July 2019 Bankersadda

Monthly Capsule July 2019
Economy.…………............................................................22
Finance & Banking...........................................................32
Governance & Polity........................................................34
Social Issues…………......................................................51
International News...........................................................56
National News...................................................................61
Environment & Ecology…...............................................69
Defence & Security….………………………………………75
Science & Technology.……………………………………..80
Art & Culture.…………..……………………………………..81
Facts of the Month .........................................................101
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Economy
Chief minister inaugurates two units of Chhabra Power Plant
In Rajasthan, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot inaugurated 5th and 6th Unit of Chabra Super
Critical Thermal Power Station. This is the state’s First project based on Super Critical
Thermal Power Technology.
Chhabra Thermal Power Plant is one of Rajasthan's coal fired power plants. It is located
at Chowki Motipura (Village) of tehsil Chhabra in Rajasthan's Baran district.
In Chhabra, 4 Units are already producing power with a capacity of 250 MW each.
The 5th and 6th Unit of Chabra Super Critical Thermal Power Station are the state’s First
project based on Super Critical Thermal Power Technology.
2nd anniversary of Goods & Services Tax to be celebrated on 1st July 2019
To mark two years of GST implementation on 1st July 2019, the Finance Ministry unveiled
a new return filing mechanism besides a host of other reforms to simplify the indirect tax
system.
Further reforms in current fiscal (2019-20):
New return system:
Introduction of New Return System on trial basis from 01.07.2019 and on mandatory basis
from 01.10.2019.
SAHAJ & SUGAM Returns for small taxpayers are proposed.
Rationalisation of Cash Ledger in such a manner that earlier 20 heads are merged into 5
major heads. There is only one Cash Ledger for Tax , interest, penalty, fee & others .
The Central or State Government which sanctions refund disburses all four major heads
of refunds namely CGST, SGST, IGST and Cess.
Threshold Limit of Rs 40 Lacs is offered of suppliers of goods as per the choice of States.
Composition Scheme for small service providers up to annual turnover of Rs 50 lacs
with a tax rate of 6%
Electronic invoicing system in a phase-wise manner for B2B transactions is proposed to
be introduced.
GST Appellate Tribunals are being established at various State Headquarters and area
benches also.
The pros and cons if inheritance tax makes a comeback in Budget 2019
The Union government may re-introduce Inheritance Tax (Estate Duty) in the budget-2019.
Inheritance tax is concerned with the taxation of value of property passing on death.
India had Estate Duty from 1953 till it was abolished in 1985.
The objective behind the reintroduction of an inheritance tax:

 To address the problem of economic inequality. According to a survey conducted by
Oxfam, 58 percent of India’s total wealth is concentrated within one percent of its
population – higher than the global average of about 50 percent.
 To generate higher revenue, leading to higher public spending by the government.
It was introduced in 1953 under the Estate Duty Act, 1953 as an attempt to reduce
economic disparity.
High Powered Committee of Chief Ministers constituted for ‘Transformation for

Indian Agriculture’
The Prime Minister of India has set up a High Powered Committee of Chief Ministers for
‘Transformation of Indian Agriculture’.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis is the Convenor of the committee.
CMs of Karnataka, Haryana, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, UP, MP & Union Minister of
Agriculture, RD & Panchayati Raj to be the Members.
NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand to be the Member Secretary
The Committee will be serviced by NITI Aayog.
The committee will submit its report within two months of the date of notification of the
Committee.
The terms of Reference (ToR) of the Committee:
 To discuss measures for transformation of agriculture and raising farmers’ income.

 To suggest modalities for adoption and time bound implementation of agriculture
sector reforms by States/UTs.
 To suggest changes in the Essential Commodity Act (ECA), 1955 to attract private
investments in agricultural marketing and infrastructure.
 To suggest mechanism for linking of market reforms with e-NAM, GRAM and other
relevant Centrally Sponsored Schemes.
Govt extends Kisan Credit card facility to fishermen, animal husbandry farmers
for working capital needs
Recently the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying announced the
extension of the facility of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) to fisheries and animal husbandry
farmers to help them meet their working capital needs.
This will help fisheries and animal husbandry farmers to meet their short term credit
requirements of rearing of animals, poultry birds, fish, shrimp, other aquatic organisms
and capture of fish.
Fish, Poultry & Dairy Farmers (individual & groups/partners/sharecroppers/tenant
farmers), Self Help Groups, Joint Liability Groups and Woman group are eligible under
extended KCC scheme.
Under KCC facility, Interest subvention is available for animal husbandry and fisheries
farmers @ 2% per annum at the time of disbursal of loan and additional interest subvention
@ 3 % per annum in case of prompt repayment as Prompt Repayment Incentive (repayment
of the loan within a period of one year from the date of advance).

About Kisan Credit Card
The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme was introduced in 1998 for providing adequate and
timely credit support from the banking system under a single window with flexible and
simplified procedure to the farmers for their cultivation and other needs like purchase of
agriculture inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides etc. and draw cash for their
production needs.
The scheme was further extended for the investment credit requirement of farmers viz.
allied and non-farm activities in the year 2004.
KCC covers Post-harvest expenses; Produce marketing loan; Consumption
requirements of farmer household; Working capital for maintenance of farm assets and
activities allied to agriculture; Investment credit requirement for agriculture and allied activities.
The Kisan Credit Card Scheme is implemented by Commercial Banks, RRBs, Small
Finance Banks and Cooperatives.
Govt to enhance import limit on Tur Dal

Minister for Consumer Affairs informed Lok Sabha that Government has decided to
enhance the import limit on Tur Dal from two 2 metric tonne to 4 lakh metric tonne for the
year 2019 - 20.
Recent Decisions wrt Tur Dal:
Minister for Consumer Affairs informed Lok Sabha that Government has decided to
enhance the import limit on Tur Dal from two 2 Lakh metric tonne to 4 lakh metric tonne
for the year 2019 - 20.
Government has also decided to release 2 lakh metric tonne of Tur Dal, available in the
buffer stock of pulses to States and Union Territories under the Price Stabilization Fund.
Centre had signed an MoU with Mozambique, in July 2016 to improve domestic availability
and facilitate price stability of Tur and other pulses.
The country's pulses output is estimated to be down at 232 lakh tonne in the 2018-19
crop year (July-June) from 254.2 lakh tonne in the previous year.
Barring tur dal, the production of chana, moong, masoor and urad remained higher. Tur
dal production is estimated to be lower at 35 lakh tonnes in 2018-19 crop year from 42.9 lakh
tonne in the previous year.
Govt hikes Minimum Support Price of Kharif crops for 2019-20 season
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the increase in the
Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all kharif crops for 2019-20 Season.
The MSP of paddy has been increased by 65 rupees per quintal, Jowar by 120 rupees,
Ragi by 253 rupees, Tur by 125 rupees, Moong by 75 rupees, Urad pulses by 100 rupees,
Soyabean by 311 rupees, sunflower by 262 rupees and sesamum by 236 rupees.
The highest percentage return to farmers over their cost of production is for Bajra (85%)
followed by urad (64%) and tur (60%).

The increase in MSP for Kharif Crops for 2019-20 season is in line with the principle of
fixing the MSPs at a level of at least 1.5 times of the all India weighted average Cost of
production, which was announced in the last budget 2018-19.
The MSP mechanism is implemented across the country as nearly 86% farmers are in small
and marginal category (Agriculture Census 2015-16), the system ensures equity. It also
helps in stabilising prices in the market and thus services the consumers as well.
SCR commissions longest electrified railway tunnel
South Central Railway (SCR) commissioned the longest electrified tunnel in Indian
Railways.
The electrified tunnel measuring 6.6 kilometres is situated between Cherlopalli and
Rapuru stations.
It is part of the 113-km new railway line completed recently between Obulavaripalli–
Venkatachalam – Krishnapatnam Port.
The electrified tunnel is constructed on New Australian Tunnelling Method. The new line
would facilitate direct and viable connectivity between South Coast and West Coast
Railway and improve freight revenue of the zone.
Key Highlights of Economic Survey 2018-19

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the
Economic Survey 2018-19 in the Parliament.
Key Highlights of Economic Survey 2018-19:
 Sustained real GDP growth rate of 8% needed for a $5 trillion economy by 2024-25.
 Survey departs from traditional Anglo-Saxon thinking by viewing the economy as
being either in a virtuous or a vicious cycle, and thus never in equilibrium.
 Using insights from behavioural economics to create an aspirational agenda for social
change:
o From ‘Beti Baco Beti Padhao’ to ‘BADLAV’ (Beti Aapki Dhan Lakshmi Aur Vijay
Lakshmi).
o From ‘Swachh Bharat’ to ‘Sundar Bharat’.
o From ‘Give it up” for the LPG subsidy to ‘Think about the Subsidy’.
o From ‘Tax evasion’ to ‘Tax compliance’.
 Dwarfs (firms with less than 100 workers) despite being more than 10 years old,
account for more than 50% of all organized firms in manufacturing by number.
 As data of societal interest is generated by the people, data can be created as a public
good within the legal framework of data privacy.
 India now stands at 4th in wind power, 5th in solar power and 5th in renewable power
installed capacity.
State of the Economy in 2018-19: A Macro View
 India still the fastest growing major economy in 2018-19.

