the Parliament within six weeks from its reassembly.
He can also withdraw an ordinance at any time.
He lays the reports of the CAG, UPSC, Finance Commission, before
Parliament.
He can make regulations for the peace, progress and good
government of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep,
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
In the case of Puducherry also, the President can legislate by
making regulations but only when the assembly is suspended or
dissolved
426
Diplomatic Powers
The international treaties and agreements are negotiated and
concluded on behalf of the President.
However, they are subject to the approval of the Parliament.
He represents India in international forums and affairs and sends
and receives diplomats like ambassadors, high commissioners, and
so on.
Military Powers
He is the supreme commander of the defence forces of India.
He appoints the chiefs of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force.
He can declare war or conclude peace, subject to the approval of
the Parliament.
427
Emergency Powers
Constitution confers extraordinary powers on the President to deal
with the following three types of emergencies :
(a) National Emergency (Article 352);
(b) President’s Rule (Article 356 & 365); and
(c) Financial Emergency (Article 360)
VETO POWER
President for his assent, he has three alternatives (under Article
111 of the Constitution):
1. He may give his assent to the bill, or
2. He may withhold his assent to the bill, or
3. He may return the bill (if it is not a Money bill) for
reconsideration of the Parliament.
4. However, if the bill is passed again by the Parliament with or
without amendments and again presented to the President, the
President must give his assent to the bill.
 Object Veto —
(a) To prevent hasty and ill-considered legislation by the
Parliament; and
(b) To prevent a legislation which may be unconstitutional
 Four types:
1. Absolute veto-> Withholding of assent to the bill passed by the
legislature.
2. Qualified veto->Overridden by the legislature with a higher
majority.
3. Suspensive veto-> Over ridden by the legislature with an
ordinary majority.
4. Pocket veto-> Taking no action on the bill passed by the
legislature.
428
No qualified veto in the case of Indian President-> American

President.
429
Lecture – 44 : Vice President

of India
Vice-President
ELECTION
Vice-President, like the president- Indirect Election
Electoral College- Consisting of members of both Houses
of Parliament.
1. It consists of both elected and nominated members of the
Parliament (in the case of president, only elected members).
430
No-> State legislative assemblies (in the case of President,

the elected members of the state legislative assemblies are
included).
Proportional representation by means of the single transferable
vote and the voting is by secret ballot.
Why difference b/w President & VP

election
Explaining the reason for this difference, Dr B R Ambedkar
observed:
President –> Head of the state
Vice President-> Normal functions are to preside over the council
of states.
Head for Temporary period
Does not seem necessary-> State legislatures should also be
invited
QUALIFICATIONS
1. He should be a citizen of India.
2. He should have completed 35 years of age.
3. He should be qualified for election as a member of
the Rajya Sabha.
4. He should not hold any office of profit under the
Union government or any state government or any local
authority or any other public authority.
At least 20 electors as proposers and 20 electors as seconders.
For nominating a person for president election he must be proposed
by 50 members of the electoral college and supported by another
50 members
OATH OR AFFIRMATION
431
Oath of office to Vice-President is administered by

the President or some person appointed in that behalf by him.
TERM OF OFFICE :
Vice-President holds office for a term of five years from the date on
which he enters upon his office.
Can resign-> Addressing the resignation letter to the President
Can also be removed from the office
Formal impeachment is not required for his removal
Removed by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by an
absolute majority (ie, a majority of the total members of the House)
and agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
At least 14 days’ advance notice
No ground has been mentioned in the Constitution for his
removal.
432
Vacancy in the Vice-President’s office

 Fill the vacancy should be held as soon as possible
 Doubts and Disputes in connection with election of
the Vice-President are inquired into and decided by
the Supreme Court whose decision is final.
Functions of Vice-President are two-fold:
Acts as the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha
Powers and functions are similar to those of the Speaker of Lok
Sabha.
Acts as President when a vacancy occurs
Maximum period of six months
As President-> Not Perform duties of office of the chairman of
Rajya Sabha
Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha
INDIAN AND AMERICAN VICE-PRESIDENTS COMPARED
American Vice President-> Remains President for unexpired
term of his predecessor
Maintain political continuity of the Indian State.
Vice-President in that capacity.
He draws his regular salary in his capacity as the ex-
officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
433

0 COMMENTS
Lecture – 45 : Governor ( Part 1)

GOVERNOR
Articles 153 to 167-> Part VI -> Constitution deal with the state executive
Not Applicable -> Special Status-> State of J&K
State Executive
1)-Consists of the governor,
2)-The chief minister,
3)-The council of ministers and
4)-The advocate general of the state.
434
No office of vice-governor (state) like that of Vice-President at Centre.

Governor is chief executive head of state
APPOINTMENT OF GOVERNOR
 Nominal executive head-> Also acts as an agent of central government-> Dual
role.
 7th CAA 1956 -> Governor for two or more states.
 The governor is neither directly elected by the people nor indirectly elected
 Appointed by the president
 Supreme Court in 1979-> not an employment under the Central government.
 Independent constitutional office
 Draft Constitution provided -> direct election-> universal adult suffrage.
 Constituent Assembly – NO
American Model-> Governor of a state is directly elected.

Canadian Model-> Governor of a province (state) is appointed by Governor- General
(Centre), was accepted in Constituent Assembly
435
Two qualifications for appointment governor.

1. He should be a citizen of India.
2. He should have completed age of 35 years.
Two conventions
1)-Should be an outsider-> Free from local politics
2)-Appointing->President is required to consult chief minister-> Violated
Oath or Affirmation
Governor swears:
(a) Faithfully execute office
(b) Preserve, protect and defend Constitution and law
(c) Devote him self to service and well-being of people of state.
Chief justice of the concerned state high court and in his absence, the senior-most
judge of that court
Five years from the date on which he enters upon his office.
Pleasure of President-> Resignation letter to President.
Supreme Court-> Pleasure of President is not Justifiable
436
Lecture – 46 : Powers of
Governor ( Part 2 )
Powers of Governor
437
Bill is sent to governor

(a) Give his assent to the bill, or
(b) Withhold his assent to the bill, or
(c) Return the bill (if it is not a money bill) for reconsideration of the
state legislature.
If bill is passed again by state legislature with or without
amendments-> Governor has to give his assent to bill.
(d) Reserve bill for consideration of president.
The governor can also reserve the bill if it is of the following
nature:
(i) Ultra-vires, that is, against the provisions of the Constitution.
(ii) Opposed to the Directive Principles of State Policy.
(iii) Against the larger interest of the country.
(iv) Dealing with compulsory acquisition of property under Article
31A of the Constitution
438
 Comparing Veto Powers of President and Governor

 Comparing Ordinance-Making Power of President and
Governor
439
 Comparing Pardoning Powers of President and Governor

 CONSTITUTIONAL POSITION OF GOVERNOR
Lecture – 47 : Everything
about Prime Minister of India
Prime Minister of India

President-> Nominal Executive -> de jure Authority
President-> Head of the government State
Prime Minister-> Real Executive-> de facto Authority
Prime Minister-> Head of the government.
Appointment -> Prime Minister

Article 75-> PM shall be appointed by president
Does not imply that president is free to appoint
Conventions-> Appoint leader of majority party
No party clear majority->
President may exercise his personal discretion->
largest party or coalition in the Lok Sabha->
Vote of confidence in House within a month
OATH
President administers to him ( Prime Minister ) the oaths
To bear true faith and allegiance (शशशशशश) to the Constitution
440
To uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India,

To faithfully and conscientiously discharge the duties of his office,
and
To do right to all manner of people in accordance with the
Constitution and the law, without fear or favour, affection or ill
will.
441
74. Council of Ministers to aid and advise President

75. Other provisions as to Ministers
77. Conduct of business of the Government of India
78. Duties of Prime Minister as respects the furnishing of
information to the President, etc.
about Chief Minister Post in
States
Governor-> Nominal Executive -> de jure Authority

Governor-> Head of the government State
442
Chief Minister-> Real Executive-> de facto Authority

Chief Minister-> Head of the government.
Appointment -> Chief Minister.
Article 164-> CM shall be appointed by Governor
Does not imply that Governor is free to appoint
Conventions-> Appoint leader of majority party
No party clear majority-> Governor may exercise his personal
discretion-> largest party or coalition in the Assembly- Vote of
confidence in House within a month
OATH
Governor administers to him the oaths
To bear true faith and allegiance (शशशशश) to the Constitution
To uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India,
To faithfully and conscientiously discharge the duties of his office,
and
To do right to all manner of people in accordance with the
Constitution and the law, without fear or favour, affection or ill
will.
443
Articles Related to Chief Minister at a Glance

