March Hard Facts

Raj Malhotras IAS Study Group
March, 2016 | Hard Facts | Volume 3
Hard Facts
March has ended and with it has started the countdown for
UPSC Prelims. It is but obvious that the stress level of
every aspirant starts to peak as the mental barrier of March Contents
every year comes up. You all have been preparing for over
a year and we are confident that as a diligent aspirant, you
would have given your best. Now that the time is Polity & Governance
Pg. 2
approaching when the whole preparation and hard work,
the sleepless nights will culminate to just over 4 hours, the Schemes of the Month
need to focus and keep your mental balance is the priority. Pg. 21
IR & Security
Now is the time when you are ready, Your heart will be Pg. 37
ready, but your mind will start to play games. The closer
Economy
the date comes for the exams the more stress will creep in
Pg.59
and doubts start to crop up in every aspirants mind. Environment & Ecology
Pg. 88
One of the most important aspects which UPSC is looking Science & Tech
at is the understanding of the world around us. This is Pg. 106
evident from the way they have been asking questions in Health
recent times. Keeping in mind the latest trends and the Pg. 129
Art & Culture
overwhelming nature of current affairs our team is
Pg. 131
dedicated to bring to you this issue of HARD FACTS and
we hope that this would make preparing in the last few Miscllenaeous
months a bit easier. Pg. 137
Your feedback for the previous issues was overwhelming

and we take this opportunity to thank you all for that.
Wishing you all the best,

Capt. Munish Kishore
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Indian Polity & Governance
Amendment in "Motion of Thanks" by Rajya Sabha
Why in News?
This is the second time in two years that the Motion of Thanks on the Presidents Address has
been amended.
The amendment was focused on legislation passed by Rajasthan and Haryana governments in
limiting therights of citizens to contest panchayats elections.
Before 2015, there were just three occasions on which the Presidents Address was amended in
the Rajya Sabha, once each during the tenures of Indira Gandhi, V.P. Singh and Atal Bihari
Vajpayee.
Significance of these amendments

The adoption of an amendment to the Motion of Thanks on the Presidents Address is of vital
importance for the credibility of the Government.
It enforces moral accountability on the ruling party against their inaction, mal administration
and inefficiencies.
It signifies the importance and relevance of the Rajya Sabha in our body politic, and its
meaningful role in holding the Government to account.
It clearly brings out the dynamic of our Parliamentary democracy which is dependent on a
balance of
strength of political parties and the composition of the House.
Convey the dissatisfaction against the government policies, legislations and regulations.
It highlights the issues of social importance which are not in the radar of government.
Motion of Thanks
The first session after each general election and the first session of every fiscal year are
addressed by the president.
In this address, the president outlines the policies and programmes of the government in the
preceding year and ensuing year.
This address of the president which is discussed in both the Houses of Parliament on a motion
is called the Motion of Thanks.
At the end of the discussion, the motion is put to vote. This motion must be passed in Lower
House. Otherwise, it amounts to the defeat of the government.
Carriage by Air Amendment Bill gets Rajya Sabha nod

The Carriage by Air (Amendment) Bill, 2015, has been passed by the Upper House with changes. It
was cleared by the Lok Sabha in December 2015.
Implications:
This bill would enhance compensation for air travellers in case of death, injury, lost baggage or
even inordinate delay in flights.
Once the legislation is implemented, Indian airlines would be required to pay compensation
amount that is equivalent to the rates paid by their global counterparts.
The legislation would allow the government to revise the liability limits of airlines in line with
the Montreal Convention, which was acceded to by India in May 2009.
Background
The Bill amends the Carriage by Air Act, 1972. The Act regulates carriage by air and gives effect
to the Warsaw Convention, 1929, the Warsaw Convention as amended by the Hague Protocol,
1955, and the Montreal Convention, 1999.
The Act also provides for application of the international rules to domestic travel, subject to
exceptions and adaptations.
Montreal Convention
The Montreal Convention establishes airline liability in the case of death, injury or delay to
passengers or in cases of delay, damage or loss of baggage and cargo.
The Convention also provides for reviewing the limits of liability of the air carriers every five
years.
India acceded to the Montreal Convention in May 2009.
Sutlej-Yamuna link (SYL) Canal issue

Why in news?
Supreme Court has directed the Punjab government to maintain status quo on land marked for
the construction of SYL canal.
However, going against the SC directive, Punjab assembly passed the Punjab Sutlej-Yamuna
Link Canal (Rehabilitation and Revesting of Proprietary Rights) Bill 2016, which seeks to return
land acquired for the canals construction to the original owners free of cost.
Background
Central government in 1976, issued a notification allocating to Haryana 3.5 million acre feet
(MAF) out of undivided Punjabs 7.2 MAF.
A canal linking the Sutlej with the Yamuna, cutting across the state,was planned in order to
enable Haryana to use its share of the waters of the Sutlej and its tributary Beas.
Total length of the canal is supposed to be 214-km. 122 km of which was to be in Punjab, and
92 km in Haryana.
The work on this canal was started in 1982. However, following the protests in Punjab, the
Punjab Assembly passed The Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, 2004, terminating its
water-sharing agreements.
The above incident also affected the construction work on the canal.
Reasons of Conflict
Punjab government argues that the SYL share of water to Haryana was based on 1920 data and
now the situation has changed drastically so there is need to review it.
Whereas Haryana government claims that it is a water deficit state and it has been deprived of
its water share which has affected its agricultural output.
Way Forward
The solution of this issue can be achieved only if all political parties work together in unbiased
manner and treat this as an issue of national interest.
At present Punjab using 75% of its water through tube wells and only 25% by canals, however
Haryana is dependent on canal irrigation, so Punjabs political establishment (both ruling and
opposition parties) should understand the need of Haryana and its people and help in the
construction of canal.
At the same time, proper rehabilitation (Home, land and employment) to the displaced people
should be provided.
Women in House: Indias rank slips

India has slipped from a rank of 117 among 188 countries in 2014 to 144 among 191 countries, in
terms of the proportion of women in Parliament. Surprisingly, the 16th Lok Sabha has the highest
number of women that the Lower House has ever had.
Key facts:
12% of MPs in the Lok Sabha are women and the figure stands at 12.8% in Rajya Sabha. This is
well below the global average of around 22% in both Houses.
While 62 women were elected to the Lok Sabha in the general elections in May 2014, four
more have been added over the last couple of years through by-elections. But while the
proportion of women has increased from 11.4% in June 2014 to 12% in February 2016, Indias
rank compared to other countries has fallen.
Countries that currently rank higher than India include several African and Latin American
countries, as well as countries that were part of the erstwhile Soviet Bloc.
Rwanda ranks No 1 with 63.8% women in the lower house of parliament and 38.5% in the
upper house.
Judges appointment
Why in News?
A Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by External Affairs Minister have finalized the new
Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) for appointment of Judges.
Background
After quashing the proposed National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), the Supreme
Courts Constitution Bench had asked the Centre to consult the CJI for drafting the new
memorandum for appointments of judges to the higher judiciary.
Key highlights of MoP
For the first time, it has been asked to include merit and integrity as prime criteria for
appointment of judges to the higher judiciary.
Evaluation of judgments delivered by a high court judge during the last five years and initiatives
undertaken for improvement of judicial administration should be a yardstick of merit for
promotion as chief justice of a high court.
It seeks to introduce performance appraisal as a standard for appointing chief justices of high
courts and Supreme Court judges.
It proposes that for appointment of judges in the Supreme Court, the prime criteria should be
seniority as chief justice/ judge of the high court.
The MoP states that up to three judges in the Supreme Court need to be appointed from
among the eminent members of the Bar and distinguished jurists with proven track record in
their respective fields.
A permanent secretariat to be set up in the Supreme Court for maintaining records of high
court judges, scheduling meetings of the SC Collegium, receiving recommendations as well as
complaints in matters related to appointments.
The Union Law Minister should seek the recommendation of the incumbent CJI for
appointment of his successor at least one month prior to his retirement.
A notice for vacancies of judges should be put up on the website of the high courts at the
beginning of the year for appointments.
Presidents rule in Uttarakhand

What is the issue?
The political crisis in Uttarakhand started on March 18 when nine Congress MLAs defected to
the opposition and met Governor, and sought the dismissal of the Uttarakhand government.
Although the Governor provided a deadline of 28 March for floor test but Presidents rule was
imposed a day before citing constitutional crisis in the state.
According to Article 356, Presidents rule can be imposed in a state if a situation has arisen in
which the government of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of
the Constitution.
Issue of Appropriation Bill in the crisis

The Appropriation Bill is intended to give authority to Government to incur expenditure from
and out of the Consolidated Fund of India.
Being a money bill, failure of its passage amounts to no confidence of the legislature on the
government and the government has to resign.
In case of Uttarakhand, on the 18th of March Appropriation Bill was presented in the Assembly.
Of the 71 member Assembly of which 67 were present, 35 voted against the Appropriation Bill
and asked for division of votes.
However, despite want of division of votes it was claimed that Appropriation Bill was passed by
voice vote and the bill was not presented to the governor for his assent.
This could imply following:

The Appropriation Bill sanctioning expenditure from 1st April 2016 was not approved.
Secondly, if the Appropriation Bill was defeated, the continuation of the Government
subsequent to 18th March 2016 is unconstitutional.
This prompted the rebel MLAs and the opposition to meet the governor who sought for
dismissal of government following which the governor declared the house in suspended
animation and gave the CM a deadline of 28th March to prove his majority in the house.
Role of the speaker

The decision of the Speaker to go for a voice vote when majority members demanded a
division.
In addition, declaring the Appropriation bill passed even when majority members voted in
negative.
The decision of the speaker to disqualify members on ground of defection when the house was
on suspended animation, allegedly to change the composition of the house to enable the
government to survive the no confidence vote.
Supreme Case judgments related to imposition of Presidents rule in state

S R Bomai vs Union of India
Art. 356 should be used very sparingly, and not for political gains.
The strength of the government should be tested on the floor of the house and not as per
whims of the Governor.
Court cannot question the advice tendered by Council of ministers but it can scrutinize the
ground for that advice of imposition of Presidents rule in the state and may take corrective
steps if malafideintention is found.
Use of Art 356 is justified only when there is breakdown of constitutional machinery and not\
administrative machinery.
Buta Singh case

The governors report could not be taken at face value and must be verified by the council of
ministers before being used as the basis for imposing Presidents rule.
Minority status of educational institutes

Why in news?
Recently, the central government reversed the stand of its predecessor Government and
decided not to support minority status for Aligarh Muslim University or Jamia Millia Islamia.
Background of the issue
AMU
In 1967 (Azeez Basha versus Union of India case), the Supreme Court ruled that AMU was not a
minority institution as it was set up by the British legislature, and not by Muslims.
In 1981, Parliament passed an AMU Amendment Act, which accepted that AMU was set up by
Muslims.
The Allahabad High Court ruled in 2005 that the 1981 Act was ultra vires of the Constitution,
and that AMU was not a minority institution.
However, Supreme Court stayed the Allahabad HC decision, so effectively, AMU remained a
minority institution.
Recently the Centre has filed a fresh affidavit in the Supreme Court reversing the earlier
position that the AMU, a Central university, cannot be granted minority status.
Jamia Milia Islamia

The Law Ministry is learnt to have given the advice that the government can withdraw its
earlier support to the 2011 order of the National Commission for Minority Educational
Institutions (NCMEI) which declared JMI a religious minority institution
This advice is on the ground that the university was established through a central legislation
and was either started nor run by the Muslim minority.
Issue of Minority Institution

While a number of minority educational institutions exist, there are issues with regard to
minority universities.
For incorporating any university, a statute is needed and thus it is done by the state.
Those against minority status for universities say that since, university is established by law and
not minorities, it is not a minority institution.
But, those in support argue that establishment is different from incorporation and for
incorporation of a university, law is needed irrespective of the fact that it was established by
minorities.
Government stand
The 2005 judgement of Allahabad High Court after hearing all the arguments ruled that it is not
a minority institution.
Centre stated that conferring minority status to AMU or any institution set up by a
parliamentary enactment or state enactment would be contrary to Article 15 of the
Constitution, which prohibits discrimination by state on grounds of religion.
Centre also states that minority status to AMU and Jamia Millia Islamia universities is
unconstitutional and illegal since these two government-run institutions were
discriminating against Scheduled Castes,
Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes by using the minority tag.
Article 30, The Constitution Of India Right of minorities to establish and administer educational
institutions
National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI)

National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions was established in 2005.
It ensures rights of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of their
choice as provided in the Article 30 of the Constitution of India.
The linguistic minorities are outside the purview of the NCMEI Act.
This Commission is a quasi-judicial body and has been endowed with the powers of a Civil
Court.
It is headed by a Chairman who has been a Judge of the Delhi High Court and two members to
be nominated by Central Government.
The Commission has 3 roles namely adjudicatory function, advisory function and
recommendatory powers.
Report on medical education governance

Why in News?
Recently a Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) has submitted its report. It pointed out
serious irregularities in Medical Council of Indias (MCI) functioning and has called for changes
of "transformational nature".
Important Observations from the Report
The MCI's composition is opaque, and does not have diversified stakeholders and council has
only medical doctors.
The existing minimum standard requirements mandated by the MCI are "irrational and
artificially rigid standards" that are an impediment to the establishment and expansion of
medical colleges.
High capitation fees for getting a medical seat that goes up to Rs.50 lakhs.
In the current system of inspections there is no provision for constructive feedback and the
whole procedure is oriented towards penalising rather than improving.
Suggestions for improvement

There are three areas where the committee has recommended drastic changes to MCI:
o The setup of MCI as a regulatory body,
o The governance of medical colleges and
o To curb corruption.
Bring diverse stakeholders such as public health experts and social scientists, health
economists, health NGOs in the governing body.
Inducting non-medical professionals of integrity and community health experts to regulatory
bodies would help advance public interest.
Separation of Power: Replace the existing MCI with an architecture consisting of four
independent boards to deal with curriculum development, teacher training, and standard
setting for undergraduate and postgraduate education.
Medical Council of India (MCI):

MCI is statutory body for establishing uniform and high standards of medical education in India.
It registers doctors to practice in India, in order to protect and promote the health and safety of
the public by ensuring proper standards in the practice of medicine.
Gram Uday to Bharat Uday Abhiyan

Why in News?
Central Government in collaboration with States and Panchayats has decided to organize a
Gram Uday Se Bharat Uday Abhiyan (Village Self Governance Campaign) from 14th April to
24th April 2016.
Highlights of the Campaign

The campaign aims to generate nation-wide efforts to increase social harmony across villages,
strengthen Panchayati Raj, promote rural development, and foster farmers progress.
A Social Harmony Programme will be conducted in all gram panchayats, supported
collaboratively by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment.
In this programme, villagers will honour Dr. Ambedkar and resolve to strengthen social
harmony.
Information regarding various government schemes to foster social justice will be provided.
Village Farmer Assemblies will be organized where information regarding schemes of
agriculture such as the Fasal Bima Yojna, Social Health Card etc. will be provided to farmers.
Also a national meeting of tribal women Gram Panchayat Presidents from Fifth Schedule Areas
of 10 States will be held at Vijayawada focusing on Panchayat and tribal development.
GARV APP
Why in News?
Power ministry has launched the GARV (Grameen Vidyutikaran) app to provide the first hand
information with respect to village electrification programme in the country.
Key Highlights
To speed up the work related to village electrification Grameen Vidyut Abhiyantas (GVAs or
rural electrification engineers) have been appointed.
Reports by these GVAs are shared through the GARV (Grameen Vidyutikaran) app with officials
as well as the public.
Significance
It will help in monitoring the work of power ministry and respective state authorities by the
common man.
The GARV app puts pressure on State governments for timely and quality delivery.
This is very good step towards better accountability and transparency in ensuring village
electrification.
It also gives an opportunity to media to scrutinize the rural electrification work of
ministry/state governments and seek accountability.
Prohibition of social boycott

Why in News?
Recently, the Maharashtra cabinet approved a legislation (Prohibition of Social Boycott
Act,2015) to tackle social ostracism in the name of caste, creed, community and rituals.
Maharashtra will be the first state in the country to enact a law against social boycott of
individuals or families by caste panchayats.
Reasons
There have been several cases reported from villages in the state of powerful community
panchayats declaring social boycott against individuals for marrying outside their caste.
There have been instances where village communities have enforced dress codes barring
women from wearing jeans, or have banned people from places of worship.
Significance
This initiative to evolve a stringent law will go a long way to address the social menace still
prevalent in many parts of the state.
It will be helpful in rooting out evil, outdated and unconstitutional practices of caste
panchayats, gavaki and community panchayats.
This legislation will play an instrumental role in restoring the values of the system where
caste/community barriers cannot be detrimental to human dignity.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
Why in News?
Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on approved a scheme to give free
cooking gas connections to poor women.
Background
Poor in India have limited access to Clean fuel (LPG).
Use of fossil fuels and conventional fuel like cow dung has a serious health implication for
women and Children.
According to WHO estimates about 5 lakh deaths in India due to unclean cooking fuel.
Chullahs produce PM 2.5, particles under 2.5 microns that lodge in the lungs and cause cancer
and TB.
Biomass smoke makes people blind. One NFHS study of women showed that blindness was
8,967 per lakh population in biomass homes compared with 6,152/lakh in cleaner-fuel homes.
Indoor air pollution is responsible for significant number of acute respiratory diseases in young
children.
Features
This is the first ever welfare scheme by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
5 Crore LPG connections will be provided to BPL families with a support of Rs 1600 each
household in next three years.
About 1.50 Crore BPL families will be benefited under the scheme in the year 2016-17.
Connections will be given in the name of Women beneficiaries.
Identification of BPL families will be made in consultation with State Governments and Union
territories.
EMI Facility will be provided for meeting the cost of stove and refill cost.
THE REAL ESTATE (REGULATION AND DEVELOPMENT) BILL 2013

Why in News?
Recently, Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill 2013, was approved by the Rajya
Sabha.
Background
The real state sector is the second largest employer after agriculture and it contributes nine per
cent to the national GDP.
Despite this, sector has been marked by a lack of trust and confidence between consumers and
developers, which has had an adverse impact on investments in the sector.
As per the Global Real Estate Transparency Index, India falls in the semi-transparent category.
Provisions
Mandatory registration with real estate regulatory authorities (RERA) of projects of at least 500
square meter area, or those comprising eight flats.
The regulators website should have all the necessary public disclosure of details related to
each project.
And also, a quarterly progress report will have to be made public on the website.
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Projects under construction are also required to be registered with the RERA.
Project developers will now be required to deposit at least 70% of their funds, including land
cost, in a separate escrow account to meet the cost of construction.
A provision for imprisonment up to three years in case of promoters and up to one year in case
of real estate agents and buyers for violation of orders of appellate tribunals or monetary
penalties or both.
A clear definition of carpet area and buyers will now be paying only for the carpet area and not
the super built-up area.
Appellate tribunals will be required to adjudicate cases within 60 days and regulatory
authorities willhave to dispose of complaints in 60 days.
Regulatory authorities can also register projects to be developed beyond urban areas, promote
a singlewindow
system of clearances, and grade projects and promoters besides ensuring digitization of land
records. They will also have to draft regulations within three months of formation.
The builders would also be responsible for fixing structural defects for five years after
transferring the property to a buyer.
It will regulate both commercial and residential projects and set up state-level regulatory
authorities to monitor real estate activity.
Cap profits, cut drug prices: Panel

An inter-ministerial committee, which was set up to study steep hike in trade margins and suggest
ways to increase affordability of expensive medicines and medical devices across the country, has
submitted its report to the government.
Among others, it has recommended capping of trade margins for costly drugs at 35% of MRP
(maximum retail price). This move could significantly bring down prices of expensive medicines.
Highlights of the report

While acknowledging that trade margins fall under the domain of industry, the report highlights
consumer protection as an area where government interventions and regulations are
required, mainly in sectors like drugs or pharmaceuticals, where consumer has little choice.
Though the report suggests capping trade margins on expensive drugs at 35% of MRP, it also
recommended a different slab for lesser priced medicines. For products priced at Rs 2 per unit,
the margin may be capped at 50%.
Background
Under the previous price regime, trade margins were capped at 16% and 8% for drug retailers
and wholesalers, respectively. However, this was only on scheduled drugs, prices of which were
directly capped and monitored by the government. On other drugs, retailers were allowed a
margin of 20%, whereas wholesalers were entitled to a margin of 10%.
However, since the new drug pricing policy came into place in 2013, there is no ceiling on the
trade margin. Instead, the regulator National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) caps
prices based on the average price of all medicines in a particular segment with more than 1%
market share.
It is estimated that this gap has allowed trade margins of up to 400-500% on certain medicines
which are already exorbitantly priced.
The Bureau Of Indian Standards Bill 2015
Why in News?
During budget session of Parliament Rajya Sabha passed the Bureau of Indian Standards Bill,
2016. Lok Sabha had already passed the Bill.
The new Bill will repeal the existing Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986.
Scope of the Bureau of Indian Standards:

The Bill includes goods, services and systems. Under the 1986 Act, standardization, marking
and certification processes applied to certain articles and processes only.
Establishment of the Bureau of Indian Standards:
The Bureau of Indian Standards will be a national body which will formulate, implement and
certify certain standards of quality for goods, services, articles, processes and systems.
The Bureau will constitute technical committees of experts for the purpose of formulating such
standards.
The Bill constitutes a Governing Council which would be responsible to look at the general
superintendence, direction and management of the Bureau.
Certification:
The Bureau would be a licensing authority for quality standards.
The Bureau will establish and maintain testing laboratories for quality assurance and
conformity assessment of goods, articles, services, etc.
A hallmark will be used to certify precious metal articles including silver, gold, platinum, and
palladium or their alloys.
The Bill allows the central government to notify certain goods, articles, etc, which will need to
compulsorily carry a standard mark. For example goods or articles necessary for public interest,
safety of the environment, prevention of unfair trade practices, national security etc.
The Bureau may recall a good or article that does not conform to the requirement of a
particular standard.
The penalty for improper use of the Indian standard mark will be a fine of up to 5 lakh rupees.
When a company commits an offence under the Bill, the persons responsible for or in charge of
the company will be presumed guilty irrespective of whether the offence was committed
without their knowledge, consent or connivance.
Appeals may be made to the Director General of the Bureau. A further appeal against the order
of the Director General may then be made to the central government.
SC asks Centre to explore e-voting for defence personnel

The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to explore ways, including e-voting facility, to enable
defence and paramilitary personnel to cast their ballot.
Right to vote is a statutory right granted to all citizens but many defence and paramilitary
personnel posted in far-flung and border areas are not able to exercise it.
The Court has directed the Centre to come out with concrete suggestions within three months
on how to improve the existing system of postal ballot available with defence personnel and
whether e-voting could be introduced to them.
AADHAAR BILL, 2016
Why in News?
The Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Bill,
2016, got Parliaments approval.
The Bill intends to provide statutory backing to Aadhaar for targeted delivery of subsidies and
services to individuals residing in India.
Features of the Bill

Every resident is entitled to obtain an Aadhaar number. A resident is a person who has resided
in India for 182 days, in the one year.
To perform the functions related to Aadhaar card, Unique Identification Authority (UID) will be
formed.
Composition of UID will be chairperson, two part-time members and a chief executive officer.
The chairperson and members should have experience of at least 10 years in matters like
technology, governance, etc.
Important functions of the UID authority

Specifying demographic and biometric information to be collected during enrolment.
Assigning Aadhaar numbers to individuals
Authenticating Aadhaar numbers
Specifying the usage of Aadhaar numbers for delivery of subsidies and services.
Biometric information (finger print, iris scan and other biological attributes) will be used only
for Aadhaar enrolment and authentication purpose and will not be shared with anyone.
Only in cases pertaining interest of national security and on the order of court information will
be revealed.
A person may be punished with imprisonment up to 3 years and minimum fine of Rs. 10 lakh
for unauthorized access to centralized database, including revealing any information stored.
Issues surrounding the bill

Due to Introduction of the bill as money bill, it has bypassed Rajya Sabha which could have
provided valuable inputs during discussion.
It has also seen as against the spirit of cooperative federalism because Rajya Sabha is
considered as representing the voice of states.
Section 7 of the bill gives the government powers to make Aadhaar mandatory for a wide range
of facilities and services.
Section 57 enables the government to impose Aadhaar identification in virtually any other
context that is not mentioned in the bill.
Loss of privacy: Every move of each individual can be tracked and this is against the
constitutional spirit of right to privacy that comes under right to life. Right to privacy is an
essential foundation of the freedom to dissent.
If biometrics data are landed in unsafe hands. It may lead to mass forgery, misrepresentation
and other associated frauds.
Weak cyber security infrastructure put the personal data of citizen under threat and makes
them vulnerable.
Money Bills
Article 110 of the Constitution deals with the definition of money bills. It states that a bill is deemed to
be a money bill if it contains only provisions dealing with all or any of the following matters:
1. The imposition, abolition, remission, alteration or regulation of any tax,
2. The regulation of the borrowing of money by the Union government,
3. The custody of the Consolidated Fund of India or the contingency fund of India, the payment of
moneys into or the withdrawal of money from any such fund,
4. The appropriation of money out of the Consolidated Fund of India,
5. Declaration of any expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India or increasing the
amount of any such expenditure,
6. The receipt of money on account of the Consolidated Fund of India or the public account of
India or the custody or issue of such money, or the audit of the accounts of the Union or of a
state,
7. Any matter incidental to any of the matters specified above.
Other provisions
If any question arises whether a bill is a money bill or not, the decision of the Speaker of the
Lok Sabha is final.
His decision in this regard cannot be questioned in any court of law or in the either House of
Parliament or even the president.
When a money bill is transmitted to the Rajya Sabha for recommendation and presented to the
president for assent, the Speaker endorses it as a money bill.
A money bill can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha and that too on the recommendation of
the president.
Every such bill is considered to be a government bill and can be introduced only by a minister.
Twitter Launches Campaign To Empower Women

Taking cue from a study showcasing prevailing male dominance over both online and offline
space, social networking site Twitter recently launched #Positionofstrength campaign to
empower women to raise voices against any form of discrimination.
Key facts
The movement, which has been already been launched in Australia and Ireland, seeks to bridge
the gender equality gap online in India and inspire the next generation of women leaders to
have an influential voice in society.
With this, Twitter hopes to strengthen the women empowerment movement and encourage
women to amplify their voices in a secure and confident manner.
For this, the social networking platform has partnered with the FICCI Ladies Organisation and
the Observer Research Foundation to engage more women to find their voices online,
communicate safely with confidence and network with other like-minded women and the
global community at large.
Under this campaign, twitter has introduced measures to empower our users with tools to
mute, block and report abusive behaviour.
In order to expand the reach of the programme, a series of round table sessions and workshops
with women leaders has been scheduled to be organised throughout the year to discuss how to
increase empowerment and safety for women, both online and in the physical world.
Meanwhile, Twitter also launched its Safety Center in Hindi to ensure engagement and
education of women locally to enable them to use the platform safely and with confidence.
SC upholds law on criminal defamation

Dismissing a batch of petitions, the Supreme Court has upheld the law on criminal defamation.
The court has observed that the law is constitutionally valid and said the law has a chilling
effect on free speech.
What else has the court said?

It observed, Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code make defamation a criminal
offence. A persons right to freedom of speech has to be balanced with the other persons right
to reputation and therefore the two Sections are necessary.
It also rejected an argument that defamation could become a criminal offence only if it incited
to make an offence. It said that defamation had its own independent identity, which has
enabled the state to maintain a balance between fundamental rights.
The court also pointed out the distinction between sections 499 and 500 on one hand and
section 66A (prosecution for obscene social posts) of the Information Technology Act on the
other, saying the latter was struck down by the apex court on the ground of vagueness and
procedural unreasonableness.
Background
The ruling was delivered on a petition filed first by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) politician
Subramanian Swamy against provisions criminalizing defamation. Congress vice-president
Rahul Gandhi and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, among others, later became parties to
the case. They now have to face criminal defamation proceedings initiated against them.
New IPR policy retains access to cheap drugs

The government has announced a new intellectual property policy, speeding up the online
registration of patents and trademarks.
The new policy seeks to encourage innovation and improve access to healthcare, food security
and environmental protection.
Highlights of the policy

The Policy will allow compulsory licensing with restrictions in case of a public health emergency
such as epidemics and it is compliant with the World Trade Organizations guidelines.
The policy seeks to put in place a legal framework that will encourage the IPR regime and
reduce the time taken by the government to approve a trademark to a month by 2017.
Currently, the process takes more than a year.
The policy makes the department of industrial policy and promotion (DIPP) the nodal agency
for regulating IP rights in the country.
The Policy states India shall remain committed to the (World Trade Organisations) Doha
Declaration on Trade Related IPR Agreement (TRIPS) and Public Health.
It also says India will continue to utilise the legislative space and flexibilities available in
international treaties and the TRIPS Agreement. These flexibilities include the sovereign right
of countries to use provisions such as Section 3(d) and CLs for ensuring the availability of
essential and life-saving drugs at affordable prices.
To ensure strong and effective IPR laws, the Policy states India will engage constructively in the
negotiation of international treaties and agreements in consultation with stakeholders.
Seven Objectives of the Policy

IPR Awareness: Outreach and Promotion To create public awareness about the economic,
social and cultural benefits of IPRs among all sections of society.
Generation of IPRs To stimulate the generation of IPRs.
Legal and Legislative Framework To have strong and effective IPR laws, which balance the
interests of rights owners with larger public interest.
Administration and Management To modernize and strengthen service-oriented IPR
administration.
Commercialization of IPRs Get value for IPRs through commercialization.
Enforcement and Adjudication To strengthen the enforcement and adjudicatory mechanisms
for combating IPR infringements.
Human Capital Development To strengthen and expand human resources, institutions and
capacities for teaching, training, research and skill building in IPRs.
Background
The IPR policy approved by the Cabinet on Thursday night, comes in the backdrop of the US
Trade Representative (USTR), in its annual (2016 edition) Special 301 Report (on the global
state of IPR protection and enforcement) retaining India on the Priority Watch List for lack of
sufficient measurable improvements to its IPR framework.
New Draft National Policy : Women Approach

After a gap of 15 years, the Centre has come up with a draft national policy for women. The
new draft policy is aimed at re-scripting womens empowerment by following a socially
inclusive rights-based approach.
The policy is roughly based on the Pam Rajput Committee report set up by the MWCD in 2012
which submitted its recommendations last year, including a suggested national policy for
women and an action plan to end violence against women.
Significance of this policy

Since 2001, when the last National Policy for Empowerment of Women was formulated, the
concept of women empowerment has seen changes, from being recipients of welfare benefits
to the need to engage them in the development process, welfare with a heavy dose of rights.
This draft policy has tried to address this shift. It will define the governments action on women
in the next 15-20 years.
Highlights
The policy aims to create sustainable socio-economic, political empowerment of women to
claim their rights and entitlements, control over resources and formulation of strategic choices
in realisation of the principles of gender equality and justice.
The policy envisions a society in which, women attain their full potential and are able to
participate as equal partners in all spheres of life. It also emphasises the role of an effective
framework to enable the process of developing policies, programmes and practices which will
ensure equal rights and opportunities for women.
The broad objective of the policy is to create a conducive socio-cultural, economic and political
environment to enable women enjoy de jure and de facto fundamental rights and realize their
full potential.
The policy also describes emerging issues such as making cyber spaces safe place for women,
redistribution of gender roles, for reducing unpaid care work, review of personal and
customary laws in accordance with the Constitutional provisions, Review of criminalization of
marital rape within the framework womens human rights etc. relevant in the developmental
paradigms.
Operational strategies laid down in the policy provide a framework for implementation of
legislations and strengthening of existing institutional mechanisms through action plan,
effective gender institutional architecture. Advocacy and Stakeholder Partnerships, Inter-
Sectoral Convergence, Gender Budgeting and generation of gender disaggregated data have
also been given due focus.
The new policy has suggested dependent care and child care leave not for just working women,
but working men too.
Priority areas of the Policy

Health including food security and nutrition.
Education
Economy
Governance and Decision Making.
Violence Against Women.
Enabling Environment.
Environment and Climate Change.
National Green Tribunal seeks Centres response on ban of microplastics

The National Green Tribunal has sought response from the Centre on a plea seeking ban on use
of micro-plastics in cosmetic and bodycare products in India alleging their use is extremely
dangerous for aquatic life and environment.
The NGT, in this regard, has issued notice to the ministry of environment and forests and the
ministry for water resource and sought their reply on next date of hearing.
What are Microplastics?

Microplastics are plastic pieces or fibres which are very small and according to recent United
Nations reports, these are dangerous for the aquatic life and environment. Microplastics
measure less than five milimetres.
Need for ban

The microplastics or microbeads found in personal care products are always smaller than one
milimetre.
Due to the unregulated production and usage of plastics in microbeads in various cosmetic
products available in the market and the excessive usage of such products by the end users is
leading to water pollution across the globe.
Besides, after being washed down the drain, microbeads flow through sewer systems around
the world before making their way into rivers and canals and ultimately, straight into the seas
and oceans, where they contribute to the huge chunk of plastic soup in the environment.
Election Commissioon clears PMs Mann Ki Baat
The Election Commission of India has given its approval for Prime Minister Narendra Modis
upcoming radio broadcast Mann Ki Baat, with a condition that his address to the public
should not violate the Model Code of Conduct in place for the coming Assembly elections in
four States and a Union Territory.
The Model Code of Conduct came into force on March 4 when the ECI announced the schedule
for elections.
Model Code of Conduct (MCC)
What is MCC?
These are the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India for conduct of political
parties and candidates during elections mainly with respect to speeches, polling day, polling
booths, election manifestos, processions and general conduct.
Aim
To ensure free and fair elections.
When it comes into force?