 Growth of GDP moderated to 6.8 % in 2018-19 from 7.2 % in 2017-18.
 Inflation contained at 3.4 % in 2018-19.
 Non-Performing Assets as %age of Gross Advances reduced to 10.1 % at end
December 2018 from 11.5 % at end March 2018.
 Current account deficit manageable at 2.1 % of GDP.
 Fiscal deficit of Central Government declined from 3.5 % of GDP in 2017-18 to 3.4 %
in 2018-19.
 India’s SDG Index Score ranges between 42 and 69 for States and between 57 and 68
for UTs:
 Kerala and Himachal Pradesh are the front runners with a score of 69 amongst
states.
 Chandigarh and Puducherry are the front runners with a score of 68 and 65 respectively
among the UTs.
 India’s External Debt was US$ 521.1 billion at end-December 2018, 1.6 % lower than
its level at end-March 2018.
US drags India to WTO for imposing additional tariffs on 28 goods
The United States has dragged India to the World Trade Organisation, requesting dispute
consultations on the 'retaliatory duties' imposed by India on 28 US goods in June, 2019.
India has imposed the duties as a tit-for-tat move against the US decision to impose
unilateral additional tariffs on steel and aluminium imported from India.
The US claims that the additional duties are inconsistent with the provisions of the
WTO's General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
India's argument in support of its duties is that retaliation is permitted under the WTO's
Agreement on Safeguards.
To this, the US maintains that its tariffs are not a safeguard measure but were taken
under Section 232 of the US Trade Expansion Act of 1962 on grounds of national security.
If the dispute consultations between the two countries fail to resolve the matter then the US
can ask the WTO to set up a panel to decide on the matter.
This mini-tariff war between the US and India sparked from USA's decision to withdraw GSP
status from India and other economic issues.
Also, it is not the first time the USA and India had their trade issues settled at WTO.
Recently India has won a major trade dispute against the US at the World Trade Organization
(WTO) regarding domestic content requirements and subsidies.
Transport sector gets enhanced Budget Allocation of Rs 83,000 crore

Transport sector has been allocated enhanced outlay of Rs 83,000 crore in the Union
Budget. Budgetary allocation for the Ministry last year was Rs 78,626 crore.
Key highlights of budget Speech:
Comprehensive restructuring of National Highway Programme will be carried out to ensure
that the National Highway Grid of desirable length and capacity is created using financeable
model.
After completing the Phase-1 of Bharatmala, states will be helped to develop State road
networks in the Phase-2 of Bharatmala.
The Central Road and Infrastructure Cess on petrol and diesel has been raised by Re 1
per litre to give a boost to the development of Infrastructure.

Under Phase-II of the FAME Scheme, only advanced battery and registered e-vehicles will
be incentivized. Phase II of FAME has an outlay of Rs10,000 crore for a period of 3 years,
and has commenced from 1st April, 2019.
The Government has already moved GST council to lower the GST rate on electric
vehicles from 12% to 5%.
To make electric vehicles affordable to consumers, the government will provide additional
income tax deduction of Rs 1.5 lakh on the interest paid on loans taken to purchase electric
vehicles.
To further incentivise e-mobility, customs duty is being exempted on certain parts of
electric vehicles.
Under the Jal Marg Vikas Project, two multi-modal terminals at Sahibganj and Haldia
and a navigational lock and Farrakka would be completed this year.
Allocation for agriculture, farmers' welfare increased by over 78%

The government proposed a Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to
establish a robust fisheries management framework and check gaps in the value chain.
Budget highlights wrt Agriculture:
The government has proposed to increase budget allocation for the Ministry of
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare by over 78 % to 1.39 lakh crore rupees for the current
fiscal. Out of the total amount, 75,000 crore rupees will be for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan
Samman Nidhi.
Besides PM-KISAN, the government has proposed to increase the allocation for the
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to 14,000 crore rupees for the current fiscal.
To ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) in times of steep fall in rates, the government has
proposed to increase the allocation to 3,000 crore rupees for intervening in the market
in such times under the Market Intervention Scheme and Price Support Scheme (MIS-
PSS).
To harness the potential in the fishery sector, the government proposed a Pradhan Mantri
Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to establish a robust fisheries management framework
and check gaps in the value chain.
Government also proposed setting up of 10,000 new Farmer Producer Organisations
(FPOs) to ensure economies of scale for farmers over the next five years.
10-POINT VISION FOR THE DECADE
Union Minister of Finance while presenting the Union Budget 2019-20 in Parliament said that
Indian economy will become a 3 trillion dollar economy in the current year and is on the
path of achieving the Prime Minister’s vision of a 5 trillion dollar economy by 2024-25.
10-point Vision for the decade:
 Citing its genesis in the Interim Budget 2019-20 presented in February 2019, the Finance
Minister flagged ten points of the Government’s ‘Vision for the Decade’:
 Building physical and social infrastructure;
 Digital India reaching every sector of the economy;
 Pollution free India with green Mother Earth and Blue Skies;
 Make in India with particular emphasis on MSMEs, Start-ups, Defence manufacturing,
automobiles, electronics, fabs and batteries, and medical devices;
 Water, water management, clean Rivers;
 Blue Economy;
 Space programmes. Gaganyan, Chandrayan and Satellite programmes;
 Self-sufficiency and export of food-grains, pulses, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables;
 Healthy society – Ayushman Bharat, well-nourished women & children. Safety of citizens;
 Team India with Jan Bhagidari. Minimum Government Maximum Governance.
Key Highlights of Union Budget 2019-20

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman presented the
Union Budget 2019-20 before the Parliament. The key highlights of Union Budget 2019 are
as follows.
Union Budget proposes creation of a Social Stock Exchange- under the regulatory ambit
of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for listing social enterprises and
voluntary organizations.
A Credit Guarantee Enhancement Corporation for which regulations have been notified by
the RBI, will be set up in 2019-20.
To deepen the Corporate tri-party repo market in Corporate Debt securities, Government
will work with regulators RBI/SEBI to enable stock exchanges to allow AA rated bonds as
collaterals.
The Stand Up India Scheme has been extended upto the year 2025. Standup India was
launched by Government of India on 5 April 2016 to support entrepreneurship among
women and SC & ST communities.
Expert Committee to be set up to recommend the structure and required flow of funds
through development finance institutions
For efficient and conducive regulation of the housing sector, it is proposed to return the
regulation authority over the Housing Finance Sector from NHB to RBI.
Government is setting an enhanced target of Rs 1,05,000 crore of disinvestment receipts
for the financial year 2019-20.
Public Sector Banks are to be further provided Rs 70,000 crore capital to boost credit for a
strong impetus to the economy.
The Union Minster of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman said that the
Government proposes to start a channel within the DD bouquet of channels exclusively
for start-ups.
Estimated savings/benefits of Rs. 59,599 crore upto March, 2019 under 'PAHAL'
scheme
Estimated savings/benefits of Rs. 59,599 crore upto March, 2019 under ‘PAHAL’ scheme.
Pratyaksh Hanstantrit Labh (PaHaL) scheme:
Aims to reduce diversion and eliminate duplicate or bogus LPG connections.