163. Council of Ministers to aid and advise
Governor
164. Other provisions as to Ministers
166. Conduct of business of Government of a
State
167. Duties of Chief Minister as respects
the furnishing of information to Governor, etc.
444
Lecture – 49 :
शशशशशशशशशश- Council of
Ministers
RESPONSIBILITY OF
MINISTERS
Collective Responsibility
Individual Responsibility
No Legal Responsibility
Lecture – 60 : शशशशशशश
शशशश- Joint Sitting | JOINT
445
SESSION- Indian Parliament-

Article-108
शशशशशशश शशशश – Joint

Sitting- Article-108
Extraordinary machinery provided by the Constitution-> To
resolve a deadlock
1. If the bill is rejected by the other House;
2. If the Houses have finally disagreed as to the amendments
to be made in the bill; or
3. If more than six months have elapsed from the date of the
receipt of the bill by the other House without the bill being
passed by it.
Above three situations, the president can summon both
 Ordinary bills or financial bills only and
 Not to money bills or Constitutional amendment bills.
Process :
Quorum – Joint sitting is one-tenth of the total number of
members of the two Houses.
Joint sitting is governed by the Rules of Procedure of Lok
Sabha and not of Rajya Sabha
Passed by a majority of ->total number of members of both-
> Houses present and voting
Lok Sabha with greater number wins the battle in a joint
sitting
446
Presiding officers of Joint Sitting
Exceptions
 Constitution has specified that at a joint sitting, new
amendments to the bill cannot be proposed except in two
cases:
• 1. Those amendments -> caused final disagreement between
the Houses
447
• 2. Those amendments -> become necessary due to the delay

in the passage of the bill.
 Since 1950-> Joint sitting of the two Houses has been
invoked only thrice.
1. Dowry Prohibition Bill, 1960
2. Banking Service Commission (Repeal) Bill, 1977
3. Prevention of Terrorism Bill, 2002
Cabinet Committees
Extra-Constitutional in emergence.
In other words, they are not mentioned in
the Constitution.
Set up by the Prime Minister according to the exigencies of time and
requirements of the situation.
Reduce the enormous workload of the Cabinet.
Membership varies from three to eight.
Usually include only Cabinet Ministers.
Mostly headed by the Prime Minister.
Some times other Cabinet Ministers, particularly the Home Minister or
the Finance Minister, also acts as their Chairman
The following four are the more important cabinet committees:

1. The Political Affairs Committee deals with all policy matters pertaining
to domestic and foreign affairs.
2. The Economic Affairs Committee directs and coordinates the
governmental activities in the economic sphere.
3. Appointments Committee decides all higher level appointments in the
Central Secretariat, Public Enterprises, Banks and Financial Institutions.
4. Parliamentary Affairs Committee looks after the progress of
government business in the Parliament.
The first three committees are chaired by the Prime Minister and the last
one by the Home Minister.
Of all the Cabinet Committees, the most powerful is the Political Affairs
Committee, often described as a “Super-Cabinet”.
448
At present (2013), following 10 Cabinet Committees are functional:

1. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
2. Cabinet Committee on Prices
3. Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs
4. Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
5. Cabinet Committee on Security
6. Cabinet Committee on World Trade Organisation (WTO) Matters
7. Cabinet Committee on Investment
8. Cabinet Committee on Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
related issues
9. Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs
10. Cabinet Committee on Accommodation
Groups of Ministers (GoMs)

Addition to cabinet committees, several Groups of Ministers (GoMs) have
been constituted to look into different issues / subjects.
Some of these GoMs have been empowered to take decisions on be half
of the Cabinet whereas the others make recommendations to the
Cabinet.
GoMs has become a viable and effective instrument of coordination
among the ministries.
These are ad hoc bodies formed to give recommendations to the
cabinet on certain emergent issues and critical problem areas
Ministers heading the concerned ministries are inducted into the relevant
GoMs and when the advice is crystallised they are disbanded.
EGOM is authorized to take the decision in the matter that they are
looking into, without any need for cabinet ratification.
While when GOM looks into a matter, its suggestion are then discussed
in cabinet and final decision is taken by the cabinet.
Prime Minister on 31 May 2014 decided to abolish all the existing nine
Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoMs) and
twenty-one Groups of Ministers (GoMs).
This is expected to expedite the process of decision making and usher in
greater accountability in the system.
The issues pending before the EGoMs and GoMs will be processed by
respective Ministries /Departments to take
appropriate decisions at the level of Ministries and Departments itself.
449
Lecture – 60 : शशशशशशश
शशशश- Joint Sitting | JOINT
SESSION- Indian Parliament-
Article-108
शशशशशशश शशशश – Joint

Sitting- Article-108
Extraordinary machinery provided by the Constitution-> To
resolve a deadlock
1. If the bill is rejected by the other House;
2. If the Houses have finally disagreed as to the amendments
to be made in the bill; or
3. If more than six months have elapsed from the date of the
receipt of the bill by the other House without the bill being
passed by it.
Above three situations, the president can summon both
 Ordinary bills or financial bills only and
 Not to money bills or Constitutional amendment bills.
Process :
Quorum – Joint sitting is one-tenth of the total number of
members of the two Houses.
Joint sitting is governed by the Rules of Procedure of Lok
Sabha and not of Rajya Sabha
Passed by a majority of ->total number of members of both-
> Houses present and voting
Lok Sabha with greater number wins the battle in a joint
sitting
450
Presiding officers of Joint Sitting

Exceptions
 Constitution has specified that at a joint sitting, new
amendments to the bill cannot be proposed except in two
cases:
• 1. Those amendments -> caused final disagreement between
the Houses
• 2. Those amendments -> become necessary due to the delay
in the passage of the bill.
 Since 1950-> Joint sitting of the two Houses has been
invoked only thrice.
1. Dowry Prohibition Bill, 1960
2. Banking Service Commission (Repeal) Bill, 1977
3. Prevention of Terrorism Bill, 2002
about- शशशशशशशश शशशश-
Election Commission of India
Election Commission of India
Election Commission of India-

Permanent & Independent body
451
Free & Fair Election

Article 324 of the Constitution
All-India body- Common for both

Not concerned with the elections to
• 1)-Panchayats
• 2)-Muncipalities in the states.
Constitution of India provides for a Separate State Election
Commission
Composition
Election Commission ->
1)- Chief election commissioner and such number of other

election commissioners-> President may from time to time fix
2)- Appointment shall be made by the president
3)- When any other election commissioner is so appointed chief
election commissioner shall act as the chairman of the election
commission.
4)- President may also appoint after consultation with the
election commission -> Regional commissioners as he may
consider necessary to assist the election commission.
5)- Conditions of service and tenure of office of the election
commissioners and the regional commissioners shall be
determined by the president.
Changes
452
 Since 1950 – 15 October 1989, election commission – Single

member body consisting of the Chief Election Commissioner.
On 16 October 1989, the president appointed two more election
commissioners to cope with the increased work of the election
commission on account of lowering of the voting age from 21
to 18 years.
Election Commission functioned as a multimember body
consisting of three election commissioners.
Two posts of election commissioners were abolished in January
1990 and the Election Commission was reverted to the earlier
position.
 Again in October 1993, president appointed two more
election commissioners.
 Since then and till today, the Election Commission has been
functioning as a multimember body consisting of three election
commissioners.
Two other election commissioners have equal powers and
receive equal salary, allowances and other perquisites, which are
similar to those of a judge of the Supreme Court.
In case of difference of opinion amongst Chief Election
Commissioner and/or two other election commissioners-matter is
decided by the Commission by majority.
Hold office for a term of six years or until they attain the age
of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
They can resign at any time or can also be removed before the
expiry of their term.
Independent and impartial functioning

He cannot be removed from his office except in same manner
and on the same grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court.
In other words, he can be removed by the president on the basis of
a resolution passed to that effect by both the Houses of
Parliament with special majority.
453
On the ground
1)- Misbehaviour (शशशशशशश) or
2)-Incapacity (शशशशश)
He does not hold his office till the pleasure of president,
though he is appointed by him
 Service conditions of the chief election commissioner cannot be
varied to his disadvantage after his appointment.
Any other election commissioner or a regional commissioner
cannot be removed from office except on the recommendation of
the chief election commissioner
Constitution has not prescribed the qualifications
Powers and functions

Collector acts as the district returning officer.
He appoints a returning officer for
1)-Every constituency in the district and
2)-Presiding officer for every polling booth in the constituency
about- UPSC- शशश शशश
शशशश शशशश
Union Public Service Commission

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) – central recruiting
agency in India.
454
Independent constitutional body- Directly created by Constitution.