The Model Code of Conduct comes into force immediately on announcement of the election
schedule by the commission. The Code remains in force till the end of the electoral process.
Status
The need for such code is in the interest of free and fair elections. However, the code does not
have any specific statutory basis. It has only a persuasive effect.
It contains what is known as rules of electoral morality. But this lack of statutory backing
does not prevent the Commission from enforcing it.
Evolution
The Commission issued the code for the first time in 1971 (5th Election) and revised it from
time to time.
This set of norms has been evolved with the consensus of political parties who have consented
to abide by the principles embodied in the said code and also binds them to respect and
observe it in its letter and spirit.
The salient features of the Model Code of Conduct lay down how political parties, contesting
candidates and party(s) in power should conduct themselves during the process of elections i.e.
on their general conduct during electioneering, holding meetings and processions, poll day
activities and functioning of the party in power etc.
Haryana assembly unanimously passes Jat quota bill

The Haryana assembly has unanimously passed a bill to provide reservation to Jat and other
communities.
The Haryana Backward Classes (Reservation in Services and Admission in Educational
Institutions) Bill, 2016, was passed by voice vote in the ongoing assembly session.
Details
The bill provides reservation to the politically-dominant Jat community and four other
communities Jat Sikhs, Tyagis, Bishnois and Rors.
The bill will give statutory status to Backward classes Block A, Backward classes Block B and
Backward classes Block C by enacting the Haryana Backward Classes (Reservation in Services
and Admission in Educational Institutions) Act, 2016.
The bill provides for increase in percentage of reservation in Schedule I, II and III for Class I and
II posts for BC A, BC B and BC C from 10%, 5% and 5% to 11%, 6% and 6% respectively.
It has been also decided to increase the existing reservation of five percent for Economically
Backward Persons in General Caste Category in Class I and II posts from five percent to seven
percent.
The state has also requests the Central Government to include this Act in the 9th Schedule read
with Article 31B of the Constitution of India.
Government Unveils New Defence Procurement Policy

The much-awaited new defence procurement policy was recently unveiled by the government
with an aim to ensure transparency, fast track acquisition process and give a push to Make in
India initiative.
Key facts
To be applicable from April, the procurement policy lays the roadmap on how India, the worlds
largest arms importer, will acquire defence equipment in the future.
The new DPP has included a new category to acquire weaponsIDDM (Indigenously Designed,
Developed and Manufactured). The IDDM will be the first preferred category of preference.
The new policy also allows the Defence Acquisition Council to take a fast-track route to
acquire weapons, something which was limited to only the armed forces till now.
In a bid to cut down on the time taken for acquisition process, it mandates that all AONs
(Acceptance of Necessity) of a particular platform will be valid for only six months as against
the 12-month deadline now.
Also, no AON will be notified until it is accompanied by a finalised RFP (Request for Proposal or
tender). This means that the time taken for an RFP is cut down drastically.
Defence export clearances will now be granted online. The policy will also include Start-up
India initiative.
A review of the new DPP will be undertaken after six months.
Noyyalai Nokki
Noyyalai Nokki project, a project to restore Noyyal River and its tributaries, has been launched.
Stakeholders in Coimbatore, Tirupur, and Erode and Karur Districts will jointly take efforts to
restore the river through this initiative.
Details
The restoration project includes installation of decentralised sewage treatment plants,
developing parks where space is available and laying walking paths along the river.
The project will be implemented on divide-distribute-develop model by forming committees for
every 500 metres of the river.
The initiative will involve educational institutions, businesses, the public and the Government.
To begin with, a survey of the river would be taken up and an estimate of the project would be
prepared.
Norfed (Noyyal River Restoration Federation) will be the nodal organisation for the project and
a common plan will be developed for the entire stretch of the river.
The Noyyal River rises from the Vellingiri hills in the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu and passes
through Coimbatore, Tirupur, Erode and Karur to join the Cauvery at Noyyal village (total of 160
km).
SCt approves Union Governments guidelines to protect Good Samaritans

Supreme Court has approved Union Governments guidelines to protect Good Samaritans, who
help road accident victims, from being unnecessarily harassed by police or any other authority.
These guidelines based on the recommendations K S Radhakrishnan committee were approved
by the SC bench comprising justices V Gopala Gowda and Arun Mishra.
These guidelines will be binding on all states and Union Territories until the Union government
enacts a law to this effect.
The bench also has asked the Union Government to give wide publicity to these guidelines so
that people who help others in the time of distress are not victimised by any authority.
It should be noted that SC took on record these guidelines to protect Good Samaritans placed
by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
The Ministry had approached the SC for issuing these guidelines on all states and Union
Territories by its order as it was facing difficulty to enforce them in the absence of any
statutory backing.
Background
The guidelines of the Transport Ministry were based on the recommendations of the three-
member committee headed by former judge K S Radhakrishnan.
The committee was appointed by the SC in 2014 to monitor steps taken by the Centre and
state governments to ensure road safety.
The committee had given 12 major recommendations including setting up of State Road Safety
Councils, evolving a protocol for identification of black spots, their removal and monitoring to
see the effectiveness of the action taken.
The committee had also suggested strengthening of enforcement relating to drunken driving,
red light jumping, over-speeding and helmet or seat belt laws.
Schemes of the Month
Deendayal Upadhyay Swaniyojan Yojana
Why In News?
Deendayal Upadhyay Swaniyojan Yojana (DUSY) will soon be launched by Ministry of Rural
Development to promote rural entrepreneurship under Start Up India campaign.
Salient features
The main objective of Swaniyojan Yojana is to provide incentives such as financial assistance to
the rural poor looking for self-employment options.
The scheme will be integrated with MUDRA Bank Loan Yojana, innovative credit linkages and
self-help groups.
it will be funded by the existing National Rural Livelihood Mission
It will provide the basic skill set required for self-employment in fields like driving, plumbing,
agriculture, dairy farming, grafting and horticulture among others.
The Ministry will also coordinate with other government departments such as textile, animal
husbandry, and food processing to help rural poor setup their own business in these fields.
DEEN DAYAL UPADHYAYA RURAL ELECTRIFICATION SCHEME

Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal recently said that the NDA governments aim is to electrify
every Indian house under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Rural Electrification Scheme by 2018.
About Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Rural Electrification Scheme

The scheme, also known as Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, was launched by the
Power Ministry after subsuming the previous Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidhyutikaran Yojana
(RGGVJ) as it rural electrification component.
Aim of the Scheme

It aims to augment power supply to rural areas and strengthen sub transmission and
distribution lines.
Major components of the scheme

To separate agricultural and non agricultural feeders.
To strengthen and augment sub transmission and distribution infrastructure in rural areas,
including metering of distribution transformers/feeders/consumers.
Benefits
It would increase the number of hours of power supply in rural areas.
Reduction in peak load.
Improvement in billed energy based on metered consumption.
Providing access to electricity to rural households.
Budget
The scheme has an outlay of 76000 crore, of which centre has committed to provide a grant of
Rs. 63000 crore.
Uday Scheme
The Finance Ministry has approved the issuance of Ujjwal Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY)
bonds by four states. They are Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Chattisgarh.
Manipur and Tripura recently agreed to join UDAY. This takes the total number of states that
have agreed to join UDAY to 16. So far, six states have signed the UDAY contract.
How these bonds will help?

State governments can take over 75% cent of discom debt and pay back lenders by issuing
bonds. The scheme provides for the remaining 25 per cent of the debt to be paid back through
discom-issued bonds. Total discom debt in the country amounts to Rs.4.3 lakh crore.
About Uday Scheme

UDAY is an effort to make these DISCOMs financially and operationally healthy, to be able to
supply adequate power at affordable rates, and enable the Governments to make efforts
towards 100% Village electrification and 24X7 Power For All.
It envisages to reduce interest burden, cost of power and AT&C losses. Consequently, DISCOM
would become sustainable to supply adequate and reliable power enabling 247 power supply.
The scheme provides that States would take over 75% debt of Discoms, as on 30th September,
2015 in two years.
UDAY has inbuilt incentives encouraging State Governments to voluntarily restructure their
debts. These incentives include taking over of DISCOM debt by the States outside the fiscal
deficit limits; reduction in the cost of power through various measures such as coal linkage
rationalization, liberal coal swaps and priority/additional funding through schemes of MoP &
MNRE.
UDAY is different from earlier restructuring schemes in several ways including flexibility of
keeping debt taken over outside fiscal deficit limit, reduction in cost of power and a series of
time bound interventions for improving operational efficiency.
UDAY also provides for measures that will reduce the cost of power generation, which would
ultimately benefit consumers.
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme

Huge budget cut for ICDS
India is home to about 442 million children that constitute 39% of the countrys population but
receive less than 3.26% of the budget. However, the budget allocation has steadily declined from
4.45% in 2008-2009 to 3.26% in 2015-2016, despite activists demanding higher allocations for child
protection, healthcare and education.
Analysis by HAQ
Centre for Child Rights shows that there were significant cuts in budgets of the ministries of women
and child development, health and education. While the budget for WCD ministry was slashed by half,
budgets for HRD were down by 17%, while that of health and family welfare has declined by 13%.
Budget cut has hit ICDS very badly. The Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) has seen a 7%
reduction in fund. The scheme, implemented by the Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry, is
the countrys flagship intervention to improve child nutrition in the country.
Background
ICDS was launched in 1975 in accordance to the National Policy for Children in India. The
scheme aims at holistic development of under-six children and providing nutritional and health
support to pregnant and lactating mothers.
Six Services Under the Scheme

Supplementary nutrition.
Immunization.
Referral services.
Health check-up.
Pre-school non formal education.
Health and nutrition education.
Key facts
Three of the six services namely Immunization, Health Check-up and Referral Services are
delivered through Public Health system.
These services are provided from Anganwadi centres established mainly in rural areas and
staffed with frontline workers.
In addition to fighting malnutrition and ill health, the programme is also intended to combat
gender inequality by providing girls the same resources as boys.
The scheme is implemented through the States/UTs on a cost sharing basis in the ratio of 50:50
for supplementary nutrition (SNP) and 90:10 for other components except in the case of North
Eastern States where the share of Central and State Government is in the ratio of 90:10 for all
the components including SNP.
The predefined objectives of ICDS

To raise the health and nutritional level of poor Indian children below 6 years of age.
To create a base for proper mental, physical and social development of children in India.
To reduce instances of mortality, malnutrition and school dropouts among Indian children.
To coordinate activities of policy formulation and implementation among all departments of
various ministries involved in the different government programmes and schemes aimed at
child development across India.
To provide health and nutritional information and education to mothers of young children to
enhance child rearing capabilities of mothers in the country of India.
To provide nutritional food to the mothers of young children & also at the time of pregnancy
period.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra
Modi, has approved Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.
Aim of the scheme

It aims at Providing Free LPG connections to Women from BPL Households.
Who is implementing it?

The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. This is the
first time in the history of the country that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas would
implement a welfare scheme benefitting crores of women belonging to the poorest
households.
Details
Under the scheme, Rs 8000 crore has been earmarked for providing five crore LPG connections
to BPL households. This Scheme would be implemented over three years, namely, the FY 2016-
17, 2017-18 and 2018-19.
The Scheme provides a financial support of Rs 1600 for each LPG connection to the BPL
households.
The identification of eligible BPL families will be made in consultation with the State
Governments and the Union Territories.
Significance of this scheme

Various surveys have indicated that the poor in the country have limited access to cooking gas
(LPG). The spread of LPG cylinders has been predominantly in the urban and semi-urban areas
with the coverage mostly in middle class and affluent households. But there are serious health
hazards associated with cooking based on fossil fuels.
According to WHO estimates, about 5 lakh deaths in India alone due to unclean cooking fuels.
Most of these premature deaths were due to non-communicable diseases such as heart
disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. Indoor air pollution is
also responsible for a significant number of acute respiratory illnesses in young children.
According to experts, having an open fire in the kitchen is like burning 400 cigarettes an hour.
Hence, providing LPG connections to BPL households will ensure universal coverage of cooking
gas in the country. This measure will empower women and protect their health. It will reduce
drudgery and the time spent on cooking. It will also provide employment for rural youth in the
supply chain of cooking gas.
INFRACON, EPACE AND UP-SCALED INAM PRO LAUNCHED

The government has launched ePACE, INFRACON and an updated version of INAMPRO, three
innovative IT initiatives of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, developed in house by
NHIDCL(National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.)
Details
ePACE (Projects Appraisal & Continuing Enhancements) is an online integrated Management
Information System that brings projects from all wings of the Ministry under a common
platform, ensuring their effective and real time tracking. More than 2000 projects being
executed by multiple agencies are currently listed on the portal and it is possible to get any
information about their real time status, fund utilization etc. The portal also allows for
validation checks to prevent wrongful entries, making it difficult to fudge figures. It has also
been provided with GIS interface to enable easy geo-tracking of the projects. ePACE as a
platform is amenable to be used for monitoring projects pertaining to any ministry in the
country and can improve governance of such projects.
INFRACON is the National Portal for Infrastructure Consultancy Firms and Key Personnel. This
portal acts as a kind of bridge between consultancy firms working in the road engineering and
construction sector and domain experts and key personnel who are deployed both for project
preparation and supervision. The portal hosts the credentials of consultancy firms and key
personnel and has linkages to Aadhar and Digi-locker for data validation and purity.
INAM PRO has been developed as a web-based application for Infrastructure and Material
Providers. It is a kind of a web based market place that brings together the material providers
and the prospective buyers on a common platform. The platform was launched in March 2015
to facilitate contractors and cement buyers engaged in executing central/state funded roads
and highways and bridge construction projects to place cement orders online with the
registered cement companies offering cement at competitive rates in the vicinity of project
execution locations. Using INAM Pro, companies can track orders, add more products, add
cement offerings, view listed buyers, and submit their complaints or suggestions to Ministry.
With the help of INAM Pro, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will be able to track
and monitor the activities of buyers and suppliers, and remove impediments of both the
parties.
UDAAN
Extension of time period of the Scheme Special Industry Initiative for J&K Udaan
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for extension of time period
of the Scheme Special Industry Initiative for J&K (SII J&K) Udaan till 2019-20. Initially the time
period of Udaan was upto 2015-16.
Udaan
Udaan is a national integration scheme with the goal to mainstream J&K youth with rest of the
country. The scheme not only provides skill enhancement and job opportunity but also leads to
counter radicalization and weaning away youth of J&K from militancy.
Udaan provides exposure to the youth of J&K to the best of corporate India and corporate India
to the rich talent pool available in the State.
So far, 67 leading corporates have partnered with National Skill Development Corporation
(NSDC) under UDAAN with a commitment to train youth from the State covering Organized
Retail, Banking, Financial Services, IT, ITES, Infrastructure, Hospitality etc.
It is expected that the target of the Scheme, to train and enhance employability of 40,000
graduates, post graduates and three year engineering diploma holders, will be achieved by
2019-20.
World Bank to extend Rs 9,000 crore support to Swachh Bharat Mission

The government has approved 1.5 billion dollar (about Rs 9,000 crore) World Bank support for
the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) in rural areas.
The project basically provides for incentivising states on the basis of their performance in the
existing SBM-Gramin. Incentivisation of states was approved by the Cabinet while approving
the SBM-Gramin in September, 2014.
The current approval provides for the mechanism of such incentivisation through World Bank
credit.
The states will pass on a substantial portion of more than 95% of the Performance Incentive
Grant Funds received to the appropriate implementing levels of districts, Blocks, GPs etc.
The end-use of the incentive grants will be limited to activities pertaining to the sanitation
sector.
ABOUT SBM-GRAMIN
The Swachh Bharat Mission, launched in October 2014, consists of two sub-missions the
Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) (SBM-G), which will be implemented in rural areas, and the
Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), which will be implemented in urban areas.
SBM-G seeks to eliminate open defecation in rural areas by 2019 through improving access to
sanitation. It also seeks to generate awareness to motivate communities to adopt sustainable
sanitation practices, and encourage the use of appropriate technologies for sanitation.
SBM-Gramin mainly focuses on ensuring the use of toilets, besides their construction. The
States and their implementing agencies will be given incentives for meeting performance
standards: reducing open defecation, sustaining their open defecation-free status and
improving solid and liquid waste management in rural areas.
Innovative Entrepreneurship & Skill Development Programme Of Manas

Launched
Dr. Najma Heptulla, the Union Minister for Minority Affairs recently launched innovative
entrepreneurship and skill development programme of Maulana Azad National Academy for
Skills (MANAS) through leading national/ international experts in different skill sets.
With this the Centre plans to skill the minority community members with speed, scale and
standards across the country.
Details
Under this unique and first time initiative, MANAS has come up with an innovative scheme
under which it proposes to use leading celebrities in various skill sets as the driving force
behind the skill development projects, in their respective fields, for the benefit of marginalised
sections of minority communities.
There are a large number of leading experts in different trades/skill sets, who belong to
Minority Communities. They are icons for youths all over the country particularly for minority
communities, in their respective fields. MANAS plans to use them in making quality training
available at ones doorsteps.
Also, by this path-breaking initiative, Ministry of Minority Affairs (MOMA) can utilize vast
potential of existing network of Madrasa and Maktabs (both in terms of reach and numbers) by
opening Skill Development Centres in Madrasa with the consent of Madrasa.
Apart from bridging the trust deficit of the minority communities, MANAS will be able to
provide door-step access to quality skill development training to marginalised sections of
Minority communities particularly to women and girl child, for providing them gainful
employment/self-employment.
About MANAS
Maulana Azad National academy for Skills (MANAS) was established under the aegis of Ministry of
Minority Affairs (MOMA) by National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) in
November, 2014, in order to fulfil the vision of Skill India and also achieve the over-riding goal of the
Government of India SabkaSaath SabkaVikas. MANAS provides an institutional arrangement to
meet all Skill Development/Up-gradation needs of the Minority communities in the country.
Kisan Suvidha App
Kisaan Suvidha is a mobile app developed to help farmers by providing relevant information to
them quickly.
The app has a simple interface and provides information on five critical parametersweather,
input dealers, market price, plant protection and expert advisories.
An additional tab directly connects the farmer with the Kisan call centre where technical
graduates answer their queries.
The app was developed by the agriculture ministry.
To begin with, a farmer has to register the mobile number, choose a languageat present
limited to Hindi and Englishand enter details of the state, district and block or sub-district.
There are various special buttons in the App including weather button, market price button and
plant protection button.
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Programme

Aim
To link States and Districts in an annual programme that connects people though exchanges in
areas of language, trade, culture, travel and tourism.
To strengthen understanding of each other, it is proposed to create a closer engagement
between States and Districts in a structured manner.
Sagarmala Programme
About
More than 150 projects have been identified as part of the National Perspective Plan (NPP)
under the ambitious Sagarmala Programme
About Projects
Mobilize more than Rs. 4 lac crore of investment and enable creation of 1 crore new jobs,
including 40 lac direct jobs, in the next 10 years.
Projects will be showcased in the maiden Maritime India Summit 2016, for attracting potential
investors and their implementation will be taken up starting FY 16-17
Projects have been identified across the areas of-
Port Modernization & New Port Development,
Port Connectivity Enhancement,
Port-led Industrial Development and Coastal Community Development.
Aim
To promote port-led development in the country by harnessing Indias 7,500 km long coastline,
14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways and strategic location on key international
maritime trade routes.
National Perspective Plan has been developed under this programme for the comprehensive
development of Indias coastline and maritime sector.
Project Mausam Aims To Explore Multi-Faceted Indian Ocean World
Project Mausam is the initiative of Ministry of Culture which is to be implemented by the
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.
Project aims 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 extending from East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian
Subcontinent and Sri Lanka to the Southeast Asian archipelago.
It also aims to promote research on themes related to the study of Maritime Routes through
international scientific seminars
Project Mausam is not aimed to counter Chinas Silk Route strategy. Instead it focuses on
monsoon patterns, cultural context, maritime trade routes and coastal landscapes and
examines key processes and phenomena that link different countries along the Indian Ocean
littoral as well as those that connect the coastal centers to their hinterlands.
Project Mausam was launched in the 38th Session of World Heritage Committee meeting
which was held at Doha, Qatar in June, 2014.
Deen Dayal Upadhyay Shramev Jayate Karyakram

The scheme is sphear headed by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
The initiatives under the scheme include:
Dedication of Shram Suvidha Portal and Labour Inspection Scheme through the Shram
Suvidha Portal
Main features of this Portal include

Unique Labour Identification Number (LIN) is allotted to Units to facilitate online registration
Filing of self-certified and simplified Single Online Common Annual Return by the
establishments. Units will only file a single consolidated Return online instead of filing separate
Returns.
Transparent Labour Inspection Scheme through computerized system based on risk based
criteria and uploading the inspection reports within 72 hours by the Labour inspectors.
Portability of Provident Fund accounts through Universal Account Number (UAN) : Universal
Account Number (UAN) for Employees Provident Fund (EPF) members, facilitating complete
portability of Provident fund accounts on change of employment
Launch of Apprentices Protsahan Yojana: Scheme covers all categories of apprentices except
the Graduate, Technician and Technician (Vocational) apprentices which are covered by the
Scheme administered by Ministry of HRD.
Steps Taken to Improve Standard of Primary and Secondary Schools

Steps to improve primary education
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) to assist States in universalization of elementary education
Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) for universal access to secondary education.
The Central Government through SSA, supports States/UTs on early grade reading, writing &
comprehension, and early Mathematics programmes through a sub-programme namely Padhe
Bharat Badhe Bharat (PBBB) in classes I and II.
Rashtriya Aavishkar Abhiyan (RAA) programme as a sub-component of SSA and RMSA, to
motivate and engage children of the age group from 6-18 years in Science, Mathematics and
Technology
Interventions to improve teaching standards, including regular in-service teachers training
programmes, to improve teacher pupil ratio.
Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya National Mission on Teachers and to comprehensively address
all issues related to teachers.
Performance Indicators for Elementary Education (PINDICS) to track teacher performance and
attendance in Government schools
Shaala Siddhi has been developed by National University of Educational Planning and
Administration (NUEPA), to enable schools to evaluate their performance in a more focused
and strategic manner and to facilitate them to make professional judgments for improvement.
Restructuring of Curriculum in Higher Education

During the 12th Plan period, though the thrust is on consolidation of higher education, several
new Central Universities, Indian Institutes of Management, Indian Institutes of Technology,
National Institutes of Technology, Polytechnics and other Institutions of Higher learning have
been established
A new scheme Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) has been launched which aims to
assist States to open new institutions, consolidate old ones and take appropriate steps to
achieve the aims of equity, access and excellence.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) is providing General Development Assistance (GDA) to
Universities and Colleges declared fit to receive grants under section 12B of the UGC Act, 1956.
Since Education is a Concurrent subject, State Governments are also taking various initiatives
to increase access to higher education in the States.
Besides, Private Universities/Institutions are also catering to the educational aspirations of the
youth.
Several steps to include innovation and improvement in course- curricula, introduction of
paradigm shift in learning and teaching pedagogy, examination and education system.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has initiated several steps to include innovation and
improvement in course- curricula, introduction of paradigm shift in learning and teaching
pedagogy, examination and education system.
choice based credit system (CBCS), is adopted to allow the flexibility in education system, so
that students depending upon their interests and aims can choose interdisciplinary, intra-
disciplinary and skill-based courses
All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has constituted various Academic Boards for
Engineering/ Management/ Pharmacy/ Architecture programmes consisting of eminent
educationists for restructuring the curriculum for all AICTE approved institutions, as per the
need of industry/academia
The Government is in the process of framing a New Education Policy (NEP) for meeting the
changing dynamics of the populations requirement with regard to quality education,
innovation and research
Three themes under Higher Education are relevant to policy initiative

Integrating skill development in higher education on integrating skills within the higher
education
Linking higher education to society regarding re-establishing and strengthening of higher
educations close linkages with the society
New Knowledge relating to higher education institutions identifying the new domains of
knowledge in the global scenario.
NEHRU YUVA KENDRAS

Nehru Yuva Kendras undertake multifarious activities through a large network of Youth Clubs/
Mahila Mandals and Volunteers who work at the grassroots level. The programmes undertaken
by these Yuva Kendras are for youth club development, awareness and education, capacity
enhancement, promotion of spirit of sportsmanship, promoting folk art and culture, skill up-
gradation and programmes for promotion of national unity.
An evaluation study of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) was entrusted to an independent
evaluation agency which has recently submitted its report. The deficiencies identified and
recommendations given by the agency are summarized as under:
o Lack of manpower.
o Lack of funds to implement the programme in effective manner.
o Delay in disbursement of fund at district level.
o Lack of inter ministerial, center to state and district coordination.
o Need for improvement in record management.
o Committees formed at different levels to be active and informed.
o Monitoring of programme through external agencies and separate fund for monitoring
should be earmarked.
The recommendations as per the study have been accepted and are being implemented in a
phased manner for the betterment of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS).
Steps Being Taken For Combatting Infant Mortality

The steps being taken by the government to combat infant mortality and increase vaccine
coverage under the national Health mission are as under:
Promotion of Institutional deliveries through cash incentive under JananiSurakshaYojana (JSY)
and JananiShishuSurakshaKaryakaram (JSSK) which entitles all pregnant women delivering in
public health institutions to absolutely free and no expense ante-natal check-ups, delivery
including Caesarean section, post-natal care and treatment of sick infants till one year of age.
Strengthening of delivery points for providing comprehensive and quality Reproductive,
maternal, newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) Services. ensuring essential
newborn care at all delivery points, establishment of Special Newborn Care Units (SNCU),
Newborn Stabilization Units (NBSU) and Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) units for care of sick and
small babies.
Early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding for first six months and appropriate Infant and
Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices are promoted in convergence with Ministry of Women and
Child Development.
Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is being supported to provide vaccination to children
against many life threatening diseases such as Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Polio,
Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Measles. Pentavalent vaccine and Mission Indradhanush has been
launched to fully immunize more than 89 lakh children who are either unvaccinated or partially
vaccinated
Name based tracking of mothers and children till two years of age (Mother and Child Tracking
System) is done to ensure complete antenatal, intranatal, postnatal care and complete
immunization as per schedule.
RashtriyaBalSwasthyaKaryakram (RBSK) for health screening, early detection of birth defects,
diseases, deficiencies, development delays including disability and early intervention services
has been operationalized to provide comprehensive care to all the children in the age group of
0-18 years in the community.
Some other important interventions are Iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation for the
prevention of anaemia among the vulnerable age groups, annual deworming on National
Deworming Day (NDD), home visitation by ASHAs to promote exclusive breast feeding and
early detection and referral of sick newborns and promote use of ORS and Zinc for
management of diarrhoea in children.
To sharpen the focus on the low performing districts, 184 High Priority Districts (HPDs) have
been prioritized for Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child Health+ Adolescent (RMNCH+A)
interventions for achieving improved maternal and child health outcomes
Ganga Gram Yojana

Under the Namami Gange Programme, the government plans to develop the villages located
along the main stem of river Ganga which have historic, cultural, and religious and/or tourist
importance. Works related to Ganga Grams will encompass comprehensive rural sanitation,
development of water bodies and river ghats, construction/ modernization of crematoria etc.
The main objectives of developing Ganga Gram (Model Village) is:-Make the village open
defecation free Abate direct discharge of untreated liquid wastewater from such villages into
river Ganga Facilitate adequate infrastructure for crematoria Develop proper solid waste
disposal facilities in order to avoid any pollution to river Ganga Promote better sanitation
practices in the villages through IEC activities.
Based on the recommendations of the concerned local authorities, 206 villages having historic,
cultural, tourist and/or religious importance have been selected in the first phase.
Government of Jharkhand, in association with UNDP, has prepared a comprehensive plan for
78 villages in Sahebganj district, which is under active consideration of NMCG.
As per the approved cabinet note of Namami Gange, a provision of Rs.1750 Crores has been
kept for rural sanitation scheme contemplated for improving sanitation and civic amenities in
identified villages on the banks of River Ganga and to develop them as Ganga Grams.
Clean Ganga Fund

As part of Namami Gange programme, Government of India has set up Clean Ganga Fund for
encouraging contributions from Resident Indians, Non-Resident Indians, Persons of Indian
Origin, Institutions, and Corporates towards Ganga Rejuvenation. The total contribution
received as on 4th March 2016 in Clean Ganga Fund is Rs. 87.69 Crores.
The funds will be utilized for undertaking various activities under Namami Gange programme
under the new initiatives including hybrid Annuity based Public Private Partnership (PPP)
projects.
World Bank Aid For Cleaning Of Ganga River

The World Bank has provided financial assistance/loan for $ 1 Billion for abatement of pollution
of river Ganga against the National Ganga River Basin (NGRB) project approved by the Cabinet
Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) at an estimated cost of Rs. 7000 crores under the
National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) for implementation in the States viz.,
Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
The principal objective of the project is to fund creation of pollution abatement infrastructure
for conservation and restoration of water quality of the river, institutional development
component for setting dedicated implementation entities at Centre and States, setting up a
Ganga Knowledge Centre, comprehensive water quality monitoring system and capacity
building of Central Pollution Control Board, State Pollution Control Boards and Urban Local
Bodies.
CYBER GRAM AND HAMARI DHAROHAR

Cyber Gram has been launched as an initiative under Multi-sectoral Development
Programme(MsDP) to provide hands on training in computers to the students of minority
communities and enable them to acquire basic Information and Communication Technology
(ICT) skills; become digitally literate; actively participate in knowledge based activities; access
financial, social and government services and use internet for communications.
The initiative covers students of Class VI to Class X belonging to notified minority communities
residing in minority concentration areas.
The Scheme Hamari Dharohar was launched during the year 2014-15. The scheme aims to
preserve rich culture and heritage of minorities through selective intervention under the
overall concept of Indian culture.
PROMOTING BIO-FERTILIZERS
Government is promoting bio-fertilizers through various schemes of
National Mission of Sustainable Development (NMSA)/Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana,
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP)
Indian Council of Agricultural Sciences (ICAR).
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana- (PKVY) one of the sub scheme of NMSA- Adoption of organic
farming through cluster approach under Participatory Guarantee system (PGS) certification.
Under PKVY scheme- Fifty or more farmers will form a cluster and their 50 acres of land will be
brought under Organic Farming.
Promotion of MSME
Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum (UAM) : a simple one-page registration Form. This is an
important step to promote ease of doing business for MSMEs in India as the UAM replaces the
filing of Entrepreneurs Memorandum with the respective States/UTs.
Framework for revival and rehabilitation of MSMEs: Provides a mechanism for revival and
rehabilitation with a definite voice to the Entrepreneurs and is expected to balance the interest
of debtors and creditors.
A Scheme for Promoting Innovation, Rural Industry and Entrepreneurship (ASPIRE): To promote
Innovation & Rural Entrepreneurship through rural Livelihood Business Incubator (LBI),
Technology Business Incubator (TBI) and Fund of Funds for start-up creation in the agro-based
industry.
National Small Industries Commission (NSIC) under the Ministry of MSME is implementing the
Raw Material Assistance Scheme which aims at helping MSEs by way of financing the purchase
of Raw Material (both indigenous & imported).
Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs): To facilitate easy flow
of credit to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is a credit linked subsidy
scheme, for setting up of new micro-enterprises and to generate employment opportunities in
rural as well as urban areas of the country through KVIC, State Khadi & Village Industries Board
(KVIB) and District Industries Centre (DIC)
Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI): Making Traditional
Industries more productive and competitive by organizing the Traditional Industries and
artisans into clusters.
MSME is also implementing various schemes and programmes for promotion and development
of MSME sector.
The major schemes/programmes include

Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP).
Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI)
Credit Guarantee Scheme.
Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (CLCSS).
National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme.
Micro & Small Enterprises Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP).
Marketing Development Assistance.
Skill Development Programmes.
International Cooperation Scheme, etc.
Gram Vikas Yojana

Implemented by Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
It is programme for integrated development of forest villages with a view to raise the Human
Development Index (HDI) of the inhabitants of the forest villages and for providing basic
facilities and services.
The programme was implemented as a part of the Special Area Programme Special Central
Assistance to Tribal Sub-Plan.
It includes infrastructure works relating to basic services and facilities like health, education,
roads, drinking water, sanitation, irrigation, rain water harvesting.
Policy to adopt World Heritage Sites

UNESCO, with the help of 21 member World Heritage Committee and advisory bodies such as
International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN), within the framework of its Operational Guidelines, decides
about the cultural and natural sites to be included on the World Heritage list. Such cultural and
natural sites must display the necessary Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), fulfil one or more
out of 10 prescribed criteria (as given below), maintain the condition of authenticity and
integrity and should be in a good state of conservation.
32 sites from India declared as World Heritage properties
(Under Protection of Archaeological Survey of India)

S.No Name of Site State
1 Ajanta Caves (1983) Maharashtra
2 Ellora Caves (1983) Maharashtra
3 Agra Fort (1983) Uttar Pradesh
4 Taj Mahal (1983) Uttar Pradesh
5 Sun Temple, Konarak (1984) Odisha
6 Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984) Tamil Nadu
7 Churches and Convents of Goa (1986) Goa
8 Group of Temples, Khajuraho (1986) Madhya Pradesh
9 Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986) Karnataka
10 Group of Monuments, FatehpurSikri (1986) Uttar Pradesh
11 Group of Temples, Pattadakal (1987) Karnataka
12 Elephanta Caves ( 1987) Maharashtra
13 Great Living Chola temples at Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram and Tamil Nadu
Darasuram (1987 & 2004)
14 Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989) Madhya Pradesh
15 Humayuns Tomb, Delhi (1993) Delhi
16 Qutb Minar Complex, Delhi (1993) Delhi
17 Prehistoric Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003) Madhya Pradesh
18 Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Park (2004) Gujarat
19 Red Fort Complex, Delhi (2007) Delhi
20 Hill Forts of Rajasthan : (Chittaurgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Jaisalmer and Rajasthan
Ranthambhore, Amber and Gagron Forts) (2013) -- (Amber and Gagron
Forts are under protection of Rajasthan State Archaeology and
Museums)
21 Rani ki Vav (2014) : Under Protection of Ministry of Railways Gujarat
22 Mountain Railway of India ( Darjeeling,1999), Nilgiri (2005), Kalka- West Bengal, Tamil Nadu,
Shimla(2008) Himachal Pradesh
23 Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004) Maharashtra
Under Protection of Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee
24 Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya (2002): Under Protection of Rajasthan Bihar
State Archaeology and Museums Department
25 Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010) Rajasthan
NATURAL SITES : Under Protection of Ministry of Environment &
Forest
26 Kaziranga National Park (1985) Assam
27 Manas Wild Life Sanctuary (1985) Assam
28 Keoladeo National Park (1985) Rajasthan
29 Sunderban National Park (1987) West Bengal
30 Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988, 2005) Uttarakhand
31 Western Ghats (2012) Karnataka, Kerala,
Maharashtra,Tamil Nadu
32 Great Himalayan National Park (2014) Himachal Pradesh
BED AND BREAKFAST SCHEME
Main objective of the scheme is to provide a clean and affordable place for foreigners and
domestic tourists alike including an opportunity for foreign tourists to stay with an Indian
family to experience Indian customs and traditions and relish authentic Indian cuisine.
The schemes salient features

The classification for Approval and Registration of Incredible India Bed and Breakfast/Homestay
Establishments will be given only in those cases where the owner/promoter of the
establishment along with his/her family is physically residing in the same establishment and
letting out minimum one room and maximum six rooms (12 beds).
The scheme will be on bed and breakfast basis and charges will have to be levied accordingly.
Classification will be valid for two years from the date of issue of orders.
The quality of facilities and services of the Bed and Breakfast/Homestay Establishment will be
inspected and evaluated by the Regional Classification Committee.
Two categories of classification namely, Silver and Gold are given under the scheme.
ATAL PENSION YOJANA (APY) AMENDED

About
Government has decided to give an option to the spouse of the subscriber to continue
contributing to APY account of the subscriber, for the remaining vesting period, till the original
subscriber would have attained the age of 60 years.
Present provision
Handing-over lump-sum amount to spouse on the premature death (death before 60 years of
age) of the subscriber.
Changes made
Spouse of the subscriber shall be entitled to receive the same pension amount as that of the
subscriber until the death of the spouse.
After the death of both the subscriber and the spouse, the nominee of the subscriber shall be
entitled to receive the pension wealth, as accumulated till age of 60 years of the subscriber.
APY
To address the longevity risks among the workers in unorganised sector and to encourage the
workers in unorganised sector to voluntarily save for their retirement, the Government had
launched a new initiative called Atal Pension Yojana (APY) with effect from 1st June, 2015.
Each subscriber, on completion of 60 years of age, will get the guaranteed minimum monthly
pension, or higher monthly pension, if the investment returns are higher than the assumed
returns for minimum guaranteed pension, over the period of contribution.
After the subscribers death, the spouse of the subscriber shall be entitled to receive the same
pension amount as that of the subscriber until the death of the spouse.
After the death of both the subscriber and the spouse, the nominee of the subscriber shall be
entitled to receive the pension wealth, as accumulated till age of 60 years of the subscriber.
In exceptional circumstances, that is, in the event of the death of beneficiary or specified
illness, as mentioned in the PFRDA (Exit and withdrawals under the National Pension System)
Regulations, 2015, before the age of 60 years, the accumulated pension wealth till date would
be given to the nominee or the subscriber as the case may be.
International Relations & Security
India-Pakistan : Sir Creek Dispute
Sir Creek
Sir Creek is a 96 km tidal estuary on the border of India and Pakistan. The creek, which opens
up into the Arabian Sea, divides the Gujarat state of India from the Sindh province of Pakistan.
Sir creek dispute time line