Under PaHaL, LPG cylinders are sold at market rates and entitled consumers get the
subsidy directly into their bank accounts.
NHAI Signs MoU with NIIF for funding highway projects

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed an MoU with National Investment and
Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) for funding highway projects.
Bodies involved:
NIIF is an investor-owned fund manager, anchored by the Government of India (GoI) in
collaboration with leading global and domestic institutional investors.
The Indian government has 49 % stake in NIIF with the rest held by marquee foreign and
domestic investors.
NIIF was set up as an alternative investment fund (AIF) in December 2016 with a planned
corpus of ₹40,000 crore.
Headquarters: Mumbai.
Its objective is to provide long-term capital to the country’s infrastructure sector.
NIIF currently manages three funds each with its distinctive investment mandate namely (1)
Master fund, (2) Fund Of Funds and (3) Strategic Fund.
The funds are registered as Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) with the Securities and
Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
Skill development ministry launches Kaushal Yuva Samwaad

The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship has announced launch of “Kaushal
Yuva Samwaad” (A Youth Dialogue).
Kaushal Yuva Samwaad is aimed at creating an open dialogue with the youth across all
skill training centres to hear their views which could help the Ministry in improving overall
efficiency of its projects.
It will be organized between 8th and 10th July 2019.
It is being organized across all Skill India training centres, namely, Pradhan Mantri
Kaushal Kendras (PMKK), Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), Polytechnics, Institutes
under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Jan Shikshan Sansthans, DDU-
GKY Centres and other fee-based training centres across the country.
Production of Vande Bharat Express comes to a grinding halt

The production of Vande Bharat Express has come to a halt at the Integral Coach Factory.
Vande Bharat Express, earlier named as Train 18, is India's fastest indigenous train which has
been built by the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai under the Government’s Make in India.
It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi between New Delhi and Varanasi on
February 15, 2019 and is running with no reported issues in the last six months.
It is India's first semi-high-speed train which will run from Delhi to Varanasi, with halts at
Kanpur and Allahabad, at a maximum speed of 160 kmph by covering the distance in 8 hours.

It is equipped with world class passenger amenities like On-board wifi entertainment, GPS
based passenger information system, CCTVs, bio-vacuum toilets, rotating chairs in executive
class, etc.
The express will have two travel classes: executive and chair car, similar to the Shatabdi.
Further, it has intelligent braking system with power regeneration for better energy efficiency
thereby making it cost, energy and environment efficient.
It is also the first locomotive-less train in the country.
Integrated Management of Public Distribution System (IM-PDS)

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has launched a new central
sector scheme- Integrated Management of Public Distribution System (IMPDS). It will be
implemented during 2018-19 and 2019-20.
The IMPDS system is already operational in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana,
Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana and Tripura, wherein
a beneficiary can avail his share of food grain from any district in the state.
Key Objectives
 Implementation of nation-wide portability of ration cards to lift food grains from any fair
price shop (FPS) across the country, moving towards ‘one nation one ration card’.
 Creation of national level data repository- for de-duplication of beneficiary data (Aadhaar
based).
 Use of advanced data analytics techniques to bring about continuous improvements.
Significance
 It will bring more transparency and efficiency in the distribution of food grains.
 It will improve the mechanism to identify fake/duplicate ration cards and provide the
option to PDS beneficiaries to lift their entitled food grains from the Fair Price Shops
of their choice at the national level.
 The scheme will ensure food security of migrant labourers who move to other states
to seek better job opportunities.
Nearly half of global wages received by top 10%, survey finds

International Labour Organisation in its Labour Income Share and Distribution dataset
has revealed that top 10% earners in India made over 69% of the country’s labour income
in 2017, in contrast to 0.25% made by the bottom 10% earners.
Labour Income Share and Distribution dataset developed by ILO offers two new indicators
for major trends in the world of work, at national, regional and global levels:
 One provides the first internationally comparable figures of the share of Gross
Domestic Product that goes to workers rather than capital through wages and earnings.
 The second looks at how labour income is distributed.
The share of national income going to workers is declining, from 53.7% in 2004 to 51.4%
in 2017.
Worldwide, the income share of the middle 60% workers grew to 30.2% in 2017 from
23.6% in 2004, while the share of the richest 20% of workers came down by 6.8
percentage points.
Income Inequality in India
Pay inequality has remained consistent in India since 2004, although it has reduced at
the global workplace in the last 13 years.
ILO report has found that between 2000 and 2017, income inequality rose six times.
India’s richest 10% own as much as 80.7% of the country’s total wealth, while 90% own
only 19.3% of its total wealth.
Launch of Phase-II of DBT in Fertilizer Subsidy

Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers launched the Phase-II of the Direct Benefit
Transfer of Fertilizer Subsidy (DBT 2.0).
The Department of Fertilizers (DoF) has implemented the Phase-I of Direct Benefit
Transfer (DBT) system in fertilizer subsidy pan-India in Fertilizers w.e.f. March 2018.
DBT in fertilizer subsidy is a step towards bringing ease of living in the lives of farmers
through use of modern technology and plugging leakages, pilferages and black marketing.
Phase-I DBT system in Fertilizers (DBT 1.0) envisaged the release of 100% subsidy on
various fertilizer grades to the fertilizer companies on the basis of actual sales made by
the retailer to the beneficiaries.
A Project Monitoring Cell was set up at DoF to oversee implementation of DBT exclusively.
The new initiatives of DBT 2.0 are as under:
DBT Dashboards: These dashboards provide various reports regarding the Fertilizer
Stock position at ports, plants, in States, at District levels. The reports would facilitate real-
time monitoring of the availability and sale of fertilizers within each State/UT.
PoS 3.0 Software: The Multi-lingual facility would provide Aadhar virtual ID option for
registration, login and sale activity in DBT software.
Desktop PoS Version: Keeping in view the various operational challenges viz. limited
Point-of-Sale (POS) vendors, rush of sales due to peak season etc. the department has
developed a multilingual desktop version of PoS software as an alternative or added facility to
PoS devices.
Boost to Rural Road Connectivity

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the launch of the third phase
of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-III).
Under the PMGSY-III Scheme, it is proposed to consolidate 1,25,000 Km road length in the
States.
PMGSY-III involves consolidation of through routes and major rural links connecting
habitations to Gramin Agricultural markets (GrAMs), higher secondary schools and
hospitals.
It will entail an estimated cost of Rs 80,250 crore. The funds would be shared in the ratio of
60:40 between the Centre and State for all States except for 8 North Eastern and 3
Himalayan States for which it is 90:10.
Implementation period: 2019-20 to 2024-25.

Centre issues fresh bid document for strategic disinvestment in Pawan Hans
Centre issued a fresh bid document for strategic disinvestment in Pawan Hans.
The government holds 51 per cent stake in Pawan Hans, which has a fleet of 43
helicopters. The remaining 49 per cent stake is with Oil and Natural gas Corporation
(ONGC).
This is the third time in last 16 months; the government has sought to attract a buyer for
Pawan Hans, which is estimated to have posted the loss to the tune of 72.42 crore rupees in
the previous fiscal.
The last date for submission of Expression of Interest (EoI) is 22nd August and intimation
to the short-listed bidder is 12th August.
Draft tenancy law fixes rent agreement rules on rent increase, security deposit
Recently, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has drafted a ‘Model Tenancy Act’
(MTA), 2019.
The Tenancy law is a ‘model act’, because land is a state subject and states will have the
option to adopt or reject it.
It envisages to balance the interest and rights of both the owner and tenant and to create
an accountable and transparent ecosystem for renting the premises in disciplined and
efficient manner.
Salient features of the draft:
 MTA stipulates a robust grievance redressal mechanism comprising of Rent Authority,

Rent Court and Rent Tribunal.
 Landlords will also be able to charge rents that are to be decided by the respective
state governments, on par with market rates.
 Also, It has been proposed to cap the security deposit equal to a maximum of two
month’s rent in case of residential properties and, a minimum of one month’s rent in case
of non-residential property.
 After coming into force of this Act, no person shall let or take on rent any premises
except by an agreement in writing.
 The Model Act provides for its applicability for the whole of the State i.e. urban as
well as rural areas in the State.
 It will be mandatory for both the landlord and the tenant to inform the rent authority after
getting into an agreement.
 This will ensure that a landlord does not arbitrarily increase the rent in variance with
what has been agreed to in the agreement.
 A digital platform will be set up in the local vernacular language of the State for
submitting tenancy agreement and other documents.
Government launches new scheme for Silk Sector