Articles 315 to 323 in Part XIV- Constitution
Provisions regarding of members along with independence, powers
and functions UPSC.
COMPOSITION
 UPSC consists of a chairman and other members appointed
by president.
Usually, Commission consists of 9-11-> members including
chairman.
 No qualifications are prescribed for Commission’s membership
except that one-half of the members of Commission should
be such persons who have held office for at least ten years
either under Government of India or under government of a
state.
 Constitution also authorizes president to determine
conditions of service of chairman and other members of
Commission.
 Chairman and members of Commission hold office for a term
of six years or until they attain age of 65 years.
Addressing their resignation to president.
 They can also be removed before expiry of their term by
president in the manner as provided in Constitution.
 President can appoint one of members of UPSC as an acting
chairman in the following two circumstances :
(a) When the office of chairman falls vacant; or
(b) When chairman is unable to perform his functions due to
absence or some other reason.
 Acting chairman functions till a person appointed as
chairman enters on duties of office or till chairman is able to
resume his duties.
455
REMOVAL
President can remove chairman or any other member of UPSC
from office under following circumstances:
(a) If he is adjudged(घघघघघ) an insolvent(घघघघघघघघ) (that is,
has gone bankrupt);
(b) If he engages, during his term of office, in any paid
employment outside the duties of his office; or
(c) If he is, in opinion of the president, unfit to continue in
office by reason of infirmity of mind or body.
 In addition to these, the president can also remove the
chairman or any other member of UPSC for misbehavior.
In this case, the president has to refer the matter to the
Supreme Court for an enquiry.
Advise tendered by Supreme Court in this regard is binding
on the president.
During the course of enquiry by Supreme Court, president can
suspend chairman or member of UPSC
Independent & Impartial

functioning
 Chairman or Member-> UPSC can be removed from office
by president only in manner and on grounds mentioned in
Constitution
 Service of the chairman or a member, though determined by
the president, cannot be varied to his disadvantage after his
appointment.
 Entire expenses including the salaries, allowances and
pensions of the chairman and members of the UPSC are charged
on the Consolidated Fund of India
 Chairman of UPSC-> is not eligible for further employment in
Centre or state
 Member of UPSC -> is eligible for appointment as chairman of
456
UPSC or a State Public Service Commission (SPSC).

But not for any other employment in the Government of India
or a state
 Chairman or a Member or UPSC is not eligible for
reappointment to that office (i.e., not eligible for second term).
UPSC performs the following

functions
 Conducts examinations for appointments to
• 1)- All-India services,
• 2)- Central services
• 3)- Public services
All matters relating to methods of recruitment to civil
services and for civil posts.
 Assists the states (if requested by two or more states) in
framing and operating schemes of joint recruitment
It serves all or any of the needs of a state on the request of
the state governor and with the approval of the president.
Matters related to grant of extension of service and re-
employment of certain retired civil servants
Jurisdiction of UPSC can be extended by an act made
by Parliament.
UPSC presents, annually, to the president a report on its
performance.
President places this report before both the Houses of
Parliament
Outside jurisdiction of the UPSC

Making reservations of appointments– Backward class/ SC/
ST
Selections for chairmanship or membership of commissions
or tribunals.
Selection for temporary or officiating appointment to a post if
457
the person appointed is not likely to hold the post for more than
a year.
Role
‘Watch-dog of merit system’
Role of UPSC is not only limited, but also recommendations
made by it are only of advisory nature and hence, not binding on
the government.
Emergence of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) in 1964
affected the role of UPSC in disciplinary matters- Conflicting
advise
UPSC, being an independent constitutional body, has an edge
over the CVC, which is created by an executive resolution of the
Government of India and conferred a statutory status in
October 2003.
Lecture – 65 : SPSC-
शशशशशश शशश शशशश शशशश-
(UPSC vs SPSC)
State Public Service Commission

458
COMPOSITION
 UPSC/SPSC consists of a chairman and other
members appointed by President/Governor.
UPSC- consists of 9-11-members including chairman-(SPSC
Constitution does not specify)
 No qualifications are prescribed for Commission’s membership
except that one-half of the members of Commission should
be such persons who have held office for at least
ten years either under Government of India or under
government of a state.
 Constitution also authorises President/Governor to determine
conditions of service of chairman and other members of
Commission.
 Chairman and members of Commission hold office for a term
of six years or until they attain age of 62years.(UPSC-65
Years)
Addressing their resignation to president/Governor.
 They can also be removed before expiry of their term by
president in the manner as provided in Constitution.
 President/Governor- can appoint one of members of
UPSC/SPSC as an acting chairman in the following two
circumstances :
(a) When the office of chairman falls vacant; or
459
(b) When chairman is unable to perform his functions due to

absence or some other reason.
 Acting chairman functions till a person appointed as
chairman enters on duties of office or till chairman is able to
resume his duties.
REMOVAL
They can be removed Only by the president (and not by the
governor).
President can remove chairman or any other member of
UPSC/SPSC from office under following circumstances:- Same for
UPSC+ SPSC
(a) If he is adjudged(घघघघघ) an insolvent(घघघघघघघघ) (that is,
has gone bankrupt);
(b) If he engages, during his term of office, in any paid
employment outside the duties of his office; or
(c) If he is, in opinion of the president, unfit to continue in
office by reason of infirmity of mind or body.
 In addition to these, the president can also remove the
chairman or any other member of UPSC/SPSC for
misbehaviour.
In this case, the president has to refer the matter to the
Supreme Court for an enquiry.
Advise tendered by Supreme Court in this regard is binding
on the president.
During the course of enquiry by Supreme Court, Governor (Not
president) can suspend chairman or member of UPSC
Independent & Impartial

functioning
 Chairman or Member-> UPSC/SPSC can be removed from office
by president only in manner and on grounds mentioned in
Constitution
460
 Service of the chairman or a member, though determined by

the Governor, cannot be varied to his disadvantage after his
appointment.
 Entire expenses including the salaries, allowances and
pensions of the chairman and members of the SPSC are charged
on the Consolidated Fund of State
 Chairman of SPSC->UPSC-> is not eligible for further
employment in Centre or state
Is eligible for -> as chairman or a member of UPSC or as the
chairman of any other SPSC
 Member of SPSC->UPSC is eligible for appointment
as chairman of UPSC or a State Public Service Commission
(SPSC).- SPSC is eligible for appointment as the chairman or a
member of the UPSC, or as the chairman of that SPSC or any other
SPSC
But not for any other employment in the Government of India
or a state
 Chairman or a Member or SPSC is not eligible for
reappointment to that office (i.e., not eligible for second term).
SPSC performs the following

functions
 Conducts examinations for appointments to – services of the
state
All matters relating to methods of recruitment to civil
services and for civil posts.
Principles to be followed in making appointments to civil services
and posts and in making promotions and transfers from one service
to another
Matters related to grant of extension of service and re-
employment of certain retired civil servants
Jurisdiction of SPSC can be extended by an act made by State
461
Legislature.
SPSC presents, annually, to the Governor a report on its
performance.
President places this report before both the Houses of -> both
the Houses of the state legislature
Outside jurisdiction of the SPSC

Making reservations of appointments– Backward class/ SC/
ST
Claims of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in
making appointments to services and posts
Governor can exclude posts, services and matters from purview –
SPSC.
But Constitution states that- all such regulations made by the
governor shall be laid before each House of state legislature for at
least 14 days.
The state legislature can amend or repeal them
Role
‘Watch-dog of merit system’
Role of SPSC is not only limited, but also recommendations
made by it are only of advisory nature and hence, not binding on
the government.
Emergence of State Vigilance Commission (SVC) in 1964
affected the role of SPSC in disciplinary matters- Conflicting
advise
SPSC, being an independent constitutional body, has an edge
over the SVC, which is created by an executive resolution of the
Government of State and conferred a statutory status
462
Lecture – 67 : शशशशश शशशश-

Finance Commission
Finance Commission
 Article 280 of Constitution- Provides for a Finance
Commission as a quasi judicial body.
It is constituted by president
Composition
Qualifications
 Parliament has specified- Qualifications of chairman and
members of the commission.
 Chairman should be a person having experience in public
affairs and four other members should be selected from
463
amongst the following:

• 1. A judge of high court or one qualified to be appointed as
one.
• 2. A person who has specialised knowledge of finance and
accounts of government.
• 3. A person who has wide experience in financial matters and
in administration.
• 4. A person who has special knowledge of economics.
Economics is a social science that studies the management
of goods and services, including the production and
consumption and the factors affecting them.
Finance is the science of managing funds keeping in mind the time,
cash at hand and the risk involved
Functions of Finance commission