The Sir Creek dispute between India and Pakistan, which got its name from the British
representative who negotiated the original dispute over firewood between the local rulers.
1908: Dispute arises between the Rao (ruler) of Kutch and the Sindh government over the
collection of firewood from the creek area.
1914: The government of Bombay Province took up the resolution and gave award
Paragraph 9 of the 1914 resolution indicates that the boundary in Sir Creek is the green band
on the eastern bank of the Creek.
However, paragraph 10 of the same resolution talks about the centre of the navigable channel
being the boundary, incidentally as per the internationally accepted 'Rule of Thalweg'.
1925: The land boundary in the horizontal sector was demarcated by Sindh and Kutch in 1924-
25 through a placement of 67 pillars.
1968: India-Pakistan tribunal on Kutch border gives its award which upholds 90% of Indias
claim but it does not cover Sir Creek. The tribunal award relates to the area to the east of sir
creek.
Pakistans Position
Pakistan claims the entire Sir Creek, with its eastern bank defined by a "green line'' and
represented on a 1914 map belongs to it.
Accepting Pakistan's premise on the "green line" would mean loss of about 250 square miles of
EEZ for India.
Indias Position
India says that the green line is an indicative line and felt the boundary should be defined by
the "mid-channel'' of the Creek as shown on a map dated 1925.
India supports its stance by citing the Thalweg doctrine in international law. The law states that
river boundaries between two states may be, if the two states agree, divided by the mid-
channel.
Though Pakistan does not dispute the 1925 map, it maintains that the doctrine is not applicable
in this case as it most commonly applies to non-tidal rivers, and Sir Creek is a tidal estuary.
Significance of Sir creek

Sir Creek itself has little value. It is a marshy wasteland. But where the boundary line runs
through it will determine how much Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) one country will lose or
gain.
Much of the region is rich in oil and gas below the sea bed, and control over the creek would
have a huge bearing on the energy potential of each nation.
Challenges due to non- resolution of Sir Creek
Fisherman misery
The Sir Creek area is a great fishing destination for hundreds of fishermen from both India and
Pakistan.
Due to lack of proper maritime boundary, many of their boats stray across the perceived
boundaries, and they end up being arrested by the other side.
The demarcation would also prevent the inadvertent crossing over of fishermen of both
nations into each other's territories.
Drug syndicate / Smuggling

Over the year this region has become main route to smuggle drugs, arms and petroleum
product to India.
The blurred maritime boundary is being exploited by drug syndicate.
Terror design
Terrorists are using disputed area to cross over Indian side.
In 26/11 terror attack, terrorists captured an Indian fishing vessel, Kuber, off Sir Creek, and
used it to attack Mumbai.
Maritime boundary
The resolution of sir creek help in the determination of the maritime boundaries which are
drawn as an extension of onshore reference points.
Maritime boundaries also help in determining the limits of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and
continental shelves.
Way forward for resolution

Designating the non-delineated area Sir Creek and its approaches as a zone of
disengagement or a jointly administered maritime park.
Given the creek's ecological sensitivity, both countries could designate the area a maritime
sensitive zone
Handling Over Of Ajadiv Island To The Defence Ministry

About
Island called Anjadiv Island off the coast of Goa was given by the State Government of Goa to the
Ministry of Defence
About Island
Island was given by the State Government to the Ministry of Defence in the year 1989 with the
terms and condition that the Navy should allow on the island the celebration of customary
feast of St Francis de Assis & Nossa Senhore de Brotas subject to security considerations.
Anjadiv Island has been declared as a prohibited place by the State Government of Goa
December 1989 under Official Secrets Act, 1923.
After completion of North Break Water linking Binaga Point with Anjadiv Island & setting up of
sensitive facilities in the vicinity thereof, the permission to hold feasts was withdrawn due to
security considerations.
Project Sea Bird at Karwar is strategically located project of sensitive nature, wherein access of
people cannot be allowed freely irrespective of any caste or religion, as apart from creating
local law and order problem, it involves serious security implications.
India And Seychelles

Exercise Lamitye- 2016
The Seventh Joint Military Training Exercise between the Indian Army and the Seychelles
Peoples Defence Forces (SPDF) - LAMITYE 2016 was conducted at Seychelles Defence Academy
(SDA), Victoria.
Since 2001 India and Seychelles have been conducting joint military drill Exercise Lamitye.
Lamitye which means friendship in Creole (local dialect).
The exercise is conducted biennially with the aim of enhancing military cooperation and
interoperability between the two countries.
Navys aircraft on mission in Seychelles

Indian navy has for the first time deployed maritime reconnaissance aircraft to Seychelles for
surveillance of the island nations Exclusive Economic Zone.
The aircraft deployment, which followed earlier surveillance missions of the Seychellois EEZ by
naval ships, reflects Indias increased maritime engagement in the region.
India has been reaching out to the smaller Indian Ocean island nations through various
Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) exercises.
Domain Awareness (MDA) exercises includes:

Search and Rescue (SAR) support.
Oil pollution response exercises.
Assistance in legal matters.
Indian navy has supported countries in Indian Ocean region (IOR) such as Sri Lanka, Mauritius,
Maldives and Seychelles with training, hydrographic surveys, surveillance operations and
counter-terror patrols.
India and China are locked in efforts to widen their respective spheres of influence in the
strategically vital Indian Ocean.
Asean Plus Multinational Field Training Exercise Ex Force 18 Commences

About
Multinational Field Training Exercise (FTX) Exercise FORCE 18, involving ASEAN Plus countries
commenced at Pune
Largest Ground Forces Exercise ever conducted on Indian soil and would be conducted from 02
to 08 March 2016
Themes- Humanitarian Mine Action and Peacekeeping Operations
First phase
Over 28 foreign trainers were trained by the Indian Army from 24 Feb to 01 Mar 2016
Trainers will form the training backbone for the conduct of Exercise FORCE 18.
Importance of ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) Plus forum
To meet the regional aspirations of Peace+ Security + Addressing issues related to mitigating
the effects of Mine Menace in many of the South East nations
Exercise FORCE 18, would build common understanding and achieve interoperability amongst
the 18 ASEAN Plus countries.
INDIA AND JAPAN

India and Japan are in talks to collaborate on upgrading civilian infrastructure in the Andaman
and Nicobar Islands.
The first project being discussed is a modest one a 15-megawatt diesel power plant on South
Andaman Island.
To counter chinas growing influence, India is building strategic relations with Japan, Australia
and the United States, as well as regional powers like Vietnam.
U.N. Security Council Approves Tough Sanctions On North Korea

The United Nations Security Council has imposed a broad array of sanctions against North
Korea because of that nations recent nuclear test and missile launch both of which defied
current international sanctions.
The resolution aims to cripple parts of the North Korean economy that fuel its nuclear and
ballistic missile programs.
Sanctions imposed
Require all North Korean planes and ships carrying cargo to be inspected. Previously, nations
only inspected planes and ships when they had reasonable grounds, which enabled North
Korea to hide tools and parts for missiles and the nuclear program in inconspicuous packages.
Ban Pyongyang (Capital of North Korea) from exporting most of the countrys natural
resources. Coal alone accounted for about $1 billion in annual income.
Ask U.N. member states to ban North Korea from opening banks, and to close any banks
believed to be associated with North Koreas nuclear and missile programs.
Direct member states to expel North Korean diplomats and foreign nationals engaged in illicit
activities.
Prohibit nations from providing training to North Korean nationals in fields that could advance
the nations missile and nuclear programs, such as aerospace engineering and advanced
computer simulation.
Ban member states from allowing North Korea to charter foreign vessels or aircraft, and ban all
nations from operating any vessels that use North Korean flags.
Prohibit the supply of aviation fuel including rocket fuel and the sale of small arms to
North Korea.
India-Bangladesh
Teesta River dispute
Teesta originates in Sikkim, flows through West Bengal in India before entering Bangladesh. It
merges with the
Brahmaputra River (or Jamuna when it enters Bangladesh). The river is important for both
Bangladesh and India for its agricultural use.
Teesta river agreement timeline
In 1983, India and Bangladesh had agreed into an ad hoc sharing of the water during the dry
season (October to April) with an allocation of 36 per cent for Bangladesh and 39 per cent for
India, leaving 25 per cent to be decided later. But this deal has remained pending for more than
2 decades.
As per an agreement of 2011 the two sides had agreed to share the rivers water 50:50, the
same as the 1996 Ganges water-sharing pact between the neighbours. This agreement was not
signed due to opposition from chief minister of West Bengal.
Recently Bangladesh has requested India to finalize the Teesta agreement as early as possible.
India and Bangladesh had finalized contentious land boundary agreement last year so there is a
chance that the river agreement will be finalized in near future.
Power agreement and internet service

Prime Ministers of India and Bangladesh commissioned international gateway of internet
service in Agartala and supply of 100MW power to Bangladesh from Tripura.
India will supply 100 megawatt (MW) of electricity in return for 10 Gigabits per second Internet
bandwidth.
100MW power will be supplied from Suryamaninagar grid to the grid in Commilla of southeast
Bangladesh.
India is already supplying 500 MW of power to Bangladesh through the Bahrampur-Bheramara
interconnection.
Agartala has become third station connected to submarine cable for internet bandwidth after
Chennai and Mumbai.
Internet gateway would immensely help out north-eastern region comprising eight states.
North eastern region will get benefit of 10GBPS internet bandwidth from Bangladeshs
submarine cable station at Cox Bazar.
Sundarban Moitry (Sundarbans Alliance)

Sundarban Moitry is a joint exercise between Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard
Bangladesh (BGB).
It was first exercise held between BSF and BGB in the Sundarbans border area.
The exercise was held with the aim of finding better border managerial mechanisms for the
two countries.
Joint exercise would help the forces to understand each other and maintain a healthy relation
at the border.
Joint exercise would contribute to the prevention of cross-border crimes and expand border
security activities more effectively.
Raisina Dialogue
India kicks off Raisina Dialogue
India is hosting a first of its kind conference on Geo politics in the capital, called the Raisina
Dialogue which will have invitees from various other countries also.
This international conclave on geopolitics and geo-economics will be hosted in Delhi.
About the Conference
Envisioned as Indias flagship conference of geopolitics and geoeconomics, the Raisina Dialogue
2016 is designed to explore prospects and opportunities for Asian integration as well as Asias
integration with the larger world.
It is predicated on Indias vital role in the Indian Ocean Region and how India along with its
partners can build a stable regional and world order.
The 2016 conclave will focus on Asias physical, economic, digital connectivity and fostering
common global spaces with an emphasis on Asia.
The two-day annual conference is a multistakeholder, cross-sectoral meeting involving policy
and decision-makers, including but not limited to Foreign, Defence and Finance Ministers of
different countries, high-level government officials and policy practitioners, leading
personalities from business and industry, and members of the strategic community, media and
academia.
BIMSTEC
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing and ratification of the Bay of Bengal
Initiative on Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Convention on
Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has been designated as the Central Authority under Article 15 of
the Convention.
The establishment of regional arrangements for mutual assistance in criminal matters will
greatly contribute to more effective cooperation in the control of criminal activities.
The Convention aims to extend widest measures of assistance to each other through mutual
cooperation for enhancing capability and effectiveness of the Member States in investigation
and prosecution of crimes, including crimes related to terrorism, transnational organized crime,
drug trafficking, money laundering and cyber-crimes.
The BIMSTEC comprises of seven countries viz., Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal,
Sri Lanka and Thailand.
NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY (NPT).

Ahead of the Nuclear Security Summit, the government recently reminded the world that India
does not have any legal obligation to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Government
believes that given the countrys consistent and principled position on the NPT, to which India
is not a party, its provisions cannot be extended to India as a legal obligation.
Background
This was in response to a question on the case that Marshall Islands from the Pacific Ocean
region has lodged at the International Court of Justice against all the major nuclear states,
including India, for possessing nuclear weapons and for not supporting a global test ban pact.
The case from the Marshall Islands has been on the agenda of the ICJ since the tiny archipelago
in the Pacific Ocean lodged the case in 2014 seeking greater international attention to the issue
of comprehensive test ban treaty.
Ever since, Marshall Islands campaign has acquired stronger support, especially since it
suffered due to the nuclear tests conducted in its territory by the U.S.
Way ahead
India has sent a legal team to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, where
Marshall Islands has at present instituted proceedings against India, contending breach of
customary law obligations following from the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
India had already made a written presentation to the ICJ reiterating that Marshall Islands
argument regarding the obligations flowing from Article VI of the NPT is not valid before India
which is not a signatory to the NPT.
What the NPT says?

Article VI of the NPT demands that each member state of the NPT undertake negotiations in
good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date
and to nuclear disarmament, and on a treaty on general and complete disarmament under
strict and effective international control.
About NPT:
What is it?
It is an international treaty whose objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and
weapons technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to
further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament.
When it entered into force?

The Treaty entered into force in 1970.
Signatories
A total of 190 states have joined the Treaty.
Who has not joined?

Four UN member states have never joined the NPT: India, Israel, Pakistan and South Sudan.
North Korea, which acceded to the NPT in 1985 but never came into compliance, announced its
withdrawal in 2003.
Recognized nuclear-weapon states

The treaty recognizes five states as nuclear-weapon states: the United States, Russia, the
United Kingdom, France, and China.
Other details
The NPT non-nuclear-weapon states agree never to acquire nuclear weapons and the NPT
nuclear-weapon states in exchange agree to share the benefits of peaceful nuclear technology
and to pursue nuclear disarmament aimed at the ultimate elimination of their nuclear arsenals.
The treaty is reviewed every five years in meetings called Review Conferences of the Parties to
the Treaty of Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Even though the treaty was originally
conceived with a limited duration of 25 years, the signing parties decided, by consensus, to
extend the treaty indefinitely and without conditions.
Several additional measures have been adopted to strengthen the NPT and the broader nuclear
non-proliferation regime and make it difficult for states to acquire the capability to produce
nuclear weapons, including the export controls of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the
enhanced verification measures of the IAEA Additional Protocol.
The NPT is interpreted as a three-pillar system, with an implicit balance among them: the three
pillars are:
o Non-proliferation.
o Disarmament
o The right to peacefully use nuclear technology.
Ashgabat Agreement
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for India to accede to the Ashgabat Agreement, an
international transport and transit corridor facilitating transportation of goods between Central
Asia and the Persian Gulf.
Accession to the Agreement would enable India to utilize this existing transport and transit
corridor to facilitate trade and commercial interaction with the Eurasian region.
Further, this would synchronize with our efforts to implement the International North South
Transport Corridor (INSTC) for enhanced connectivity.
This move will further strengthen trade ties between India and the Eurasian region.
About Ashgabat Agreement

An agreement between five countries on establishing a new international transport and transit
corridor (Uzbekistan Turkmenistan Iran Oman Qatar) was signed on 25 April, 2011 in
Ashgabat.
Qatar had withdrawn from the agreement in 2013.
Ashgabat Agreement forms the basis for developing the shortest trade route/corridor
between the Central Asian countries and Iranian and Omani ports.
Oman, Iran, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are the founding members of the Ashgabat
Agreement, while Kazakhstan joined it subsequently
Nepal, China Sign First-Ever Transit Treaty

Nepal and China have signed 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoU), including the transit
and transportation treaty during Prime Minister KP Sharma Olis ongoing visit to the country.
New Rail and Port link

New Rail link: China has agreed to Nepal Prime Minister K P Olis request to build a strategic
railway link between the two countries through Tibet to reduce land-locked Nepals total
dependence on India.
Port: With the latest agreement, Nepal will be able to use the Chinese sea port for third-
country trade through the nearest Tianjin port that is 3,000 km from Nepal border. This will end
the Himalayan nations total dependency on an Indian sea port for third-country trade links.
Indias Calcutta port is 1,000 km from from Nepal.
Background
Olis high-profile visit comes as Nepal seeks to open more supply routes from China amid fears
of a repeat of recent nearly six-month long crippling blockade when the Indian-origin Madhesis
blocked Nepals trade-routes with India, throwing normal life out of gear.
India at present has two rail lines under construction and three more are being planned to
increase Nepals trade ties. India and Nepal have 25 crossing points, two integrated
checkpoints and 2 more checkpoints were under construction.
MEXICO OPPOSES INDIAS UNSC BID
Indias quest for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) now
faces a new challenge with Mexico coming out in opposition to Indias campaign.
Why Mexico is opposing?

Mexico thinks adding more permanent members in the Security Council is not the solution to
the existing problem. More veto power-wielding permanent members will mean more paralysis
of the U.N. Instead, it has argued for a compromise with India and India can opt for long-term
membership with possibilities of election.
What does the UNSC currently look like?

As of now, there are 15 members on the UNSC. Five of those, including the US, UK, France,
China and Russia are permanent members. These members have the all-important veto power
(essentially a negative vote) which would mean that a resolution or decision would not be
approved.
The remaining 10 non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly for two-year
terms, starting 1 January. Five members are replaced each year. India has been elected as a
non-permanent member to the UNSC for seven such terms.
India and the UNSC

India, since long time, has been demanding expansion of UNSC and its inclusion as permanent
member in it.
The U.S. is supporting Indias claim for a permanent UNSC seat, but it has been calling for
consensus before reforms can move ahead. Pakistan is opposed to India, while China has been
ambiguous in its approach though not openly opposed to reforms.
Russia, France and UK have clarified that they are open to supporting Indias bid for a
permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Why India should be given a permanent seat in the council?

India was among the founding members of United Nations.
It is the second largest and a one of the largest constant contributor of troops to United
Nations Peacekeeping missions.
India has over 8,500 peacekeepers in the field, more than twice as many as the UNs five big
powers combined.
It has been a member of UNSC for 7 terms and a member of G-77 and G-4, so permanent
membership is a logical extension.
Four-Nation Counter-Terror Mechanism

A top General of Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) has proposed formation of a regional
counter-terrorism mechanism to safeguard the One Belt One Road (OBOR) connectivity
initiative in Eurasia.
The proposed counter-terrorism mechanism will include China, Afghanistan, Pakistan and
Tajikistan as members.
Why counter terror mechanism?

The rise of the Khorasan Province (ISIL-K) a branch of the Islamic State in Afghanistan is
threat to OBOR in Afghanistan.
China is threatened by terror strikes from the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM),
especially in its Xinjiang province. ETIM have link with terror groups operating in Pakistan and
Afghanistan.
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (Sco)

Nepal became a Dialogue Partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
About SCO
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a permanent intergovernmental organisation
founded on June 15,2001.
Member States Acceding States Observer States Dialogue Partners

Kazakhstan India Afghanistan Armenia
China Pakistan Belarus Azerbaijan
Kyrgyzstan Iran Cambodia
Russia Mangolia Sri Lanka
Tajikistan Turkey
Uzbekistan Nepal
THE WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT, 2016

The World Happiness Report 2016, published by the Sustainable Development Solutions
Network (SDSN), a global initiative of the United Nations.
The report takes following parameters into account as indicators of happiness

GDP per capita
Life expectancy
Social support
Freedom to make life choices.
India was ranked 118 out of 156 in the list.

Denmark took the top spot as the happiest country in the world.
GLOBAL ENERGY ARCHITECTURE PERFORMANCE INDEX REPORT

The Global Energy Architecture Performance Index Report, explored the energy architecture of
126 countries based on their ability to provide energy access across three dimensions of the
energy triangle affordability, environmental sustainability, security and access.
The Energy Architecture Performance Index (EAPI), developed by the World Economic Forum in
collaboration with Accenture.
The list was topped by Switzerland followed by Norway and Sweden in the second and third
place, respectively.
Among the BRIC nations, Brazil was the top performer as it was ranked at the 25th place,
followed by Russia (52nd), India (90th), and China (94).
Report about India
India has been ranked at the 90th place in a list of 126 countries.
The proportion of the population covered having grown over the past six years by 4 percentage
points to 79 per cent.
The report noted that India is facing a vast array of challenges in the power sector in order to
meet its growth targets.
SAARC
Sharp drop in aid to SAARC nations
The budget tabled in parliament has slashed Indias development assistance to all SAARC
neighbours. Maldives, Bangladesh and Nepal are worst hit by cuts.
The slashing of the assistance to SAARC countries is in line with the cut in Budget to the
Ministry of External Affairs this year that has fallen by about Rs. 500 crore, if one counts the
allocation for the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) that was merged with the MEA
this year.
Allocation to Nepal has seen a drop of 28.6%. Sri Lanka and the Maldives have seen cuts of 54%
and 78.1% compared with the previous year. And even the countries with the lowest GDP,
Afghanistan and Bhutan, saw cuts this year of 23% and 10.8% respectively.
The one exception to the Budget proposals is Myanmar (not a SAARC nation), and saw a major
48% increase in development aid, due to the governments focus on the Kaladan multi-mode
transport corridor project, as well as the Trilateral Highway project.
This cut is also likely to affect Bhutan, where hydel projects such as Punatsangchhu I and II or
the massive 720 MW Mangdechu are at the preliminary stages of progress.
However, according to SAARC officials, the Salma hydel power project in Afghanistan which was
nearing completion, might be the least affected.
SAARC- Key facts

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an economic and geopolitical
organisation of eight countries that are primarily located in South Asia or the Indian
subcontinent.
The SAARC Secretariat is based in Kathmandu, Nepal.
The combined economy of SAARC is the third largest in the world in the terms of GDP (PPP)
after the United States and China and fifth largest in the terms of nominal GDP.
SAARC nations comprise 3% of the worlds area and contain 21% (around 1.7 billion) of the
worlds total population and around 9.12% of the global economy as of 2015.
India makes up over 70% of the area and population among these eight nations.
The SAARC policies aim to promote welfare economics, collective self-reliance among the
countries of South Asia, and to accelerate socio-cultural development in the region.
The SAARC has also developed external relations by establishing permanent diplomatic
relations with the EU, the UN (as an observer), and other multilateral entities.
The member states are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and
Sri Lanka.
States with observer status include Australia, China, the European Union, Iran, Japan,
Mauritius, Myanmar, South Korea and the United States.
Democratic Transition In Myanmar
Myanmar has sworn in Htin Kyaw as the countrys first civilian President in more than 50 years.
Mr. Htin Kyaws government would be its most democratic administration since 1962 when the
military seized power.
Ms. Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD) won 77 per cent of the elected seats in
Parliament. She cannot lead the government because of a constitutional provision that bars her
since her sons are British and not Myanmar citizens.
Challenges for new government
Economic development
Myanmar is one of the poorest nations in Asia. In the years of isolation under the junta,
economic growth stagnated, trapping millions in acute poverty.
From military
One-quarter of seats in both Houses of Parliament are reserved for the military. This prevents
any constitutional amendments without the militarys approval.
The military also has direct control of three key Ministries: defence, home affairs and border
affairs.
Ethnic conflict
Myanmar has been the site of serious conflicts between Buddhist and Muslim communities,
particularly in Rakhine State.
Nepal And China

Nepali Prime Minister K P Sharma Olis paid first official visit to China. The visit yielded ten
agreements, including a landmark deal on transit trade as well as on connectivity and
infrastructure, energy exploration and storage, banking, scholarships and training.
List of important agreements/MOUs

The agreement on transit through China where China has agreed to provide the Tianjin seaport
for transit of Nepali goods imported from third countries.
The proposal on connectivity of Nepal with the Tibet rail network.
Agreement on the Construction, Management and Maintenance of the Xiarwa Boundary River
Bridge, (Hilsa) Humla
Agreement on Economic and Technical to implement Pokhara Regional International Airport
Project.
China has agreed to upgrade two road links between Nepal and Tibet, agreed to extend the
Chinese railway to Kathmandu and then to Lumbini.
China has given its nod to a long-term commercial oil deal and builds an oil storage facilities for
Nepal.
Analysis
Some of these agreements are projected as historic and unprecedented, particularly those
related to transit through China and rail and road connectivity between Nepal and China.
Transit agreement
Transit agreement aimed at reducing Nepals overwhelming economic dependence on India.
At present 98 per cent of Nepals third country trade goes through India and to the port of
Kolkata.
The viability of agreement is debated as Tianjin is located at a distance of 3,000 km from Nepal,
as against 1,000 km from the Haldia port in India being currently used by Nepal.
Nepals infrastructure in its northern region to connect with the proposed Tianjin transit facility
is still not in place, and will take effort and investment to be operational.
Rail connectivity
The proposal on connectivity of Nepal with the Tibet rail network will also take time.
The Lhasa rail line has been brought up to Xigatse. Only by 2020, as per the current Chinese
plans, will this line be brought nearer the Nepal border within Tibet.
In building Nepal -Tibet rail link, the track will have to scale mountains as high as 6,000 m,
either through tunnels or winding channels, involving heavy costs, time and effort.
Besides the constraints of costs and terrain, rail connectivity between Tibet and Nepal is also a
political issue for the Chinese authorities. They have to decide on the extent to which Tibet can
be opened up to the outside world through land connection.
Impact on India Nepal relations
Indias relation with Nepal has deteriorated after Nepal promulgated the constitution. For
almost six months there was blockade on India-Nepal border. Continuous blockade has
generated anti-India feeling in Nepal.
The feeling is being exploited by the present government.
Through these agreements Nepal is trying to send a strong message to India that Nepal has a
viable option in mobilizing support from China to counter any pressure generated from India.
Agreement may have long term impact on Indias relation with Nepal. Nepal is seen as a buffer
state between India and china.
Nepal tilt towards china may have serious strategic implication for India.
There is a set pattern of the Kathmandu regime flashing the China card whenever it runs into
difficulties with its own people and India lends support to the Nepali peoples cause.
India has yet to evolve a credible response to this Chinese push towards South Asia. China will
readily and deftly exploit Indias flip-flops towards its neighbours in this push. India, therefore,
has to deal with its immediate neighbours with prudence and sensitivity and ensure that they
are not alienated.
Parliamentary Election In Iran

Parliamentary election was held in Iran on 26 February 2016 to elect members of the Islamic
Consultative Assembly. The election was held as part of a general election which also elected
members of the Assembly of Experts.
The Islamic Consultative Assembly, also called the Iranian Parliament, the Iranian Majlis or the
People's House, is the national legislative body of Iran. The Parliament currently has 290
representatives.
The Assembly of Experts (also Assembly of Experts of the Leadership) of Iran is a deliberative
body of eighty eight (88) Mujtahids (Islamic theologians) that is charged with electing and
removing the Supreme Leader of Iran and supervising his activities.
Results of elections
In the 290-seat Parliament, the reformist allies of President Hassan Rouhani won at least 85
seats, while the moderate conservatives secured 73 seats. Together they will control the
House.
The hardliners, who were persistently opposed to Mr. Rouhanis reform agenda, won only 68
seats.
In the 88-member Assembly of Experts, the clerics backed by reformists and centrists claimed
52 seats.
Significance of results
This was the first election after Irans President Mr. Rouhani secured the historic nuclear deal
with world powers last year, ending the countrys isolation in return for giving up its nuclear
programme.
Observers largely agree that the election for Iran's parliament (the Majlis) was a sweeping
victory for Iran's political moderates and a defeat for hard-liners.
The election results represent a clear step forward in Irans gradualist transformation from a
rigid Islamist theocracy into a broader religious democracy.
Election results shows that people have endorsed Irans nuclear deal with west and President
Mr. Rouhanis plans to open up the countrys economy and reach business deals with overseas
companies
Defeat of hard-liners is also important since they had opposed Iran nuclear deal and Mr.
Rouhanis plans to open up the countrys economy.
37th Session of the SAARC Council of Ministers

The 37th session of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Council of Ministers
was held in Pokhara of Nepal. The objective of session was to review actions taken on the '36-
point Kathmandu declaration' of the 2014 SAARC Summit and to set the agenda for the
forthcoming Summit in Islamabad.
Highlights of the session

The meeting decided to hold the 19th Summit of the regional body in Pakistan on November 9-
10 this year.
The Council of Ministers endorsed the SAARC Standing Committees recommendation that the
SAARC Summits be held every alternate November.
The meeting also endorsed Pakistans nomination of Amjad Hussain B Sial for the next
Secretary General of the regional body. Sial will replace Nepals Arjun Bahadur Thapa in
February next year.
The SAARC ministers decided to establish the SAARC Disaster Management Centre in New Delhi
of India.
The meeting also presented a good opportunity for high-level interaction among the officials of
India,
Pakistan and Nepal to discuss major bilateral issues.
MoU between India And United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post
approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and United Arab
Emirates (UAE) on Technical Cooperation in Cyber Space and Combating Cyber-Crime signed
last month.
Details
This agreement would provide help in handling of the issues related to the cyber-crime
between the two countries.
As per the MoU, both the countries shall cooperate in cyber space and combating cyber-crime
in all forms, particularly through coordination and exchange of information in relation with
cyber crime, cooperation and training in cyber-crime investigation, etc. between India and UAE.
The Ministry of Home affairs will be the nodal agency on the Indian side responsible for the
implementation of this agreement.
The enhancement of technical cooperation between India and UAE in cyber space and
combating cyber-crime comes in the wake of the serious threat of cyber-crime on the security,
interest and safety of the people.
India And Who Sign Agreement For Global Promotion Of Traditional

Systems Of Medicine
Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India and the World Health Organization (WHO) have signed
an historic Project Collaboration Agreement (PCA) for cooperation on promoting the quality,
safety and effectiveness of service provision in traditional and complementary medicine.
Details:
The PCA is titled as Co-operation on promoting the quality, safety and effectiveness of service
provision in traditional and complementary medicine between WHO and AYUSH, India, 2016-
2020.
It aims to support WHO in the development and implementation of the WHO Traditional and
Complementary Medicine Strategy: 2014-2023 and will contribute to the global promotion of
traditional Indian Systems of Medicine.
The PCA for the period 2016-2020 will deliver for the first time WHO benchmark document for
training in Yoga, and WHO benchmarks for practice in Ayurveda, Unani and Panchakarma.
Benefits of the agreement

These will contribute significantly to the strengthening of national capacities in ensuring the
quality, safety and effectiveness of traditional medicine.
They will also help in establishing regulatory frameworks for traditional medicine products and
practice and promote their integration in national healthcare systems.
This PCA is a further recognition of Indias rich experience in the development and governance
of traditional medicine.
It will also pave the way for Indias long-term collaboration with the WHO in fostering the
global promotion and integration of AYUSH systems of medicine including through the
inclusion of Ayurveda and Unani in the International Classification of diseases and the
International Classification of Health interventions.
Oil-For-Drugs Deal Likely With Crisis-Hit Venezuela
India has proposed an oil-for-drugs barter plan with cash-strapped Venezuela to recoup
millions of dollars in payments owed to some of Indias largest pharmaceutical companies.
This payment mechanism would allow Venezuela to repay some of the amount owed with oil.
The proposal would use the State Bank of India to mediate the transfer. The plan is now
awaiting approval from the Finance Ministry and the Reserve Bank of India, which regulates
such payments.
Background
Several Indian generics producers rely on Venezuela as they sought emerging market
alternatives to slower-growing economies such as the United States. But the unravelling of
Venezuelas socialist economy amid a fall in oil prices has triggered triple-digit inflation and a
full-blown political and financial crisis. Unable to pay its bills, the country is facing severe
shortages of even basic supplies such as food, water and medicines.
India, one of the worlds biggest oil importers along with the United States and China, had
similarly elaborate barter deals with Iran, swapping rice and wheat for oil
Signing Npt Not Needed For Nuclear Suppliers Group Membership: India
India has rejected Chinas contention that it must sign the NPT to get membership of the
Nuclear Suppliers Group, saying France was included in the elite group without signing the
Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Indias arguments
The NSG is an ad hoc export control regime and France, which was not an NPT member for
some time, was a member of the NSG since it respected NSGs objectives.
Background
China has opposed Indias bid to get NSG membership on the ground that it was yet to sign the NPT. It
had said all the multilateral non-proliferation export control regime including the NSG have regarded
NPT as an important standard for the expansion of the NSG. And hence, members of the Nuclear
Suppliers Group should be party to NPT.
About NSG
Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a multinational body concerned with reducing nuclear
proliferation by controlling the export and re-transfer of materials that may be applicable to
nuclear weapon development and by improving safeguards and protection on existing
materials.
Interestingly, the NSG was set up in 1974 as a reaction to Indias nuclear tests to stop what it
called the misuse of nuclear material meant for peaceful purposes.
Currently, it has 48 members.
Once admitted, an NSG member state

Gets timely information on nuclear matters.
Contributes by way of information.
Has confirmed credentials.
Can act as an instrument of harmonization and coordination.
Is part of a very transparent process.
India to host BRICS Summit in October
India will host the eighth annual Summit of BRICS from October 15-16 in Goa in its capacity as
chair of the influential bloc.
India assumed chairmanship of BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India- China-South Africa) from Russia on
February 15 and it will last till December 31.
Indias core-theme during BRICS chairmanship will be building responsive, inclusive and
collective solutions for the grouping.
Indias emphasis, during its tenure, would be on institution building, implementation of
previous commitments flowing from the past Summits, and exploring synergies among the
existing mechanisms.
2016 BRICS Logo

India recently unveiled a logo for the upcoming 2016 BRICS summit. The logo for the summit is
a lotus with colours from all the five member-countries and a traditional namaste in the
centre.
BRICS comprises five countries with 42% of the world population and combined GDP of over
USD 16 trillion.
MoU BETWEEN INDIA AND UAE

The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post-facto approval to the Letter of Intent signed in
February 2016 between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship of India and
the National Qualifications Authority of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E).
The Letter of Intent will strengthen relations between the two countries and pave the way for
bilateral cooperation between the two countries on skill development and recognition of
qualifications.
Following this, the Cabinet has also given its approval for signing of a Memorandum of
Understanding(MoU) between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship of India
and the National Qualifications Authority of the U.A.E. for cooperation in skill development and
recognition of qualifications.
The MoU will pave the way for bilateral cooperation between the two countries on skill
development and recognition of qualifications. Also the MoU will facilitate workforce mobility,
skill development and placement of youth in overseas jobs in UAE.
INDIA TO ACCEDE TO THE ASHGABAT AGREEMENT
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for India to accede to the Ashgabat Agreement, an
international transport and transit corridor facilitating transportation of goods between Central
Asia and the Persian Gulf.
Indias intention to accede to the Ashgabat Agreement would now be conveyed to the
Depository State (Turkmenistan). India would become party to the Agreement upon consent of
the founding members.
Benefits for India

Accession to the Agreement would enable India to utilise this existing transport and transit
corridor to facilitate trade and commercial interaction with the Eurasian region.
Further, this would synchronise with our efforts to implement the International North South
Transport Corridor (INSTC) for enhanced connectivity.
Background
Ashgabat , known as Poltoratsk between 1919 and 1927, is the capital and the largest city of
Turkmenistan in Central Asia, situated between the Karakum Desert and the Kopet Dag
mountain range.
The Ashgabat Agreement, which aims to develop a shortest trade route between Central Asian
countries and Iranian and Omani ports, was initially signed among Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan,
Iran, Oman and Qatar back in April 2011 and was given additional support in 2014 when a
Memorandum of Understanding was signed.
Whilst Oman called for early completion of basic technical requirements so that the corridor
can be operational by 2015, Qatar withdrew from the agreement in 2013. However, Kazakhstan
promised to join instead, which will increase the projects significance and extend it further into
Central Asia.
The Iran-Turkmenistan-Kazakhstan (ITK) railway line will be the major route according to the
Ashgabat Agreement, which became operational in December 2014 and was also included as
part of India-funded North-South international transport corridor (NSITC).
Bill introduced in US congress to help India join APEC

Few influential American lawmakers have introduced a legislation asking the Obama
administration to help India join the APEC forum, saying an economically prosperous India
benefits the US strategic goals in Asia.
Whats there in the legislation?