The Government of India has allocated Rs. 2161.68 crore for three years i.e. 2017-2020 to
its Central Sector Scheme “Silk Samagra” for the development of sericulture in the country.
The scheme is being implemented by the Central Silk Board (CSB).
It focuses on improving the quality and productivity of domestic silk thereby reducing
the country’s dependence on imported silk.
It comprises the following four components:
 Research & Development, Training, Transfer of Technology and I.T. Initiatives

 Seed Organizations
 Coordination and Market Development, and
 Quality Certification Systems (QCS)/Export Brand Promotion and Technology Up-
gradation.
While the R&D units develop technology packages, impart training on improved technology
programmes to stakeholders and transfer the technology to the field through front line
demonstration, the seed production units produce basic and commercial seed of the
improved Silkworm breeds developed by the Research Institutes.
Housing affordability has worsened over the past 4 years: RBI survey
Reserve Bank of India’s quarterly residential asset price monitoring survey (RAPMS) on
housing loans has shown that housing affordability has worsened over the past four years
as the House Price to Income (HPTI) ratio increased from 56.1 to 61.5 (from 2015 to 2019).
The RBI has been conducting a quarterly Residential Asset Price Monitoring Survey
(RAPMS) since July 2010 on housing loans disbursed by select banks and housing
finance companies (HFCs) across 13 cities.
Mumbai (with a HPTI of 74.4) remains the least affordable city in India, while
Bhubaneswar (54.3) remains the most affordable city.
The concept of price-to-income ratio is used by lenders to measure affordability of
residential property, essentially as a measure of purchasing power for home buyers.
The LTV (loan to value) ratio moved from 67.7% to 69.6% (2015 to 2019) showing that
banks are getting more risk-tolerant in housing loans and are willing to offer higher loans
against the value.
LTV is the amount of loan a lender is willing to give and is calculated in terms of the
percentage of the property value.
The loan to income (LTI) ratio also confirms worsening housing affordability (3 in March
2015 to 3.4 in March 2019).
MSME Schemes: Technology upgradation through the International

Cooperation Scheme
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) is implementing
International Cooperation (IC) Scheme with the objective of enhancing the competency
of MSMEs, capturing new markets for their products, exploring new technologies for
improving manufacturing capacity, etc.
The Scheme was started during the Ninth Five Year Plan (under implementation since
1996).
The latest guidelines related to the scheme were released in the year 2018.
It is a demand driven scheme under which financial assistance is provided on a
reimbursement basis to the eligible State/Central Government Organisations and Registered
Industry Associations, societies /trusts associated with promotion and development of MSME
sector.

As per the existing guidelines, the eligible organizations are facilitated for visit
/participation of MSMEs in international exhibitions /trade fairs/buyer-seller meet etc. abroad
and also holding International conferences/seminars/ workshops in India, for technology
infusion, exploring business opportunities, joint ventures etc.
For the first time ever, an Indian waterway is being used for transport of cargo
between two countries
For the first time ever, an Indian waterway is being used for transport of cargo between
Bhutan and Bangladesh, using India for transit.
In a first ever movement of its kind, Minister for Shipping flagged-off a ship of the Inland
Waterways Authority of India, carrying stone from Bhutan to be delivered in Bangladesh.
The ship - MV AAI - has set sail from Dhubri in Assam and will travel to Narayanganj in
Bangladesh, over river Brahmaputra and the Indo Bangladesh Protocol Route.
This is the first time an Indian waterway is being used as a channel for transport of cargo
between two countries, using India for transit.
Continuous rain damaged Asia's largest solar Power project in Rewa

In Madhya Pradesh, continuous rain has damaged Asia's largest solar Power project in
Rewa. The damage was caused after heavy rain triggered a mudslide.
Rewa Ultra Mega Solar is a solar park in the Gurh tehsil of Rewa district of Madhya
Pradesh.
The project was commissioned with 750 MW capacity in July 2018.
Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL), the implementing agency of the project, is a joint
venture between the Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikash Nigam Limited (MPUVNL) and the Solar
Energy Corporation of India (SECI).
It is the first project to get funding from Clean Technology Fund (CTF) in India.
It is also the first solar park in India to get World Bank funding.
Govt advises NDDB to bring Mother Dairy, other units under RTI ambit
The Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries recently told the Parliament
that it has advised National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to “extend the provisions of
the RTI Act, 2005 to its subsidiary companies including NDDB Dairy Services.”
An Institution of National Importance set up by an Act of Parliament of India.
It was founded by Dr. Verghese Kurien in 1965.
Headquarters: Anand, Gujarat.
NDDB's subsidiaries include: IDMC Limited-Anand, Mother Dairy, Delhi, NDDB Dairy
Services, Delhi and Indian Immunologicals Ltd, Hyderabad.
In a bid to increase transparency, accountability and trust of consumers, the government
has advised the NDDB to extend provisions of the RTI Act, 2005 to its subsidiaries,
including Mother Dairy Fruits and Vegetables Pvt. Ltd (MDFVPL) and NDDB Dairy Services
among others.

Agri-Business Incubation Centre started in Chhattisgarh
An Agri Business Incubation Centre has been set up by the Union Agriculture Ministry in
Indira Gandhi Agriculture University of Raipur.
An Agri Business Incubation Centre has started in Chhattisgarh.
It has been set up under the National Agriculture Development Scheme- RAFTAAR.
The Centre will focus on innovations, skill building and entrepreneurs’ development in
agriculture and allied sectors ad will act as catalyst for developing an ecosystem conducive
for growth of agripreneurship in the state and foster a “start-up” culture.
About National Agriculture Development Scheme- RAFTAAR
The objective of the scheme is to make farming a remunerative economic activity by
strengthening farmer’s effort, risk mitigation and promoting agribusiness
entrepreneurship.
Under the scheme, guidance, technology and infrastructure will be provided to youth and
entrepreneurs for start-ups in different areas of agriculture.
All workers to receive appointment letter; night shift option for women
The Union Cabinet has approved for introduction of the Code on Occupational Safety,
Health and Working Conditions Bill, 2019 in the Parliament.
This is the second of the four codes that aim to merge 44 labour laws.
This proposal would enhance the coverage of the safety, health and working conditions
provisions manifold as compared to the present scenario.
13 Central Labour Laws have been brought in ambit of New Code.
The Code enhances the ambit of provisions of safety, health, welfare and working
conditions from existing about 9 major sectors to all establishments having 10 or more
employees.
Any business entity with 10 or more workers will mandatorily be required to issue
appointment letter and also get the medical check-up done annually for all its workers.
Also, women can voluntarily opt for working in night shift. It has envisaged uniform
threshold for welfare provisions such as crèche, canteen, first aid and welfare officer.
A part of the penalty for contravention of provisions leading to death or serious bodily injury to
any person may be given to the victim or the legal heirs of the victim by the court.
China GDP growth slows to 6.2%, 27-year low

China's economic growth slowed to 6.2 % in the second quarter of this year, weakest in
nearly three decades.
China's economic growth slowed to a record low of 6.2 % in the second quarter of this
year. Government data showed that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth slid from 6.4 % in
the first quarter to 6.2 %.
This is the weakest growth rate in the last 27 years for the world's second-largest economy.