 Make recommendations to president of India on following
matters
1. Distribution of taxes to be shared between the Centre and
the states.
2. The principles that should govern the grants-in-aid(शशशशशश
शश शशशशशश) to the states by the Centre (i.e., out of consolidated
fund of India).
3. Measures needed to augment consolidated fund of a state to
supplement resources of panchayats and municipalities in state on
basis of recommendations made by state finance commission.
4. Any other matter referred to it by president in interests of sound
finance.
 Commission submits its report to president.
 He lays it before both Houses of Parliament
It is nowhere laid down in Constitution that recommendations
of commission shall be binding upon Government of India
464
IMPACT OF PLANNING
COMMISSION
 Finance commission as the balancing wheel of fiscal
federalism in India.
Role in the Centre–state fiscal relations has been undermined by
the emergence of the Planning Commission, a non-
constitutional and a non-statutory body.
In Article 275 to grants-in-aid- revenues of states is not
confined to revenue expenditure only.
Five Year Plan as prepared by the Planning Commission
While the principles governing the distribution of the plan
grants will be set out by the Finance Commission, the
application of these principles from year to year will be left
to the Planning Commission and the Government.
14th Commissions-> Most recent was constituted in 2013 and

is chaired by Y. V. Reddy, former Governor of the Reserve Bank of
465
India.
Share of states in the net proceeds of shareable Central taxes
should be 42%.
Lecture – 68 : शशशशश शशशश-

Planning Commission
Planning Commission
Planning Commission was established in March 1950.
By an executive resolution of the Government of India- (i.e.,
union cabinet)
On the recommendation of the Advisory Planning
Board constituted in 1946, under the chairmanship of K C Neogi.
PC is neither a constitutional body nor a statutory body.
it is a non constitutional or extra-constitutional body (not
created by the Constitution)
A non-statutory body (not created by an act of Parliament).
In India, it is the supreme organ of planning for social and
economic development.
A Functions of the PC
To make an assessment of material, capital and human
resources of the country and investigate the possibilities.
To formulate a plan for most effective and balanced
utilisation of the country’s resources.
To determine priorities and to define stages in which the plan
should be carried out.
To indicate the factors that retard economic development.
To determine nature of the machinery required for
466
successful implementation of the plan in each stage.

To appraise, from time to time, the progress achieved in
execution of the plan and to recommend necessary adjustments.
To make appropriate recommendations for facilitating
the discharge of its duties, or on a matter referred to it for
advice by Central or state governments.
Dustbin- घघघघ घघ घघघघ

 National Informatics Centre was also under the PC-Later, it
was brought under the Ministry of Information Technology.
 Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has been
constituted in January, 2009 as an attached office under aegis
of PC.
With the transfer of National Rainfed Area Authority
(NRAA) from Ministry of Agriculture to the Planning Commission,
all matters relating to the NRAA will henceforth be looked
after by Planning Commission.
Noted that PC is only a staff agency—Advisory body and has no
executive responsibility.
It is not responsible for taking and implementing decisions.
Composition (membership)
Prime minister -> Chairman- He presides over the meetings
The commission has a deputy chairman- full-time functional
head.
Responsible for the formulation and submission(घघघघ) of the
draft Five-Year Plan to the Central cabinet-
Appointed by the Central cabinet for a fixed tenure and enjoys the
rank of a cabinet minister.
 Not a member of cabinet, he is invited to attend all its meeting
(without a right to vote).
The commission has four to seven full-time expert members.
They enjoy the rank of a minister of state.
Commission has a member-secretary– He is usually a senior
467
member of IAS
State governments are not represented in the commission in
any way.
Planning Commission is wholly a Centre-constituted body.
CRITICAL EVALUATION
 PC- Originally established as a staff agency with advisory role
but in the course of time it has emerged as a powerful and
directive authority whereby its recommendations are considered
both by the Union and states.
The critics have described it as a ‘Super Cabinet’, an ‘Economic
Cabinet’, a ‘Parallel Cabinet’, the ‘Fifth Wheel of the
Coach’ and so on.
Lecture – 69 : National
Development Council (NDC)
NDC was established- August 1952
By an executive resolution
On the recommendation of the first five year plan (draft
outline).
Like the Planning Commission
COMPOSITION
OBJECTIVES
Functions
Guidelines for preparation of the national Plan
Consider the national Plan as prepared by the PC
468
Assessment of the resources that are required for

implementing
Consider important questions -Affecting national
development
Review the working- National Plan from time to time
Recommend measures for achievement of the aims and
targets
Five-Year Plan
Draft Five-Year Plan prepared by the Planning Commission
is
1)- First submitted to the Union cabinet-> After its approval,
2)- It is placed before the NDC, for its acceptance-> Then,
3)- The Plan is presented to the Parliament-> With its
approval,
4)- It emerges as the official Plan- published in official
gazette
NDC is the highest body, below the Parliament, responsible
for planning for social and economic development.
An advisory body to PC and its recommendations are not binding.
It makes its recommendations to the Central and state
governments and should meet at least twice every year
CRITICAL EVALUATION
NDC is to act as a bridge and link between Central government,
state governments and Planning Commission- Large extent
successful
Also served as a forum for Centre–>State deliberations on
matters of national importanceFederal political system
Super Cabinet’ due to its wide and powerful composition, though
its recommendations are only advisory and not binding, and can
hardly be ignored as they are backed by a national mandate.
On the other hand->Described as a mere ‘rubber stamp’ of the
469
policy decisions already taken by the Union government.

This is mainly due to the Congress Party rule both at the Centre
and states for a long period.
 Sarkaria Commission on Centre–State Relations (1983–
1987) recommended that the NDC should be given a constitutional
status under Article 263 of the Constitution and should be renamed
as National Economic and Development Council
Lecture – 111 : Part-1-शशशश

शशश शशशशशशश शशश-
Panchayati Raj System- Rural
Local Self Government-73rd
CAA-1992
शशशश शशश शशशशशशश शशश-

Panchayati Raj System- Rural Local Self
Government-73rd CAA-1992
Local Government
470
Panchayati Raj in India
 Panchayati Raj in India signifies the system of rural local self

government.
 It has been established in all the states of India by the Acts of
the state legislatures to build democracy at the grass root
level 1.
 It is entrusted with rural development.
 It was constitutionalised through the 73rd Constitutional
Amendment Act of 1992.
Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (January 1957)–

Submitted its report in November 1957
Committee to examine the working of
The Community Development Programme (1952)
The National Extension Service (1953)
Submitted its report in November 1957 and recommended the
establishment of the scheme of ‘democratic decentralisation’,
which ultimately came to be known as Panchayati Raj
 Three-tier Panchayati raj system
 Rajasthan was the first state to establish Panchayati Raj.
The scheme was inaugurated by the prime minister on October
2, 1959, in Nagaur district.
Rajasthan was followed by Andhra Pradesh, which also adopted
the system in 1959
471
Ashok Mehta Committee

December 1977, the Janata Government appointed a
committee on panchayati raj institutions under the chairmanship of
Ashok Mehta.
It submitted its report in August 1978 and made 132
recommendations
Three-tier system of panchayati raj should be replaced by the
two-tier system
G V K Rao Committee
L M Singhvi Committee
Thungon Committee
Gadgil Committee
Lecture – 112 : Part-2-शशशश

शशश शशशशशशश शशश-
Panchayati Raj System In India-
Rural Local Self Government
Panchayati Raj System In India

Constitutionalisation
472
Rajiv Gandhi Government The Rajiv Gandhi Government

introduced the 64th Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha
in July 1989
V P Singh Government The National Front Government, soon
after assuming office in November 1989 under the Prime
Ministership of V P Singh, announced that it would take steps to
strengthen the panchayati raj institutions.
Narasimha Rao Government The Congress Government under
the prime minister-ship of P V Narasimha Rao once again considered
the matter of them constitutionalisation of panchayati raj bodies
 This bill finally emerged as the 73rd Constitutional
Amendment Act, 1992 and came into force on 24 April, 1993.
73rd Amendment Act of 1992

Significance of the Act
New Part-IX to the Constitution of India
 ‘The Panchayats’ and consists of provisions from Articles 243
to 243O
Added a new Eleventh Schedule to the Constitution.
This schedule contains 29 functional items of the panchayats.
It deals with Article 243-G
Act has given a practical shape to Article 40
“State shall take steps to organise village panchayats and endow
them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to
enable them to function as units of self-government.”
Part of the Directive Principles of State Policy.
Eleventh Schedule – following 29 functional
Agriculture, including agricultural extension
Land improvement, implementation of land reforms, land
consolidation and soil conservation
Minor irrigation, water management and watershed development
Animal husbandry, dairying and poultry
Fisheries
Social forestry and farm forestry
473
Khadi, village and cottage industries