The legislation notes that US-India partnership is vital to the US strategic interests in the Asia-
Pacific region and across the globe, and is an integral aspect to the Administrations Rebalance
to Asia.
Observing that India enjoys a location within the Asia- Pacific region which provides an avenue
for continued trade and investment partnerships with APEC member states, the legislation also
asks Secretary of State to develop a strategy to obtain membership status for India in APEC,
including participation in related meetings, working groups, activities and mechanisms.
It even directs the Secretary of State to actively ask APEC member states to support such
membership status for India and submit a report to the Congress within two months of the
passage of this legislation.
Benefits for India
Membership in APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) would provide India a constructive
forum to glean insight from other Asian countries that have already taken significant steps to
advance their economies.
India is also striving for major economic reforms to open Indias markets, improve trade
volume, and facilitate its growing populations need for continued job growth. Hence, APEC can
be the right platform.
APEC
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a regional economic forum established in 1989
to leverage the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific. APEC has 21 members.
Aim
To create greater prosperity for the people of the region by promoting balanced, inclusive,
sustainable, innovative and secure growth and by accelerating regional economic integration.
Functions
APEC works to help all residents of the Asia-Pacific participate in the growing economy.
APEC projects provide digital skills training for rural communities and help indigenous women
export their products abroad.
Recognizing the impacts of climate change, APEC members also implement initiatives to
increase energy efficiency and promote sustainable management of forest and marine
resources.
The forum adapts to allow members to deal with important new challenges to the regions
economic well-being. This includes ensuring disaster resilience, planning for pandemics, and
addressing terrorism.
Members
APECs 21 member economies are Australia; Brunei Darussalam; Canada; Chile; Peoples
Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Mexico;
New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Peru; The Philippines; The Russian Federation; Singapore;
Chinese Taipei; Thailand; United States of America; Viet Nam.
APEC Members account for approximately 40% of the worlds population, approximately 54%
of the worlds gross domestic product and about 44% of world trade.
In APEC, all economies have an equal say and decision-making is reached by consensus. There
are no binding commitments or treaty obligations. Commitments are undertaken on a
voluntary basis and capacity building projects help members implement APEC initiatives. The
APEC process is supported by a permanent secretariat based in Singapore.
NEPAL JOINS SCO GROUPING AS DIALOGUE PARTNER

Nepal has become a dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
As a dialogue partner, Nepal is able to participate in the multi-field cooperation of the SCO,
which has an increasing presence in international affairs.
Besides, as Nepal joins the SCO, it will create new opportunities for the SCOs mutually
beneficial cooperation and benefit people living in the extensive region that the SCO covers.
Recently, Azerbaijan also officially became a SCO dialogue partner.
About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
It is a Eurasian political, economic and military organisation which was founded in 2001 in
Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
These countries, except for Uzbekistan, had been members of the Shanghai Five, founded in
1996; after the inclusion of Uzbekistan in 2001, the members renamed the organisation.
The SCO is seen as a counter to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
It has eight members: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and
Pakistan.
It also has Afghanistan, Iran, Mongolia and Belarus as observers.
The SCO has established relations with the United Nations, where it is an observer in the
General Assembly, the European Union, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the
Commonwealth of Independent States and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Its headquarters is located in Beijing, China.
Vodafone moves ICJ over tax arbitration with India

British telecom giant Vodafone has moved the Hague-based International Court of Justice (ICJ)
seeking appointment of a judge to preside over an arbitration over its Rs.14,200-crore tax case.
Vodafone moved ICJ after arbitrators appointed by it and the government of India failed to
reach a consensus on selection of a neutral/presiding judge of the three-member panel.
Background
The government had initially slapped a tax demand of Rs.7,990 crore on Vodafone for failing to
deduct tax on capital gains made over its $11-billion acquisition of 67% stake in the mobile
phone business owned by Hutchison Whampoa in 2007. However, recently the IT department
sent a reminder notice to Vodafone seeking Rs.14,200 crore in tax and interest.
About ICJ
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN).
It was established in June 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations and began work in April
1946.
The seat of the Court is at the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands).
Of the six principal organs of the United Nations, it is the only one not located in New York
(United States of America).
The Courts role is to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it
by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized United
Nations organs and specialized agencies.
The Court is composed of 15 judges, who are elected for terms of office of nine years by the
United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. It is assisted by a Registry, its
administrative organ. Its official languages are English and French.
Jurisdiction
As stated in the UN Charter, all 193 UN members are automatically parties to the Courts
statute. Non-UN members may also become parties to the Courts statute. Once a state is a
party to the Courts statute, it is entitled to participate in cases before the Court. However,
being a party to the statute does not automatically give the Court jurisdiction over disputes
involving those parties.
Indian appointed UN adviser on Human Rights and Businesses
India-born academician- Surya Deva- has been appointed by the Geneva-based UNHRC as the
Asia-Pacific representative of the UN Working Group on the issue of human rights and
transnational corporations and other business enterprises.
UNHRC
It is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for
strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for
addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them.
It meets at the UN Office at Geneva.
The Council is made up of 47 United Nations Member States which are elected by the UN
General Assembly.
The term of each seat is three years, and no member may occupy a seat for more than two
consecutive terms.
The council works closely with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and
engages the United Nations special procedures.
The General Assembly can suspend the rights and privileges of any Council member that it
decides has persistently committed gross and systematic violations of human rights during its
term of membership. The suspension process requires a two-thirds majority vote by the
General Assembly.
Economy
India ranks 118th on UNs World Happiness Index 2016
India ranked 118th out of 157 countries on the United Nations World Happiness Index (WHI)
2016. It was revealed by the fourth World Happiness Report 2016 published by the Sustainable
Development Solutions Network (SDSN), a global initiative for the UN.
Highlights of Report
Top 10 countries
Denmark (1st)
Switzerland (2nd)
Iceland (3rd)
Norway (4th)
Finland (5th)
Canada (6th)
Netherlands (7th)
New Zealand (8th)
Australia (9th)
Sweden (10th)
5 Least happiest countries

Rwanda (152nd)
Benin (153rd)
Afghanistan (154th)
Togo (155th)
Syria (156th)
Burundi (157th)
Among BRICS
Brazil (17th)
Russia (56th)
China (83rd)
South Africa (116th)
India (118th).
Indias Neighbours
Nepal (78th)
China (83rd)
Bhutan (84th)
Pakistan (104th)
Bangladesh (110th)
Sri Lanka (117th)
Afghanistan (154th)
For the first time, the report has given a special role to the measurement and consequences of
inequality in the distribution of well-being among countries and regions.
Countries where there was less inequality were happier overall.
Top five countries have strong social security systems
About World Happiness Report

The report aims at influencing government policy and is prepared based upon study
undertaken by Gallup World Poll.
The World Happiness Index ranks nations based upon score of different variables on a scale
running from 0 to 10.
These variables include real GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, corruption levels and
social freedoms India was ranked 111th in 2013 and 117th in 2015.
Income Declaration Scheme

In order to bring back black money, Income Declaration Scheme (IDS) was announced in the
Union Budget. It provides an opportunity to turn concealed income into legitimate income.
Anyone whose income is already part of an assessment, reassessment or survey is not eligible
for this scheme.
The scheme does not provide relief to offenders (see adjoining figures).
What is Income Declaration Scheme?

Individual taxpayers who have not disclosed income in the past would get an opportunity to
disclose such income and be compliant by paying tax at the rate of 30 per cent and surcharge of
7.5 per cent and a penalty of 7.5 per cent.
The surcharge levied at 7.5 per cent of undisclosed income will be called Krishi Kalyan
surcharge and will be used for agriculture and rural economy.
No enquiry and scrutiny under the Wealth Tax Act and Income Tax Act would be undertaken in
respect of such declarations.
Immunity from prosecution under such Acts would also be provided. Immunity from Benami
Transaction (Prohibition) Act, 1988 is also proposed, subject to certain conditions.
This is not an amnesty scheme like 1997 scheme as declarants would be required to pay
penalty along with the taxes.
Also, the declarations would have to be done on current valuations not 10 year old valuations
like 1997 scheme. Way Ahead To curb the menace of Black Money, a multipronged attack is
needed. The Government is trying to bring additional measures like bringing more transparency
for high-value transactions, encouraging the use of plastic money, introducing tax benefits for
internet banking and e-commerce. These would help not only in detecting such transaction but
also facilitate timely action.
NATIONAL AGRICULTURE MARKET
National Agriculture Market (NAM) is proposed to be launched on 14th April, 2016 on pilot
basis.
What is NAM?
NAM, announced in Union Budget 2014-15, is a pan-India electronic trading portal, which seeks
to connect existing APMCs and other market yards to create a unified national market for
agricultural commodities. NAM is a virtual market but it has a physical market (mandi) at the
back end.
A budgetary provision of Rs. 200 crore has been made to be spent over 2015-16 to 2017-18
through AgriTech Infrastructure Fund to implement NAM. Department of Agriculture and
Cooperation will implement NAM through Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium which will
act as implementing agency.
Benefits
Increase operational efficiency and transparency in the mandi operations
Enhance market access and more options for farmers through warehouse based sales
Larger national market for secondary trading for the local trader in the mandi
Reduction in intermediation costs for bulk buyers, processors, exporters etc.
Eliminate information asymmetry
Will lead to common procedures for issue of licenses, levy of fee and movement of produce
In 5-7 years, it will result into higher returns for farmers, lower transaction costs to buyers and
stable prices and availability to consumers
It will also help in emergence of value chains by promoting scientific storage and movement of
agricultural goods
Pre-requisites
In order for a state to be part of NAM, it needs to undertake prior reforms in respect of
A single license to be valid across state
Single point levy of market fee
Provision for electronic auction as a mode of price discovery
India Becomes Third Largest Oil Consumer

According to recently released BP Statistical Review of World Energy India has surpassed Japan
to become the worlds third-largest oil consumer.
With demand of 4.1 million barrels a day (bpd), India is the third-largest consumer behind the
United States (19.39 million bpd) and China (11.96 million bpd).
Other Highlights of Review

India accounted for 4.5% of world oil consumption in 2015 and its oil demand galloped 8.1% in
2015. Indias oil demand growth had surpassed Chinas 6.3 per cent expansion.
The US oil consumption has grown by 1.6% in 2015 and it demand share accounts for 19.7% of
the total world demand of 95 million bpd in 2015.
Japan slipped to the fourth spot after its oil usage contracted 3.9% to 4.15 million bpd in 2015.
In 2014, Japan had used 4.3 million bpd, ahead of Indias 3.84 million bpd.
Oil remained the worlds leading fuel, accounting for 32.9% of global energy consumption. It is
gaining market share for the first time since 1999.
Coal is the second-largest fuel by market share (29.2%). Natural gas market share of primary
energy consumption stood at 23.8%. In 2015, the global demand for primary energy grew only
1% which is significantly slower than the 10-year average.
It reflected continued weakness in the global economy and lower growth in Chinese energy
consumption as the country shifts from an industrial to a service-driven economy.
India ranks 90th in terms of energy security, access: WEF Report

India has been ranked at the 90th place in a list of 126 countries on the basis of their ability to
deliver secure, affordable and sustainable energy.
It was revealed by Global Energy Architecture Performance Index (GEAPI) Report compiled by
World Economic Forum (WEF).
Key facts
Top 10 countries in GEAPI Report: Switzerland (1st), Norway (2nd), Sweden (3rd), France (4th),
Denmark (5th), Austria (6th), Spain (7th), Colombia (8th), New Zealand (9th) and Uruguay
(10th).
Among the BRIC nations: Brazil (25th), Russia (52nd), India (90th) and China (94th).
The report has noted that major global economies have performed less well on the index with
the exception of France which was placed at the 4th place.
It also mentioned that large emerging economies are pressed both by the build resilient and
sustainable energy architecture and need to support economic growth.
Over the last decade, world energy production and imports rose by 3,200 million tonnes of oil
equivalent and was driven by boom in the Asian economies and led by China and India.
Fuel trade patterns: They have dramatically changed during the last decade.
Asia accounted for 35% of the world fuel trades in 2014, increased by 15% as compared to 20%
of the world fuel trades in 2004.
Regarding India: The report has noted that India is facing a vast array of challenges in the
power sector in order to meet its growth targets.
However electrification appears to have progressed in India. The proportion of the population
covered in electrification in the past 6 years has increased by 4% points to 79%.
GEAPI Report: It was prepared in collaboration with Accenture. It has explored the energy
architecture of 126 countries. It is based on their ability to provide energy access across three
dimensions of energy triangle viz. affordability, security, environmental sustainability and
access.
World Economic Forum:

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is a Swiss nonprofit foundation, based in Cologny, Geneva.
Recognized by the Swiss authorities[1] as the international institution for public-private
cooperation, its mission is cited as "committed to improving the state of the world by engaging
business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and
industry agendas".
Formation : 1971; 45 years ago
Gender Gap In Jobs, Wages Remain Unchanged In 20 Years: Ilo Report
As per recently released report of International Labour Organization (ILO) titled-Women at
Work: Trends 2016, gender equality still remains elusive in the workplace.
The report highlights trends in 2016 in 178 countries and it has been found that millions of
women worldwide are not getting the same kind of quality, well-paying jobs as men.
Key Report Highlights

In past 20 years, the gender gap in employment, wages and social protection has changed little.
They continue to work longer hours per day than men in both paid and unpaid work.
Women are overrepresented in clerical service and sales work, which are among the lowest
paying jobs.
Significant progress has been made by women in education during the past two decades, but
this has not translated into improvements at work.
It shows that women are less likely to participate in the labour market compared to their
counterpart men.
Women are more likely to be unemployed than men and young women are at a disadvantage.
Globally, women represent nearly 65% of people who have reached retirement age without
any regular pension. They lose out in terms of social and retirement benefits since they earn
less money.
ILO: International Labout Oragnisation

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a United Nations agency dealing with labour
issues, particularly international labour standards, social protection, and work opportunities for
all.
The ILO has 187 member states: 186 of the 193 UN member states plus the Cook Islands are
members of the ILO.
The ILO registers complaints against entities that are violating international rules; however, it
does not impose sanctions on governments
India is a member.
Hydrocarbon Exploration And Licensing Policy (HELP)

The Union Cabinet has approved the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) on
10th March 2016.
HELP replaces the present policy regime for exploration and production of oil and gas, known
as New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP), which has been in existence for 18 years.
Four main facets of HELP policy

uniform license for exploration and production of all forms of hydrocarbon,
an open acreage policy,
easy to administer revenue sharing model and
marketing and pricing freedom for the crude oiland natural gas produced.
Features Of Help
Uniform License: It will enable the contractor to explore conventional as well as
unconventional oil and gas resources including CBM, shale gas/oil, tight gas and gas hydrates
under a single license, instead of the present system of issuing separate licenses for each kind
of hydrocarbons.
Open Acreages: It gives the option to a hydrocarbon company to select the exploration blocks
throughout the year without waiting for the formal bid round from the Government.
Revenue Sharing Model: Present fiscal system of production sharing contract (PSC) is replaced
by an easy to administer revenue sharing model.
Marketing and Pricing: This policy also provides for marketing freedom for crude oil and
natural gas produced from these blocks. This is in tune with Governments policy of Minimum
Government Maximum Governance
A graded system of royalty rates have been introduced, in which royalty rates decreases from
shallow water to deep-water and ultra-deep water.
At the same time, royalty rate for on land areas have been kept intact so that revenues to the
state governments are not affected.
On the lines of NELP, cess and import duty will not be applicable on blocks awarded under the
new policy.
PSB Consolidation and Merger

Finance Minister said that an expert panel will be set up shortly to devise a strategy for
consolidation of public sector banks
Consolidation was also discussed in second edition of Gyan Sangam-the annual bankers
conclave.
Advantages of consolidation of Banks

Infrastructure project requires big loans which the current banks find unable to fund owing to
their smaller capital base.
Consolidation will create larger banks which will be able to finance big infrastructure projects.
Challenges
SBI isn't in a position to merge any bank other than its subsidiaries and other PSBs are not
strong and big banks. So merging two unhealthy banks will not yield desired results.
Banking sector is also facing challenges like lack of capital, high NPAs and low profitability etc.
The entire rural banking model is changing with new Small Finance banks and they are
expected to play a big role in financial inclusion.
The Human resource management will be of top most concern as salary, seniority; postings etc.
will create a big challenge.
The new entities, say 5 or 6 large banks, could be a danger to financial stability.
Any bank failure would create multiple problems for the system as well as for the economy.
Time is not right as there is need to strengthen the banks by empowering them with
operational flexibility be it in the area of recruitment, or in differentiation on core capabilities
Opposition by trade unions who may fear identity loss.
Merger between the banks will be based on geographical and technological synergies, human
resources and business profile.
The government will identify six to ten public sector banks which will drive the consolidation
process among the state-owned banks, according to bankers.
These banks will be called anchor banks. Large lenders like State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of
Baroda (BoB), Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Canara Bank could become the anchor banks.
Union Government announces to withdraw tax proposal on EPF
The Union Finance Ministry has announced to withdraw its proposal to tax Employee Provident
Fund (EPF) withdrawals.
It was announced by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the Lok Sabha clarifying NDA
governments stand on the issue. However, government has not changed its plan to tax
National Pension Scheme (NPS) withdrawals.
Background
Earlier in the Union Budget 2016-17, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had proposed to tax
EPF and NPS withdrawals with an effect from 1 April 2016.
It was announced that 60 percent of the amount deposited in EPF account of the employee
would be taxed at the time of withdrawal and remaining 40 percent would be tax free.
However, the budget proposal had provided tax exemption if the employee re-invests 60
percent of the EPF in a pension or annuity fund.
The proposal to tax EPF and NPS withdrawals was made to create a pensioned society,
especially among employees in the private sector who have no provision for pension.
Irrigation Thrust In Budget Emphasis on Completion Of AIBP Projects

The government intends putting all the 89 active irrigation projects under the Accelerated
Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) on fast track.
It also aims to raise the required Rs 86,500 crore to finance these both through budgetary and
extra-budgetary resources including taking the market route to raise funds.
The government has promised to complete at least 23 of the 89 projects including a few on
which work had started in the mid-1970s, before the end of March 2017.
Another 23, that will form phase II, are expected to be completed by 2020.
Status of AIBP Projects

Only 143 of the 297 major projects approved have been completed.
89 of them are in different stages of construction which will be put on fast track.
The remaining 65, which are yet to start, are likely to be reviewed to assess whether it would
be feasible to go ahead with them at all.
Reasons for Delay

AIBP suffered from inadequate central funding.
Its scope expanded to include more and more projects.
There Were Time And Cost Overruns In Most Of The Projects.
Other Measures
Creation of a dedicated irrigation fund under the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
Development (NABARD), which has been asked to issue tax free bonds to borrow money.
An initial corpus of Rs 20,000 crore has already been set up through the budget, which
NABARD can leverage to mobilize further money from the market.
The government has also asked the Central Water Commission and other agencies to take up
50 out of the 143 completed AIBP projects each year and work towards increasing their
efficiencies.
Each of these projects would now also have water user associations that will decide on how the
water is distributed to every claimant in the area.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is also focusing on improving irrigation
facilities.
Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP)

Government, in 1996-97, launched AIBP to provide Central Loan Assistance (CLA) to major/
medium/ minor irrigation projects in the country.
The objective was to accelerate the implementation of those projects which were beyond
resource capability of the states or were in advanced stage of completion.
Union Government imposes anti-dumping duty on Plastic-Processing

imports
Union Government has imposed anti-dumping duty of up to 44.7 per cent on import of plastic-
processing machines from Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam for five years.
The anti-dumping duty will be levied on imports of all kinds of plastic-processing or injection-
moulding machines, also known as injection presses.
The move is aimed at protecting the domestic industry from cheap in-bound shipments from
these 4 countries.
Background
The Directorate General of Anti-dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) during its investigation had
found that the cheap in-bound shipments of Plastic Processing Machines or Injection Moulding
Machines from these countries at dumped prices are hampering performance of the domestic
industries.
What are Anti-dumping measures?

These are taken to ensure fair trade and provide a level-playing field to the domestic industry.
They are not a measure to restrict imports or cause an unjustified increase in cost of products.
They are counter import measures used by a country to protect its domestic producers and
market from below-cost (cheap) imports under the multilateral
DIPAM-Department Of Investment And Public Asset Management

In order to revive strategic stake sale of PSUs, the Department of Disinvestment, has been
renamed as the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM).
Department of Disinvestment was carved out of the Finance Ministry in 1999.
New Responsibilities
The government has also redefined the responsibilities to include efficient management of the
government investment in CPSEs through capital restructuring, dividend, bonus shares and
monetization of idle assets.
Public asset management would also include buyback of shares.
Targets
The government aims to collect Rs 56,500 crore through disinvestment in PSUs in the next
fiscal, 2016-17.
Of the total budgeted proceeds, Rs 36,000 crore is estimated to come from minority stake sale
in PSUs.
The remaining Rs 20,500 crore is projected to come from strategic sale in both profit and loss-
making companies.
What is Strategic Sale?

According to Department of Disinvestment, In the strategic sale of a company, the transaction
has two elements:
Transfer of a block of shares to a Strategic Partner and
Transfer of management control to the Strategic Partner
NOTE:
Disinvestment is the action of an organization or government selling or liquidating an asset or
subsidiary.
There are primarily three different approaches to disinvestments
Minority Disinvestment: The government retains a majority stake in the company, typically greater
than 51%, thus ensuring management control.
Majority Disinvestment: The government, post disinvestment, retains a minority stake in the company
i.e. it sells off a majority stake.
Complete Privatisation: Complete privatisation is a form of majority disinvestment wherein 100%

control of the company is passed on to a buyer.
Licensing Of Virtual Network Operators

The Telecom Commission accepted the telecom regulators recommendation to permit Virtual
Network Operators (VNOs) in the country.
Advantages of VNOs
The opportunity for VNO could open the doors for everyone from startup entrepreneurs to
companies with large consumer base like mutual fund houses to ecommerce firms to retail
chains.
Instead of building costly networks, they can simply pay and partner an existing mobile network
operator, piggyback on that network and resell their services under their own brand.
Globally, about 1,000 companies including Tesco, Walmart and Virgin offer mobile phone
services as VNOs. For example, Walmart Family Mobile uses T-Mobile network to offer services
to its customers.
In India, companies including Future Group, Paytm and New Call Telecom are potential
candidates for VNO.
Mobile VNOs provide differentiated services to customers by targeting niche market segments
such as retail, business, roaming, etc. This helps avoid direct competition with telcos and also
generates additional revenues for both virtual network operators and spectrum owners.
Consumers are set to get more choices for voice and data services at comparatively lower
costs.
Telecom companies also will have additional options to monetize unused airwaves.
Telecom Commission
The Telecom Commission was set up by the Government of India to deal with various
aspects of Telecommunications.
The Commission consists of a Chairman, four full time members, and four part time
members.
The Telecom Commission and the Department of Telecommunications are responsible for
policy formulation, licensing, wireless spectrum management, administrative monitoring of
PSUs, research and development and standardization/validation of equipment etc.
Virtual Network Operator (VNO)

A VNO is an entity that does not own a telecom network infrastructure but provides telecom
services by purchasing capacity from telecom carriers by entering into an agreement.
NITI Aayog Report on MSP

Main objectives of the report
To assess the impact of MSP on creating a predictable and equitable crop price regime.
To identify regional and inter-crop variations in the implementation of MSP and reasons for the
same
To evaluate whether adoption of improved technology, appropriate investment and rural
infrastructure has been aided by MSP.
To suggest measures for creating more effective MSP.
Problems noticed in the implementation of MSP

The procurement centers being far away resulting into heavy transportation cost.
Non-opening of Procurement centers timely.
The authorities insisting for revenue records.
Lack of covered storage/godowns facility for temporary storage of produces.
Lack of electronic weighing equipment in some places, delays in payments.
Recommendations
Awareness among the farmers needs to be increased and the information should be timely
disseminated till the lowest level.
Delays in MSP payments have negative effects on the framers which need to be corrected.
MSP should be announced well in advance of the sowing season so as to enable the farmers to
plan their cropping.
Improved facilities at procurement centres, such as drying yards, weighing bridges, toilets, etc.
should be provided to the farmers. More godowns should be set up and maintained properly
for\ better storage and reduction of wastage.
There should be meaningful consultations with the State Government, both on the
methodology of computation of MSP as well as on the implementation.
The criteria of fixing MSP should be current years data and based on more meaningful criteria
rather than the historical costs.
The Procurement Centers should be in the village itself to avoid transportation costs.
The MSP scheme requires a complete overhaul in those States where the impact of the scheme
ranges from nil to at-best marginal to ensure that MSP continue to as an important
instrument of the Governments agricultural price policy.
Conclusion
Regional imbalances exist in the implementation of MSP on various counts which needs to be
corrected.
On the whole, it was found that the MSP has succeeded in providing floor rate for major food
grains like paddy and wheat and other produces such as Gram (black & green), spices and
oilseeds (groundnut, mustard, til), sugarcane, jute and cotton, and it did not allow market
prices to fall below the MSP fixed for them.
MSP has been playing a critical role in stabilizing market prices in addition to helping the
beneficiaries in adoption of modern technologies in farming.
Almost all the beneficiaries were unanimous with the view that the MSP should continue as it
insulated them from an unfavourable market conditions by assuring them a minimum return
for their produces.
About MSP
Based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices, the
Department of Agriculture and Co-operation, Government of India, declares Minimum Support
Prices (MSP) for 24 crops before their sowing seasons.
The states have devised their own mechanisms for the procurements of food grains and other
agriculture produces under the MSP operations.
How is MSP fixed?

The MSP is fixed on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices
(CACP).
The CACP is a statutory body and submits separate reports recommending prices for Kharif and
Rabi seasons. The Central Government after considering the report and views of the State
Governments and also keeping in view the overall demand and supply situation in the country,
takes the final decision.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs finally approves it.
In case of sugarcane, MSP has been assigned a statutory status and as such the announced
price is termed as statutory minimum price, rechristened as Fair Remunerative Price
(FRP).There is statutory binding on sugar factories to pay the minimum announced price and all
those transactions or purchase at prices lower than this are considered illegal
Observations
Generation of Annual Income: Very few farmers in Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, West Bengal, Uttar
Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Odisha sold their produce at MSP in the reference period. So their
income was not impacted by MSP.
Awareness about MSP: The 81% of the cultivators are aware of MSP fixed for different crops.
This
awareness varies from 45% to 100% in the different sample States.
Medium of Awareness: Medium of awareness about MSP include self-efforts, newspapers,
state officials, FCI officials, village headmen, gram sevaks, teachers, traders etc. Only 7% of the
farmers came to know about MSP through the State officials.
Mode of Receipt of Payments: It was found that 32.13%, 40.29% and 27.4% of the farmers
received their MSP payments in cash, Cheques or in the shape of Bank deposits respectively.
In majority of the States, like Bihar, Gujarat, MP, Odisha, and Rajasthan, no cash payment has
been made to the farmers.
Time Taken in getting Payments: 20%, 7%, 8%, 51% and 14% of the farmers of the sample
Statesreceived their MSP payments on the spot/same day, within 2 to 3 days of sales, after 3
days but within one week of sales, after a week but within one month of sales and after a
period of one month respectively.
Medium used for Sales: 67% of the farmers sold their produces through their own arrangement
whereas 21% of them sold through Brokers. The shares of sales through the private and
Government agencies were 8% and 4% respectively.
Improvement in Farming Practices: It was found that 78% of the farmers adopted improved
methods of farming such as: high yielding varieties of seeds, organic manure, chemical
fertilizer, pesticides and improved methods of harvesting, etc. for increasing the production as
a result to the MSP declared by the Government.
Effectiveness of MSP: It was found that 21% of the farmers of the sample States expressed their
satisfaction to the MSP declared by the Government.
While 79% of them showed their dissatisfaction to MSP due to the various reasons, almost all
of them (94%) wanted MSP to continue.
DIPP notifies 49% FDI under automatic route in Insurance and Pension
sector
The Union Commerce and Industry Ministry has notified foreign direct investment (FDI) upto
49% in insurance and pension sector will be under automatic route.
In this regard, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has issued official
notification to liberalise its FDI policy in insurance and pension sector.
However, FDI above 49% will be subject to approval of the Foreign Investment Promotion
Board (FIPB). Prior to this, only up to 26% FDI was permitted through the automatic approval
route in insurance and pension sector.
Union Government in 2015 had increased the FDI cap in insurance and pension sector to 49%
from 26%, respectively. But it was subject to the condition that ownership and control remains
with the Indian promoter at all times.
Thus, existing guidelines on Indian management and control will have to be verified by the
respective regulators, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
Presently there are 52 insurance companies operating
100 PER CENT FDI IN E-COMMERCE

New Guidelines
Government permitted 100 per cent FDI in the market place format of e-commerce retailing
under the automatic route.
The government extended the definition of marketplace to include support services to sellers
with respect to warehousing, logistics, order fulfilment, call Centre, payment collection and
other services.
The marketplace model of e-commerce means providing of an IT platform by an e-commerce
entity on a digital and electronic network to act as a facilitator between buyer and seller.
Further, the inventory-based model of e-commerce means an e-commerce activity where
inventory of goods and services is owned by e-commerce entity and is sold to consumers
directly.
FDI has not been permitted in inventory-based model of e-commerce.
The guidelines allowed e-commerce marketplace to provide several support services to sellers,
but, it said that such entities will not exercise ownership over the inventory.
The e-commerce entities providing marketplace will not directly or indirectly influence the sale
price of goods or services and shall maintain level playing field.
Advantages
It will give the much-needed clarity to undertake business with certainty in longer term
attracting foreign investment in this sector.
Enabling the marketplace operator to provide value added services.
Disadvantages
The new regime will increase bureaucratic discretion and open the door to rent-seeking.
It has further increased complexity of e-retail by drawing an artificial distinction between
inventory
based model and marketplace based e-commerce.
The cap of 25 per cent on sales by a single vendor in a marketplace may prove to be restrictive,
more so if the vendor sells high value items particularly in sale of electronic items, where a
vendor may be offering exclusive access to certain items or discounts.
The above limit of 25 percent, without a strong commercial principle, may result in firms
creating
newer entities to avoid being caught.
The rule that states e-retailers will not directly or indirectly influence the sale price of goods
and services and maintain a level playing field goes against pricing freedom which is central
to the functioning of a market and it also faces practical difficulties in enforcing this.
Need For Paradigm Shift in FRBM ACT

Union Minister has recently commented that fiscal expansion or contraction should be aligned
with credit contraction or expansion respectively of the economy.
This suggests that there should be an inverse correlation between fiscal deficit (fiscal
expansion) and bank credit (monetary expansion).
This is to ensure adequate money supply to the economy in all the cycles.
Why Fiscal Deficit target should be relaxed during downturn of economy?

Banks and financial institutions fund business and others, and it is that credit money which
drives the economy.
If, for some reason including reasons like lack of business confidence or rising NPAs, the bank
credit to the economy does not adequately grow, economic growth will suffer due to lack of
adequate money.
That is when the Budget needs to step in, to pump money into the economy by incurring
deficit, and, for the purpose, borrow the money lying with banks or even by printing more
money, if that is needed.
Crowding In Effect Government spending during economy downturn will boost the economy
and subsequently draw investment from private industries too.
Why Fiscal Deficit target should be adhered to?
Frequently amending the FRBM target or not meeting them will raise concern in the mind of
investor and will lead to lower investment.
Better fiscal health will improve the credit rating of India
Lower fiscal deficit will help to avail cheap credit for development, as higher FD fuels inflation
and hence higher rate of borrowing
It will also bring India closer to its emerging market peers making India an attractive destination
for FDI.
What is FRBM Act?

Financial Responsibility and Budget Management Act 2003 was passed to provide a legislative
framework for reduction of deficit and debt of the Government to sustainable levels over a
medium term.
This was done to ensure inter-generational equity in fiscal management and long term macro-
economic stability.
Salient points of the Act

Achievement of Fiscal Deficit of 3% of GDP and eliminating Revenue Deficit.
Prohibits borrowing by Government from RBI - Making Monetary Policy independent of Fiscal
Policy.
Prevent monetization of Government deficit - Ban on purchase of primary issues of Central
government by RBI from 2006.
Act mandates 4 Documents to be laid before Parliament:

1. Medium Term Fiscal Policy Statement:
a) 3 year rolling targets for 5 fiscal indicators with respect to GDP at market price and the
strategy to attain them.
b) Five fiscal targets are: Revenue Deficit, Effective Revenue Deficit, Fiscal deficit, Tax to
GDP Ratio and Total Outstanding Debt as percentage of GDP.
2. Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement
Presented at the time of Budget and outlines the Govt. strategic priorities for ensuing
financial year related to Taxation, Borrowing, Expenditure, Investment, Pricing,
Guarantees etc.
3. Macro-economic Framework Statement:
Presented at the time of budget and contains the expected GDP growth rate with
underlying assumption, Fiscal balance of Central Government and the external sector
balance of Economy.
4. Medium Term Expenditure Framework Statement:
This has been added in 2012 and presented in Monsoon Session.
India, China Led Investments In Renewable Energy In 2015: UN Report

India and China have led the developing countries in investments made in renewable energy in
2015.
It was revealed by the Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment Report published by the
UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
Key facts
For the first time commitments of emerging economies in solar, wind and other renewables
capacity have surpassed those by wealthy nations.
The developing world committed a total of 156 billion dollars in new renewables capacity in
2015 year, these figures up 19% on 2014.
Within the developing-economy category, the Big Three of India, China and Brazil saw
investment rise 16% to USD 120.2 billion.
In contrast, renewable energy investments by developed countries were down by 8 per cent in
2015 to 130 billion dollars.
A large part of the record-breaking investment in developing countries took place in China, with
its investment commitment up by 17% to 102.9 billion dollars.
India was also among the top 10 investing countries in renewable energy with its commitments
rising 22% to USD 10.2 billion.
It for the second time since 2011, India enjoyed a second successive year of increasing
investment, breaching the USD 10 billion
United States, Japan, UK Brazil, South Africa, Mexico and Chile also made it to the top 10
investing countries in 2015.
Indian Pharmaceutical Industry

Major drug companies were pulled up by the USFDA for lapses that ranged from data
manipulation, use of rejected ingredients to quality control issues.
Issues with Indian Pharma Industry

Poor and non-transparent Regulatory environment.
Lack of enforcement of manufacturing standards as prescribed by Indian laws and WHO
standards.
Ban of Indian drugs on ground of poor quality, adulterated drugs, hygiene and sanitation
standards by developed nations like US and EU.
Growing dependence on imports in the area of bulk drugs. Majority of the import is from China
The R&D investment by the domestic pharma industry has gone down in the recent years.
Poor and erratic power supply led to decline of the fermentation industry engaged in
production of drugs.
Lack of coordination among different ministries which deals with different aspects of pharma
industry like Department of Pharmaceuticals deals with drug policy, Department of Science
and Technology deals with innovation etc.
SETU BHARTAM PROJECT

The project aims to make all national highways free from railway level crossings by 2019.
Under the project, 208 bridges will be built at a cost of Rs 20,800 crore.
Also, 1,500 old bridges will be reconstructed, which will cost Rs 30,000 crore.
The ministry has also established an Indian Bridge Management System (IBMS), the aim of
which is to carry out condition survey of all bridges (approx. 1,50,000) by using mobile
inspection units.
The Project is thought to not only improve road safety but also allow for faster transportation
and improve infrastructure network.
DBT in Fertilizer Subsidy

Government announced to introduce direct benefit transfer of fertiliser subsidy to farmers on
pilot basis in few districts of the country.
Presently, annual subsidy on fertilizers is about Rs 73,000 crores.
Issues
A significant part of cultivation is today done by tenant farmers or sharecroppers not owning
the land and without any formal lease agreements.
Selecting criteria for capping the number of bags on which the subsidy is payable, based on a
reasonable assessment of requirement.
Capping would depend on the specific fertilizer as well as the crop and location where it is
grown making it more complicated than the DBT for LPG.
Feasibility
In Uttar Pradesh, where the state government has created an online database of over 40 lakh
farmers, each assigned a unique Kisan ID identifying their village, land particulars, bank
account and mobile numbers. Thus demonstrating feasibility of such transfers.
This DBT portal was used to transfer Rs 140 crore of subsidy on seeds into the accounts of some
nine lakh farmers during the recent rabi season.
It is expected that direct benefit transfer will result in reduction in leakages, Improvement in
quality of service delivery to the farmers and possible reduction in fiscal deficit.
GOOGLE TAX: EQUALIZATION LEVY ON DIGITAL ECONOMY

Union Budget 2016-17 has proposed equalization levy on online advertising payments to
non-resident recipients.
A govt. committee has proposed various services ranging across online advertising, cloud
computing, software downloads and web hosting to be subjected to an 'equalization levy' of 6-
8% of gross payment if the provider of service is a foreign entity without a 'permanent
establishment' in India.
Only payments of over Rs 1 lakh to be covered by this levy.
Union Government Notifies Aadhaar Act, 2016

The Union Government has notified the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and other
Subsidies, benefits and services) Act, 2016.
The Act will provide statutory backing for transfer of subsidies and benefits to eligible people
having Aadhaar (UID) number.
Key Facts
Aadhaar Act seeks to provide efficient, transparent and targeted delivery of subsidies, benefits
and services to individuals residing in India by assigning them unique identity numbers (UID) or
Aadhaar number.
It will be used for all benefit that will be linked to consolidated fund of India or the expenditure
incurred from it.
Both central and state government can use Aadhaar for disbursal for benefits and subsidies.
However the Aadhaar number cannot be used as a proof of citizenship or domicile.
The Act gives statutory for establishment of the Unique Identification Authority of India
consisting of a Chairperson (part time or full time) and two Members (part time).
Those individuals not having Aadhaar number shall be offered alternate and viable means of
identification for delivery of the subsidies, benefits or service.
IFC launches masala bonds to mobilise Rs 30 crore
International Finance Corporation (IFC) a member of the World Bank grouphas launched
its first Uridashi Masala bonds, mobilising R30 crore directly from Japanese household investors
to promote private sector development in India.
The three-year bond builds on IFCs Masala bond programme, which has raised the equivalent
of $1.7 billion from international investors for investment in India.
Proceeds from IFCs Uridashi Masala bonds will be used to support private sector investment in
India.
Uridashi bonds are sold to Japanese household investors.
What are Masala Bonds?