The growth, however, was in line with the government's annual target range of 6.0-6.5 %
for the whole year, down from the 6.6 % growth China put up in 2018.
This was the result of a trade war with the United States and weakening global demand.
China will make timely use of cuts in banks' reserve requirement ratios (RRR) and other
financing tools to support smaller firms, while repeating a vow not to use “flood-like” stimulus.
China has relied largely on fiscal stimulus to underpin growth this year, announcing
massive tax cuts worth nearly 2 trillion yuan ($291 billion) and a quota of 2.15 trillion yuan for
special bond issuance by local governments aimed at boosting infrastructure construction.
Seva Bhoj Yojna to provide free food services through charitable institutions
The Minister of Culture informed Lok Sabha about the Seva Bhoj Yojana.
Seva Bhoj Yojna is a Central Sector Scheme.
Government of India is running Seva Bhoj Yojana for providing assistance to charitable
religious institutions for serving free food to public.
Under the scheme, the financial assistance will be provided for free food offered by
charitable/religious institutions like Gurudwara, Temples, Dharmik Ashram, Mosques,
Dargah, Church, Math, Monasteries etc.
Criteria for financial assistance:
These Charitable Religious Institutions should have been distributing free food in the form
of ‘prasad’, ‘langar’/bhandara (community kitchen) to at least 5000 persons in a calendar
month for at least past 3 years.
Financial Assistance under the scheme shall be given only to those institutions which
are not in receipt of any Financial Assistance from the Central/State Government for the
purpose of distributing free food.
The Institution/Organization blacklisted under the provisions of Foreign Contribution
Regulation Act (FCRA) or under the provisions of any Act/Rules of the Central/State shall
not be eligible for financial assistance under the scheme.
Broadband Readiness Index Set To Be Launched For Indian States And Union
Territories
Recently the Department of Telecom (DoT) and the Indian Council for Research on
International Economic Relations (ICRIER) signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) to develop a Broadband Readiness Index (BRI) for Indian States and Union
Territories (UT).
This BRI will appraise the condition of the underlying digital infrastructure and related
factors at the State/UT level.
It will help the states to make choices for investment allocations in ICT programmes.
The index will encourage the spirit of competitive federalism, as states will learn from each
other and jointly participate in achieving the overall objective of digital inclusion and
development in India.
The BRI was recommended by National Digital Communication Policy (NDCP) 2018

NCDP acknowledged the need for building a robust digital communications
infrastructure leveraging existing assets of the broadcasting and power sectors including
collaborative models involving state, local bodies and the private sector.
The primary survey of BRI will be conducted annually until 2022 which will form the basis
of the new digital communication policy in 2022.
Rajya Sabha nod for changes to airports regulator Bill

The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2019 has been
passed by Rajya Sabha to amend the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act,
2008. It is yet to be passed by Lok Sabha.
Key highlights of amendment bill:
Definition of major airports: It amends the definition of “major airport” as any airport
which has annual passenger traffic of over 35 lakh instead of existing 15 lakh.
Tariff determination by AERA: AERA would not determine tariff structures in the case of
privatised airports as that was part of the bid offered at the time of the privatisation.
The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008 established the Airports
Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA).
The Authority is an independent economic regulator for protection of interests of airports,
airlines and passengers.
The AERA regulates tariffs and other charges for aeronautical services provided at
civilian airports with annual traffic above 15 lakh passengers. It also monitors the performance
standard of services across these airports.
Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana

Minister for Labour and Employment informed Rajya Sabha about the ‘Atal Bimit Vyakti
Kalyan Yojana’ (ABVKY).
Implementing Agency: Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).
The Scheme has been made effective from 01-07-2018. The scheme is implemented on pilot
basis for a period of two years initially.
In case the Insured Person (IP) is rendered unemployed, the scheme provides relief to the
extent of 25% of the average per day earning during the previous four contribution periods
to be paid up to maximum 90 days of unemployment once in lifetime of the IP.
The eligibility conditions of the scheme:
The Insured Person should have been rendered unemployed during the period the relief
is claimed.
The Insured Person should have been in insurable employment for a minimum period of
two years.
The Insured Person should have contributed not less than 78 days during each of the
preceding four contribution periods.
The contingency of the unemployment should not have been as a result of any punishment
for misconduct or superannuation or voluntary retirement.

Cabinet approves extension of the term of the Fifteenth Finance Commission
The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the term of Fifteenth Finance
Commission up to 30th November, 2019.
The Fifteenth Finance Commission has been constituted under the chairmanship of N. K.
Singh by the President in 2017 in pursuance of clause (1) of article 280 of the Constitution
and Finance Commission (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1951.
The Commission has to submit its recommendations by 30th November, 2019 for the
period 2020-2025 commencing 1st April, 2020.
Parliament passes NDIAC Bill, 2019

Parliament has passed the New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Bill, 2019, with the
Rajya Sabha approving it by a voice vote. The Lok Sabha has already passed the bill. It
replaces an ordinance which was promulgated in March this year.
Objectives of Bill: Creation of NDIAC as an independent and autonomous regime for
institutionalized domestic and international arbitration and establishing India as an
International Hub of Arbitration.
The legislation has provision to declare the NDIAC as an institution of national
importance.
The NDIAC will be headed by a Chairperson, who has been a Judge of the Supreme Court
or a Judge of a High Court or an eminent person, having experience in arbitration to be
appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
Besides, it will also have two Full-time or Part-time Members from amongst eminent
persons having experience in arbitration.
In addition, one representative of a recognized body of commerce and industry shall be
nominated on rotational basis as a Part-time Member.
The Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law & Justice, Financial Adviser
nominated by Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance and Chief Executive Officer,
NDIAC will be ex-officio Members.
36 Proposals shortlisted for Solar Charkha Mission

Union Minister for MSME informed Lok Sabha that 36 proposals have been shortlisted by
KVIC for Solar Charkha Mission.
The Solar Charkha Mission is a Ministry of Micro Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME)
initiative launched during June 2018. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission
(KVIC) would implement the programme.
Government of India has accorded approval to set up 50 clusters of Solar Charkha with a
budget of Rs. 550 Crore for 2018-19 and 2019-20. The scheme is envisaged to generate
direct employment nearly to one lakh persons in the approved Fifty (50) clusters.
The objectives of the Scheme are as follows:
 To ensure inclusive growth by generation of employment, especially for women and

youth, and sustainable development through solar charkha clusters in rural areas.
 To boost rural economy and help in arresting migration from rural to urban areas.

 To leverage low-cost, innovative technologies and processes for sustenance.
IEA praises Ujjwala scheme for providing free cooking gas connection to poor
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has praised the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
(PMUY) for providing free cooking gas connection to poor.
It was launched in 2016.
Its objective is to provide clean-cooking fuel to the poor households, which are otherwise
vulnerable to health hazards associated with indoor air pollution.
As on 20.06.2019, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have released more than 7.23 crore
LPG connections under Pradhan Mantri UjjwalaYojana (PMUY).
PMUY is under implementation in the all the States/UTs. The scheme was launched with
the identification from the Socio Economic and Caste Census, but was subsequently
expanded to cover all the poor of the country.
It is implemented by Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas through its Oil Marketing
Companies (i.e., IOC, BPCL and HPCL) and their distributor’s network.
Beneficiaries are identified through Socio-Economic Caste Census List-2011. If names
are not covered under SECC list, beneficiaries are identified from 7 categories such as SC/ST
households, Most Backward Classes, Forest Dwellers etc.
India enters 37-year period of demographic dividend

Studies have shown that India entered a 37-year period of demographic dividend in 2018.
The bulge in the working age population is going to last till 2055.
Since 2018, India’s working-age population (people between 15 and 64 years of age) has
grown larger than the dependant population — children aged 14 or below as well as people
above 65 years of age.
This bulge in the working-age population is going to last till 2055, or 37 years from its
beginning.
Many Asian economies — Japan, China, South Korea — were able to use this ‘demographic
dividend.’
Japan was among the first major economies to experience rapid growth because of
changing population structure. The country’s demographic-dividend phase lasted from
1964 to 2004.
In the 16 years between 1978 and 1994 (post-reform, pre-dividend) China saw eight years of
double-digit growth.
About Demographic Dividend
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) defines ‘demographic dividend’ as the growth
potential that results from shifts in a population’s age structure.
This transition happens largely because of a decrease in the total fertility rate (TFR, which
is the number of births per woman) after the increase in life expectancy gets stabilised.
Rashtriya Aajeevika Mission

Union Minister for Rural Development informed Lok Sabha about the Rashtriya Aajeevika
Mission.
Official name: Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-
NRLM).
Implemented by: Ministry of Rural Development.
It is being implemented across the country in a mission mode.
Mission objective: Organizing the rural poor women into Self Help Groups (SHGs), and
continuously nurturing and supporting them to take economic activities so that they
come out of abject poverty.
Sub-schemes under DAY-NRLM:
Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs), enables a trainee to take bank credit
and start his/her own Micro-enterprise.
Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) for facilitating the rural poor for
setting up of micro Enterprises.
Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY) to facilitate transport facilities in the rural areas
which also provides self-employment opportunities to the rural poor.
IMF cuts India’s growth forecast for 2019-20 to 7%

International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cut India’s growth forecast for 2019-20 to 7%.
According to the IMF’s World Economic Outlook, July 2019, India’s economy will grow at
7% in the year 2019, picking up to 7.2 % in the year 2020.
In its April Report, International Monetary Fund (IMF) expected India to grow at 7.3% and
7.5% in the year 2019 and 2020 respectively.
The downward revision of 0.3% for both years is due to weaker-than-expected outlook for
domestic demand. However, India will still be the fastest growing major economy of the world.
About World Economic Outlook
It is a survey by the IMF that is usually published twice a year in the months of April and
October.
It analyses and predicts global economic developments during the near and medium term.
It is also updated twice a year, usually in the months of July and October.
Cabinet approves Determination of ‘Fair and Remunerative Price’ of sugarcane

The Union Cabinet has approved the determination of ‘Fair and Remunerative Price’ of
sugarcane payable by sugar mills for 2019-20 sugar season.
Price of sugarcane is fixed by the centre/State, while the price of sugar is market determined.
Fair and remunerative price (FRP) is the minimum price at which rate sugarcane is to be
purchased by sugar mills from farmers.
The FRP is fixed by Union government on the basis of recommendations of Commission
for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).