Drinking water
Compulsory (obligatory or mandatory) and

voluntary (discretionary or optional) provisions
(features) of the 73rd
Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) or the Part IX
of the Constitution:
a. Compulsory Provisions
b. Voluntary Provisions
Salient Features
FINANCES OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

REASONS FOR INEFFECTIVE
PERFORMANCE
Lecture – 113 : शशशश शश

शशशशशशश शश
शशशशशशशशशश- Schedules of
Indian Constitution
474
Schedules
Schedules are lists in the Constitution of India that categorizes and
tabulate bureaucratic activities and policy of the Government.
Indian Constitution had originally eight schedules.
9th Schedule was added via First Amendment Act, while
10th Schedule was first added by 35th Amendment {Sikkim as
Associate State}. Once Sikkim became a state of India, the
10th Schedule was repealed but later added once again by 52nd
Amendment Act, 1985 in context with the “Anti-defection” law.
11 th Schedule – Panchayati Raj- 3rd Constitutional Amendment
Act of 1992.
12th Schedule – Municipalities- 74th Constitutional Amendment
Act of 1992.
First Schedule- First schedule lists the states and territories on of
India; lists any changes to their borders and the laws used to make
that change.
Second Schedule- Second schedule lists the emoluments for
holders of constitutional offices such as salaries of President, Vice
President, Ministers, Judges and Comptroller and AuditorGeneral of
India etc.
Third Schedule- This schedule lists the various forms of oath for
holders of various constitutional offices.
Fourth Schedule – Fourth schedule enumerates the allocation of
Rajya Sabha seats to States or Union Territories.
Fifth Schedule
This schedule enumerates administration and control of Scheduled
Areas and Scheduled Tribes (areas and tribes needing special
protection due to disadvantageous conditions).
Scheduled Areas are autonomous areas within a state, administered
federally, usually populated by a predominant Scheduled Tribe.
Scheduled Tribes are groups of indigenous people, identified in the
Constitution, struggling socio-economically
475
Sixth Schedule
This schedule comprises provisions for the administration of tribal
areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram. Seventh Schedule-
This schedule has divided the Union and State subjects on which
they can make laws. It comprises Union List, State List and
Concurrent List.
Eighth Schedule- This schedule lists the official languages of the
Union.
Ninth Schedule- This schedule enumerates land and tenure
reforms; the accession of Sikkim with India.
Tenth Schedule- This schedule comprises anti-defection provisions
for Members of Parliament and Members of the State Legislatures.
Eleventh Schedule- It was added by 73rd amendment and has list
of subjects under the Panchayat Raj institutions or rural local
government.
Twelfth Schedule- It was added by 74th amendment and enlists
the subjects under Municipalities or urban local government.
Lecture – 114 : PESA Act 1996-

Provisions of the Panchayats
(Extension to the Scheduled
Areas) Act | Extension Act
PESA Act OF 1996

“Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled
Areas) Act”, 1996, or PESA Act or Extension Act.
 8.6% of the nation’s total population, over 104 million people
476
according to the 2011 census.

According to the 2011 Census of India, Bhil is the most
populous tribe with a total population of 4,618,068, constituting
37.7 per cent of the total ST population.
 Gond is the second largest tribe, with a population of 4,357,918
constituting 35.6 per cent.
Provisions of Part IX – Panchayats are not applicable to -
> Fifth Schedule areas
 Parliament may extend these provisions to such areas
At present (2018), ten states have Fifth Schedule Areas.
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhatisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal
Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and
Rajasthan. All the ten states have enacted requisite compliance
legislations by amending the respective Panchayati Raj Acts
Objectives of the Act :

1. To extend the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution relating to
panchayats to the scheduled areas with certain modifications
2. To provide self-rule for the bulk of the tribal population
3. To have village governance with participatory democracy and to
make the gram sabha a nucleus of all activities
4. To evolve a suitable administrative framework consistent with
traditional practices
5. To safeguard and to preserve the traditions and customs of tribal
communities
6. To empower panchayats at the appropriate levels with specific
powers conducive to tribal requirements
7. To prevent panchayats at the higher level from assuming the
powers and authority of panchayats at the lower level of the gram
sabha
Features of the Act :

477
Panchayats in the Scheduled Areas shall be in consonance with the

customary law, social and religious practices and traditional
management practices of community resources
Village shall ordinarily consist of a habitation or a group of
habitations comprising a community and managing its affairs in
accordance with traditions and customs.
Every village shall have a Gram Sabha consisting of persons whose
names are included in the electoral rolls for the Panchayat at the
village level
 Every Gram Sabha shall be competent to safeguard and
preserve the
• Traditions and customs of the people,
• Their cultural identity,
• Community resources and
• Customary mode of dispute resolution.
Every Gram Sabha shall — (i) approve of the plans, programmes
and projects for social and economic development before they are
taken up for implementation by the Panchayat at the village level;
(ii) be responsible for the identification of beneficiaries under the
poverty alleviation and other programmes
Every Panchayat at the village level shall be required to obtain from
the Gram Sabha a certification of utilisation of funds for the above
plans, programmes and projects
Reservation of seats in the Scheduled Areas in every Panchayat
shall be in proportion to the population of the communities for
whom reservation is sought to be given under Part IX
Scheduled Tribes shall not be less than one-half of the total
number of seats.
Further, all seats of Chairpersons of Panchayats at all levels –
Reserved for the Scheduled Tribes
State government may nominate such Scheduled Tribes which have
no representation in the Panchayat – Not exceed 1/10 of the total
members to be elected in that Panchayat.
478
Gram Sabha or the Panchayats at the appropriate level shall

be consulted before making the
• 1)-Acquisition of land in the Scheduled Areas for development
projects and
• 2)-Before resettling or rehabilitating persons affected by such
projects in Scheduled Areas
Planning and management of minor water bodies
Gram Sabha or the Panchayats shall be mandatory for grant of
prospecting licence or mining lease for minor minerals
Panchayats at the appropriate level and the Gram Sabha are
endowed specifically
• The power to enforce prohibition or to regulate or restrict the sale
and consumption of any
intoxicant
• The ownership of minor forest produce
• The power to prevent alienation of land in the Scheduled Areas
and to take appropriate action
to restore any unlawfully alienated land of a Scheduled Tribe
• The power to manage village markets
• The power to exercise control over money lending to the
Scheduled Tribes
• The power to exercise control over institutions and functionaries in
all social sectors
• The power to control local plans and resources for such plans
including tribal sub-plans
State Legislature shall endeavour to follow the pattern of the Sixth
Schedule to the Constitution while designing the administrative
arrangements in the Panchayats at district levels in the Scheduled
Areas
479
Lecture – 116 : 5th & 6th

Schedules of Indian
Constitution- (Scheduled areas
& Tribal Areas)
PESA Act OF 1996

“Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled
Areas) Act”, 1996, or PESA Act or Extension Act.
8.6% of the nation’s total population, over 104 million people
according to the 2011 census.
According to the 2011 Census of India, Bhil is the most
populous tribe with a total population of 4,618,068, constituting
37.7 per cent of the total ST population.
Gond is the second largest tribe, with a population of 4,357,918
constituting 35.6 per cent.
Provisions of Part IX – Panchayats are not applicable to -
> Fifth Schedule areas
Parliament may extend these provisions to such areas
At present (2018), ten states have Fifth Schedule Areas.
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhatisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal
Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and
Rajasthan. All the ten states have enacted requisite compliance
legislations by amending the respective Panchayati Raj Acts
480
5th & 6th Schedules

Article 244 in Part X of the Constitution envisages a special system
of administration for scheduled areas and “Tribal Areas“,
Basic thrust of the Fifth and Sixth Schedule of the constitution is
the protection of cultural distinctiveness of Tribal
Provides protection to the tribals on account of their economic
disadvantages
Could maintain their tribal identity without any exploitation.
Scheduled area has more than 50 percent tribal population- 5th
schedule
 6th Schedule- Constitution of India administration of the
tribal areas in four states –
• Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura Mizoram.
 Technically different from the Scheduled Areas under
5th schedule.
 6th Schedule- It has provisions for the formation of autonomous
481
districts and autonomous regions within the districts as there are

different schedule tribes within the district.
The Fifth Schedule of the Constitution deals with the administration
and control of scheduled areas and scheduled tribes in any state
except the four states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
The Sixth Schedule deals with the administration of the tribal areas
in these four states.
Difference Between 5th Schedule and

6th Schedule Areas
Executive powers of the union extend in Scheduled areas with
respect to their administration in 5th schedule;
The 6th schedule areas remain within executive authority of the
state.
While 5th schedule envisages creation of Tribal Advisory Council ,
6th schedule provides for District Councils and Regional Councils
with certain legislative and judicial powers.
482
 Autonomous Districts and Autonomous