The term is used to refer to rupee-denominated borrowings by Indian entities in overseas
markets. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the investment arm of the World Bank,
last November, issued a Rs. 1,000 crore bond to fund infrastructure projects in India. These
bonds were listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). IFC then named them Masala bonds to
give a local flavour by calling to mind Indian culture and cuisine.
While it may seem odd to name a staid debt instrument after food stuffs, it has been done in
the past. Chinese bonds, named Dim-sum bonds after a popular dish in Hong Kong, have been
around for while. So have Japanese bonds named Samurai after the countrys warrior class.
Why is it important?
Masala bonds, if they take off, can be quite a significant plus for the Indian economy. They are
issued to foreign investors and settled in US dollars. Hence the currency risk lies with the
investor and not the issuer, unlike external commercial borrowings (ECBs), where Indian
companies raise money in foreign currency loans.
While ECBs help companies take advantage of the lower interest rates in international
markets, the cost of hedging the currency risk can be significant. If unhedged, adverse
exchange rate movements can come back to bite the borrower. But in the case of Masala
bonds, the cost of borrowing can work out much lower.
About the International Finance Corporation (IFC):

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is an international financial institution that offers
investment, advisory, and asset management services to encourage private sector
development in developing countries.
It is a member of the World Bank Group and is headquartered in Washington, D.C., United
States.
It was established in 1956 as the private sector arm of the World Bank Group to advance
economic development by investing in strictly for-profit and commercial projects that purport
to reduce poverty and promote development.
The IFC is owned and governed by its member countries, but has its own executive leadership
and staff that conduct its normal business operations.
It is a corporation whose shareholders are member governments that provide paid-in capital
and which have the right to vote on its matters.
Functions:
It offers an array of debt and equity financing services and helps companies face their risk
exposures, while refraining from participating in a management capacity.
The corporation also offers advice to companies on making decisions, evaluating their impact
on the environment and society, and being responsible.
It advises governments on building infrastructure and partnerships to further support private
sector development.
RBI unlocks Rs.40,000 crore additional capital for banks

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised norms on capital recognition, making available an
additional Rs.40,000 crore to Indian banks.
However, it has kept other rates unchanged. This is the second time in a row that interest
rates have been left unchanged amid demands for moderation to spur growth.
The repo rate, at which the Reserve Bank of India lends to banks, has been retained at 8%,
while the statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) for banks has been cut by 0.5% to 22.5% with effect
from June 14.
The cash reserve ratio for banks has been kept unchanged at 4%.
Significance of this move

The move comes at a time when public sector banks are facing pressure on their profitability
due to a sharp rise in non-performing assets, which is eroding their capital base.
The announcement is a big relief for, mainly, public sector banks. Finance minister Arun Jaitley
also announced in his budget speech a capital infusion of Rs. 25,000 crore for the fiscal year
starting in April.
However, the minister did not make any increases to the capital infusion amount that was
decided in August 2015.
Many public sector banks reported huge losses for the quarter ended December 2015 after
the RBI asked lenders to identify several accounts as non-performing. Banks are expected to
post weak earnings in the current quarter too.
Other details
The revised norms will give PSBs access to additional capital of 35,000 crore, while it could be
about 5,000 crore for private sector banks.
The unlocking of capital follows a review carried by the RBI with the aim of further aligning
the definition of regulatory capital with the globally adopted Basel III norms.
These standards aim to improve the banking sectors ability to absorb shocks arising from
financial stress and improve risk management and governance.
Banks have now been allowed to include some items, such as property value and foreign
exchange, for calculation of Tier 1 capital (CET1), instead of Tier 2 capital.
As per RBI norms, CET1 capital, comprising paid-up equity capital, statutory reserves, capital
reserves, other disclosed free reserves (if any), and balance in P&L Account at the end of the
previous fiscal year, must be at least 5.5% of risk-weighted assets.
Two more AWACS from Israel

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has cleared the purchase of additional surveillance
aircraft from Israel.
The CCS chaired by PM Modi cleared the proposal to acquire two more Phalcon Airborne Early
Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) at a cost of Rs. 7,500 crore under a tripartite
agreement with Israel and Russia.
AWACS:
The AWACS are advanced radars mounted on an aircraft to give 360 degree coverage to
detect incoming aircraft and missiles at long ranges.
The AWACS platform plays significant role in Indian Air Forces Network-Centric Operations.
These aircraft have electronic intelligence (ELINT) and communications intelligence (COMINT)-
gathering capabilities that help intercept signals from enemy areas, in monitoring troop build-
up and to detect aerial threats.
It can also detect drones and cruise missiles from a range of 400km.
India had procured three Phalcon AWACS, Israeli radars mounted on Russian IL-76 transport
aircraft, in 2003 at cost of $1 billion.
About CCS:
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is the highest executive body that takes a call on
defence matters.
It decides on Indias defence expenditure, matters of National Security, and makes significant
appointments.
CCS is chaired by the Prime Minister of India and comprises the Minister of Defence, the
Minister of Finance, the Minister of Home Affairs, and the Minister of External Affairs.
Commerce ministry to take up differential MAT on SEZs

The Commerce Ministry is all set to raise its concern with the Finance Ministry over the
differential tax rate proposed in the budget for the International Financial Services Centre
(IFSC) to come up in a Special Economic Zone in Gujarat, and the rest of the SEZs.
IFSC comes under the ambit of the SEZ Act as the legislation defines it and states that the
Centre may approve the setting up of an IFSC in an SEZ and prescribe requirements.
The Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) in Gandhinagar (Gujarat) is the only IFSC in
India.
Background
As part of the budget on February 29, a reduced Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) rate of 9%
was proposed for the IFSC in an SEZ in Gujarat, while retaining 18.5% MAT on all other SEZ
developers and units.
Also, the FY17 Budget has proposed that companies located in IFSC shall not be liable to
Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT).
What are demands of Commerce Ministry?

The commerce ministry has been pitching for removal or reduction of MAT on all SEZ
developers and units. It has demanded that MAT on SEZs should be either withdrawn or
reduced to its original rate of 7.5%.
It has also sought an SEZ-specific package to make sure that these tax-free enclaves are the
focal point of the Make in India initiative.
Another issue is the FY17 Budget proposal of profit-linked deductions to new units in SEZs
commencing activity on or before March 31, 2020. The commerce ministry has demanded
that profit-linked deductions should be available for new units in SEZs starting operations by
March-end, 2023.
The commerce ministry is keen to ensure greater manufacturing sector-exports from SEZs.
State of SEZs in India
The export-oriented SEZ sector, which has been playing an important role in boosting Indias
overall exports, has been witnessing a slowdown in terms of investment, exports and
employment generation for the past few years.
Imposition of 18.5% MAT on SEZ developers and units as well as Dividend Distribution Tax
(DDT) on developers has further aggravated the problem. The imposition of MAT and DDT on
SEZs has resulted in lesser number of SEZ notifications, slower operationalisation of SEZs and
more applications for de-notification of approved SEZs.
These taxes have also dented the investor-friendly image of SEZs and created uncertainty in the
minds of foreign and domestic investors.
Central bank issues draft norms for NBFC-AA

The Reserve Bank of India has issued draft norms for the creation of a new entity in the non-
banking financial sector, namely NBFC Account Aggregator (AA) and proposed that the
minimum capital for start such an activity will be Rs. two crore.
NBFC AA will act as an account aggregator to enable the common man to see all his accounts
across financial institutions in a common format.
Background:
The idea of such an NBFC had emanated from the Financial Stability and Development Council
(FSDC).
At present, a person holding financial assets such as, savings bank deposits, fixed deposits,
mutual funds, insurance policies, do not get a consolidated view of their financial asset
holdings, especially when the entities fall under the purview of different financial sector
regulators.
Account Aggregators would fill this gap by collecting and providing the information of
customers financial assets in a consolidated, organised and retrievable manner to the
customer or any other person as per the instructions of the customer. The investors will be
able to avail the service of an Account Aggregator purely at their option.
NBFCs:
What are they?

Non-bank financial companies (NBFCs) are financial institutions that provide banking services
without meeting the legal definition of a bank, i.e. one that does not hold a banking license.
What they cant do?

These institutions typically are restricted from taking deposits from the public depending on
the jurisdiction. Nonetheless, operations of these institutions are often still covered under a
countrys banking regulations.
NBFC cannot accept demand deposits.
NBFCs do not form part of the payment and settlement system and cannot issue cheques
drawn on itself.
Deposit insurance facility of Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation is not
available to depositors of NBFCs, unlike in case of banks.
Who supervises them?
The Reserve Bank of India is entrusted with the responsibility of regulating and supervising
the Non-Banking Financial Companies by virtue of powers vested under Reserve Bank of India
Act, 1934.
Governemnt announces third round of Gold Bond Scheme
After two rounds of issuance in November 2015 and January this year, the government is
preparing to launch the third tranche of the gold bond scheme.
Background
The government had raised around Rs 1,045 crore through earlier two rounds of issuance of
gold bonds.
The government had launched the first tranche of sovereign gold bond scheme in November
for which it got subscription for 915.95 kg of gold worth Rs 246 crore. In January, it came out
with the second tranche and received subscription for 3,071 kg gold amounting to Rs 798
crore.
About Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme

Under the scheme, gold bonds are issued in denominations of 5 grams, 10 grams, 50 grams
and 100 grams for a term of 5-7 years with a rate of interest to be calculated on the value of
the metal at the time of investment. The scheme has an annual cap of 500 grams per person.
The bonds will be sold through banks, Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited and
designated post offices.
As per the scheme, the gold bonds will be sold only to resident Indian entities including
individuals, Hindu undivided families, trusts, universities, and charitable institutions.
The bond tenure will be eight years with exit option beginning the fifth year onwards. They
will also be tradable in the bourses.
Bonds can also be used as collateral for loans.
Pilot phase of eBiz portal may be completed by the year-end

A pilot version of eBiz, a government to business portal, which aims at improving the ease of
doing business in India, is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
By December 2016 the pilot phase will be completed with the integration of 50 government
services related to investors, industries and businesses of the Centre and ten states Andhra
Pradesh (AP), Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar
Pradesh (UP) and West Bengal.
These 50 services include 26 related to the Central government and 24 pertaining to the
states.
What is eBiz?
Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in 2013, announced the launch of eBiz, Indias first
Government-to-Business (G2B) portal which aims at transforming and developing a conducive
business environment in the country.
The eBiz portal is also among the National e-Governance Plans integrated mission mode
projects.
Aim and Objective
The government aims to integrate more than 200 services to the portal within a few years. An
objective of the project is to improve Indias ranking in the World Banks Doing Business index.
Who developed it?

It is being developed with the help of National Institute of Smart Government and IT major Infosys
through the Public Private Partnership route. The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion
(DIPP) is the nodal Central government agency for the eBiz project.
What it does?
The portal will provide a one-stop shop for providing G2B services to investors and business
communities in India. The portal will also help in reducing the delays and complexity in
obtaining information and services.
Businesses that are already operating in India or planning to start operations can use the portal
to obtain licences, approvals, clearances, no objection certificates, permits and even for filing
of returns.
Once these services pertaining to starting, running and closing down a business completing
the entire lifecycle of a business entity are integrated to the eBiz portal, it will effectively
become a single window clearance mechanism.
Businesses and investors will be able to use the services 24X7 online, including for completing
e-forms online, uploading them as well as the required documents as attachments, making
payments online, submitting the forms online, tracking the status of applications, receiving
SMS alerts from the government, obtaining the needed licenses or permits and downloading
the certificates and getting approvals.
In the latest ranking India went up 12 places to 130th in a list of 189 countries. The Centre aims
to ensure that India is in the top 50 within the next three years.
Proposals of the Companies Law Committee

The Committee appointed by the Government of India to suggest changes in the Companies Act,
2013 and Rules made thereunder, in the interests of various stakeholders, has submitted its
report.
Background
The enactment of the Companies Act 2013 ushered in a new regime of corporate governance and
provided fillip to the way business is conducted in India. The Companies Law Committee was set up
in June 2015, with the mandate to further improve and streamline the Act. Towards this end, the
committee engaged in extensive discussions with various stakeholders and undertook a critical
examination of established international best practices.
Key recommendations
The overall managerial remuneration payable by a public company should not exceed 11% of
the net profits of that company except with the approval of the shareholders and the Central
Government. Similar approvals are required for companies having inadequate or no profits.
The report recommends simpler regulatory regime by proposing removal of government
approval for managerial remuneration with few additional disclosures. This would be in sync
with international practices and reduce procedural delays.
The report recommends removal of restrictions on layering of subsidiaries since it was likely to
have a substantial bearing on the functioning, structuring and the ability of companies to raise
funds. Effectively, companies will be permitted to make investment through more than two
layers of investment companies as per the report.
The Act specifies that an independent director must not have or had any pecuniary relationship
with the company, its holding, subsidiary or associate company or their promoters or directors,
during the two immediately preceding financial years or during the current financial year. Even
minor pecuniary relationships were covered due to this provision even though such
transactions may not impact independence of directors. The report proposes to introduce a
threshold for pecuniary relationships in relation to qualification for an independent director.
This would further ease the implementation of provision for appointment of independent
director by companies.
Threshold has been proposed for punishment for fraud to avoid misuse of provision; frauds
involving amounts below specified limits which do not involve public interest to be given
differential treatment and compoundable. Penalty/fine proposed to be reduced in case of non-
compliance with various sections of the Act.
The Committee also recommended certain changes specifically for encouraging start-ups which
include reducing compliance burden on account of private placement procedure, permitting
start-ups to raise deposits for its initial five years without any upper limits, to issue ESOPs to
promoters working as employees etc.
U.S. industry body says India agreed to not issue compulsory drug licences
The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) recently
revealed that India has given private assurances to the US that it will not grant licences allowing
local firms to override patents and make cheap copies of drugs by big Western drug makers.
USIBC is reviewing global intellectual property laws for an annual report identifying trade
barriers to U.S. companies.
Background
It should be noted here that the USTR has placed India on its priority watch list for two years
in a row saying the countrys patent laws unfairly favour local drug makers.
A bone of contention has been a legal provision that allows the overriding of patents on original
drugs and granting of compulsory licences to local firms to make cheaper copycat medicines.
India can grant such licences under certain conditions, such as public health emergencies, to
ensure access to affordable medicines.
It granted the first such licence in 2012, allowing local firm Natco Ltd. to sell a copy of German
drugmaker Bayers cancer medicine Nexavar at a tenth of the price. Since that ruling, big
Western pharmaceutical companies have criticised Indias patent law and lobbied for it to be
changed.
All about Compulsory licenses

Compulsory licenses are generally defined as authorizations permitting a third party to make,
use, or sell a patented invention without the patent owners consent.
Under Indian Patent Act, 1970, the provision with regard to compulsory licensing is specifically
given under Chapter XVI. The conditions which need to be fulfilled in order for a compulsory
licence to be granted are also laid down under Sections 84 and 92 of the Act.
Under Section 84 (1) of the Indian Patent Act, any person may request a compulsory license if,
after three years from the date of the grant of a patent, the needs of the public to be covered
by the invention have not been satisfied; the invention is not available to the public at an
affordable price; or the patented invention is not worked in, or manufactured in the country,
to the fullest extent possible.
Govt clears proposal to amend MMDR Act

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for the amendment to the Mines and Minerals
(Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act, 1957).
Implications
The amendment will allow transfer of captive mining leases not granted through auction.
Transfer of captive mining leases, granted otherwise than through auction, would allow
mergers and acquisitions of companies.
This will facilitate ease of doing business for companies to improve profitability and decrease
costs of the companies dependent on supply of mineral ore from captive leases.
The transfer provisions will also facilitate banks and financial institutions to liquidate stressed
assets where a company or its captive mining lease is mortgaged.
The amendment will benefit lessees desirous of transferring the captive leases not granted
through auction.
It will also benefit banks and financial institutions. It does not entail any recurring or non-
recurring expenditure on the Government.
Background
The MMDR Act, 1957, as amended through the MMDR Amendment Act, 2015, restricted the scope
of transferability of concessions granted through auction. It was restricting the mergers and
acquisitions of companies and was impeding the ease of doing business for companies dependent
on supply of mineral ore from captive leases. The provision was coming in the way of banks and
financial institutions to liquidate stressed assets where a company or its captive mining lease is
mortgaged.
Google Tax: Govt panel for levy on e-com through emails, blogs
A committee on e-commerce has recommended a tax on digital transactions such as emails,
blogs and downloads.
The committee was set up by the Central Board of Direct Taxes.
The committee has recommended a tax of 6-8% on 13 services, in a bid to prevent tax
avoidance by multinationals.
The recommendations are based on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting guidelines of The
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) which provides economic
solutions to member nations.
Some B2B services on which the committee has recommended equalisation levy of 6-8%
include:
Online advertising or any services, rights or use of software for online advertising, including
advertising on radio & television.
Digital advertising space.
Designing, creating, hosting or maintenance of website.
Digital space for website, advertising, e-mails, online computing, blogs, online content, online
data or any other online facility.
Any provision, facility or service for uploading, storing or distribution of digital content.
India-UAE agreement for $75 billion investment in NIIF gets clearance

The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval for a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to mobilise up to $75 billion long-
term investment in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF).
The MoU was signed in February during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to UAE.
Details
The MoU will help establish a transparent and high-level framework and collaboration platform
under which both countries intend to explore ways to facilitate and expand the participation of
UAEs investment institutions in appropriate infrastructure projects and institutions in India
including NIIF.
A joint working group comprising of the concerned representatives of both parties would take
forward cooperation under this MoU and to discuss and agree the terms, principles and criteria
jointly.
About NIIF
The Union Cabinet, in July 2015, had approved creation of National Infrastructure and
Investment Fund (NIIF) as a trust that will have a corpus of Rs 20,000 crore.
The Fund aims to attract investment from both domestic and international sources.
The governments contribution would be limited to 49% of the subscribed capital.
The government will seek participation from strategic investors such as sovereign fund, quasi
sovereign funds and multilateral or bilateral investors, which can help leverage this fund to
many times.
Cash-rich PSUs, pension funds, provident funds, National Small Saving Fund will be able to pick
up stake in the fund.
The government has budgeted to contribute Rs.20,000 crore to the fund in the current fiscal
year while another Rs.20,000 crore is expected to be raised through sovereign wealth funds.
The objective of NIIF is to maximize economic impact mainly through infrastructure
development in commercially viable projects, both greenfield and brownfield, including stalled
projects, NIIF would solicit equity participation from strategic anchor partners.
New gen NBFCs to target smaller cities

New generation Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs) are increasing their focus on tier-II and III
cities to expand their businesses.
Why they are interested in these cities?

For NBFCs, tier-I cities are comfort zones. But due to compression in interest rates and
increasing competition in tier-I cities, NBFCs are looking at tier-2 and 3 cities.
Also, the repayment capacity of professionals, such as doctors, in tierII and -III cities is better,
as there is less competition for their skill. Besides, lending to them is more beneficial as they
can recommend more borrowers/customers.
NBFCs are also trying to expand their reach to smaller cities as they see business opportunities
in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector and plan to tap the needs of the
self-employed professionals, manufacturers and traders to expand their business through
secured loans i.e. loan against property (LAP).
The profitability estimate indicates that NBFCs in tier-II and III cities can break-even in 12
months compared to a time span of 18 months in tier I cities. Tier-I cities generally have high
quantum of loans and low numbers of customer.
India to appeal WTO verdict in solar case

India has decided to appeal against the World Trade Organizations (WTO) verdict over its
policy relating to solar power equipment.
Meanwhile, the government is also examining options to file a case against the US in the World
Trade Organisation based on programmes run by American state governments which give
protection to domestic manufacturers.
Background:
A World Trade Organization (WTO) panel, in February 2016, ruled against India in a dispute
raised by the US over the countrys solar power programme, requiring the government to offer
a level playing field to both foreign and domestic manufacturers of solar panels.
The panel found that the domestic content requirement imposed under Indias national solar
programme is inconsistent with its treaty obligations under the global trading regime.
The United States had challenged the rules on the origin of solar cells and solar modules used in
Indias national solar power programme. A requirement that certain cells and modules be
made in India fell afoul of WTO rules on discriminating against imports.
The United States said its solar exports to India had fallen by 90% from 2011, when India
imposed the rules.
Indias Solar Mission offers a subsidy of up to Rs 1 crore per MW to solar developers sourcing
components from local manufacturers. It also stipulates that 10% of the solar capacity target of
100,000 MW by 2022 should be built with domestically manufactured solar modules.
How India defends its move?

India principally relies on the government procurement justification, which permits countries
to deviate from their national treatment obligation provided that the measure was related to
the procurement by governmental agencies of products purchased for governmental purposes
and not with a view to commercial resale or use in production of goods for commercial sale.
India also argued that the measure was justified under the general exceptions since it was
necessary to secure compliance with its domestic and international law obligations relating to
ecologically sustainable development and climate change.
Besides, it is also being said that only a small portion of demand can be met by India, leaving
still a substantial market for foreign component makers.
NCDs
As per the provisional data with SEBI, Indian firms have raised over Rs.58,000 crore through
issuance of non-convertible debentures (NCDs) in the ongoing fiscal. This is much higher than last
year. Most of the funds have been mobilized for expansion, to support working capital
requirements and for other general corporate purposes.
What are NCDs?
The debentures which cant be converted into shares or equities are called non-convertible
debentures (or NCDs).
Non-convertible debentures are used as tools to raise long-term funds by companies through a
public issue. To compensate for this drawback of non-convertibility, lenders are usually given a
higher rate of return compared to convertible debentures.
Besides, NCDs offer various other benefits to the owner such as high liquidity through stock
market listing, tax exemptions at source and safety since they can be issued by companies
which have a good credit rating as specified in the norms laid down by RBI for the issue of
NCDs. In India, usually these have to be issued of a minimum maturity of 90 days.
What are debentures?

Debentures are long-term financial instruments which acknowledge a debt obligation towards the
issuer.
Market access for Indias services key to BTIA

Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharman recently said that obtaining greater access to the market for
services in the European Union (EU) is key for the progress of the Broadbased Trade and Investment
Agreement (BTIA) between the EU and India.
India and EU are hoping to make progress on the trade deal during the 13th EU India Summit in
Brussels.
Obstacles:
India has not been granted data secure status by the EU, and this has mainly hampered the
progress of negotiations around the liberalisation of trade in services in the BTIA talks. Being
considered data secure is crucial for a number of services especially in the IT and ITES sectors.
About Broadbased Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA)

On 28th June 2007, India and the EU began negotiations on a broad-based Bilateral Trade and
Investment Agreement (BTIA) in Brussels, Belgium.
These negotiations are pursuant to the commitment made by political leaders at the 7th India-
EU Summit held in Helsinki in October 2006 to move towards negotiations for a broad-based
trade and investment agreement on the basis of the report of India-EU High Level Technical
Group.
India and the EU expect to promote bilateral trade by removing barriers to trade in goods and
services and investment across all sectors of the economy. Both parties believe that a
comprehensive and ambitious agreement that is consistent with WTO rules and principles
would open new markets and would expand opportunities for Indian and EU businesses.
The negotiations cover Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Investment, Sanitary and
Phytosanitary Measures, Technical Barriers to Trade, Trade Remedies, Rules of Origin, Customs
and Trade Facilitation, Competition, Trade Defence, Government Procurement, Dispute
Settlement, Intellectual Property Rights & Geographical Indications, Sustainable Development.
So far, 15 rounds of negotiations have been held alternately at Brussels and New Delhi.
Skin bank
Karnataka recently got its first skin bank, the sixth in the country. It was inaugurated at the
State-run Victoria Hospital.
Doctors hope that the skin bank may help save the lives of countless burn victims, as harvested
skin is the best form of biological dressing available today.
Although artificial skin is available, it is prohibitively expensive. The government has agreed to
fund all skin grafts done at the skin bank. A nominal charge may be executed.
Working of the skin bank

Like any other organ donation, skin donation needs to be pledged by a living person or needs to
be offered for donation by the family soon after death.
The skin is harvested within 6 hours of death either at hospital or home. The harvesting is done
from hidden areas such as the back and the thigh with no bleeding or deformity to the body.
The skin donation does not hamper the rituals of last rites.
The process is fairly simple and takes less than 45 minutes. The donor could be anyone above
16 years of age.
The donor should not have skin disease or skin cancer and should be negative for HIV and
Hepatitis C.
No blood group matching is required.
The harvested skin is processed and stored as per international protocol in the skin bank ready
for dispensing and safe use in burns care as the best biological dressing. This dressing not only
saves the life but also relieves the pain, reduces infection increasing chances of survival
significantly, especially when the burn area exceeds 40%.
Agreement signed to provide a loan of Rs 1,000 Crore to FACT

About- Agreement to release Rs. 1000 Crore to the Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore Limited
(FACT), a Central Public Sector Undertaking, for its revival
Aim
To revive the organisation which has been facing financial crunch for more than a decade
To ease its liquidity crisis
Facilitate
Making operational profits, after induction of funds
Reduction in gas prices
Clearing long pending dues of the Company, and facilitating much needed working capital, as
well as for augmenting production
FACT to maintain production at optimum level on a sustainable basis in the coming years
Initiative will not only help in fulfilling the objective of Make in India but also meet the mantra
of Sabka saath, Sabka vikas
FACT: Done excellent job in educating the farmers of Southern India about modern inputs for
improving productivity
Sankalp project
The Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare has initiated scheme in January 2014,
Sankalp which aims at channelizing skill, experience and time available with retired
government servants into meaningful, voluntary contribution to society.
This would add to the social capital of the country and at the same time restore dignity and
purpose to life post-retirement.
So far, around 1,600 Pensioners and 19 Pensioners Associations have successfully registered
under Sankalp.
To create awareness amongst retiring employees about this project, the Department has been
conducting Pre-Retirement Counseling workshops regularly.
So far 28 such workshops for retiring Government employees of various
Ministries/Departments in New Delhi and for Central Armed Police Forces at different locations
in the country have been conducted.
Environment & Ecology
India inks Raptor MoU to save birds of prey
India has signed Raptor MoU, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on conservation of
birds of prey in Africa and Eurasia.
With this India becomes 56th county to sign the Raptor MoU under the Convention on
Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS).
The MoU was singed Ambassador of India to the UAE Shri T.P Seetharam the Convention on
Migratory Species Office in Abu Dhabi.
Earlier in December 2015, the Union Cabinet in its meeting had approved the proposal of the
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to sign Raptor MoU.
About Raptor MoU

It is a multilateral agreement under Article IV paragraph 4 of the CMS and is not legally binding
on signatory parties. It was CMS in October 2008 and came into effect on November 1, 2008.
The MoU seeks willingness of the signatory states for working for conservation of the raptor
species and their habitats.
It covers 76 species of birds of prey under its ambit and an action plan has been formulated
under it that envisages the conservation action for Raptor species.
Of the total 76 species of birds that fall in Raptor MoU, 46 species occur in India including
vultures, falcons, eagles, owls, hawks, kites, harriers, etc.
Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS):

It is also known as Bonn Convention under the aegis of the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP). It aims to conserve migratory species throughout their range. India had
become a party to the CMS since 1st November 1983.
FLY ASH
Recently an expert panel of MoEF has expressed concerns over use of fly ash for filling mines as
this can have environmental consequences in the form of:
Contamination of ground water due to leaching of heavy metals in fly ash
Reduction in recharging of ground water due to fly ash filled mine voids
Ash-filled voids cannot support tree species because of poor root system development which in
turn results in uprooting of trees even by low velocity winds.
Since its findings are not conclusive, it has called for a 10-year exhaustive study over this issue.
About Fly Ash

Fly ash is one of the coal combustion products and is composed of fine particles that are driven
out of the boiler with flue gases. Ash that falls at the bottom of the boiler is called bottom ash.
Fly ash includes substantial amounts of oxides of silica, aluminum and calcium. Element like
Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, lead etc are also found in trace concentrations. It, thus, poses
hazards to environment and health.
However, at the same time due to the presence of these minerals fly ash has certain unique
properties. It can be used as a construction material, filling old mines, building railway
embankments, and reclamation of low-lying areas.
Situation in India
Indian coal has very high ash content - 30-40% ash content as against 10-15% in imported coal.
Indian government has realized that this limitation can be converted into an advantage and
thus steps have been taken:
2009 notification of MoEF provided guidelines on ash utilization advocated its usage within 100
km radius of thermal power plants.
New and innovative uses are also taking place- especially initiated by power companies like
NTPC in collaboration with Institutes like IIT-Delhi and IIT-Kanpur e.g. Manufacture of pre-
stressed railway concrete sleepers
Transportation cost :Some States like Orissa have ordered the plants to subsidize the transport
costs
Recently Maharashtra government has decided to come up with an export policy for fly ash in
the light of demand from places like Singapore and Dubai.
However, India is still not able to match the potential of its fly ash use. As per a recent study by
CSE only 50- 60% of the fly ash generated is being utilized.
There is a need to increase the capability, giving incentives to industry and new technology
introduction in this field.
Peru declares emergency after oil spill in two Rivers

Government of Peru has declared emergency for three weeks after a major oil pipeline burst in
the countrys northeast region affecting two rivers Chiriaco and Morona.
The pipeline burst has spilled over 3,000 barrels of crude oil into the rivers which are the main
source of water and food for several indigenous communities in this region.
Declaration of emergency will provide humanitarian help to these affected communities as
government has warned communities not to eat fish from the polluted waters of these rivers.
The pipeline that spilled the crude oil is owned by Petro Peru, a state-owned oil company and
was built more than 30 years ago. It is used to transport between 5000 and 6000 barrels of oil
per day.
What is oil spill?

An oil spill is the release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment, especially
marine areas, due to human activity, and is a form of pollution. The term is usually applied to
marine oil spills, where oil is released into the ocean or coastal waters, but spills may also occur
on land.
Cleanup and recovery

Cleanup and recovery from an oil spill is difficult and depends upon many factors, including the
type of oil spilled, the temperature of the water (affecting evaporation and biodegradation),
and the types of shorelines and beaches involved
Methods for cleaning up include

Bioremediation: use of microorganisms or biological agents to break down or remove oil; such
as the bacteria Alcanivorax or Methylocella Silvestris.
Controlled burning can effectively reduce the amount of oil in water, if done properly.[48] But
it can only be done in low wind,[citation needed] and can cause air pollution.
Dispersants can be used to dissipate oil slicks.
Dredging: for oils dispersed with detergents and other oils denser than water.
Skimming: Requires calm waters at all times during the process.
Vacuum and centrifuge
Bacterium that degrades polluting plastics

A bacterium species capable of breaking down plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
has been identified by a team of Japanese researchers.
How it works?
The bacterium uses two enzymes in sequence to break down the highly biodegradation-
resistant polymer PET.
First, the bacterium adheres to PET and produces an intermediate substance through
hydrolysis.
The second enzyme then works with water and acts on this intermediate substance to produce
the two monomers ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid used for making PET through
polymerisation.
However, the researchers are still not sure about the evolution of this bacterium. Also, is not
clear what natural processes were at play for the two unique enzymes capable of breaking
down PET in sequential steps to evolve.
Significance of these findings

Plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET)- has been littering the environment for the last 70
years and, in 2013, 56 million tonnes of PET were produced worldwide. This development
would help protect the environment.
Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve

The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve has recently been included in UNESCOs list of World
Biosphere Reserve Network.
Notable Points
The area falls in the Malabar rainforests and is one of the noted hotspot in the Western Ghats.
It covers about 3500 sq kms and is part of different districts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Agastya Mala, the peak after which the reserve is named, rises up to almost 1868 metres above
sea level, in Thiruvananthapuram.
There are many endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna in the reserve including
endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
It includes the Indian eco regions of moist deciduous forests, montane rainforests and Shola
forests and grasslands.
There are three wildlife sanctuaries within the reserveShendurney, Peppara, and Neyyar.
The Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve was recently included as part of the biosphere
reserve.
It is also home to Kanikaran, one of the oldest surviving ancient tribes in the world.
There are 18 biosphere reserves in India and 9 of them were included in the prestigious
UNESCO World
Biosphere Reserve Network. Agasthyamala is the tenth one to be added to the list. The others
are Nilgiri, Gulf of Mannar, Sunderban, Nanda Devi, Nokrek, Pachmarh, Similipal, Achanakmar-
Amarkantak and Great Nicobar.
New plastic waste management rules
Why in news?
Government recently amended the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011.
Main Changes
Increasing the minimum thickness of plastic carry bags from 40 microns to 50 microns.
This would increase the cost and the tendency to provide free carry bags would come down.
Responsibility of local bodies

Rural areas are brought under the rules since plastic has reached rural areas as well.
The gram sabhas have been given responsibility of implementation.
Extended Producer Responsibility

Earlier, EPR was left to the discretion of the local bodies. First time, the producers and brand
owners have been made responsible for collecting waste generated from their products.
Producers are to keep a record of their vendors to whom they have supplied raw materials for
manufacturing. This is to curb manufacturing of these products in unorganised sector.
Responsibility of waste generator: All institutional generators of plastic waste shall segregate
and store the waste generated by them in accordance with the Solid Waste Management
Rules, and handover segregated wastes to authorized waste disposal facilities.
Responsibility of street vendors and retailers: Not to provide such carry bags or fine would be
imposed.Only the registered shopkeepers on payment of a registration fee to local bodies
would be allowed to give out plastic carry bags on charge
To promote the use of plastic for road construction or energy recovery.
Why not ban plastic bags?