The ‘FRP’ of sugarcane is determined under Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966.
Recommended FRP is arrived at by taking into account various factors (cost of
production, demand-supply situation, domestic & international prices, inter-crop price
parity etc.
FRP assures margins to farmers, irrespective of whether sugar mills generate a profit or not.
This will be uniformly applicable all over the country. Besides FRP, some states such as
Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, UP and TN announce a State Advised Price, which is generally
higher than the FRP.
Govt sets target for installation of Solar projects of 40,000 MW by 2022

Union minister for New and Renewable Energy Informed Rajya Sabha about the initiatives
for installation of solar panels on the rooftop of houses.
The ministry of New and Renewable Energy is implementing Grid Connected Rooftop Solar
programme.
The Government has set a target of installing 40 GW of grid connected rooftop solar
capacity in the country including Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) by year 2022.
As per the Delhi Solar Policy, 2016 notified by Government of National Capital Territory of
Delhi, target has been set for installation of 1 GW of solar power by year 2020 and 2 GW
of solar power by year 2025 in Delhi.
The Ministry of Urban Development has issued Model Building Bye-Laws, 2016, in which
suitable provisions for installation of Roof Top Systems (RTS) on buildings have been
incorporated.
Four States/UTs viz. Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have already
issued mandatory notifications for installation of RTS in different categories of buildings.
Over 1700 Mega Watt of grid-connected rooftop systems has been installed in the country till
18th of this month. On an average it is estimated that 1.5 million units per Mega Watt per
year are generated from solar rooftop plants.
Implementation of Krishonnati Yojana

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers informed Rajya Sabha about the ‘Green
Revolution - Krishonnati Yojana’.
‘Green Revolution– Krishonnati Yojana’ is an Umbrella Scheme comprising both Central
Sector as well as Centrally Sponsored Schemes/Missions.
Objective of this Umbrella scheme: Developing the agriculture and allied sector in a
holistic and scientific manner.
Components: The 12 Schemes that are part of the Umbrella Schemes are –
 Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH);

 National Mission on Oil Seeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP);
 National Food Security Mission (NFSM);
 National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA);
 Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE);
 Sub-Mission on Seeds & Planting Material (SMSP);
 Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM);
 Sub-Mission on Plant Protection and Plant Quarantine (SMPPQ);
 Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Census, Economics and Statistics;
 Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Cooperation;
 Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Marketing (ISAM);
Govt approves national permit scheme for inter-state travel for bus operators
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has issued a draft notification for amendments
to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.
Key highlights of draft notification:
It provides a boost to electric vehicles, ensuring divyang friendly features in buses, and
providing an enabling mechanism for scrapping of vehicles older than 15 years.
The renewal of certificate of fitness in respect of transport vehicles older than 15 years
has been proposed to be conducted every six months from the current requirement of testing
once a year.
The fees have been increased further for conducting fitness test and grant and renewal
of certificate of fitness for motor vehicles older than 15 years.
Priority seats, signs, securing of crutches/ canes/ walkers and wheel chair entry/ housing/
locking arrangement for wheel chair for Differently Abled passengers to be checked and
ensured at the time of Fitness Inspection for buses has been introduced.
Battery Operated Vehicles will be exempted from the payment of fees for the purpose of issue
or renewal of registration certificate and assignment of new registration mark.
Dr Jitendra Singh reviews status of implementation of various projects under

MDoNER
Minister of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) reviewed the status of
implementation of various projects under MDoNER.
Key highlights of the meeting:
During the meeting, it was informed that India’s first Bamboo Industrial Park will be set up
in Manderdisa in Dima Hasao district of Assam in an area of 75 hectares at a cost of Rs
50 crore.
The in-principle approval will be granted to this project in August this year.
It was informed that the target is to complete the project by March 2021.
The Minister was also informed that another project for Bamboo Park in Itanagar,
Arunachal Pradesh would be taken up by NEC.

Finance & banking
RBI allows ARCs to buy financial assets from peers
The Reserve Bank of India has allowed Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) to buy
financial assets from other ARCs. The transactions must be settled in cash between the 2
entities.
In view of amendment to the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and
Enforcement of Securities Interest Act, 2002, it has been decided to permit ARCs to acquire
financial assets from other ARCs.
Money in Swiss banks: India ranked 74

According to analysis released by the Swiss National Bank (SNB), India has moved down
one place to 74th rank in terms of money parked by its citizens and enterprises with
Swiss banks.
Key findings of the data:
The total money held in Swiss banks by foreign clients from across the world fell by about 4
% to CHF 1.4 trillion (about Rs 99 lakh crore) in 2018.
Among the top-ranked jurisdictions, the UK is followed by the US, West Indies, France and
Hong Kong in the top five. These countries alone account for more than 50 % of the
aggregate foreign funds parked with the Swiss banks.
India has moved down one place to 74th rank in terms of money parked by its citizens and
enterprises with Swiss banks at the end of 2018. The funds officially held by Indians with
banks in Switzerland now accounts for only 0.07 % of the total funds kept by all foreign
clients.
Among the five-nation BRICS block of emerging economies, India is ranked the lowest
while Russia is ranked the highest at 20th place, followed by China at 22nd, South Africa
at 60th and Brazil at 65th place.
Several of India’s neighbouring nations are ranked lower, with Pakistan ranking 82nd,
Bangladesh 89th, Nepal 109th, Sri Lanka 141st, Myanmar 187th and Bhutan 193rd.
Centre ratifies convention to curb company profit shifting

Recently India has ratified the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related
Measures (MLI) to prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS).
The MLI is aimed to prevent firms from moving profit out of country.
It ensures that profits are taxed where substantive economic activities generating the
profits are carried out.
Out of 93 tax treaties notified by India, 22 countries have already ratified the MLI so far and
the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with these countries will be modified
by MLI.
For the remaining countries with tax treaties with India, the MLI will come into force when
they ratify it.
The MLI will come into force for India from October 1, 2019.

The Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures (MLI)
 The multilateral convention is an outcome of the OECD/G20 project to tackle base

erosion and profit shifting.
 This project was designed to work on anti-evasion measures that could curb tax
planning strategies that exploit gaps and mismatches in tax rules to artificially shift
profits to low or no-tax locations.
 Such geographies have little economic activity, resulting in little or no overall corporate tax
being paid.
 The MLI will be applied alongside existing tax treaties, modifying their application in
order to implement the BEPS measures.
 It will lead to amendments to double taxation avoidance agreements (DTAA) with the
countries signatories to the convention to plug revenue leakages.
High trading costs impact liquidity of Indian equities: study

As per the latest study by the World Bank, the turnover ratio of the Indian stock market
has fallen significantly by 60% in the last 10 years.
The turnover ratio of the Indian stock market had fallen from 143 in 2008 to 58 in 2018 i.e. a
fall of nearly 60% between 2008 and 2018.
The fall had been the highest among most leading markets of the world, barring the U.S.
and the European Union.
The turnover ratio of China dipped less than 6% in the last 10 years, while Brazil and
Korea registered a dip of 12.85% and 31.12%, respectively. Japan and Hong Kong saw the
ratio dip between 40-50% between 2008 and 2018.
The turnover ratio is a universally accepted parameter to gauge trading volumes.
It is the total value of the shares traded in a specific period divided by the average
market capitalisation of that period.
SBI, NIIF in pact for funding infrastructure projects

The State Bank of India has signed a memorandum of understanding with National
Investment and Infrastructure Fund to boost availability of capital for infrastructure projects.
The scope of the agreement includes equity investments, project funding, bond
financing, renewable energy support and take-out finance for operating assets.
RBI sets up panel to review CICs

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set up a working group to review the regulatory and
supervisory framework for core investment companies (CIC).
The group will examine the current regulatory framework for core investment companies
(CICs) in terms of adequacy, efficacy and effectiveness and suggest changes.
The group will be headed by Tapan Ray, non-executive chairman, Central Bank of India
and former Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
In 2010, the RBI had introduced a separate framework for the regulation of systemically
important Core Investment Companies (CICs) recognising the difference in the business
model of a holding company relative to other non-banking financial companies.