Regions
 Creation of autonomous district councils and
regional councils
 Members of autonomous councils
Consisting of maximum 30 members- Maximum
4 members shall be nominated by the
Governor
The rest shall be elected on the basis of adult
suffrage.
 Bodoland Territorial Council – 46 members
483
Lecture – 117 : शशश

शशशशशशशश शशशश-
484
Municipalities corporation -
Urban Local Self Government
(74th CAA of 1992)
Local Government
System of urban government was constitutionalised through the

74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992.
At the Central level, the subject of ‘urban local government’ is
dealt with by the following three ministries:
• (i) Ministry of Urban Development, created as a separate ministry
in 1985
• (ii) Ministry of Defence in the case of cantonment boards
• (iii) Ministry of Home Affairs in the case of Union Territories
Historical Perspective
 Developed in modern India during the period of British rule.
• (i) In 1687-88, the first municipal corporation in India was set up
at Madras.
• (ii) In 1726, the municipal corporations were set up in Bombay
and Calcutta.
• (iii) Lord Mayo’s Resolution of 1870 on financial decentralisation
visualised the development of local self-government
institutions.
• (iv) Lord Ripon’s Resolution of 1882 has been hailed as
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the ‘Magna Carta’ of local self-government- Father of local-self

government in India.
• (v) Royal Commission on decentralisation was appointed in 1907
and it submitted its report in 1909-> Its chairman was
Hobhouse.
• (vi) Under the dyarchical scheme introduced in Provinces by the
Government of India Act of 1919, local self-government became
a transferred subject under the charge of a responsible Indian
minister.
• (vii) In 1924, the Cantonments Act was passed by the Central
legislature.
• (viii) Under the provincial autonomy scheme introduced by
the Government of India Act of 1935, local self-government was
declared a provincial subject.
Constitutionalisation
August 1989, the Rajiv Gandhi government introduced the 65th
Constitutional Amendment Bill (i.e., Nagarpalika Bill) in the Lok
Sabha.
The bill aimed at strengthening and revamping the municipal
bodies by conferring a constitutional status on them.
Although the bill was passed in the Lok Sabha, it was defeated in
the Rajya Sabha in October 1989 and hence, lapsed.
The National Front Government under V P Singh introduced the
revised Nagarpalika Bill in the Lok Sabha again in September
1990.
However, the bill was not passed and finally lapsed due to the
dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
P V Narasimha Rao’s Government also introduced the modified
Municipalities Bill in the Lok Sabha in September 1991.
It finally emerged as the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of
1992 and came into force on 1 June 1993
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74th Constitutional Amendment

Added a new Part IX-A to the Constitution of India.
Articles 243-P to 243-ZG.
In addition, the act has also added a new 12th Schedule to the
Constitution.
This schedule contains 18 functional items of municipalities.
State governments are under constitutional obligation to adopt
the new system of municipalities in accordance with the
provisions of the act.
The act aims at revitalising and strengthening the urban
governments so that they function effectively as units of local
government.
Salient Features
 Three Types of Municipalities in every state.
• 1. Nagar panchayat for a transitional area, that is, an area in
transition from a rural area to an urban area.
• 2. Municipal council for a smaller urban area.
• 3. Municipal corporation for a larger urban area
Composition
All the members of a municipality shall be elected directly by
the people
Each municipal area shall be divided into territorial
constituencies to be known as wards
Also provide for the representation of persons in a
municipality
Special knowledge or experience in municipal administration
without the right to vote in the meetings of municipality.
Chairpersons of committees (other than wards committees).
 Wards Committees
 Reservation of Seats
 Duration of Municipalities
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 Disqualifications
 State Election Commission
 Powers and Functions
 Finances
 Audit of Accounts
 Application to Union Territories
 Exempted Areas
 District Planning Committee
 Metropolitan Planning Committee
Lecture – 118 : Local Urban

Government- Municipal
Corporation, Municipality,
Cantonment Board,Port Trust
 Continuance of Existing Laws and

Municipalities
 Bar to Interference by Courts in Electoral
Matters
12th Schedule
It contains the following 18 functional items
• 1. Urban planning including town planning;
• 2. Regulation of land use and construction of buildings
• 3. Planning for economic and social development
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• 4. Roads and bridges

• 5. Water supply for domestic, industrial and commercial purposes
• 6. Public health, sanitation, conservancy and solid waste
management
• 7. Fire services
• 8. Urban forestry, protection of the environment and promotion of
ecological aspects
Eight types of urban local bodies

● Municipal Corporation
● Municipality
● Notified Area Committee
● Town Area Committee
● Cantonment Board
● Township
● Port Trust
● Special Purpose Agency
Municipal Corporation
Created for the administration of big cities like Delhi, Mumbai,
Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore
• States by the acts of the concerned state legislatures
• Union territories by the acts of the Parliament of India
Municipal corporation has three authorities, namely,
• The council,
• The standing committees and
• The commissioner
Municipality
Established for the administration of towns and smaller cities.
Also known by various other names like municipal council,
municipal committee, municipal board, borough municipality, city
489
municipality and others

• States by the acts of the concerned state legislatures
• Union territories by the acts of the Parliament of India
Municipal corporation has three authorities, namely,
• The council,
• The standing committees and
• The chief executive officer.
Cantonment Board
Cantonment board is established for municipal administration for
civilian population in the cantonment area
Set up under the provisions of the Cantonments Act of 2006
Administrative control of the defence ministry of the Central
government
Act has repealed the Cantonments Act of 1924
At present (2018), there are 62 cantonment boards in the country
Four categories on the basis of the civil population
Classification of Cantonment Boards
Municipal personnel systems

490
1. Separate Personnel System:

2. Unified Personnel System:
3. Integrated Personnel System:
MUNICIPAL REVENUE
Central Council of Local Government was set up
in 1954
Lecture – 129 : शशशश
शशशशशशशश – High Courts
High Court
Indian single integrated judicial system,
High Court operates below the Supreme Court but above the
subordinate courts
High Court occupies the top position in the judicial
administration of a state.
Institution of high court originated in India in 1862 when
the high courts were set up at
1)- Calcutta,
2)- Bombay
3)- Madras
 In 1866, a fourth High Court was established at Allahabad.
In the course of time, each province in British India came to
have its own high court.
Constitution of India provides for a HC for each state,
But the 7th Amendment Act of 1956 authorised the Parliament
to establish a common high court for two or more states or for
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two or more states and a union territory.

24 high courts in the county
 Delhi is the only union territory that has a high court of its
own (since 1966)
 Other union territories fall under the jurisdiction of different
state high courts
 Articles 214 to 231 in Part VI of the Constitution deal with
the organisation, independence, jurisdiction, powers,
procedures and so on of the high courts.
 Constitution does not specify the strength of a high court and
leaves it to the discretion of the president.
Accordingly, the President determines the strength of a high
court from time to time depending upon its workload.
Judges- Appointment of Judges- Collegium System
99th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2014 and National Judicial
Appointments Commission Act of 2014 have replaced the
Collegium System
 Qualifications of Judges
 Oath or Affirmation
 Tenure of Judges
 Removal of Judges
 Salaries and Allowances
 Transfer of Judges
 Acting Chief Justice
 Additional and Acting Judges
 Retired Judges
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Independence of a high court

 1. Mode of Appointment
 2. Security of Tenure
 3. Fixed Service Conditions
 4. Expenses Charged on Consolidated Fund
 5. Conduct of Judges cannot be Discussed
 6. Ban on Practice after Retirement
 7. Power to Punish for its Contempt
 8. Freedom to Appoint its Staff
 9. Its Jurisdiction cannot be Curtailed
 10. Separation from Executive
Lecture – 130 : High Court

Powers
Power High Court

Like the SC, HC has been vested with quite extensive
and effective powers
Highest Court of appeal in the state.
Protector of the Fundamental Rights
Vested with the power to interpret the Constitution.
493
It has supervisory and consultative roles

Constitution does not contain detailed provisions
with regard to the jurisdiction and powers of a high court.
At present, a high court enjoys the following jurisdiction and
powers:
1. Original jurisdiction.
2. Writ jurisdiction.
3. Appellate jurisdiction.
4. Supervisory jurisdiction.
5. Control over subordinate courts.
6. A court of record.
7. Power of judicial review
Present jurisdiction and powers of a high court are
governed by
(a) Constitutional provisions,
(b) Letters Patent,
(c) Acts of Parliament,
(d) Acts of State Legislature,
(e) Indian Penal Code, 1860,
(f) Cirminal Procedure Code, 1973,
(g) Civil Procedure Code, 1908
Lecture – 131 : Subordinate

Courts, District Judges,
Sessions Judge, Court of
Munsiff
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Subordinate Courts
Articles 233 to 237 in Part VI
Provisions to regulate the organization of
subordinate courts
To ensure their independence from the executive
Appointment of District Judges