As per the Environment ministry an eco-friendly product, which is a complete substitute of the
plastic in all uses, has not been found till date. In the absence of a suitable alternative, it is
impractical and undesirable to impose a blanket ban on the use of plastic all over the country.
Asian Waterbird Census Data

Evaluation of the bird data picked up from the Asian Water bird Census (AWC) held between
1987 and 2014 was recently carried out by the Kerala scientists.
The annual census, coordinated by Wetlands International, also happens to be the first
country-wide citizen science activity on natural history in India.
Researchers focused their attention on the data generated from the four Ramsar sites of
Kerala- Sasthamkotta Lake, Ashtamudi Lake, Vembanad Lake and Kole Wetlands and also the
other important wetland habitats to get a birds eye view of the population trends of wetland
avian fauna.
Highlights
The brightly coloured purple swamphen is one species that have thrived amidst widespread
destruction of its habitats. Its population trend analysis demonstrated that the species has
increased in Kerala during the last decade.
The painted stork, earlier evaluated as a vagrant visitor to wetlands of Malabar and south
Kerala has spread beyond the region they are generally found.
The population of Asian Openbill, extremely rare during the 1970s, has remarkably increased
since 2001, with at least four census reporting the presence of more than 3,000 birds. So is the
case of Eurasian spoonbill as there have been several reports of sighting of large flocks from
Kole Wetlands, Vembanad Lake and Kuttanad Wetlands. Same is the case with blackheaded
Ibis.
Indian spotbilled duck, glossy ibis, oriental darter, Asian woollyneck and spotbilled pelican
recorded increased presence whereas the population of the river terns and cormorants
remained stable.
But the bird group of terns underwent a steady decline over the years. From the nearly 30,000-
strong population in 1993-94, it had plummeted to just near 10,000 in the last decade. The loss
of estuarine habitat like Purathur in Malappuram district and disturbances in other estuaries
might have contributed to this decline. The decline was evident in the relatively stable sites
such as Kole Wetlands, rued the ornithologists.
The population of whiskered tern, which form the major chunk of the population of the terns in
the State, too has fallen significantly. Gulls too painted a gloomy picture as they were sighted in
lesser number during the past few censuses.
The BirdLife International has recorded that 11 water bird species of Kerala come under the
IUCN Red list threatened categories with the black bellied tern being one of the Endangered
waterbird species in Kerala. The only report of black bellied tern during AWC was from the Kole
Wetlands.
Great knot, a vulnerable, trans-continental migrant, has been reported from four sites
whereas the Asian woolly neck stork (another vulnerable species), has been reported from 44
wetlands across the State.
An influx of Eurasian coot, which was an added to the list of Kerala birds during the late 1980s,
has been reported in the State during winter season.
The report has identified the following threats

Demographic pressure, industrial development, pollution, urbanisation, agriculture and
aquaculture and water transport have been adding pressure on the wetlands of the State.
Reclamation of wetlands and the aquatic ecosystems, which are often considered as
wastelands, is spelling trouble to several taxa. The stake nets used for fishing removes a wide
array of non-target organisms, which are functionally important to the aquatic environment.
Destructive fishing practise are also taking a toll on the bird population, it was reported.
Unregulated fishing, reclamation of wetlands, dumping of solid waste and domestic sewage too
posed threats to the wetlands of Kerala, according to ornithologists.
About AWC
Asian Waterbird Census is an annual event in which thousands of volunteers across Asia and
Australasia count waterbirds in the wetlands of their country. This event happens every
January. This event is coordinated by wetalands International and forms part of global
waterbird monitoring programme called the International Waterbird Census (IWC).
Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) was started in the year 1987. Its main focus is to monitor the
status of waterbirds and the wetlands. AWC also aims to create public awareness on various
issues concerning wetlands and waterbird conservation. Each year the census is carried out as a
voluntary activity.
2016 marks the 50th global International Waterbird Census (IWC). With this, it has become the
worlds longest running biodiversity monitoring programme. 2016 also marks the 30th year of
AWC.
In India, the AWC is annually coordinated by the Bombay Natural history Society (BNHS) and
Wetlands International.
What are waterbirds?

According to Wetlands International (WI), waterbirds are defined as species of birds that are
ecologically dependent on wetlands. These birds are considered to be an important health
indicator of wetlands of a region.
Himachal Pradesh propagating Mahseer fish for conservation

Himachal Pradesh government has started an artificial propagation programme for
rehabilitation and conservation of golden mahseer. The population of the golden mahseer,
hunted for sport and food, is declining in rivers of Himachal Pradesh.
The population of the golden mahseer is declining in the state due to various reasons, including
construction of dams, barrages, pollution, indiscriminate fishing of brood and juvenile fish,
introduction of exotic species and habitat deterioration.
A hatchery with an outlay of Rs 6 crore has been set up in the state to rear mahseer, to breed
the fish and release its fingerlings into the wild.
Key facts
Golden mahseer is known as the tiger of Indian rivers.
It has been declared endangered by the Washington-based International Union of Conservation
of Natural Resources.
The mahseer, the longest-living freshwater fish, is native to mountain and sub-mountain
regions. It belongs to the genus Tor.
The Pong Dam reservoir, around 250km from state capital Shimla and 190km from Chandigarh,
supports an ample population of the golden mahseer.
It migrates upstream for spawning during the southwest floods. After spawning, it returns to
the original feeding grounds. It is available at altitudes of up to 2,000 metres above sea level
and is purely carnivorous.
Fact to know
The J&K Wildlife Department has recorded its first ever sighting of a group of eight Himalayan
brown bears in Kargils Drass Sector. This is a rare record. In the recent past, no such sighting
has ever been reported from J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where these animals are
distributed. The sighting of such relatively large numbers of Himalayan brown bears in just one
wildlife zone out of four major areas of Suru, Zanskar, Drass and Kargil in the Ladakh region is a
positive indication. Brown bear is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and
Natural Resources list of vulnerable animals.
According to the UN Environment report- Global Environmental Outlook (GEO-6): Regional

Assessments- nearly 40 million Indians will be at risk from rising sea levels by 2050, with people
in Mumbai and Kolkata having the maximum exposure to coastal flooding in future due to rapid
urbanisation and economic growth. According to the report, the worst impacts of climate
change are projected to occur in the Pacific and South and Southeast Asia. India tops the chart
with nearly 40 million people in the country projected to be at risk from rising sea levels,
followed by more than 25 million in Bangladesh, over 20 million in China and nearly 15 million
in the Philippines.
New E-Waste Management Rules

Recently, the Ministry of Environment and Forests have proposed the E-waste (Management
and Handling) Rules 2016 that will replace the earlier Rules of 2011
Main Features
Applicability
Earlier it was applicable only to producers and consumers, dismantlers and recyclers. Now
extended to Manufacturer, dealer, refurbishers and Producer Responsibility Organisation
(PRO). This will help in preventing leakage of e-waste to informal sector.
Earlier only Electric and Electronic equipments were covered. Now even their components and
spare= parts are also covered. Also Mercury containing lamps like CFLs also included.
Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR): Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is a strategy
designed to promote the integration of environmental costs associated with goods throughout
their life cycles into the market price of the products.
Single EPR Authorization for Producers is now being made CPCBs responsibility to ensure pan
India implementation.
Further, flexibility is given for ease of implementation of EPR provisions. Options like setting up
of PRO, e-waste exchange, e-retailer, Deposit Refund Scheme are given to Producers to ensure
efficient channelization of e-waste.
Deposit Refund Scheme is an additional economic instrument introduced.
Under E-waste exchange independent companies could offer services of sale and purchase of
end-of-life equipments.
Collection is now exclusive responsibility of the Producer. There is no separate authorization
needed for this as was required earlier.
A target based approach has been mandated for collection. This is 30% of the quantity of waste
generated in first phase and will eventually move to 70% in 7 years.
Bulk Consumer responsibility: They have to file annual returns. Health facilities have been
added to the definition.
Participation of State government: Involvement of state government for effective implantation
of the rules and simultaneously ensure welfare, safety and health of the workers involved in
this e-waste management sector.
Provision on Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) during manufacturing stage has been
brought in line with existing EU regulations. A provision for withdrawal and recall of the
products in case of noncompliance is added.
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault
What is it?
It is a secure seed bank on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen near Longyearbyen in the
remote Arctic Svalbard archipelago, about 1,300 kilometres (810 mi) from the North Pole.
Purpose
The purpose of the Vault is to store seed samples from the worlds crop collections.
Permafrost and thick rock ensure that the seed samples will remain frozen even without
power.
It would be like an insurance policy for worlds food supply, offering options for future
generations to overcome the challenges of climate change and population growth.
It would be the final back up, securing, for centuries, millions of seeds representing every
important crop variety available in the world today
Climate engineering solutions

Climate engineering refers to the deliberate and large scale intervention in the Earths climate
system with the aim of limiting adverse climate change.
Generally two categories of engineering solutions:
Greenhouse gas removal: Examples

Carbon capture and storage (CCS), where some of the carbon dioxide being emitted by coal-
fired power stations is recaptured by physically sucking it in and transporting it elsewhere (like
oilfields) to be sequestered underground.
Biochar which is created by pyrolysis of biomass
Enhanced weathering involves a chemical approach to remove carbon dioxide involving land or
ocean based techniques. Examples of land based enhanced weathering techniques are in-situ
carbonation of silicates.
Afforestation
Management of Sunlight
Here the plan is to reduce global warming by cutting down the heat absorbed by our planet
from the sun.
Examples:
Stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI): SAI involves spraying into the stratosphere fine, light-
coloured particles designed to reflect back part of the solar radiation before it reaches and
warms the earth. Sulphur Dioxide gas is used for the process.
Cirrus cloud manipulation: Here the cirrus clouds are removed or thinned so that their long-
wave trapping capacity is reduced and thus cools the surface.
Marine cloud brightening: The low warm clouds which are highly reflective to sunlight are
modified to increase their reflectivity.
Space sunshade: Obstructing sunrays with space based mirrors
Using pale-coloured roofing material or growing high albedo crops.
Union Government fixes Maximum Sale Price of BT Cotton Seed
The Union Government has notified maximum sale price (MSP) of Bt cotton seed for the year
2016-17.
It was announced by the Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singh.
In this regard, Union Government has issued notification as per the Cotton Seed Price (Control)
Order, 2015 under the Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
As per the notification

Price of BG-I version of Bt cotton hybrid has been fixed at 635 rupees.
Price of BG-II version of Bt cotton hybrid was fixed at 800 rupees.
Background
The MSP of Bt cotton seed for the year 2016-17 was notified based on the recommendation of
nine-member committee set up by the Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry.
It had fixed the MSP taking into consideration the seed value, trade margins licence fees
including one-time and recurring royalty (trait value) and other taxes.
The committee was constituted after it was found that multinational companies (MNCs) largely
control the Bt cotton seed market in India and they were charging exorbitant prices that
consequently was cause of concern for small and marginalized cotton growing farmers.
Prior to it, Union Government had issued Cotton Seed Price (Control) Order, 2015 in December
2015 to regulate seed prices of Bt cotton and safeguard the interests of the farmers.
About Bt cotton
Bt cotton is a genetically modified organism (GMO) cotton variety, which produces an
insecticide to bollworm.
It is produced by the gene coding technique by inserting Bt toxin into cotton as a transgene
that causes it to produce this natural insecticide in its tissues.
The Bt toxin is obtained from the strains of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis which is only
harmful to different insects including larvae of moths and butterflies, cotton bollworms,
beetles but are harmless to other forms of life.
March 22: World Water Day

Every year World Water Day (WWD) is observed globally on 22 March to preserve and ration
consumption of water.
Significance of the Day:

WWD is observed to make a difference for the members of the global population who suffer
from water related issues. It marks a day to prepare for how we manage water in the future.
2016
Theme: Better Water, Better Jobs.
It focuses on the central role that water plays in creating and supporting good quality jobs.
Almost half of the worlds workers (nearly 1.5 billion) people work in water related sectors and
nearly all jobs depend on water and those that ensure its safe delivery.
Background
WWD was first formally proposed in Agenda 21 of United Nations Conference on Environment
and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992.
Later, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) accepted the recommendation of UNCED and
celebrated first World Water Day on 22 March 1993.
Since then this day is observed annually to draw attention on the importance of freshwater and
advocating for the sustainable management of fresh water resources. 2015 theme of WWD
was Water and Sustainable Development.
YAMUNA FLOODPLAINS
Why in news?
Recently Art of Living (AoL) had organized a cultural event on Yamunas floodplain.
The event came under criticism from environmental activists and NGOs because of the damage
it was likely to cause to the floodplains due to construction activities of gigantic proportions.
While the NGT allowed the event to take place, it ordered the AoL foundation to pay a fine of
Rs. 5 crore for the remedial and restoration work.
What is floodplain?
Floodplain is the area adjacent to a river that is not always under water, but is prone to
flooding. It is an extension of the riverbed and is an integral part of any river-system
It is an ecologically sensitive area.
In the case of the Yamuna in Delhi, the area that is likely to get submerged at least once in a 25-
year period has been classified as its floodplain.
Significance of Floodplain
Flood protection: As it provides more room to the river in the event of its rise
Improve water quality: When inundated, it acts as natural filters removing excess sediments
and nutrients.
Recharged Aquifers: Outside of a rivers main channel, water flow is slowed and has more time
to seep into the ground where it can replenish underground water sources.
Improved Wildlife Habitat: home to some of the most biologically rich habitats on Earth.
Recreational Industries and Eco-tourism: fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, wildlife watching
and boating - greatly enhanced by the natural processes of rivers and healthy floodplains.
Impact on Environment
One of the important functions of the floodplains is groundwater recharge. In the process of
flattening, the surface gets hardened, and it severely impacts its groundwater recharge
capability.
Change in the natural gradient of the floodplain would diminish its flood-carrying capacity.
Cutting of trees and dumping of debris impacts aquatic and bird population.
Increased footfall would also affect the region.
21 March: International Day of Forests

Every year 21st March is being observed as International Day of Forests to raise awareness of
the importance of all types of forests and of trees outside forests.
The observance of the day is also used to communicate the vital role forests play in to sustain
and protect us i.e. in environmental sustainability, food security and poverty eradication.
Theme for 2016: Forests and water.
The theme highlights importance of forests as key factor to the planets supply of freshwater,
which is essential for life.
It also marks the joint celebration of the International Day of Forests and World Water Day
(22nd March).
Background
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had proclaimed 21 March the International Day
of Forests by adopting resolution A/RES/67/200 on 28 November 2012.
The first International Day of Forests was observed on 21 March 2013.
Key facts
Forests cover one third (about 31% of global land area) of the Earths land mass, performing
vital functions around the world. Being the most biologically-diverse ecosystems on land,
forests are a home for more than 80% of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects.
Around the world, 1.6 billion people including more than 2,000 indigenous cultures depend on
forests for their livelihood.
Despite all of these priceless ecological, economic, social and health benefits of forests, the
global deforestation continues at an alarming.
Deforestation accounts for 12 to 20% of the global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that
contribute to climate change.
Water Sources: Forested watersheds and wetlands supply around 75% of the worlds accessible
freshwater.
Forests generally act as natural water filters. About one-third of the worlds largest cities obtain
a significant proportion of their drinking water directly from forested protected areas.
Climate change is altering forests role in water flows and the availability of water resources.
More than 50 animal species critically endangered in India

Union Government has announced that out of 96,000 animal species found in India more than
50 animals have been assessed as critically endangered (CR) and 310 as endangered (EN).
It was announced by Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar in a written reply to the
Rajya Sabha.
Key facts
The assessment studies were conducted by Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and it has recorded
96,000 species of animals from India.
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed 50 animal species as
critically endangered. It includes 18 species of amphibians, 14 varieties of fish, 13 birds and
10 mammals.
IUCN also has assessed 310 animal species as endangered that includes 69 fish, 38 mammals
and 32 amphibians.
Vascular Plants: Botanical Survey of India (BSI) also has notified that out of 19,156 species of
vascular plants found in India.
Of them 1,236 species belong to different threatened categories like critically endangered,
endangered and vulnerable.
Conservation of threatened species: Government has established 730 Protected Areas,
including 535 wildlife sanctuaries, 103 national parks, 26 community reserves and 66
conservation reserves, which primarily cover habitats of threatened megafauna such as rhino,
tiger, elephant and others.
9 of the 18 biosphere reserves found in India are part of the World Network of Biosphere
Reserves of UNESCO.
Recovery programme: National CAMPA Advisory Council has approved the funding for recovery
programme of various endangered species.
These include Gangetic River Dolphin (CR) with budgetary support of Rs 23 crore, Dugong (CR)
with a budget of Rs 23.58 crore, Great Indian Bustard (CR) with Rs 108.25 crore, Manipur Brow
Antlered deer (CR) with support of Rs 99.95 crore and wild Buffalo (CR) with Rs 2 crore.
Earth Hour 2016 observed across the World on 19 March 2016

The tenth edition of World Wide Fund for Natures (WWFs) Earth Hour was observed across
the World on 19 March 2016 from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm local time.
Earth Hour 2016 encouraged people to explore and adopt a cleaner and more sustainable
lifestyle by embracing renewable energy solutions.
Key facts
In the 2016 edition of Earth Hour, millions of people around the world took part in the event
for the global climate change awareness campaign.
Over 178 countries and territories participated in the event and more than 1,200 landmarks
along with 40 UNESCO world heritage sites observed the Earth Hour.
For India, the country-specific theme was to encourage usage of solar energy by individuals and
organizations.
Pariss iconic Eiffel Tower, Berlins Brandenburg Gate and Hong Kongs famed skyline also
participated in the Earth Hour by switching off their lights for 1 hour from 8:30pm local time.
In India, Rashtrapati Bhavan also participated by switching off lights for 1 hour. About Earth
Hour It is an annual global environmental event (movement) organized by the World Wide
Fund for Nature (WWF). Earth Hours goal is to raise awareness for sustainable energy use and
create a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle.
This day encourages citizens, communities, businesses and organisations to switch the lights off
from 8:30 pm local time for an hour to highlight the plight of the planet.
The first Earth Hour was held on March 31, 2007 in Sydney, Australia. Since then it became
annual global environmental event (movement).
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)

It is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) working in the field of the
biodiversity conservation, and the reduction of humanitys footprint on the environment.
CATEGORIZATION OF POLLUTING INDUSTRIES

India's environment ministry has sought to classify industrial units in a category of colours
based on their pollution potential.
The categorisation is based on a pollution index developed by the environment ministry taking
into account the emissions, effluents, hazardous waste generated, and the resources it
consumes.
They would be classified on the basis of how they score on a scale ranging between 15 to 60:
Colour Score Examples
Red 60 and above Petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, sugar, paper and pulp,
(Heavily nuclear power plants, thermal power plants, tanneries,
Polluting) organic chemicals, fertilizers, fire crackers
Orange Between 30-59 Coal washeries, glass manufacturing, paints, stone crushers,
aluminum and copper extraction from scrap
Green Between 15-29 Aluminum utensils, steel furniture, soap manufacturing, tea
processing
White Below 15 Air cooler, AC units, Chalk factories, Biscuit tray units
(Non-
polluting)
The classification is for entire industrial sectors and not individual units.
The system of annual renewal of certification will also be scrapped with this. The Environment
Ministry has suggested five years renewal for red category, ten years for orange and one time
certification for green. White industries would not require any green clearance.
Benefits
This would place the heavily polluting industries under greater scrutiny.
Low polluting industries would be saved from unnecessary hassles of periodic renewals. Thus, it
would facilitate ease of doing business.
Better site selection for new red category industries as they will not be allowed in ecologically
sensitive areas.
Colour coding would enable easier financing for environmental friendly industries.
MoEFCC notifies new environment standards for Gensets

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) for the first time
notified new environment standards for Gensets running on various kinds of fuels including
LPG, petrol and diesel in various cities.
The primary aim of the new standards for Gensets is to control air and noise pollution
emanating from the operation of Gensets.
These standards were recommended by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) after
consultations with industries and other stakeholders.
Key highlights of Notification

In all the three fuel modes of operation of Gensets, a three-tier classification has been adopted.
These standards will control the air and noise emission profile across different category of
Gensets.
It would be revisited in 4-5 years once air and noise emission quality data and technological
details pertaining to Gensets are available.
Under these standards certification is mandatory for Gensets in terms of Type approval and
Conformity of Production for air emission as well as noise emission.
The manufacturers of Gensets are required to obtain the certification for engine products by
empaneled agencies which help in regulating the unorganised sector.
It will also help curb illegal import of Gensets in the country which were observed to have
higher air and noise emission values.
3rd March: World Wildlife Day
Every year 3rd March is being observed as World Wildlife Day (WWD) to celebrate and raise
awareness of the worlds wild fauna and flora.
Significance of Day
It calls for taking up urgent steps to fight wildlife crime which has wide-ranging environmental,
economic and social impacts.
2016 theme:
The future of wildlife is in our hands.
While the main focus of this years global campaigns are African and Asian elephants.
This theme showcases inextricable relationship between people, wildlife and sustainable
development.
It seeks to spread awareness for taking national action to ensure the survival of both lesser
known and charismatic species in the wild.
Background
On 20 December 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at its 68th session had
designated 3rd March as World Wildlife Day.
On this day in 1973, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna
and Flora (CITES) was adopted.
Since then CITES plays an important role in ensuring that international trade does not threaten
the species survival.
March 23: World Meteorological Day

Every year 23rd March is being observed as World Meteorological Day (WMD).
The theme for 2016 year is Hotter, Drier, Wetter. Face the Future.
The theme highlights the disruption caused by climate change on the natural pattern of the
seasons and increasing frequency and intensity of certain extreme weather events such as heat
waves, droughts and heavy rainfall.
On the occasion of WMD, various meteorological research awards will be also given.
These awards include International Meteorological Organization Prize, Professor Dr. Vilho
Vaisaila Award and Norbert Gerbier-Mumm International Award.
Background
On this day in 1950 the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Convention came into force
that aimed at creating WMO.
Later in 1951, WMO became United Nations specialized agency for meteorology, geophysical
sciences and operational hydrology.
India to host 3rd Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation

India is going to host Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation from 12 April 2016 to
save tigers.
It will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
It will the third such conference on tiger conservation to be hosted by India that will see the
participation of all 13 tiger range countries (TRCs).
They are Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar,
Nepal, Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Key facts
In this edition of conferences participating TRCs will share their (i) good practices and success
stories in conserving tigers (ii) success stories in conserving tigers.
The conference will also bring desired momentum and cooperative will for tiger conservation at
the global level.
It will also have and have long-term ramifications in the future for tiger conservation.
The first edition of Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation was held in Hua Hin,
Thailand in 2010 and second edition was held in Thimphu, Bhutan in 2013.
Tiger population in India India is home to nearly 70% of the worlds tiger population and
according to the 2014 tiger census, there are 2,226 tigers in the country.
State-wise, Karnataka has the highest number of tigers (406) followed by Uttarakhand (340),
Madhya Pradesh (308), Tamil Nadu (229), Maharashtra (190), Assam (167), Kerala (136) and
Uttar Pradesh (117).
New frog species found in Biligiri

Scientists have found a new species of bush frog in the Biligiri Rangaswamy Tiger reserve
Details:
The frog is named Honnametti bush frog (scientific name: Raorchestes honnametti ).
The species discovered is a cryptic bush frog that is, it resembles another species of
Seshachars bush frog ( Raorchestes charius ).
The discovery makes it the first such cryptic species to be found in the Western Ghats. This
discovery can lead scientists to understanding the evolutionary history of such species.
New snake species discovered in Gujarat

A team of young Indian researchers and naturalists have recently discovered a new snake
genus and species in Gujarat.
The snake genus has been named Wallaceophis in honour of the legendary 19th century British
naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913), considered the father of biogeography.
The snake species has been named Gujaratenisis to commemorate the western Indian state
where it was discovered.
The Wallaceophis Gujaratenisis is presently found in just seven localities of Gujarat and virtually
nothing is known about its biology.
For first time, tobacco use is down in country: Family health survey
Data from the first phase of National Family Health Survey released recently by the Union
health ministry shows that the use of tobacco, the leading cause of preventable death, has for
the first time begun to decline across country.
The data shows a dip in the use of all forms of tobacco, among men and women, in the past
decade. Doctors are hailing the results as one of the biggest successes in public health.
Key facts
At least 11 of the 13 states in the report have reported a decline in the numbers between 2005-
06 and 2015-16.
In Sikkim, there is up to 20% dip in tobacco use.
The only two states that showed increase in consumption were Manipur and Meghalaya.
The tobacco industry too has also been reporting a consistent dip in production since 2011.
Current status
Ten years ago, nearly half the men and, at least, a quarter of the women in rural areas
consumed tobacco. Today, sustained campaign against the use of tobacco including pictorial
warnings on cigarette packets, ban on smoking in public places, complete ban on the sale of
pan masala in several states, high taxes, warnings flashed on cinema and TV screens and from
doctors have helped bring down the numbers.
The first sign of success is already visible in the national cancer registry. The incidence of oral
cancer among women is on a rapid decline. The Madras Metropolitan Tumour registry for
instance has recorded a 33% drop in oral cancer among young women.
Until 1986, mouth cancer was the third amongst all forms of cancer affecting women with an
incidence of 7.8 per 10,000. In 2012, it did not appear in the top five. Its an indication that
fewer younger women are opting for smokeless tobacco.
However, a recent study has shown that the number of men smoking tobacco in India rising by
more than one-third to 10.8 crores between 1998 and 2015. But, the study also notes that the
increase is only because the population has gone up. There is no drastic increase in the
prevalence of smoking across the country.
Scientists use micro-organisms to produce green plastic

Korean researchers have developed a unique biorefinery system to create non-natural
polymers from natural sources, allowing various plastics to be made in an environmentally-
friendly and sustainable manner.
Researchers have developed metabolically engineered Escherichia coli strains to synthesise
non-natural, biomedically important polymers including PLGA or poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)
previously considered impossible to obtain from bio-based materials.
Significance of this development

As climate change technology becomes more important, this research on the biological
production of non-natural, high value polymers has a great impact on science and industry.
Background
In recent years, biorefineries which transform non-edible biomass into fuel, heat, power,
chemicals and materials have received a great deal of attention as a sustainable alternative to
decreasing the reliance on fossil fuels.
Renewable non-food biomass can potentially replace petrochemical raw materials to produce
energy sources, useful chemicals or products such as plastics, lubricants, paints, fertilisers and
vitamin capsules.
World Water Day
World Water Day is being observed globally today (22nd March). It is to mark the importance of water
to human civilisation and nature. It is part of Decade for Water (2005-2015) activity by the United
Nations.
2016 Theme:
Water and Jobs
Background
The United Nations General Assembly designated March 22 as World Water Day in 1993
following a resolution taken in Rio, Brazil in 1992 when demands were made to designate a
special day for water resources.
Sand-eating tadpoles
Researchers have discovered a sand-eating tadpole that lives fully in total darkness until it fully
develops into a young frog. The discovery was made in Western Ghats. These frogs belong to
the Indian Dancing Frog family, Micrixalidae. They get that name from their habit of waving
their legs as a sign of territorial and sexual display while sitting on boulders in streams.
Key facts:
The purple tadpoles were discovered from the deep recesses of streambeds in the Western
Ghats and they possess muscular eel-like bodies and skin-covered eyes, which helps them to
burrow through gravel beds.
Though they lack teeth, they have serrated jaw sheaths, to possibly prevent large sand grains
from entering the mouth while feeding and moving through sand.
Unlike most tadpoles that swim early on, the Micrixalidae tadpoles hang onto underwater rocks
with their powerful suckering mouths. When their arms grow strong enough they dig
underground, where they live most of their lives, only to emerge in forest streams to
reproduce.
Other unusual features of the tadpoles were ribs and whitish globular sacs storing calcium
carbonate, known as lime sacs. Only four families of frogs are reported to have ribs, but the
latest discovery shows that at least some of Micrixalidae also have ribs, even as tadpoles; this
adaptation may provide for greater muscle attachment, helping them wriggle through sand.
Science & Technology
Kakrapar Nuclear Plant
Kakrapar nuclear plant shut down after coolant system develops leak
Recently, power generation unit 1 at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat was shut
down for indefinitely period after leakage of heavy water.
The reactor was shut down as per design provisions after a small leak in the Primary Heat
Transport (PHT) System of the plant was detected.
The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), operator of KAPS has confirmed that
there was no harmful, radioactive leakage and the backup safety mechanisms for emergency
situation are working as intended.
Kakrapar nuclear plant

The nuclear plant is located near Vyara in south Gujarat. It consists of two units of pressurised
heavy water reactors (PHWR) of 220 MW each. NPCIL is operator the plant.
The first reactor was commissioned in September 1992 and it started commercial power
production in May 1993.
The second reactor was commissioned in January 1995 and began commercial production in
September 1995. Since July 2015, the second unit has been shut for maintenance.
Heavy water (deuterium oxide D2O)

It is used for cooling the nuclear reactor core i.e. as coolant and neutron moderator. PHWR is
commonly using unenriched natural uranium as its fuel.
Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) Mission

Why in news?
Recently Russian (Roscosmos) and European (ESA) space agency jointly launched a Mars
Mission called Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO).
The Trace Gas Orbiter carries the Entry, Descent and landing demonstrator Module (EDM),
known as Schiaparelli.
Trace Gases on Mars: Methane, Water Vapour, Nitrogen Oxides and Acetylene
Aim of mission
To study methane and other rare gases in Mars atmosphere.
To drop a lander (Schiaparelli) on its surface. The probe will take pictures on the way down, but
it has no surface camera. It will make environmental observations until its battery dies
The main goal is to demonstrate its descent radar, computers and algorithms.
It will be used in the mechanism that lands the future ExoMars rover.
Trace Gas Orbiter carries a scientific payload capable of detection and characterization of trace
gases in the Martian atmosphere.
ALPHA GO
AlphaGo is a computer program developed by Google DeepMind in London to play the board
game Go.
It is the first computer program to ever beat a professional player at the game of Go.
It not only mastered what may be the world's most complex board game, it also changed the
scope of future Artificial Intelligence (AI) research.
AlphaGo is powered by neural network AI engines, which allows the program to learn by
observing the data from the best Go players and then train itself to get even better.
The fact that it can train itself to improve could be applied to other tasks, such as teaching itself
to recognize faces by looking at lots of images.
AI can also help people look through large databases and perform calculation, as it does in
"complete information games" like chess or Go.
In "incomplete information games," it could be used in situations where there are more
unknown factors, such as negotiations or cyber security
Fast Radio Bursts (FRBS)

Astronomers have, for the first time detected, repeated short bursts of mysterious and
powerful radio waves.
Where did they come from?

Experts predict that these bursts, also known as Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs), originated from an
extremely powerful object, probably an enigmatic source that is likely located beyond the edge
of the Milky Way galaxy.
Where they were detected?

These bursts were detected by Arecibo radio telescope, which is located in Puerto Rico. This is
the worlds largest radio telescope. Puerto Rico is a dependent territory of The United States Of
America.
What are FRBs?

They are high energy astrophysical phenomenon manifested as a transient radio pulse lasting
only a few milliseconds.
Most theories suggest that such burst generally occur from cataclysmic incidents that destroy
their source- a star exploding in a supernova or a neutron star collapsing collapsing into a black
hole.
Thorium based Reactors

Research & Development on Thorium utilisation continues to be a high priority area of the
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE):
On account of physics characteristics of Thorium, it is however not possible to build a nuclear
reactor using Thorium alone.
It has to be converted to Uranium-233 in a reactor before it can be used as fuel.
With this in view, a three-stage nuclear power programme, based on a closed nuclear fuel cycle
has been chalked out to use thorium as a viable and sustainable option, right at the inception
of Indias nuclear power programme.
The three stage nuclear power programme aims to multiply the domestically available fissile
resource through the use of natural uranium in Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors, followed by
use of plutonium obtained from the spent fuel of Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors in Fast
Breeder Reactors.
Large scale use of Thorium will subsequently follow making use of the Uranium-233 that will be
bred in Fast Breeder Reactors, when adequate capacity has been built in the country.
The third stage of Indian nuclear power programme which contemplates making use of
Uranium-233 to fuel Thorium Uranium-233 based reactors can provide energy independence to
the country for several centuries. All efforts towards technology development and
demonstration are being made now, so that a mature technology is available in time.
India has abundant quantity of thorium resources contained in the mineral monazite occurring
in the beach sand placer deposits along the eastern and western coasts of the country as well
as the inland placers in parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal,
Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.
The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) through its Atomic Minerals Directorate for
Exploration & Research (AMD) has carried out exploration activities over the past six decades,
which have resulted in establishing in situ resources of 11.93 million tonnes of monazite as on
February 2016 in the country.
Indian Monazite contains about 9-10% of Thorium oxide (ThO2) which in turn results in about
1.07 million tonnes of Thorium oxide (ThO2).
A three stage nuclear power programme has been devised to efficiently utilise this large
reserve of thorium. The energy potential of this thorium reserve is estimated to be more than
155,500 GWe-years.
New initiatives to Combat TB

About- Government of India stands committed to accelerating its efforts to combat
tuberculosis in the country.
Launched
Bedaquiline new anti-TB drug for Drug Resistant TB as part of the RNTCP
Drug is a new anti-TB drug for treatment of MDR-TB.
New class of drug is a diarylquinoline that specifically targets Mycobacterial ATP synthase, an
enzyme essential for supply of energy to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and most other
mycobacteria.
Drug is indicated for use in the treatment of drug-resistant
Also inducted over 500 Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) machines in
the programme.
CBNAAT is a revolutionary rapid molecular test which detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis and
rifampicin drug resistance, simultaneously.
Launched the Third line ART programme for People Living with HIV.
Life-saving third line ART costs nearly Rs. 1.18 lakh per patient per year.
Providing these free would not only safe lives but improve socioeconomic conditions of the
patients.
Initiative brings Indias ART programme at par with programmes in the developed countries.
ROTAVIRUS Vaccine
Launch of Rotavirus vaccine is a part of Universal Immunization Programme
About
Launch of the Rotavirus vaccine as part of the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) of the
country.
New milestone towards expanding the coverage of full immunization in the country aimed at
reducing child mortality
Aim
To reduce morbidity and mortality in children.
Strengthening routine immunization is an essential investment in Indias children and will
ensure a healthy future of the country.
Rotavirus
One of the leading causes of severe diarrhoea and death among children less than five years of
age, and that every year nearly 80,000 to one lakh children die in the country due to Rotavirus
diarrhoea, and about 9 lakh children are admitted to hospital due to episodes of severe
diarrhoea with 32.7 lakh cases of OPD
Rotavirus vaccine will enable to directly address the problem of diarrheal death
Vaccine is being introduced initially in four states viz
o Andhra Pradesh
o Haryana
o Himachal Pradesh
o Odisha (will be expanded to the entire country in a phased manner)
Rotavirus Vaccine to reduce out of pocket expenditure in addition to saving hundreds of lives as
it is a very cost effective measure.
Four new vaccines are being introduced as part of UIP including

Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV),
Rotavirus vaccine, Measles,
Rubella (MR) vaccine,
Adult Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine.
With these new vaccines, Indias UIP will provide free vaccines against 12 life threatening diseases, to
27 million children annually, the largest birth cohort in the world.
ASIAS LARGEST OPTICAL TELESCOPE ARIES