However, in light of recent developments, there is a need to strengthen the corporate
governance framework of CICs. Troubled financial conglomerate Infrastructure Leasing and
Financial Services (IL&FS) is registered with the RBI as a CIC.
Trade infrastructure for export scheme

The Department of Commerce, under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has
approved financial assistance for three trade promotion centres under the TIES.
The following are the approved projects with their implementing agencies:
 Establishment of Main Exhibition Building (Phase-II) at Trade cum Permanent

Exhibition Centre at Imphal, Manipur by Manipur Industrial Development Corporation
(MANIDCO).
 Expansion of Chennai Trade Centre by Tamil Nadu Trade Promotion Organisation
 Establishment of Trade Promotion Centre at Minto Hall, Bhopal by M.P. State Tourism
Development Corporation
Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES)
Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry launched the Trade Infrastructure for Export
Scheme (TIES) in March, 2017.
After delinking of the Assistance to States for Development of Export Infrastructure and
Allied Activities (ASIDE) Scheme in 2015, the State Governments had been consistently
requesting the support of the Centre in creation of export infrastructure.
First investors’ summit to be held in J&K

The Government of J&K is organising the first ever investment summit in September-
October 2019 in Jammu and Srinagar.
It is aimed to attract investment and counter perceptions about the State.
There is possibility of participation from at least eight countries besides the rest of India.
The tourism, horticulture and handicrafts are the strong sectors where good investment
is expected.
The government is also focusing on power sector and manufacturing.
J&K ranks third in the number of people in government jobs due to a lack of other avenues.
ICICI & IndoStar Capital partner to finance commercial vehicles

ICICI Bank has tied up with NBFC IndoStar Capital for vehicle financing for small and
medium fleet owners to buy new as well as old commercial vehicles.
Under this partnership, IndoStar will originate and service the customers through the entire
loan life cycle including sourcing, documentation, collection and loan servicing.
Union Budget proposes permitting 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for
insurance intermediaries
Union Budget has proposed permitting 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for insurance
intermediaries.
Key highlights of Budget speech:

It is being contemplated to permit 100% FDI for insurance intermediaries.
Local sourcing norms will be eased for FDI in Single Brand Retail sector.
It is proposed to merge the NRI-Portfolio Investment Scheme Route with Foreign Portfolio
Investment Route with a view to provide NRIs with seamless access to Indian equities.
The Government will examine suggestions of further opening up of FDI in aviation, media
(animation, AVGC) and insurance sectors in consultation with all stakeholders.
FPIs will be permitted to subscribe to listed debt securities issued by ReITs and InvITs.
Union Budget 2019-20 propose to increase the statutory limit for FPI investment in a
company from 24% to sectoral foreign investment limit with option given to the concerned
corporates to limit it to a lower threshold, the Minister added.
It is proposed to rationalize the existing Know Your Customer (KYC) norms for FPIs to
make it more investor friendly without compromising the integrity of cross-border capital
flows.
Why govt is considering enhancing RBI powers

The government is actively considering a proposal from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
seeking more powers to improve its regulatory and supervisory mechanism for Non-
Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs).
Recent defaults and delays in loan repayments by a section of NBFCs have shaken the
confidence in the financial markets, leading to fears that potential solvency risks at certain
companies can be contagious.
Liquidity for NBFCs with default ratings has completely dried up, creating broader
challenges for policymakers.
In the light of recent developments, there is a case for having a fresh look at their regulation
and supervision. Need of the hour is to have an optimal level of regulation and
supervision so that the NBFC sector is financially resilient and robust.
More powers will enable RBI to close regulatory gaps between banks (which are tightly
regulated) and NBFCs. The RBI has already reduced the periodicity of the NBFC supervision
to 12 months from 18 months earlier.
SEBI gets teeth to probe new-age cases

The Finance Bill, 2019 has given the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) new
powers to act against entities that tamper or destroy electronic databases or fail to furnish
information.
A new section (15HAA) has been inserted in the SEBI Act, which states that if a person
tampers with information to obstruct or influence an investigation, destroys regulatory
data or tries to access data in an unauthorised manner then the entity could be penalised
up to ₹10 crore or three times the unlawful gains, whichever is higher.
Though it is not yet clear whether ‘regulatory data’ and ‘database’ as mentioned in the
section refers only to SEBI data or even those maintained by exchanges, depositories and
clearing corporations.
SEBI can now also impose penalties of up to ₹1 crore on brokers if they fail to issue a
contract note to clients in the format as laid down by the exchanges. Earlier, only the lower
limit of ₹1 lakh was prescribed.
These new powers assume significance as it is already probing the leak of sensitive data
through WhatsApp and also recently passed fresh orders on the National Stock Exchange
(NSE) co-location matter.
RBI board finalises ‘Utkarsh 2022’
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has finalised a three- year roadmap, named Utkarsh 2022
to improve regulation and supervision, among other functions of the central bank.
Utkarsh 2022 is a medium term strategy in line with the global central banks’ plan to
strengthen the regulatory and supervisory mechanism.
This specifically includes central bank’s proactive role to avoid any other IL&FS debt
default issue in future.
Earlier, an internal committee of RBI was formed under former Deputy Governor Viral
Acharya, to identify issues that needed to be addressed over the next three years.
The RBI board also approved the RBI’s budget for the July 2019—June 2020 period.
Airtel Payments Bank to sell Bharti AXA Life's term insurance
Airtel Payments Bank has partnered with Bharti AXA Life Insurance to offer a life term
insurance plan.
The product, Bharti AXA Life (Point of Sale) Saral Jeevan Bima Yojana, is a pure life term
insurance plan which is aimed at the under insured and uninsured segments in India.
Vasool So-Ft' launched to digitize NPA recovery process
Karnataka Bank Ltd has launched the web tool ‘Vasool So-Ft’ (Vasool So-Fast) for digitalising
the Non-Performing Asset recovery process of the bank.
The digital tool for the recovery of stressed assets will provide an end to end digital solution.
It will enable easy and faster processing, real time information and immediate decision making
in the recovery area.
Punjab & Sind Bank sets up Cen-MARG
Punjab & Sind Bank has set up a centralised hub "Centralised MSME & Retail Group". It will
process retail and MSME loans for the better efficiency of branches in business acquisition.
The Cen-MARG has been envisioned to ensure qualitative improvement in credit appraisal,
improved turnaround time, uniform documentation, and efficient monitoring.
Large exposures framework: Basel committee lauds RBI on strict rules
According to a regulatory consistency assessment programme (RCAP) conducted by the
Basel committee on banking supervision, the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) rules on
large exposures framework (LEF) are stricter those recommended by the Basel committee.
The assessment focused on the completeness and consistency of the domestic
regulations in force on 7 June 2019, as applied to commercial banks in India.
Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) is the primary global standard setter
for the prudential regulation of banks. It has 45 members, comprising central banks and
bank supervisors from 28 jurisdictions.
The RBI implemented the large exposures framework in December 2016 through a circular
modified in June 2019. Most of the requirements came into effect on April 1, 2019.