Appointment, Posting and promotion of district judges in a state
are made by Governor of the state in consultation with the
high court.
Qualifications:
(a) He should not already be in the service of the Central or
the state government
(b) He should have been an advocate or a pleader for seven
years
(c) He should be recommended by the high court for
appointment.
Appointment of other Judges Appointment of persons (other
than district judges) to the judicial service of a state are made by
Governor of the state after consultation with the
State Public Service Commission and
High Court
Control over Subordinate Courts- Vested in the high court
Control over district courts and other subordinate courts including
the Posting, promotion and leave of persons
 Expression ‘district judge’ includes judge of a city civil court,
additional district judge, joint district judge, assistant district judge,
chief judge of a small cause court, chief presidency magistrate,
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additional chief presidency magistrate, sessions judge, additional

sessions judge and assistant sessions judge
District judge is the highest judicial authority in the district.
He possesses original and appellate jurisdiction
Both civil as well as criminal matters.
District judge is also the sessions judge.
When he deals with civil cases, he is known as the district
judge
When he hears the criminal cases, he is called as the sessions
judge
District judge exercises both judicial and administrative
powers.
Supervisory powers over all the subordinate courts in the
district
Appeals against his orders and judgements lie to the High
Court
 Sessions judge has the power to impose any sentence
including life imprisonment and capital punishment (death
sentence).
However, a capital punishment passed by him is subject
to confirmation by the High Court, whether there is an appeal
or not.
Below the District and Sessions Court stands the Court of
Subordinate Judge on the civil side and the Court of Chief Judicial
Magistrate on the criminal side.
 Subordinate judge exercises unlimited pecuniary(घघ–
घघघघघघ) jurisdiction over civil suits.
 Chief judicial magistrate decides criminal cases which are
punishable with imprisonment for a term up to seven years
Lowest level,
On the civil side, is the Court of Munsiff and
On the criminal side, is the Court of Judicial Magistrate.
Munsiff possesses limited jurisdiction and decides civil cases
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of small pecuniary stake.

 Judicial magistrate tries criminal cases which are punishable
with imprisonment for a term up to three years.
Some metropolitan cities
 City civil courts (chief judges) on the civil side
 Courts of metropolitan magistrates on the criminal side.
Some states, Panchayat Courts try petty civil and criminal
cases.
They are variously known as Nyaya Panchayat, Gram
Kutchery, Adalati Panchayat, Panchayat Adalat and so on.
Lecture – 132 : NALSA-National

Legal Service Authority-Justice
for All
National Legal Service Authority

 Article 39A of the Constitution of India provides for
Free legal aid to the poor and
Weaker sections of the society and ensures justice for all
 Articles 14 and 22(1) also make it obligatory(शशशशशशश) for
the State to ensure equality before law and a legal
system which promotes justice on the basis of equal opportunity
to all.
In the year 1987, the Legal Services Authorities Act was
enacted by the Parliament which came into force on 9th November,
1995
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To establish a nationwide uniform network for providing free

and competent legal services.
 National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has been
constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
 Chief Justice of India is patron-in-chief of NALSA

While second seniormost judge of Supreme Court of India is
the Executive-Chairman.
There is a provision for similar mechanism at
 State
 District level
Also headed by Chief Justice of High Courts and Chief Judges of
District courts respectively.
Prime objective of NALSA is
Speedy disposal of cases and
Reducing the burden of judiciary.
 Taluks to give effect to the policies and directions of the

NALSA
 To provide free legal services to the people and
conduct Lok Adalats in the State
Following main functions

1. To provide free and competent legal services to the eligible
persons.
2. To organize Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes.
3. To organize legal awareness camps in the rural areas.
The free legal services include:-
(a) Payment of court fee, process fees and all other charges
payable or incurred in connection with any legal proceedings.
(b) Providing service of lawyers in legal proceedings( शशशशशश
शशशशशशशश).
(c) Obtaining and supply of certified copies of orders in legal
proceedings.
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(d) Preparation of appeal, paper book including printing and

translation of documents in legal proceedings.
Persons eligible for getting free legal

services include
 (i) Women and children
 (ii) Members of SC/ST
 (iii) Industrial workmen
 (iv) Victims of mass disaster, violence, flood, drought,
earthquake, industrial disaster
 (v) Disabled persons
 (vi) Persons in custody
 (vii) Persons whose annual income does not exceed Rs. 1
lakh (in the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee the
limit is Rs. 1,25,000/-).
 (viii) Victims of trafficking in human beings or beggar.
NALSA has launched a web application for free Legal Services to
Prisoners at the conference held at Indian Law Institute, New
Delhi.
The Conference saw the participation of Member Secretaries and
administrative officers of 18 State Legal Services Authorities.
The Legal Services Management System has been developed by the
National Informatics Centre (NIC).
Web application will help in making the legal services system more
transparent.
Aim is to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not
denied to any citizen by reasons of economic or other disabilities.
Ministry of Law and Justice has launched the ‘Tele-Law’ initiative in
collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology
499
To provide legal aid services to the marginalized communities and

citizens living in rural areas through the Common Service Centres
(CSC) at the panchayat level
Video conferencing facility available at the Common Service
Centres (CSC)
A new portal called ‘Tele Law’ will be made available across the
CSC network to connect the citizens to legal service providers.
Lecture – 133 : शशश शशशशश-

Lok Adalat- NALSA
Lok Adalat
Lok Adalat is a forum where the cases (or disputes) which are
pending in a court
Which are at pre-litigation stage (not yet brought before a
court) are compromised or settled in an amicable(शशशशशशशश)
manner.
Meaning
Supreme Court has explained the meaning of Lok Adalat in the
following way:
‘Lok Adalat’ is an old form of system prevailed in ancient India and
it’s validity has not been taken away even in the modern days too.
Word ‘Lok Adalat’ means ‘People’s Court’->Based
on Gandhian principles.
It is one of the components of ADR (Alternative Dispute
Resolution) system.
As the Indian courts are overburdened with the backlog of
cases and
Regular courts are to decide cases involving a lengthy,
500
expensive and tedious procedure.

Lok Adalat, therefore, provides alternative resolution or devise
for expedious and inexpensive justice
Statutory Status
 First Lok Adalat camp in the post-independence era was
organized in Gujarat in 1982.
This initiative proved very successful in the settlement of
disputes.
Consequently, the institution of Lok Adalat started spreading to
other parts of the country.
 Given statutory status under the Legal Services Authorities
Act, 1987.
Act makes the following provisions relating to
Organization and
Functioning of the Lok Adalats
State Legal Services Authority or the District Legal Services

Authority or the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee or the
High Court Legal Services Committee or the Taluk Legal Services
Committee may organize Lok Adalats at such intervals and places
and for exercising such jurisdiction and for such areas as it thinks fit
Consist of such number of serving or retired judicial officers and
other persons of the area as may be specified by the agency
organizing such Lok Adalat
 Generally, a Lok Adalat consists of a judicial officer as the
chairman and a lawyer (advocate) and a social worker as
members.
Lok Adalat shall have jurisdiction
(i) Any case pending before any court; o
(ii) Any matter which is falling within the jurisdiction of any
court and is not brought before such court.
501
Matters such as Matrimonial / Family Disputes,

Criminal (Compoundable Offences) cases, Land Acquisition
cases, Labour disputes, Workmen’s compensation cases, Bank
Recovery cases, Pension cases, Housing Board and Slum Clearance
cases, Housing Finance cases, Consumer Grievance cases,
Electricity matters, Disputes relating to Telephone Bills,
Municipal matters including House Tax cases, Disputes with Cellular
Companies etc. are being taken up
in Lok Adalats
Lok Adalat shall have no jurisdiction in respect of any case or
matter relating to an offence not compoundable under any law
Any case pending before the court can be referred to the
Lok Adalat for settlement if :
(i) The parties thereof agree to settle the dispute in the Lok
Adalat; or
(ii) One of the parties thereof makes an application to the court,
for referring the case to the Lok Adalat; or
(iii) The court is satisfied that the matter is an appropriate
one to be taken cognizance of by the Lok Adalat.
Lok Adalat shall have the same powers as are vested in a Civil
Court under the Code of Civil Procedure (1908)
Lok Adalat shall have the requisite powers to specify its own
procedure for the determination of any dispute coming before it
 Every award made by a Lok Adalat shall be final and
binding on all the parties to the dispute. No appeal shall lie
to any court against the award of the Lok Adalat.
Benefits
 No court fee
 If court fee is already paid the amount will be refunded if
the dispute is settled at Lok Adalat
 Not Complex-No strict procedural laws like the Civil
502
Procedure Code and the Evidence Act