PM Narendra Modi unveils Asias largest optical telescope ARIES at Nainital
Asias largest and first of its kind optical telescope Aryabhatta Research Institute of
Observational Sciences (ARIES) was unveiled at Devasthal in Nainital District, Uttrakahnd.
It was remotely activated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Belgian counterpart Charles
Michel from Belgium.
Key facts
Aries telescope was joint collaborative technological effort between Indian and Belgian
scientists.
Location
It has been located at a height of 2,500 metres at Devasthal in Nainital district. The site was
chosen for getting a clear view of the sky.
Features
The ARIES optical telescope has mirror of 3.6 m diameter. The telescope facility has been
incorporated with high end technology which enables it to be operated with the help of remote
control from anywhere in the world.
Applications
It will help in the study and exploration of planets, starts, magnetic field and astronomical
debris.
It will also help research of star structures and magnetic field structures of stars.
Background
The ARIES telescope has been a joint international effort between Indian, Russian and Belgian
scientist.
In March 2007 ARIES and Belgian company Advanced Mechanical and Optical Systems (AMOS)
had entered a contract for design, manufacture, integration, testing, supply and installation of
the telescope.
Belgium also had funded 7 per cent of the project whose total cost is estimated to be more
than 120 crore rupees.
Touch DNA
Around the world the courts are divided about Touch DNA as reliable evidence to convict
someone for a crime.
The touch DNA is a type of DNA analysis method involving amplification of tiny amounts of
genetic material left behind when assailants touch victims, weapons or something else at a
crime scene.
Why controversial?
Although many hail it as a power tool that can help close cases critics such as FBI argue it is
inconclusive and unreliable.
This is because the low copy number DNA , the sample are so small less than 100 pico grams
or 16 human cells that scientists amplify them more than typical DNA samples.
TINTORANG
Why in news?
A science start-up, incubated at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has built the world's first
food-grade DNA/RNA stain.
Why important?
Traditionally from crop improvement and food testing to forensic applications, carcinogenic
and toxic nucleic acid stains are used by biologists and genome experts.
Tintorang, developed from an undisclosed plant source being a fluorescent dye, can be used for
DNA and RNA visualization, molecular diagnosis and in vivo imaging applications.
Applications
Applying Tintorang to diagnose diseases does not require any bacterial culture, hence the
result is obtained sooner.
Tintorang may help to bring down the time taken for lab diagnosis of critical diseases like HIV-
AIDS to only one day from the present 3-45 days
Also, the same DNA/RNA stain can be used for multiple tests as the structure of the nucleic acid
is not altered by one test.
Tintorang would be safe even on consumption, as it is a food additive and thereby would be
much more safer for the scientist to use.
Being indigenous, faster and reusable, it would reduce the cost of molecular diagnostics.
Stains basic use is to impart colour to tissues or cells and they also facilitate microscopic study
and identification, which is of great importance for researchers
A Meta-Skin To cloak objects from radars

Scientists have developed a new flexible, stretchable and tunable meta-skin.
What it does?
It can protect objects from radar detection, and may help develop next generation of stealth
aircraft or even invisibility cloaks.
What is Meta-skin?
The meta-skin takes its name from metamaterials, which are composites that have properties
not found in nature and that can manipulate electromagnetic waves.
How it operates?
By stretching and flexing the polymer meta-skin, it can be tuned to reduce the reflection of a
wide range of radar frequencies.
The stretchable polymer skin doesnt visually hide objects, but makes them invisible to radar.
Rows of small, liquid-metal devices effectively trap radar waves, rendering the cloak and the
cloaked undetectable.
The devices are split ring resonators, which have been lined up and sandwiched in layers of
silicone sheeting. Inside the resonators is a liquid metal alloy called galinstan. Each resonator
acts like a small curved piece of liquid wire. The resonators serve as electric inductors while the
gaps between them act as electric capacitors.
Working in conjunction, the inductors and capacitors trap radar waves within a certain
frequency. Because the meta-skin is stretchable, it can be pulled tight to augment the range of
radar frequencies trapped by the resonators.
Applications
The technology will find many applications in electromagnetic frequency tuning, shielding and
scattering suppression.
Details
With this, the researchers have proved that electromagnetic waves can be suppressed with
flexible, tunable liquid-metal technologies.
Tests showed radar suppression was about 75% in frequency range of 8 to 10 gigahertz. When
objects are wrapped in the meta-skin, the radar waves are suppressed in all incident directions
and observation angles.
The technology is different from traditional stealth technologies that often only reduce the
backscattering, ie, the power reflected back to a probing radar.
Treasores Project
Why in news?
Researches in Europe have developed a new technology - transparent electrodes and barrier
material. It can be used in the next generation of flexible optoelectronics devices like tough
panels, LEDs, solar cells etc .
What is it?
TREASORES stands for Transparent Electrodes for large area large scale production of organic
optoelectronics devices.
Currently, Indium Tin oxide (ITO) is widely used as electrodes in opto-electrical devices.
Transparent Organic Electrode -It uses electrodes made of organic polymers which are made of
combination of molecules unlike ITO electrodes which are made of combination of two atoms.
The only concern as of now is the efficiency and charge mobility (because atoms are neatly
arranged in ITO electrodes unlike organic electrodes).
Advantages of using Transparent Organic Electrodes

Organic electrodes have their building blocks as molecules which being larger than atoms are
easier to work with.
Low cost
Better mechanical flexibility
Broad spectral usability.
Including TRANSPARENT BARRIERS would prevent moisture and oxygen entry from reaching
sensitive organic electronic devices.
Therefore a combination of transparent organic electrode and barrier could be a boon for solar
industry in terms of cost and flexibility of devices.
Issues with Indium Tin oxide (ITO)

Indium is expensive rare element.
Indium Tin oxide devices have poor mechanical flexibility.
Limited spectral operation i.e. it cant work in all spectrum of light.
NASA Insight Mission

Why in news?
NASA managers have decided to suspend the planned March 2016 launch of the Insight
mission. The decision follows unsuccessful attempts to repair a leak in a section of a key
instrument in its payload.
About INSIGHT Mission
Insight stands for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigation, Geodesy and Heat Transport.
It is NASA Discovery Program mission that will place a single geophysical Lander on Mars to
study its deep interior.
Objective is to study the processes that shaped the formation of rocky planets including Earth
more than 4 billion years ago.
Payloads: It contains two key instruments:
SEIS (Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure). It can measure ground movements as small as
the diameter of an atom. For better sensitivity it needs to operate within a vacuum chamber.
Heat Flow and Physical Properties Package. This would hammer itself to a depth of about 16ft
into the ground.
Other missions to Mars

Present Missions
Opportunity and Curiosity rovers exploring the Martian surface.
Odyssey and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft currently orbiting the planet.
Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission (MAVEN) orbiter, which is helping scientists
understand what happened to the Martian atmosphere.
In year 2014 INDIA successfully inserted its first orbital mission, Mangalayan into Mars orbit.
Future Missions
NASA is on an ambitious journey to MARS that includes sending humans to the Red Planet, and
the work remains on track.
ISRO plans to develop and launch a follow up mission called Mangalayan 2 between 2018 and
2020. This mission will likely consist of a Lander and Mars Rover.
China launches 22nd BeiDou navigation satellite

China has successfully launched 22nd new generation satellite into space as part of its domestic
BeiDou Navigation System (BDS).
It was launched using Long March-3A carrier rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center
located in the south-western province of Sichuan.
It was the 225th launch of the Long March carrier rocket. About BeiDou Navigation System
(BNS) BNS is 2nd generation of the Chinese navigational system seen as rival to the USs Global
Positioning System (GPS).
BeiDou is Mandarin means magnetic Compass which was one of the Chinese major invention in
the history which had revolutionized the sea voyages.
The system comprises total 35 satellites in two separate satellite constellations (i) Limited test
system (operational since 2000) (ii) A full-scale global navigation system which is currently
under construction.
The BNS became operational in China in December 2011, with the constellation of 10 satellites.
In December 2012, the system began offering services to customers in the Asia-Pacific region
and on its completion in 2020 it will provide services to global customers.
After completion, the project would become an equivalent of the US Global Positioning System,
Russias Glonass, and Europes Galileo.
Applications
1. Civilian services: navigation, messaging, transportation and weather forecasting sectors.
2. Military applications: ensure privacy for its military communications and missile launches by
reducing the dependence on US operated GPS.
Anti-Microbial Resistance Fund

Department of Biotechnology (DBT) through the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance
Council (BIRAC) has invested an initial $1,00,000 to start an India-focused seed fund.
It will help groups in India compete for the Longitude Prize.
Longitude Prize is a 10 million prize offered by Nesta, a U.K. charity, to any individual group
anywhere in the world that develops an affordable, effective diagnostic test to detect
resistance to microbes.
Importance for India

India faces increasing instances of diseases like tuberculosis which are becoming resistant to
front line drugs.
The World Health Organisation statistics for 2014 give an estimated incidence figure of 2.2
million cases of TB for India out of a global incidence of 9 million, with instances of drug-
resistant TB rapidly rising.
Reasons for rising anti-microbial resistance

Lax monitoring
P1rofligate prescription by medical authorities that allow these drugs to be easily available
Indiscriminate usage means that bugs are, overtime, able to resist these medicines.
With IRNSS almost up in orbit, ground centres get into place

With IRNSS-1G slated to be launched in March this year, the national space agency ISRO is
quickly putting across cities the last pieces of ground-based support infrastructure of the
system. The sixth spacecraft, IRNSS-1F, is slated to be launched on 11th March from
Sriharikota.
ISRO is getting closer to completing the seven-spacecraft regional navigation system in space
by April as planned.
The nerve centre of IRNSS, the ISRO Navigation Centre, is at Byalalu on the outskirts of
Bengaluru and is part of the 21 ground locations.
What is being done?

ISRO is adding a back-up for it at Lucknow. Four more centres providing different vital services
are also coming up.
Among them are data receiving and processing centres; units that have instruments such as
atomic clocks for keeping accurate time, which is essential in navigation; and those that
generate and transmit navigation parameters and maintain the spacecraft in position all the
time.
About Ground Segment of IRNSS
The ground segment, estimated to cost Rs. 300 crore, is part of the Rs. 1,420-crore IRNSS
scheme, which was approved in May 2006.
Currently, the IRNSS ground segment is operational on a 24/7 basis through 13 IRIMS (Indian
Range and Integrity Monitoring Stations; 1 IRNSS Network Timing Centre; one ISRO Navigation
Centre and one Spacecraft Control Facility with its data communication network.
The range monitoring IRIMS, which could eventually total 15 to 17, will be spread across
Gaggal, Dehradun, Lucknow, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bhopal, Shillong, Kolkata, Goa, Pune, Kavaratti,
Mahendragiri and Port Blair, besides Bengaluru and Hassan.
A Space Control Facility each will be in Hassan Karnataka where the Master Control Facility
for communication satellites functions since many decades and its alternative centre in
Bhopal.
Navigation satellites provide three main data, namely PNT: information on position, navigation
and time. The data is important for a host of users, from the military to managers of air land
and sea transport up to the man on the street looking to reach somewhere.
About IRNSS
What is it?
IRNSS is an independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide position
information in the Indian region and 1500 km around the Indian mainland.
What all services are provided?

IRNSS would provide two types of services, namely Standard Positioning Services available to all
users and Restricted Services provided to authorised users.
How many more satellites to be launched?

As of now, 5 satellites are launched out of total 7. Two more satellites will be launched by April
2016.
Significance of IRNSS
Once fully operational, the National Space Agency is aiming to reduce the countrys
dependence on foreign navigational systems such as the US Global Positioning System (GPS)
and the Russian GLONASS.
Applications of IRNSS
Terrestrial, Aerial and Marine Navigation.
Disaster Management.
Vehicle tracking and fleet management.
Integration with mobile phones.
Precise Timing.
Mapping and Geodetic data capture.
Terrestrial navigation aid for hikers and travelers.
Visual and voice navigation for drivers.
Other Global Navigational Systems:
o As of now, only the United States NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS) and the
Russian GLONASS are global operational GNSSs.
o China is in the process of expanding its regional Beidou navigation system into the
global Compass navigation system by 2020.
o The European Unions Galileo positioning system is a GNSS in initial deployment phase,
scheduled to be fully operational by 2020 at the earliest.
o France (DORIS), India, and Japan are in the process of developing regional navigation
systems.
Indias First Indigenous Sonar Dome

Why in news?
Recently, Defense Minister flagged off Indias first indigenous composite sonar dome.
What is it?
It was designed and produced by a Defence and Research Development Organization (DRDO)
lab in Pune.
All anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ships have a sonar array fitted to the ship structure below
the waterline.
The sonar functions as the ships underwater eyes and ears
What is a sonar dome?

Sonar domes are located on the hulls of submarines and surface ships. Their purpose is to
house electronic equipment used for detection, navigation, and ranging.
Ebola Outbreak In West Africa No Longer Poses Global Risk: Who

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that Ebola outbreak in West Africa is no
longer constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
WHO, a specialized agency of the United Nations has officially declared an end to a nearly 20-
month Ebola outbreak emergency that has killed about 11,300 people.
The declaration was made by WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan after accepting the
recommendations of a committee of independent experts.
The committee also has called for the lifting of any travel and trade restrictions affecting
Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Ebola outbreak
Guinea was birthplace of deadliest Ebola outbreak in history and was initially centred on
countrys remote south-eastern region of Nzerekore in 2013.
Later it had spread to its neighbouring countries Liberia and Sierra Leone and also seven other
countries.
So far has killed more than 11,300 people in these three worst hit western African nations.
BEDAQUILINE
Why in news?
On World Tuberculosis Day (24th March), Union Health Minister launched Bedaquiline new
drug for Drug Resistant TB - as part of the national programme.
The drug will be introduced in 104 districts across five States.
What is Bedaquiline?
Bedaquiline is a bactericidal drug that belongs to a new class of antibiotics (diarylquinolines).
Although the drug is active against many different bacteria, it has been registered specifically
for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, MDR-TB.
It specifically targets Mycobacterial ATP synthase, an enzyme essential for the supply of energy
to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and most other mycobacteria.
The drug is unique among the anti-tuberculosis drugs currently used in that it interferes with
the function of an enzyme required by the tuberculosis bacterium to produce energy and to
replicate.
Significance
The last time a drug was introduced specifically for the treatment of TB was in the late 1960s,
known as rifampicin.
Since then, resistance to rifampicin has been increasingly reported in the world.
This is a major concern, as it remains among the most effective anti-TB drugs available today.
Bedaquiline has been released specifically to treat TB patients with bacteria that are resistant
to rifampicin as well as to isoniazid, another core anti-TB drug, and thus suffer from MDR-TB.
NEW MINI FUEL CELL POWERS DRONES FOR OVER AN HOUR

Scientists have developed a miniaturised fuel cell that can power drones for more than one
hour and may lead to smartphone batteries that require charge only once a week.
About the Cell

The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), developed by researchers in South Korea, may replace lithium-
ion batteries in smartphones, laptops, drones, and other small electronic devices.
The SOFC, referred to as a third-generation fuel cell, has been intensively studied since it has a
simple structure and no problems with corrosion or loss of the electrolyte.
This fuel cell converts hydrogen into electricity by oxygen-ion migration to fuel electrode
through an oxide electrolyte.
Typically, silicon has been used after lithography and etching as a supporting component of
small oxide fuel cells. This design, however, has shown rapid degradation or poor durability due
to thermal-expansion mismatch with the electrolyte, and thus, it cannot be used in actual
devices that require fast On/Off.
The research team developed, for the first time in the world, a new technology that combines
porous stainless steel, which is thermally and mechanically strong and highly stable to
oxidation/reduction reactions, with thin-film electrolyte and electrodes of minimal heat
capacity.
Performance and durability were increased simultaneously. In addition, the fuel cells are made
by a combination of tape casting-lamination-cofiring (TLC) techniques that are commercially
viable for large scale SOFC.
The research team expects this fuel cell may be suitable for portable electronic devices such as
smartphones, laptops, and drones that require high power-density and quick on/off. They also
expect to develop large and inexpensive fuel cells for a power source of next-generation
automotive.
Photodynamic Therapy
Why in news?
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, have found a new way to kill cancerous
cells by using
Iron-based compounds decorated with organic groups. This method is called Photodynamic
Therapy.
What is Photodynamic Therapy?

It is treatment that uses drug called photosensitizer or photosensitizing agent, and a particular
type of light.
Each photosensitizer is activated by light of a specific wavelength that determines how far the
light can travel into the body.
When it is exposed to a specific wavelength of light, it produces a form of oxygen that kills
nearby cells.
Thus, doctors can use specific photosensitizers and wavelengths of light to treat different areas
of the body
Worlds Thinnest Lens Developed

Australian scientists have developed worlds thinnest lens which is 2000 times thinner than
human hair.
The newly developed lens is 6.3 nanometres thick. Previous versions of lenses were 50
nanometres thick.
Scientists have used a crystal of molybdenum disulphide as a special ingredient in this lens.
This lens could have revolutionary applications in medicine, science and technology and can
also be used to create bendable tv and computer screens.
How this was made possible?

Scientists discovered that single layers of molybdenum disulphide, 0.7 nanometres thick, had
remarkable optical properties, appearing to a light beam to be 50 times thicker, at 38
nanometres. This property, known as optical path length, determines the phase of the light and
governs interference and diffraction of light as it propagates.
Key facts
Molybdenum disulphide is in a class of materials known as chalcogenide glasses that have
flexible electronic characteristics that have made them popular for high-technology
components.
Molybdenum disulphide crystals refractive index, the property that quantifies the strength of a
materials effect on light, has a high value of 5.5. For comparison, diamond, whose high
refractive index causes its sparkle, is only 2.4, and waters refractive index is 1.3.
Also, it survives at high temperatures, is a lubricant, a good semiconductor and can emit
photons too
SUPERFLARES
Solar flares on the sun frequently shower Earth with high-energy particles causing the Aurora
Borealis and, occasionally, disruptions to power networks and communications.
An international research team suggested of a possibility of our sun turning into a Superflare
star i.e capable of producing very high intensity Flares known as Superflares.
Superflares have been a mystery since the Kepler mission discovered them in larger numbers 4
years ago.
Superflares are very strong explosions observed on stars with energies up to ten thousand
times that of typical solar flares.
The magnetic fields on the surface of stars with super flares are generally stronger than ones
on the surface of the Sun.
However, of all the stars with Superflares that researchers analysed, about 10 per cent had a
magnetic field with strength similar to, or weaker than, the Suns. Thus there is a possibility
that our sun might turn into a Superflare.
Ban on Combination Drugs

What is the issue?
The government recently banned 344 fixed dose combinations (FDCs) and short-listed around
600 more FDCs to be banned
Later, Delhi High Court restrained the government from enforcing the ban until it has heard
petitions from drugmakers challenging the order.
Reasons for Ban

The Parliamentary standing committee on health and family welfare pointed out several
loopholes in the approvals of FDCs.
Committee also found that many of these FDCs are already banned in western countries.
Therapeutic Reasons - FDCs are ineffective, hazardous or simply inappropriate as sighted in
many research articles.
FDCs could promote addiction, which has emerged as a serious concern in the US.
Implications of the Decision

The ban on FDCs, linking drug prices to wholesale price index (WPI) along with bringing a larger
number of medicines under price control, could wipe out 12 per cent of the pharmaceutical
sectors turnover.
Way forward
Streamline the regulation - Presently States and the Centre issue licence to manufacture and
market a drug respectively.
To ensure that consumers get the right FDCs, a streamlined system of regulation is needed.
A National Health Authority should be formed which should regulate both the health and
commercial issues in the pharma sector.
Drug inspectorates needs to be provided with funding and infrastructure to increase their
ability of testing the therapeutic attributes.
What are FDCs?
FDCs are medicines in which two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are
combined in a fixed dose to form a single drug Side-effects of the combined product and its
effects are different from those of its individual components and sometimes the combination
can contain risks that are not there in the components by themselves.
The added danger is that when an adverse reaction happens in a patient, it is often difficult to
place which ingredient is responsible for that reaction.
East coast set to get sixth Doppler radar

A new doppler radar to boost the weather forecasting system in the cycloneprone eastern
coast will shortly commissioned in Gopalpur in Odisha.
It will be the sixth such radar on the countrys east coast. The others are located in Chennai,
Kolkata, Machilipatnam, Visakhapatnam and Paradip.
The radar is indigenously built by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Bharat Heavy
Electricals Ltd (BHEL).

The move to set up an additional radar assumes significance as the eastern coast is prone to
cyclones and better forecast will help authorities in taking timely action. Gopalpur had faced
the severe cyclonic storm Phailin in October 2013.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had in November last year installed a doppler
radar in Paradip, another coastal district in Odisha which was ravaged by a super cyclone in
1999.
What is Doppler Radar?

Doppler radar is an observational tool for monitoring and predicting severe weather events
such as thunder storms, hailstorms, cyclones and tornados within a radius of 300 km. It not
only gives information about precipitation but also about wind velocity.
The Doppler weather radar system helps increase precision in weather forecasting.
How it operates?
This radar uses the Doppler effect to produce velocity data about objects at a distance. It does
this by bouncing a microwave signal off a desired target and analyzing how the objects motion
has altered the frequency of the returned signal. This variation gives direct and highly accurate
measurements of the radial component of a targets velocity relative to the radar.
Dept. of Biotechnology launches fund to tackle anti-microbial resistance
To tackle the threat faced by India from resistance to antimicrobial drugs, the Department of
Biotechnology (DBT) through the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council
(BIRAC) has launched a fund.
About the Fund

This is an India-focussed seed fund.
DBT has invested an initial $1,00,000 in this fund.
Significance of this fund
This fund helps groups in India compete for the Longitude Prize(This is a 10 million prize
offered by Nesta, a U.K. charity, to any individual group anywhere in the world that develops an
affordable, effective diagnostic test to detect resistance to microbes)
This is also expected to encourage biotechnology start-ups in the country.
Why research in this field is necessary?

India faces increasing instances of tuberculosis patients being resistant to front line drugs.
Experts say this is due to lax monitoring and profligate prescription by medical authorities that
allow these drugs to be easily available. Indiscriminate usage means that bugs are, overtime,
able to resist these medicines.
The World Health Organisation statistics for 2014 give an estimated incidence figure of 2.2
million cases of TB for India out of a global incidence of 9 million, with instances of drug-
resistant TB rapidly rising.
Background
It can be noted here that, in December 2015, the DBT laid out a strategy, called the National
Biotechnology Development Strategy, whereby biotechnology would be at the foundation of a
$100-billion industry by 2025, rising from the current $7-$10 billion.
The National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2015-20 aims to establish India as a world-
class bio-manufacturing hub. It intends to launch a major mission, backed with significant
investments, for the creation of new biotech products, create a strong infrastructure for R&D
and commercialization, and empower Indias human resources scientifically and
technologically.
Rajasthan Celebrates First It Day, Launches Connectivity Network

Rajasthan recently (21st May) celebrated its first IT day.
The first IT Day was based on the theme Promotion of IT Start-ups, in line with the States
focus on empowering start-ups.
RajNET
On the occasion of Rajasthans first IT Day, the State government has launched RajNET a
wide area network connecting the State capital with all 9,894 gram panchayats and 183
municipal areas.
RajNET aims to strengthen connectivity and allow the inclusion of remote areas through
Information Technology.
Built as a multimode connectivity network (through VSAT and terrestrial linkage), RajNET
facilitates voice, video and data connection, enabling effective delivery of citizen services like
Bhamashah, e-Mitra and MNREGA across the State, including its remotest areas.
British troops test invisibility cloak

British troops recently tested a Harry Potter-style invisibility cloak. This cloak allows them to
hide from the enemy.
The cloak is known as Vatec and allows soldiers to hide even from infrared and heat-
searching devices.
Background
This cloak attempts to replicate the special ability of cephalopods such as the octopus and
squid to blend in with the environment to evade their predators. These creatures skin has
pigment-rich cells called chromatophores that change colour in response to external factors
such as the presence of a predator. Researchers have developed a process that mimics this
ability with a technology known as visual appearance modulation.
How it operates?
Using a technology known as visual appearance modulation, the material they developed has
one side that contains tiny light-sensitive cells that are sensitive to the colours of the
environment. Once colours are detected, electrical signals trigger the top layer to imitate those
colours using heat-sensitive dyes, a process that takes place in as fast as two to three seconds.
The cloak has few advantages

The flexible fabric has a crinkly texture so that even when it is laid out flat it has some depth,
i.e. a multi-level aspect.
The material can be formed into many different complex shapes, and keep those shapes
mimicking all types of man-made or natural terrains.
Health Ministry launches Longitudinal Ageing Study in India

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare recently launched the Longitudinal Ageing Study in
India (LASI).
This is the largest survey of its kind. It will survey more than 60,000elderly over 25 years plan.
About LASI
LASI is the largest study on older population in the country. The International Institute for
Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai in collaboration with Harvard School of Public Health
(HSPH) and University of Southern California (USC), USA is undertaking this study under the
aegis of the Ministry of Union Health and Family Welfare.
LASI is jointly funded by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the United States
National Institute on Ageing, and the United Nations Population Fund-India.
Significance of this study

The importance of the study derives from the increasing portion of elderly population in the
country. The study will provide valuable data on their health needs, and issues faced by them
given the changing social structures, and helps policymakers to draw policy tools to address
their issues.
This study will help design policies to mainstream the elderly, to reduce their vulnerabilities
and enhance access to various services.
The study will be important as it will investigate various health structures, and impact of social
determinants on health of the elderly. It will also help in framing evidence-based policy.
Background
Population ageing is taking place in nearly all the countries of the world. The global share of
older people aged 60 years or over increased from 9.2% in 1990 to 11.7% in 2013 and will
continue to grow as a proportion of the world population, reaching 21.1% by 2050.
Presently, about two thirds of the worlds older persons live in developing countries. By 2050,
nearly 8 in 10 of the worlds older population will live in the less developed regions.
While global ageing can be seen as a symbol of medical, social, and economic advances and
also has major health, social and economic consequences over the past half century, it also
represents a significant policy challenge.
Population ageing threatens to topple existing insurance and pension systems and create
health system overload; therefore calls for review of existing models of healthcare, familial and
social support.
The phenomenon of global population ageing has the potential to fundamentally alter disease
burdens, economies and trade, and human migration.
Indian scenario
According to the 2011 census, the 60+ population accounted for 8.6% of Indias total
population or 103.84 million elderly. With currently 1.3 billion people, India is projected to
become the worlds most populous country within a decade.
There are several forces driving Indias population growth and changing age structure, including
an upward trend in life expectancy. An Indian born in 1950 could expect to live for 37 years,
whereas today Indias life expectancy at birth nearly doubled to 68 years, by 2050, it is
projected to increase to 76 years.
As a result, Indias population will rise from 1.3 billion today to an estimated 1.7 billion by 2050,
with a much larger elderly share of around 340 million. Including the pre-retirement phase (i.e.,
population age 45+), the proportion will rise to over 30%, or almost 600 million persons.
Between 2011 and 2050, the number of oldest old people of age 75 and above is expected to
increase by 340%.
As no sufficiently broad nationally representative dataset on older population is currently
available in India, comprehensive new scientific data are needed to conduct analyses of health,
economic and social challenges based on population ageing and to formulate mid- and long-
term policies and programmes to address these and other challenges presented by population
ageing.
New Standards For Gensets

The Centre has notified stringent environment standards to make cities and towns shift to less
polluting and quieter gensets.
Key facts
This the first time such mandated certifications have been notified for gensets running on LPG
or natural gas or in combination with diesel and petrol.
The primary aim is to control air and noise pollution emanating from the gensets.
These standards will be revisited in 4-5 years once air and noise emission quality data and
technological details pertaining to the gensets are available.
New standards
Under the new standards, manufacturers across the country are required to obtain certification
for engine products by empanelled agencies which will help in regulating the unorganised
sector. It will also help in curbing illegal import of gensets, which have been observed to have
higher air and noise pollution levels.
These standards will be implemented in all states by their respective state pollution control
boards with the help of local civic authorities.
These standards have mandated certification for gensets in terms of `type approval and
`conformity of production for air emission as well as noise emission.
Background
These standards were recommended by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) after
consultations with industries and other stakeholders.
Recently, the ministry had also notified improved environmental standards for thermal power
plants, common effluent treatment plants and cement and sugar industries. New stringent
environmental standards for all these industries will go a long way in reducing air pollution.
Cabinet approves procurement of launch services for GSAT-11

The union cabinet has given its approval for the procurement of launch services and realisation
of ground segment for GSAT-11 spacecraft at a cost of Rs.1,117 crore. GSAT-11 will be ready for
launch by the end of 2016.
The ground segment is being realised to address the rural communication requirements.
The ground segment of GSAT-11 will also enable the utilisation of a small portion of the
bandwidth for societal services apart from providing in-orbit testing support.
It will also provide a high throughput capacity of about 10 Gbps to render broadband
connectivity, especially in rural areas.
About GSAT-11
In 2009, Government of India had approved the development of GSAT-11, which is touted to be
one of the largest Indian communication satellite. GSAT-11 has a mission life of about 15 years.
GSAT-11 is a four-tonne geostationary communications satellite, which has a mission life of
about 15 years.
The GSAT-11 will not only link all the towns and villages in this country with quality high-speed
Wi-Fi service, it will also integrate internet and television services.
The satellite is currently under development at Department of Space and ISRO facilities.
Highest Peak on Saturn

Scientists working on NASAs Cassini mission have identified the highest point on Saturns
largest moon Titan.
Titans highest peak is 10, 948 feet high. It is found within a trio of mountainous ridges called
the Mithrim Montes.
About Cassini Mission

CassiniHuygens is an unmanned spacecraft sent to the planet Saturn. Cassini is the fourth
space probe to visit Saturn and the first to enter orbit.
Its design includes a Saturn orbiter and a lander for the moon Titan. The lander, called Huygens,
landed on Titan in 2005. The spacecraft was launched on October 15, 1997. This was the first
landing ever accomplished in the outer Solar System.
Objectives
Determine the three-dimensional structure and dynamic behavior of the rings of Saturn.
Determine the composition of the satellite surfaces and the geological history of each object.
Determine the nature and origin of the dark material on Iapetuss leading hemisphere.
Measure the three-dimensional structure and dynamic behavior of the magnetosphere.
Study the dynamic behavior of Saturns atmosphere at cloud level.
Study the time variability of Titans clouds and hazes.
Characterize Titans surface on a regional scale.
Virtual Earth-Space telescope reveals new details about the milky way
Scientists have created a virtual Earth-space telescope system with the highest resolution of
any astronomical observation ever made.
About the telescope

Researchers created this telescope by combining the Russian RadioAstron satellite with the
ground-based telescopes. The RadioAstron satellite was combined with the Green Bank
Telescope in West Virginia, The Very Large Array in New Mexico, the Effelsberg Telescope in
Germany, and the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. This combined system produces a virtual
radio telescope more than 100,000 miles across.
What has been found out?

With this, scientists have unveiled an unusually hot quasar jet in the Milky Way.
Scientists have pointed out these quasar jets at a quasar called 3C 273, more than 2 billion
light-years from Earth.
Quasars like 3C 273 propel huge jets of material outward at speeds nearly that of light. These
powerful jets emit radio waves. The emission was about 100 billion degrees.
The observations also showed, for the first time, substructure caused by scattering of the radio
waves by the tenuous interstellar material in our own Milky Way Galaxy.
What are Quasars?

Quasars are supermassive black holes at the cores of galaxies. Quasars, also called quasi-stellar
radio sources, are the most energetic and distant members of a class of objects called active
galactic nuclei (AGN).
Their spectra contain very broad emission lines, unlike any known from stars, hence the name
quasi-stellar. Their luminosity can be 100 times greater than that of the Milky Way.
Quasars are believed to be powered by accretion of material into supermassive black holes in
the nuclei of distant galaxies, making these luminous versions of the general class of objects
known as active galaxies.
Quasars also emit visible light, ultraviolet rays, infrared waves, X-rays, and gamma-rays.
Anti-Lock Braking System A Must For Two-Wheelers
The government has made it compulsory for all two-wheelers, which account for the highest
share of accidents in the country, to either have the anti-lock braking system (ABS) or the
combined braking system (CBS) by April 2019.
Details
Two-wheeler manufacturers will have to fit the equipment for the existing scooter or bike
models available for sale in the market by that time, and for all new models they plan to
introduce from April 2018.
For two-wheelers with an engine capacity above 125 cc, fitting the ABS will be compulsory and
for those with capacities at or below 125 cc, auto manufacturers will have an option to provide
either the ABS or CBS.
The cost of two-wheelers is likely to go up between Rs.4,000 and Rs.6,000 as a result of the
new norms notified by the Road Transport and Highways Ministry.
The ABS, which helps riders maintain stability without skidding while applying the brake, will be
mandatory for mopeds as well, which are typically bikes without gears.
Need for ABS in two-wheelers

Two-wheelers are the most vulnerable among road users. According to official estimates, in
2014, 29.3%, (or about 40,000 users), of 1.39 lakh people killed on roads were two-wheeler
users the highest share followed by cars, jeeps and taxis and trucks and tempos.
At present, ABS needs to be compulsorily fitted in tractors carrying hazardous goods or liquid
petroleum gas, double decked transport vehicles and buses that ply on All India Tourist permit.
ABS
An anti-lock braking system or anti-skid braking system (ABS) is an automobile safety system
that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to maintain tractive contact with the road surface
according to driver inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up (ceasing
rotation) and avoiding uncontrolled skidding. It is an automated system that uses the principles
of threshold braking and cadence braking which were practiced by skillful drivers with previous
generation braking systems.
CBS
A combined braking system (CBS), also called linked braking system (LBS), is a system for linking
front and rear brakes on a motorcycle or scooter. In this system, the riders action of
depressing one of the brake levers applies both front and rear brakes. The amount of each
brake applied may be determined by a proportional control valve. The CBS distributes the
pressure, applied on the rear wheel, to the front wheel minimising the possibility of a road
accident.
Bel-Thales joint venture to develop PHAROS fire control radar

Thales and BEL-Thales Systems Limited (BTSL), the joint venture between Bharat Electronics
Limited (BEL) and Thales, have signed a partnership agreement for the joint development of
the PHAROS fire control radar.
Details
This strategic co-operation partnership agreement will allow Thales and BTSL to jointly develop
PHAROS, a fire control radar for both gun and missile systems.
This joint development will strengthen the co-operation of Thales and BTSL in the field of
innovative technologies. The responsibility of overall system design will be borne by Thales.
BTSL will develop the mechanical design and radar processing modifications while Thales will
be responsible for the design and production of the radar antenna. BTSL will carry out its share
of the development work in Bengaluru.
This co-development agreement between Thales and BTSL is in line with the Make in India
vision of the Government of India.
The jointly developed PHAROS system will cater to both domestic Indian and international
market requirements.
PHAROS
PHAROS is an all-weather multi-target tracking radar that can be fitted on guns and missiles.
PHAROS provides defence against small, fast moving and highly manoeuvrable air and surface
targets that may also be encountered in littoral missions.
The multiple target tracker is capable of simultaneously controlling in all weather conditions
the engagement of these targets with guided ammunition.
Telecom panel clears entry of virtual operators

In order to allow telecom service providers to improve utilisation of their networks, the
Telecom Commission has cleared a proposal to allow licensing of virtual network operators
(VNOs). These VNOs, after getting a licence for operations, will be able to buy minutes and
bytes to offer voice and data services, respectively.
Who is a VNO?
A virtual network operator is akin to a retailer selling products and services of various
companies under one roof, and a customer has to pay a single bill for all items purchased.
Such an operator will primarily provide various services to end consumers by using the
underlying network of a network service operator.
Key facts
VNOs do not have spectrum of their own for access service, but can provide access services to
its own customers through an agreement with the licensed access provider. A VNO leases
bandwidth from various telecom operators to provide voice and data services to customers.
They cannot participate in spectrum auction for access services in their service areas, as they
cannot have their own spectrum.
VNO will be able to invest in setting up mobile towers and other elements in network required
for providing services. However, it will not be able to sign deal directly to interconnect
infrastructure laid by it with other telecom operator.
VNO will be able to integrate service and offer it to customer as it wants. There will be no limit
on integration and offering of services from licence or government that will be available
shortly.
In case a VNO has partnered with multiple service providers, then it can offer voice call service
of one and data service of other player.
The VNO, after obtaining licence from the government for its operations, can function under its
own brand offering a plethora of services such as mobile telephony, broadband, wireless
hotspots, etc at the last mile and in areas where stressed balance sheets of large telecom
companies do not allow them to invest for rolling out infrastructure.
This would also allow telecom companies to leverage network and spectrum investment made
by them, as this move will allow the virtual network operators to invest in setting up almost
70% to 80% of the equipment required to offer communication services. And hence, VNOs
would contribute to the efficient use of existing telecommunication infrastructure.
VNOs may also offer some relief to telecom PSUs, BSNL and MTNL, which have already adopted
a revenue-sharing model focusing on reducing capital expenditure
ISRO developing station in Vietnam

As part of Space Cooperation between India and Association of South East Asian Nations
(ASEAN), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), at the behest of Government of India, is
working towards the establishment of a Satellite Tracking & Data Reception Station and Data
Processing Facility in Vietnam for ASEAN Member countries.
Under this initiative, all ASEAN member countries will be allowed to access processed remote
sensing data pertaining to their country.
Ground facility is designed in such a way that it will not allow Indian data to be accessed and
processed by the system.
Improving National Space Programme
In 2016, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to realise
The constellation of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System,
two earth observation satellites with improved capabilities viz. Cartosat-2C & Resourcesat-2A,
An advanced communication satellite GSAT-18,
Two weather satellites namely INSAT-3DR for meteorological observations and SCATSAT-1 for
wind vector measurements
Development of heavy lift launcher GSLV Mk III to build indigenous capability in launching 4-
tonne class satellites.
Anti-Diabetic Drug Ayush-82 To Be Commercialised

The National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) of the Department of Scientific &
Industrial Research, Ministry of Science & Technology signed a License Agreement with Kudos
Laboratories India for commercialization of Ayush-82, an ayurvedic formulation for prevention
and management of Diabetes.
It has been developed by Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), New
Delhi, an apex organization for research in Ayurveda under the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda,
Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy).
Health
Delhi Government Launches HPV Vaccine
In a significant attempt towards prevention of cervical cancer caused by a sexually transmitted
infection, the Delhi government has launched the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination as a
public health programme.
Delhi first state to launch HPV vaccine for cervical cancer as public health programme.
Details
As part of the programme girls of class VI in government schools will be targeted in the first
phase. This will be completed in the current academic year over two phases.
Through this initiative the state aims to prevent 80% of the cervical cancers.
HPV
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection which causes cervical
cancer.
According to the HPV India Report 2015 (HPV R-2015), 1,22,844 women are diagnosed with
cervical cancer and 67,477 die from the disease in India every year.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women aged 15-44 years.
Kodaikanal Mercury Poisoning

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has finally entered into a settlement to provide undisclosed
ex-gratia amount to the victims consisting of future health care benefits.
According to a joint statement issued by the HUL and the employees association, the
settlement has been entered into on humanitarian considerations to put an end to the long-
standing matter pending before the court for several years, in view of the suggestion of the
Madras High Court.
Background
The company was facing a class action litigation moved by the former workers of its
thermometer factory at Kodaikanal who were allegedly exposed to toxic mercury vapour during
their employment.
This is the first ever class action litigation moved by industrial workers against occupational
health exposure.
Timeline
2001- TNPCB shuts down the HUL thermometer factory after sale of mercury contaminated
glass to scrap dealers is detected. Health study of workers done.
2003- Large amount of mercury scrap sent back to the U.S.
2006- Ex-employees move Madras High Court against Unilever. Health effects such as
miscarriages, kidney and nervous system damages, mental disability in children etc. stated
2011- Committee constituted by Ministry of Labour concludes there was prima facie evidence
of mercury-related ailments in workers.
Mercury- basic facts
Mercury is a chemical element with symbol Hg and atomic number 80.
It is commonly known as quicksilver and was formerly named hydrargyrum.
Mercury is the only metallic element that is liquid at standard conditions for temperature and
pressure. The only other element that is liquid under these conditions is bromine.
Mercury occurs in deposits throughout the world mostly as cinnabar (mercuric sulfide).
Mercury poisoning can result from exposure to water-soluble forms of mercury (such as
mercuric chloride or methylmercury), inhalation of mercury vapor, or eating seafood
contaminated with mercury.
Mercury is used in thermometers, barometers, manometers, sphygmomanometers, float
valves, mercury switches, mercury relays, fluorescent lamps and other devices. It is also used in
lighting: electricity passed through mercury vapor in a fluorescent lamp produces short-wave
ultraviolet light which then causes the phosphor in the tube to fluoresce, making visible light.
Mercury is a very rare element in the Earths crust. It accounts for only about only 0.08 parts
per million (PPM).
It is a relatively poor conductor of heat. Most metals are excellent thermal conductors.
Effects of Mercury on Health

Exposure to mercury even small amounts may cause serious health problems, and is a
threat to the development of the child in utero and early in life.
Mercury may have toxic effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, and on lungs,
kidneys, skin and eyes.
Mercury is considered by WHO as one of the top ten chemicals or groups of chemicals of major
public health concern.
People are mainly exposed to methylmercury, an organic compound, when they eat fish and
shellfish that contain the compound.
Art & Culture
ROCK PAINTINGS DISCOVERED IN KONDANE CAVES
40 rock paintings were recently discovered in the Kondane caves in Raigad district in western
region of Maharashtra.
The images were found in both natural caverns and man-made caves.
An unfinished Buddhist chaitya and a vihara were found in two man-made caves in the group.
A chaitya is a Buddhist prayer hall with a stupa at one end. A vihara is a monastery.
The Buddhist rock-cut architecture found in these caves belongs to the Hinayana phase of
Buddhism.
It is an important discovery because we were not aware of the existence of rock art images in
this region of Maharashtra.
A striking image found was that of a mythical figure, perhaps a demon. Other paintings
reflected everyday life and occupations such as hunting deer.
The style and articulation of these paintings suggest that they have been drawn during the late
historical period of second century B.C. onwards
Traditional Chapchar Kut festival celebrated across Mizoram

The traditional festival of Chapchar Kut of the Mizos was celebrated across the north-eastern
state of Mizoram and also in the Mizo-inhabited areas in the neighbouring states.
It is a spring festival celebrated every year in month of March with great fervour and gaiety by
Mizos after completion of their Jhum operation (shifting agriculture by clearing jungle by
burning and cultivating in remnants of burning).
Mizos celebrate this festival by dressing in their traditional attire and dancers danced to the
tune of typical music and songs. Popular Mizo dances including Cheraw, Chheihlam, Sarlamkai
and Khuallam are performed by various cultural groups. Chapchar Kut Festival is estimated to
have started in 1450-1700 A.D. in a village called Suaipui.
ASUR TRIBE
The members of the tribe live in Jharkhand, pockets of Bihar, West Bengal and a few other
states.
The 2011 Census put the number of Asurs at 22,459 in Jharkhand and 4,129 in Bihar.
The Asurs claim to be descendants of Mahishasur, the buffalo-demon whom Goddess Durga
kills after a spirited fight lasting nine nights.
Its this mythology in mainstream Hinduism thats celebrated in the form of the nine-day-long
Durga Puja, but observed as Mahishasur Dasain among the Asurs, who hold a period of
mourning during which they largely stay indoors.
Traditionally, the Asur have been iron-smelters and slash burn cultivators. Thus, they have been
nomadic.
According to one of the theories, the Magadh Empire benefited a lot from the weapons the
Asurs made.
But forest acts and regulations have snatched away their traditional rights over the forest. This
has affected their practice of iron-smelting and shifting cultivation. Now they are settled in
villages. They are also losing the traditional skills of iron smelting.
The Unesco has listed the Asur language as definitely endangered with only 7,000 speakers
left.
Stone age culture evidences in Kerala

Archaeologists have discovered many Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Megalithic, and Neolithic tools
and several Megalithic sites in north Kerala.
Discoveries include the typical Palaeolithic hand-axe from Vanimel river basin (Kozhikode) and
pointed choppers and side scrapers from Anakkayam and Cheerkkayam river basin of
Chandragiri (Kasaragod). These are some of the first-time evidence of Palaeolithic implements
in these districts.
These discoveries also indicate that hand-axe fabrication technique in quartz was also familiar
among the prehistoric settlements in the area. The well-polished symmetrical shaped Stone
Adzes made of quartz showed the high expertise in quartz fabrication of Neolithic people in
Kozhikode.
Policy To Adopt World Heritage Sites UNESCO
With the help of 21 member World Heritage Committee and advisory bodies such as
International
Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN), within the framework of its Operational Guidelines, decides about the cultural and
natural sites to be included on the World Heritage list.
Such cultural and natural sites must display the necessary Outstanding Universal Value (OUV),
fulfil one or more out of 10 prescribed criteria (as given below), maintain the condition of
authenticity and integrity and should be in a good state of conservation.
There are 32 sites from India declared as World Heritage sites - 25 are cultural sites and 7 are
natural sites.
The Criteria for the assessment of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) as per UNESCOs
Operational\
Guidelines are to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius; to exhibit an important
interchange of human values, to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural
tradition or to a civilization
To be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological
to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which
is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction to be directly or tangibly
associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary
works of outstanding universal significance.
to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and
aesthetic importance to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's
history,
to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological
processes to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ
conservation of biological diversity
Chola Sculpture Of Chandesvarar
A sculpture of Chandesvarar, believed to belong to 10th century AD, has been found at
Sundaikkai village near Umaiyalpuram near Trichy, Tamil Nadu. Description of the sculpture
The headgear is arranged as 'jatabhara', a hairstyle worn particularly by Shiva,usually
characterised by a large number of penitential plaits worn in a bunch on the side.
The apparel at the hip is short and wavy and is kept in place by a well draped cloth around the
waist called idaikkattu.
The sculpture is found seated in suhasana with one leg folded and kept on the seat, his other
leg rests on a pedestal.
He is decorated with a sacred thread, a band at the stomach, and scanty ornamentation. About
Chandesvarar Chandesvarar is one of the 63 Nayanars of the Saivite sect and was the first
among them to find a place in temples.
He is housed in a separate shrine on the northern side of all the Saivite temples, facing the
presiding deity.
The most distinguished shrine of Chandesvara was built by Rajaraja I at the Rajarajesvaram at
Thanjavur.
Panchteerth: B R Ambedkar
Government of India will develop five places as Panchteerth in the honour of B R Ambedkar.
Panchteerth include Amedbkars birthplace in Mhow, the place in London where he stayed
while studying in UK, Deeksha Bhoomi in Nagpur, where he took education, Mahaparinirvan
Sthal in Delhi, and Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai.
In addition, the government is also building the Dr Ambedkar Foundation at 15, Janpath in
Delhi.
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of a memorial to be built at Alipur Road where he
spent his last days.
The Prime Minister said the vision for developing India's maritime potential, and for Inland
Waterways, was first conceived by Ambedkar.
So, on his birth anniversary, India would host an international event at Mumbai to help harness
maritime strengths and create waterways.
Ancient Buddhist Site Found In Amaravati

Archaeologists have found an ancient Buddhist site at Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh.
What has been found?

Three mounds studded with brickbats and pottery in red colour. The mounds were formed on
huge boulders on which a brick-built stupa was raised.
Huge fragments of terracotta and brick tiles used to cover chaityas and viharas.
Few years ago, a relic casket with a gold leaf was also found at the same site.
Other details
The bricks, used in the construction of stupas and viharas measuring 60x30x8 cm and 58x28x7
cm, invariably belonged to the Satavahana era (1st Century B.C.).
Excavations also revealed that the Buddhist monks relied for drinking water mainly on two
tanks spread in an extent of half-an-acre and two rock-cut cisterns.
The Buddhist remains like stupas, chaityas and viharas show that Buddhism existed from 1st
Century B.C. to the 5th Century AD, but later the region came under the influence of Saivism in
the Vishnukundin era, and under Vaishnavites between the 13th and 17th centuries AD.
Siddi Tribe
The Siddi also known as Sheedi, Habshi or Makrani, are an ethnic group inhabiting India and
Pakistan.
They are descendants of Africans from North-East and East Africa who were brought to India as
slaves,soldiers or servants.
Spread: Karnataka, Gujarat and Hyderabad in India and Makran and Karachi in Pakistan as the
main population centres Current estimated population: 20,00055,000 individuals
Religion: Siddis are primarily Sufi Muslims, although some are Hindus and others Roman
Catholic Christians.
The Siddis of Gujarat live around Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary.
Although Gujarati Siddis have adopted the language and many customs of their surrounding
populations,some African traditions have been preserved. These include the Goma music and
dance form, which is sometimes called Dhamaal.
Nayanars
The 7th to 9th centuries saw the emergence of new religious movements in south India, led by
the Nayanars (saints devoted to Shiva) and Alvars (saints devoted to Vishnu) who came from all
castes including those considered untouchable.
They were critical of the Buddhists and Jainas and preached love of Shiva or Vishnu as the path
to salvation.
They drew upon the ideals of love and heroism as found in the Sangam literature and blended
them with the values of bhakti.
There were 63 Nayanars, who belonged to different caste backgrounds such as potters,
untouchable workers, peasants, hunters, soldiers, Brahmanas and chiefs.
The best known among them were Appar, Sambandar, Sundarar and Manikkavasagar.
There are two sets of compilations of their songs Tevaram and Tiruvacakam
TODA TRIBE
Spread: isolated Nilgiri plateau of Southern India.
Small pastoral community with population range 700 to 900 during the last century.
The Toda have attracted a disproportionate amount of attention because of their unlikeness to
their neighbours in appearance, manners, and customs.
During the last decade both Toda society and culture have also become the focus of an
international effort at culturally sensitive environmental restoration.
The Toda lands are now a part of The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-designated
International Biosphere Reserve and is declared UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Their sole occupation is cattle-herding and dairy-work.
Religion: Centres on the buffalo
Threat: Some Toda pasture land was lost due to agriculture by outsiders or afforestation by the
State Government of Tamil Nadu
BONDA TRIBE
This tribe lives in the isolated hill regions of the Malkangiri district of southwestern Odisha,
near the junction of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh.
Their current population is 12,000. Characteristics Bondas have almost no connection to the
outside world. Only 6% of Bondas are literate.
In Bonda society, the women enjoy a privileged position. Bonda girls largely marry boys who
are at least five to ten years younger than them.
Thus the girl looks after her husband as he grows up and in turn he cares for his older wife.
The number of women among the Bonda greatly exceeds the number of men.
Poverty became a fundamental issue among the Bonda people due to social customs regarding
obligatory marriages and deaths, along with other socio-religious practices.
Jagor Folk Dance

A dance drama of Goa based on no continuous plot or narrative
Performed jointly by the Hindus and Christians
To offer prayer to deity to protect the village from the river water. It is faith that it averts
natural calamities and quarrel among themselves.
SCULPTURE OF CHANDESVARAR
A sculpture of Chandesvarar, believed to belong to 10th century AD, has been found at
Sundaikkai village near Umaiyalpuram in Tamil Nadu. The sculpture was an early Chola icon.
Chandesvarar is one of the 63 Nayanmars of the Saivite sect and was the first among them to
find a place in temples. He is housed in a separate shrine on the northern side of all the Saivite
temples, facing the presiding deity.
He is the only devotee to have the credit of getting announced as His son by the Lord Himself
and is given the very high rank of Chandesapatham.
The most distinguished shrine of Chandesvara was built by Rajaraja I at the Rajarajesvaram at
Thanjavur.
Zardozi
Zardozi is beautiful metal embroidery, which was used for the attire of the Kings and the royals in
India.
Persian terms Zar meaning gold and Dozi meaning embroidery. It involves making elaborate
designs, using gold and silver threads.
Precious stones, diamonds, emeralds, and pearls are also used. Uses: to adorn walls of the
royal tents, scabbards, wall hangings and the paraphernalia of regal elephants and horses.
Zardosi attained its summit in the 17th century, under the patronage of Akbar.
Under the rule of Aurangzeb, the royal patronage stopped and led to the decline of craft. With
the 18th and 19th century bringing industrialization, it suffered further setback.
Zardosi embroidery work is mainly a specialty of Lucknow, Bhopal, Hyderabad, Delhi, Agra,
Kashmir, Mumbai, Ajmer and Chennai.
In 2013 the Geographical Indication Registry (GIR) accorded the Geographical Indication (GI)
registration to the Lucknow Zardozi.
BAUL
The Baul are a group of people from West Bengal and Bangladesh.
Bauls are a very heterogeneous group, with many sects, but their membership mainly consists
of Vaishnava Hindus and Sufi Muslims.
They can often be identified by their distinctive clothes and musical instruments.
Though Bauls comprise only a small fraction of the Bengali population, their influence on the
culture of Bengal is considerable.
In 2005, the Baul tradition was included in the list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible
Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Baul music
It is a folk song performed by Baul community.
Its lyrics carry influences of the Hindu bhakti movements and the suphi, a form of Sufi song
exemplified by the songs of Kabir.
Musical instruments used by them are ektara, dotara, khamak, duggi, dhol and khol
Miscellaneous
Poor Implementation of RTE Act
Why in News?
The report State of the Nation: RTE Section 12 (1) (c) highlights the status of implementation of
the Section 12 (1)(c) of RTE Act.
The report is a collaborative effort of the RTE resource centre at IIM Ahmedabad, Central
Square Foundation, Accountability Initiative (Centre for policy research) and Vidhi Centre for
legal Policy.
What is Section 12 (1)(c) of RTE Act?

RTE Section 12(1)(c) mandates private unaided schools (except minority and residential schools)
to keep 25 percent of the seats (at entry level) reserved for children belonging to economically
weaker sections.
This was aimed to increase educational opportunities and to create inclusive schooling system.
Findings of the Report

Even after six years of implementation of the right to education (RTE) Act, children from
economically weaker section are still struggling to find their seats in schools.
Low State Fill Rate - According to data from District Information System for Education (DISE), the
state fill rate share of available seats filled by the mandate is a low 15.12 percent in 2014-15
Inter-State Variation - The report shows that states amongst themselves have large variation in
their seat fill rate, from zero percent in Andhra Pradesh to 44.61 percent in Delhi.
No Implementation in majority of the states - Out of 34 states and UTs, 18 show zero schools
implementing the provision. These include states like Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, West
Bengal and Punjab.
Reasons of Poor Implementation

Slow reimbursement of fees from state governments to the private schools, which takes up to
two years.
Lack of awareness about the rule among the citizens especially in the rural area.
Unwillingness on the part of private schools and even the states to incur additional expenses.
Most states have either unclear rules or guidelines or are not implementing this provision.
Provision of child support and child tracking is almost non-existent after admission in school
Mahila e-Haat
The Ministry of women and Child Development (WCD) launched Mahila e-Haat- Digital
marketing portal for women entrepreneurs to strengthen women empowerment.
What is Mahila E-Haat?

'Mahila E-Haat' is an online platform, where women entrepreneurs can sell their products
directly.
Women entrepreneurs dont have to pay any fees for selling the product online.
The portal has been set up with an investment of under Rs.10 lakh from the Rashtriya Mahila
Koshan autonomous body under the WCD ministry for the socio-economic empowerment of
women
The only eligibility criteria to register is that the sellersany women or women members of a
self-help group-have to be above 18 years of age to eliminate the problem of child labour.
Benefits of the Move

It will promote women entrepreneurs especially from the rural areas.
It will benefit more than 10000 Self Help Groups and 1.25 Lakh women beneficiaries across the
country.
The entire business of e-haat can be handled through a mobile and no commission will be taken
from the seller or buyer.
No Intermediaries, More Profit - Through this initiative, a major portion of the profit will go to
women entrepreneur directly by cutting down the intermediaries.
Universal ID for Persons With Disability

Why in News?
Centre recently announced universal ID for person with disabilities. This will be under the
charge of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
What is it?
The ID cards will have a unique number through which all their details can be assessed and
eliminate the hassle of carrying certificates for different purposes.
It will include details like personal, bank, disability certificate, education, employment and
income status of every person.
It will be valid throughout the country and will allow the persons with disability to avail benefits
of schemes and reservations.
Significance
The migrants will not have to travel to their home states due to non-recognition of certificates
etc. by other states and their details will be available online.
Will ensure the authenticity of disability certificates as many fraudulent ones are being issued.
WOMEN TRANSFORMING INDIA CAMPAIGN

Why in News?
Niti Aayog in collaboration with the UN in India and MyGov launched the Women
Transforming India Initiative on March 8th, 2015 on the occasion of International Womens
Day.
What is it?
It is designed like a contest seeking entries of women breaking new ground, empowering
themselves or others and challenging stereotypes.
It will encourage womens leadership particularly in economic, socio-cultural and environmental
fronts.
The winning entries will get a certificate of appreciation from Niti Aayog and UN in India. Also a
chance to directly interact with policy makers in the government.
India supported the need for a stand-alone goal on gender (under SDGs) and that women have a
critical role to play in all of the SDGs.
Niti Aayog has been given the role of monitoring and coordinating all efforts across the Centre
and states on the SDGs.
Significance
It is consistent with governments efforts to advance gender equality.
The initiative will also sensitize citizens to gender issues.
It will also help in furthering the Sustainable Development Goals.
This initiative will also indirectly encourage innovation and environment protection efforts.
Mgnrega-M Platform
Why in News?
Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department recently developed a Mobile
App called MGNREGA-M Platform to monitor MGNREGA.
What is it all about?

It helps officials and beneficiaries to monitor progress at all stages.
Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs) can issue work orders and as the work progresses,
information is sent to the zilla panchayat and the State government.
The mobile phones of around 6,000 gram panchayats will receive data from the departments
central servers.
For example
If a beneficiary decided to build a rain water harvesting plant. He does so by telling the
Panchayat Development Officer and starts by feeding data through pictures.
He posts before and after pictures at every stage of construction including completion at the
MPlatform.
This initiates process of payment of wages and other costs to him, electronically.
Significance
Increases transparency, reduces fund diversion and interference by middlemen.
Ensures automatic payment of wages to labourers by transferring data to the central server.
Citizen interface - allows the labourers to communicate with officials about the progress.
It also helps collection and comparison of data for the government.
Adoption and Trafficking of Children
Supreme Court recently directed the government to frame guidelines under Juvenile Justice Act
2015, to implement guidelines for adoption.
The Supreme Court directive came in the wake of the PIL filed by Advait Foundation, which
talked about the abuse of children due to absence of foolproof adoption guidelines.
It alleged that adoption was a huge racket in India and children were illegally to taken to foreign
countries and abused.
The SC asked the new rules to be framed under Section 110 of the Juvenile Justice Act
It also asked the Central Adoption Resource Agency(CARA) to carry out the functions of the
Central Authorityunder the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in
respect of intervcountry Adoption.
CARA is the apex body that governs adoptions and functions under the Ministry for Women and
Child Development.
District Reserve Battalions

Why in news?
The District Reserve Group (DRG), a locally raised force vested with the task to tackle Maoists
has added muscle
To the counter insurgency operations in south Chhattisgarh in past one year.
About DRG
It was first set up in Kanker (north Bastar) and Narayanpur (comprising Abhujmad) districts in
2008 and afte a gap of five years, the force was raised in Bijapur and Bastar districts in 2013.
The DRG has strength close to 1,700, including officers.
Those in the DRG are full police officers, with the same accountability as anyone else, and thus
the state is fully responsible for their actions.
Dubbed as son of soil because its personnel are recruited from among local youth and
surrendered Naxals in Bastar division.
Tackling Cross-Border Terrorism in SAARC Nations

Why in news?
Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde of the Supreme Court has suggested setting up of a common court
for SAARC member countries to deal with cross-border terror attacks like 26/11 and crimes like
smuggling of fake currency notes, drugs and weapons.
Benefits
A court consisting of judges of all SAARC countries in the region will perhaps ensure swifter
justice as it will ensure collaboration on trans-border cases.
It was also suggested that a common secure website to be created for judges of SAARC Nations.
This website can provide for exchange of information on modus operandi of terror group, arms
and equipment used by terrorists and their handlers.
Challenges
Experts are of the opinion that idea will be difficult to implement as India dont have an
extradition treaty with Pakistan.
State (Pakistan) agencies like ISI and army are involved in supporting terror groups.
Trust deficit between India and Pakistan.
Pakistan has never acknowledge that anti-India terror groups are thriving in its territory
Terror has become state instrument to control the government in Afghanistan.
8th International India Security Summit
Why in news?
8th International INDIA SECURITY SUMMIT: Securing the Nation was organized by ASSOCHAM,
Indias Apex Chamber for Commerce and Industry.
Highlights of the summit

Important points highlighted by ASSOCHAM President.
Indias internal security remains a major area of concern, constantly facing growing challenges
to its internal security arising from cybercrimes, physical crimes, economic frauds, insurgency,
cross border developments.
It is the duty and function of the state to ensure the safety of its citizens, organizations and
institutions against threats to their well-being as well as the traditional functions of law and
order.
With more than half the global population today living in urban areas, safe city is increasingly
being considered essential in ensuring secure living and prosperity.
Important points highlighted by Union Home Minister

Cyber-crime is the biggest challenge these days with the development and access to technology
across the globe.
Cyber space is being used to radicalize the minds of youth.
The main problem with cyber-crime is its detection and prosecution, as it is faceless and
borderless.
The Expert Group constituted has recommended for setting up an Indian Cyber Crime
Coordination Centre (I4C) to fight against cybercrimes in the country.
Earlier the crime used to originate from land, water and air. In the 20th century, the dimension
of space was added to it. But now a days, the cybercrime is showing exponential growth in its
number, which is a matter of serious concern, keeping in view the reach of mobile phones and
internet across the globe including the far-flung areas
USA ambassador to India suggested that India should accede to the Convention on Cybercrime,
also known as the Budapest Convention.
The Budapest Convention is the first international treaty that addresses Internet and computer
crime by harmonizing national laws, improving legal authorities for investigative techniques, and
increasing cooperation among nations.
As a Party, India would benefit from a proven framework under which nations commit to
cooperate with each other to the widest extent possible with respect to cybercrime, and any
crime involving electronic evidence.
The Budapest convention is the only multilateral convention on cyber security considered
critical to economic and national security of a country.
Developing countries including India have not signed it stating that the developed countries lead
by the US drafted it without consulting them.
INDIAS CYBER SECURITY ARCHITECTURE
Two things set aside Indias digital spaces from that of major powers such as the United States
and China: design and density.
Design
India is a net information exporter.
Its information highways point west, carrying with them the data of millions of Indians.
This is not a design flaw, but simply reflects the popularity of social media platforms and the lack
of any serious effort by the Indian government to restrict the flow of data.
Unrestricted information flow makes Indias cyber security architecture susceptible to many
perils.
Density
Nearly 500 million Indians use the Internet today, but they do not access the Internet from the
same devices.
Apples market share in the U.S., for instance, is 44 per cent, but iPhones account for less than 1
per cent in India.
The massive gap between the security offered by the cheapest phone in the Indian market and a
high-end smart phone makes it impossible for regulators to set legal and technical standards for
data protection.
Digital intrusions
Indias national security architecture faces a difficult task in cyberspace due to lack of control
over hardware used by Indian Internet users as well as the information that is carried through
them.
Indias infrastructure is susceptible to four kinds of digital intrusions:
o Espionage: Involves intruding into systems to steal information of strategic or
commercial value.
o Cybercrime: Referring to electronic fraud or other acts of serious criminal consequence.
o Attacks: Intended at disrupting services or systems for a temporary period.
o War: Caused by a large-scale and systematic digital assault on Indias critical
installations.
Lack of national security architecture

There is no national security architecture today that can assess the nature of cyber threats and
respond to them effectively.
Indias civilian institutions have their own fire-fighting agencies, and the armed forces have their
own insulated platforms to counter cyber-attacks.
Recognising the strategic dimensions of cyberspace, the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) created
the position of the National Cyber Security Coordinator in 2014.
What could such an agency look like?

The asymmetric character of digital warfare requires a multi-agency organisation that is
technically equipped,but also bases its decision on sound strategy and regular policy inputs.
Permanent and semi-permanent staff that is technically proficient in cyber operations,
India faces a shortage of officers trained in creating and breaking encrypted platforms as well as
using digital networks for intelligence gathering.
Were such a National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) to be created, it should have a functional
nucleus or secretariat.
The second requirement is to coordinate the agencys policy functions and operations.
The current cyber security policy, articulated in 2013 by the Ministry of Communications and
Information Technology, is basically a statement of first principles.
The NCSA should be guided by a document outlining Indias cyber strategy, much like its nuclear
doctrine.
India currently has a top layer of agencies performing cyber operations the National
Technical Research Organisation, the National Intelligence Grid, and the National Information
Board etc.
Indias intelligence agencies should separately provide their consolidated inputs to aid the
operations of the NCSA.
India should not hesitate to build its offensive cyber capabilities.
This would involve the development of software designed to intrude, intercept and exploit
digitalnetworks.
Indias cyber command should be the primary agency responsible for the creation and
deployment of such weapons.
Indias Cyber Security Challenges

Cyberspace was primarily intended as a civilian space. It has, however, become a new domain
of warfare.
Past cyber-attacks
Stuxnet cyber-attack (2010) on an Iranian nuclear facility at Natanz
In 2007, Estonia was almost brought to its knees through a cyberattack, presumed to be by
Russian hackers.
The past few years have seen successful attacks against the best-guarded installations of
advanced nations.
The past year also witnessed a devastating attack on Ukraines critical infrastructure.
It is evident that no rule of law exists in cyberspace. The domain has already become a
dangerous place.
Cyber security vis- a-vis terrorism

The architecture of the Internet was designed to promote connectivity, not security. Cyber
experts warn that the more technologically advanced and wired a nation is, the more vulnerable
it is to a cyber-attack.
Cybersecurity has an interesting parallel to terrorism.
Both are asymmetric.
Ensuring security of data, information, and communication is considerably harder than hacking
into a system.
The attacker has an inherent advantage in both conventional terrorism and cyberattacks.
In the case of state-sponsored attacks, the challenges are of a much higher magnitude.
Indias Vulnerability on cyber space

India remains vulnerable to digital intrusions such as cyber-espionage, cybercrime, digital
disruption and Distributed Denial of Service.
Despite having a National Cyber Security Policy (2013), risks to our critical infrastructure remain.
In spite of instituting a National Cyber Security Coordinator (2014), internecine rivalries between
the National Technical Research Organisation (the nodal agency for cybersecurity) and the
Ministry of Communications and Information Technology impede cooperation.
Lack of coordination among different government agencies.
Chinas emphasis on cloud computing techniques, and the involvement of its Ministry of State
Security in this endeavour, suggests that it is preparing for all-out offensive cyber operations.
India would be a prime target.
What India Needed

Bleeding edge technology: Bleeding edge technology is a category of technologies so new that
they could have a high risk of being unreliable and lead adopters to incur greater expense in
order to make use of them.
The term bleeding edge was formed as an allusion to the similar terms "leading edge" and
"cutting edge".
Big data analytics
Air gapping: Air gapping is a security measure that involves isolating a computer or network and
preventing it from establishing an external connection. An air gapped computer is physically
segregated and incapable of connecting wirelessly or physically with other computers or
network devices.
Emphasis on cloud computing techniques.
Offensive cyber operations and strengthened cyber security.
New Governance Architecture for ICANN

Why in news?
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in a meeting at Marrakesh
(Morocco) decided that the ICANN will now be governed by a multi-stakeholder
(multistakeholder ICANN community) model, including businesses, individual users and
members of governments across the world.
Since this group elects ICANNs board of directors in the first place, it can be said that ICANN will
now be an independent organisation, with no external oversight.
ICANN and its present governance architecture

It is a non-profit body founded in 1998 that administrates domain names and Internet protocol
addresses (IPs) globally.
ICANN has been assigned the task to manage Internet by the US Commerce Department's
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) under a contract, which
expires on September 30.
IANA (the Internet Assigned Names Authority, the part of ICANN that handles country codes,
Internet numbers and protocols) then went on being part of ICANN, despite concerns raised by
a number of countries over the USs stranglehold over the Internet.
ICANNs architecture renders it answerable only to U.S. law and courts.
The main issue that non-U.S. actors have with the U.S. control over ICANN is that it can
unilaterally interfere with the ICANNs policy process, and the Internets root server.
Change in governance of ICANN
The new governance architecture proposes to completely revamp old arrangement post
September 30, 2016.
ICANN will become an independent body in managing its domain names-related policy work,
and the Internets root zone file, containing information about Internet names and numbers,
addresses, which are copied and replicated by other servers the world over.
The gatekeeper role of Internet addresses will be free from US oversight and these functions
would shift to the broader global online community.
Operation Veerangana
Operation Veerangana is community based initiative of Delhi Police to curb crime against
women in the city.
Police will engage housewives to serve as their eyes and ears and report to them about
suppressed cases of sexual abuse, domestic violence and street crimes.
Dozens of housewives will be trained to spot and report crimes taking place in their immediate
neighborhood.
Recently, Under Operation Nirbheek, polices interaction with school students has led to
dozens of girls coming forward with shocking revelations about sexual abuse by family
members, teachers or unknown persons.
Justice Vishnu Sahai Inquiry Commission

Why in news?
A one-man inquiry commission headed by Justice (retired) Vishnu Sahai was formed to look
into administrative lapses in controlling the violence and role played by media as well as
politicians in flaring up the Muzaffarnagar communal riots.
Findings of the commission

Commission has blamed the negligence of the local administration, the failure of the
intelligence agencies and exaggerated reporting in the social and print media for the communal
riots.
Whether by omission or by the terms set for it, the Sahai commission appears to have
exonerated the entire political class.
The Justice Sahai report gives the State government (Uttar Pradesh) a clean chit.
Exercise Force 18
India hosted its first multilateral Field Training Exercise (FTX) with regional countries.
The theme of exercise was Humanitarian Mine Action and Peacekeeping Operations.
It was largest Multinational Field Training Exercise (FTX) ever conducted on Indian soil.
Army units from eighteen countries (ASEAN+8 dialogue partners) were participated in exercise.
Exercise FORCE 18 would build common understanding and achieve interoperability amongst
the 18 ASEAN Plus countries.
IRON FIST EXERCISE 2016

Iron Fist is an Indian Air Force exercise held at Pokhran, Rajasthan.
Aim: - To demonstrate a synchronized aerial ballet that would showcase IAFs deadly combat
capability over the entire spectrum of aerial operations.

March Hard Facts

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Raj Malhotras IAS Study Group

March, 2016 | Hard Facts | Volume 3

Your feedback for the previous issues was overwhelming

Wishing you all the best,

Significance of these amendments

Carriage by Air Amendment Bill gets Rajya Sabha nod

Sutlej-Yamuna link (SYL) Canal issue

Women in House: Indias rank slips

Presidents rule in Uttarakhand

Issue of Appropriation Bill in the crisis

This could imply following:

Role of the speaker

Supreme Case judgments related to imposition of Presidents rule in state

Buta Singh case

Minority status of educational institutes

Background of the issue

Jamia Milia Islamia

Issue of Minority Institution

National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI)

Report on medical education governance

Suggestions for improvement

Medical Council of India (MCI):

Gram Uday to Bharat Uday Abhiyan

Highlights of the Campaign

Prohibition of social boycott

THE REAL ESTATE (REGULATION AND DEVELOPMENT) BILL 2013

Cap profits, cut drug prices: Panel

Highlights of the report

Scope of the Bureau of Indian Standards:

SC asks Centre to explore e-voting for defence personnel

Features of the Bill

Important functions of the UID authority

Issues surrounding the bill

Twitter Launches Campaign To Empower Women

SC upholds law on criminal defamation

What else has the court said?

New IPR policy retains access to cheap drugs

Highlights of the policy

Seven Objectives of the Policy

New Draft National Policy : Women Approach

Significance of this policy

Priority areas of the Policy

National Green Tribunal seeks Centres response on ban of microplastics

What are Microplastics?

Need for ban

Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

When it comes into force?

Haryana assembly unanimously passes Jat quota bill

Government Unveils New Defence Procurement Policy

SCt approves Union Governments guidelines to protect Good Samaritans

DEEN DAYAL UPADHYAYA RURAL ELECTRIFICATION SCHEME

About Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Rural Electrification Scheme

Aim of the Scheme

Major components of the scheme

How these bonds will help?

About Uday Scheme

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme

Six Services Under the Scheme

The predefined objectives of ICDS

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

Aim of the scheme

Who is implementing it?

Significance of this scheme

INFRACON, EPACE AND UP-SCALED INAM PRO LAUNCHED