 Parties to the dispute can directly interact with the judge
through
 Award by the Lok Adalat is binding on the parties- Not
cause the delay in the settlement
 Law Commission of India summarized the advantages of ADR
(Alternative Dispute Resolution) in the following way
1. It is less expensive
2. It is less time-consuming
3. It is free from technicalities vis-à-vis conducting of cases in law
courts
4. Parties are free to discuss their differences of opinion without any
fear of disclosure before any law courts.
5. Parties have the feeling that there is no losing or winning side
between them but at the same time their grievance is redressed
and their relationship is restored
Permanent Lok Adalats

 Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 was amended in 2002 to
provide for the establishment of the Permanent Lok Adalats to deal
with cases pertaining to the public utility services
Reasons
Free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the
society
Legal system promotes justice on a basis of equal opportunity.
Spirit of conciliation(घघघघघघ) outside the courts
The major drawback- Based on compromise or settlement between
the parties
If the parties do not arrive at any compromise or settlement, the
case is returned to the court of law- Unnecessary delay
Cases which arise in relation to public utility services such as
Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited, Delhi Vidyut Board,
etc., need to be settled urgently
503
Therefore, proposed to amend the Legal Services Authorities

Act, 1987 to set up Permanent Lok Adalats
Features
Features of the new institution of Permanent Lok Adalats
Permanent Lok Adalat shall consist of a Chairman who is or has
been a district judge or additional district judge or has held judicial
office higher in rank than that of the district judge and two other
persons having Sadequate experience in public utility services
Permanent Lok Adalat shall exercise jurisdiction in respect of one or
more public utility services such as transport services of passengers
or goods by air, road and water; postal
Jurisdiction of the Permanent Lok Adalat shall be up to rupees ten
lakhs
Not jurisdiction in respect of any matter relating to an offence not
compoundable
Permanent Lok Adalat that there exist elements of a settlement
Every award made by the Permanent Lok Adalat shall be final and
binding on all the parties thereto and shall be by a majority of the
persons constituting the Permanent Lok Adalat
Lecture – 134 : शशशशशश

शशशशशशशश- Family Courts
Family Courts
Family Courts Act, 1984 was enacted to provide for
the establishment of Family Courts
1)-To promote conciliation(घघघघघघ)
2)-Secure speedy settlement of disputes relating to
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Marriage and
Family affairs
Why Separate Family Courts

 Several associations of women, other organizations and
individuals have urged, from time to time, that Family Courts, be
set up for the settlement of family disputes, where emphasis should
be laid on conciliation and achieving socially desirable results
and adherence to rigid rules of procedure and evidence
should be eliminated
 Law Commission in its 59th report (1974) had also stressed
that in dealing with disputes concerning the family the Court ought
to adopt an approach radically different from the adopted in
ordinary civil proceedings and that it should make reasonable efforts
at settlement before the commencement of the trial.
 Code of Civil Procedure was amended in 1976 to provide for
a special procedure to be adopted in suits or proceedings relating
to matters concerning the family.
Courts deal with family disputes in the same manner as other civil
matters and the same adversary approach prevails.
The need was, therefore, felt, in the public interest, to establish
Family Courts for speedy settlement of family disputes
 Main objectives and reasons for setting up of Family Courts
(i) To create a Specialized Court which will exclusively deal
with family matters so that such a court may have the necessary
expertise to deal with these cases expeditiously.
Thus expertise(घघघघघघघघ) and expeditious(शशश् disposal
are two main factors for establishing such a court;
(ii) To institute a mechanism for conciliation(शशशशशश) of the
disputes relating to family;
(iii) To provide an inexpensive remedy; and
505
(iv) To have flexibility and an informal atmosphere in the

conduct of proceedings.
Features
 Salient features of the Family Courts Act, 1984
1. It provides for the establishment of Family Courts by the State
Governments in consultation with the High Courts.
2. It makes it obligatory on the State Governments to set up a
Family Court in every city or town with a population exceeding
one million.
3. It enables the State Governments to set up Family Courts in
other areas also, if they deem it necessary.
4. It exclusively provides within the jurisdiction of the Family
Courts matters relating to:-
Matrimonial relief, including nullity of marriage, judicial separation,
divorce, restitution of conjugal rights, or declaration as to the
validity of marriage or as to the matrimonial status of any person;
the property of the spouses or of either of them; declaration as to
the legitimacy of any person; guardianship of a person or the
custody of any minor; and maintenance of wife, children and
parents.
It makes it obligatory(शशशशशशश) on the part of the Family
Court to endeavour(घघघघ), in the first instance to effect
a reconciliation(शशशश) or a settlement b/w parties to a family
dispute.
 During this stage, proceedings will be informal and rigid
rules of procedure shall not apply
 Court may, in the interest of justice, seek assistance of a legal
expert as amicus curiae.
Simplifies the rules of evidence and procedure
Provides for only one right of appeal which shall lie to
the High Court.
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Establishment
Total of 438 Family Courts are functional in the country(2018)
Uttar Pradesh- 76, Madhya Pradesh – 44, Bihar -39
Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Goa,
Arunachal Pradesh— (0)
 Source:- Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India.

शशशशशशशश- Gram Nyayalayas
Act 2008
Gram Nyayalayas
Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008- Provide for the establishment of Gram
Nyayalayas
Gram Nyayalayas at Grass Roots Level
Purposes of providing access to justice to the citizens at their
doorsteps
To ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied
to any citizen due to
Social,
Economic or
Other disabilities.
Reasons
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Reasons for the establishment of Gram Nyayalayas

Access to justice by the poor and disadvantaged remains a
worldwide problem.
In our country, Article 39A directs the State to secure that the
operation of the legal system promotes justice, on a basis of equal
opportunity
Provide free legal aid to ensure that opportunities for
securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason
of economic or other disabilities.
Government has taken various measures to strengthen judicial
system.
By simplifying the procedural laws; incorporating various
alternative dispute resolution mechanisms -Arbitration, conciliation
and mediation; conducting of Lok Adalats, etc.
Required to be strengthened further
 Law Commission of India in its 114th Report on Gram
Nyayalaya
Suggested establishment of Gram Nyayalayas so that speedy,
inexpensive and substantial (शशश) justice could be provided to
the common man.
 Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 is broadly based on
recommendations of the Law Commission
 Justice to the poor at their door step is a dream of the poor.
 Setting up of Gram Nyayalayas in the rural areas would bring
to the people of rural areas speedy, affordable and substantial
justice.
Gram Nyayalayas Act

Gram Nyayalaya shall be court of Judicial Magistrate of the
first class and
Its presiding officer (Nyayadhikari) shall be appointed by the
State Government in consultation with the High Court.
Gram Nyayalaya shall be established for every Panchayat at
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intermediate level or a group of contiguous Panchayats at

intermediate level in a district
 Nyayadhikaris who will preside over these Gram
Nyayalayas are strictly judicial officers
 Same salary, deriving same powers as First Class
Magistrates working under High Courts.
Gram Nyayalaya shall be a mobile court and shall exercise the
powers of both
 Criminal
 Civil Courts
The seat of the Gram Nyayalaya will be located at
the headquarters of the intermediate Panchayat, they will go
to villages, work there and dispose of the cases
Gram Nyayalaya shall try criminal cases, civil suits, claims or
disputes
Certain modifications and shall follow the special procedure as
provided in the Act.
Gram Nyayalaya shall follow summary procedure in criminal trial.
Gram Nyayalaya shall exercise the powers of a Civil Court with
Gram Nyayalaya shall try to settle the disputes as far as
possible by bringing about conciliation between the parties
Gram Nyayalaya shall not be bound by Indian Evidence Act, 1872
but shall be guided by the principles of natural justice
Appeal in criminal cases shall lie to the Court of Session, which
shall be heard and disposed of within a period of six months
from the date of filing
Appeal in civil cases shall lie to the District Court- heard and
disposed of within a period of six months
Establishment
 Central Government has decided expenditure on the
establishment of these Gram Nyayalayas – Rs. 18.00 lakhs
Rs. 10.00 lakhs is for construction of the court,
509
Rs. 5.00 lakhs for vehicle and

Rs. 3.00 lakhs for office equipment.
 5000 Gram Nyayalayas are expected to be set up under the Act
for which the Central Government would provide about Rs.1400
crores by way of assistance to the concerned States/Union
Territories
Under of the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008, it is for the State
Governments to establish Gram Nyayalayas in consultation with
the respective High Courts.
 Majority of States have now set up regular courts at Taluka

level
 Conference that the State Government and High
Court should decide the question of establishment of Gram
Nyayalayas wherever feasible, taking into account their local
problems

IASbaba Press Information Bureau 1st

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