The requirements apply to all scheduled commercial banks with the exception of regional
rural banks.
Deposits in Jan Dhan Yojana accounts crosses Rs 1 lakh crore

Deposits in bank accounts opened under Jan Dhan scheme have crossed the Rs 1 lakh
crore mark.
As per the latest finance ministry data, the total balance in over 36.06 crore Pradhan Mantri
Jan Dhan Yojana accounts was at Rs 1,00,495.94 crore as on July 3.
The PMJDY was launched on August 28, 2014, with an aim to provide universal access to
banking facilities to the people in the country.
Reserve Bank working group recommends extension of market hours

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the draft report of the Internal Working Group
on “Comprehensive Review of Market Timings”. Comments on the draft report are invited
by July 31, 2019.
The RBI has, from time to time, been receiving requests for extension of timings for certain
markets such as currency futures and Over-the-Counter (OTC) foreign exchange market.
Accordingly, in August, 2018, it announced setting up an Internal Working Group (IWG) –
comprising officials of Departments of the Reserve Bank – to review the timings of various
markets and the associated payment and settlement infrastructure.
Recommendations:
Forex market: It has suggested calibrated extension of currency market hours, from 9 am
to 9 pm for both over-the counter and exchange traded. Presently, the markets close at 5
pm.
The extension of market timings is expected to provide benefits such as better pricing of
post market hours information/data, improved onshore price discovery, and possible shift
of offshore volumes to onshore.
However, there is a view that it may entail higher costs to stakeholders.
Money market: Call market timings may be extended till 6:00 pm, co-terminus with RTGS
customer window, to facilitate liquidity management by banks.
G-sec market: The current market timings for G-sec markets may be retained, on account of
lack of demand from participants.
Govt to look at applicability of 20% tax on ongoing share buyback issues

The Finance Ministry has said that it will look into the applicability of 20% tax proposed in
the 2019-20 Budget on the current share buybacks by listed companies.
A buyback is a scheme by which a company repurchases a certain amount of its
outstanding shares. Once taken back, these shares are extinguished by the company.
It can be done to improve the earnings per share for continuing shareholders.
It can also be done if promoters want to hike their stake in the company, sometimes to
avoid any takeover threats.
To escape dividend distribution tax, listed companies resort to buybacks.
A dividend is a return given by a company to its shareholders out of the profits earned
by the company in a particular year. A tax called the Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) is levied
on the company paying the dividend.
Presently, the effective rate is 20.3576%.
To plug the differential tax treatment between buybacks and dividend payouts, the government
has proposed that 20 % tax will be levied on the difference between the issue price and the
buyback price of the share.
Why is India opting for overseas bonds?

Union Finance Minister announced in the Budget that the government plans to raise a
portion of its gross borrowing from overseas markets.
A government bond or sovereign bond is a form of debt that the government undertakes
wherein it issues bonds with the promise to pay periodic interest payments and also
repay the entire face value of the bond on the maturity date.
So far, the government of India has only issued bonds in the domestic market.
Union Finance Minister announced in the Budget that the government plans to raise a
portion of its gross borrowing from overseas markets.
The government and RBI will reportedly finalise the plans for the overseas issue of
sovereign bonds by September.
The overseas borrowing programme allows the government to maintain its gradual
reduction of the fiscal deficit.
Borrowing overseas allows the government to raise funds in such a way that there is
enough domestic credit available for the private sector.
RBI fines SBI Rs 7 crore, Union Bank Rs 10 lakh for violation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed monetary penalty of ₹ 7 crore on State
Bank of India (SBI).
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed monetary penalty of ₹ 7 crore on SBI for non-
compliance with the directions issued by RBI on:
Income Recognition and Asset Classification (IRAC) norms and code of conduct for
opening and operating current accounts and reporting of data on Central Repository of
Information on Large Credits (CRILC).
This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in RBI under the provisions
of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
White-label ATM firms get breather as RBI allows direct sourcing of cash
In order to enhance the viability of White Label ATMs (WLAs), the RBI has allowed White
Label ATM Operators (WLAOs) to buy wholesale cash from the RBI and currency chests.
This will provide the functionality to WLATMs, as they are cash-starved because the banks
used to give preference to the ATMs deployed by them. Until now cash Management at the
WLAs was the responsibility of the Sponsor Bank.

By allowing WLAO to source cash directly from RBI, will encourage more WLATM to be
opened across the country, thereby leading to deepening of financial inclusion.
About White-Label ATMs
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) set up, owned and operated by non-bank entities are
called "White Label ATMs" (WLAs).
Non-bank entities incorporated in India under the Companies Act 1956 are allowed to operate
WLAs.
In September 2015, Government permitted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), up to 100%,
under the automatic route.
Non-bank entities are permitted to set up WLAs in India, after obtaining authorisation from
RBI under the Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act 2007.
Such non-bank entities should have a minimum net worth of Rs 100 crore.
Tata Communications Payment Solutions Limited (TCPSL) was the first company
authorized by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to open White Label ATMs in the country. It got
launched under the brand name 'Indicash'.
White Label ATMs are like normal ATM. However, cash deposit or cash acceptance facility
is not permitted at the WLA. The difference is this ATM machine does not have any branding
of Bank. These machines are usually deployed by NBFC (Non-Banking Financial
Institutions).
The basic idea about White Label ATM is to increase the geographical spread of ATM to
enhance financial inclusion.
RBI reserves: panel for transfer in tranches

The Bimal Jalan panel has decided to recommend the transfer of RBI’s surplus reserves
to the government in a staggered manner over 3-5 years. The transfer of surplus capital
may help the government meet its fiscal deficit target.
The government believes that RBI is being too conservative and is sitting on huge
reserves and hence part of it should be transferred to the government for more productive
use.
In this background, the Bimal Jalan panel was set up in December 2018 to review the
economic capital framework of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Recommendations:
It has recommended transfer of surplus reserves to the government in a staggered manner
over three-five years based on a predetermined formula. The transfer of surplus capital may
help the government meet its fiscal deficit target.
The recommendation for transfer of excess reserves includes both contingency and
revaluation funds.
It has recommended for periodic review of the economic capital framework of RBI.
Centre cuts interest on GPF by 10 bps

Finance Ministry has cut the rate of General provident fund (GPF) by 10 basis points from
8% to 7.9%.
During the year 2019-2020, accumulations at the credit of subscribers to the GPF and
other similar funds shall carry interest at the rate of 7.9% with effect from July 1, 2019 to 30th
September 2019.
HDFC Bank, CSC launch credit card for VLEs and small traders
HDFC Bank and Common Services Centres launched a co-branded ‘Small Business
Money Back Credit Card’ for small traders and village-level entrepreneurs (VLEs).
The credit card is specifically designed for VLEs and VLE-sourced customers. It will give users
easy access to credit for their day-to-day business expenses.
Panel favours cryptocurrency ban in India

Inter-Ministerial Committee on Virtual Currencies submitted its Report along with Draft
Bill ‘Banning of Cryptocurrency & Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2019.’
The Government of India had constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) in 2017
under the Chairmanship of Secy (EA), with Secy (MeiTY), Chairman (SEBI) and Dy. Governor,
RBI as Members, to study the issues related to virtual currencies.
The Committee has submitted its Report along with Draft Bill ‘Banning of Cryptocurrency &
Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2019’ to the government which will now
examine it before the Government takes a final decision.
Key highlights of the report:
The Group has highlighted the positive aspect of distributed-ledger technology (DLT) and
suggested various applications, especially in financial services, for use of DLT in India.
Given the risks associated with private cryptocurrencies and volatility in their prices, the Group
has recommended banning of the cryptocurrencies in India and imposing fines and
penalties for carrying on of any activities connected with cryptocurrencies in India.
It has also proposed that the Government keeps an open mind on official digital currency.
As virtual currencies and its underlying technology are still evolving, the Government may
establish a Standing Committee to revisit the issues addressed in the Report as and when
required.
IBBI amends Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency

Professionals) Regulations
IBBI has amended the IBBI (Insolvency Professionals) Regulations, 2016 and the IBBI
(Model Bye-Laws and Governing Board of Insolvency Professional Agencies)
Regulations, 2016 with effect from 23rd July, 2019.
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board India (IBBI) notified regulations related to the IBBI
(Insolvency Professionals) (Amendment) Regulations, 2019, and the IBBI (Model Bye-Laws
and Governing Board of Insolvency Professional Agencies) (Amendment) Regulations, 2019.
Amendments made by the IBBI (Insolvency Professionals) (Amendment) Regulations, 2019
are:

An insolvency professional shall not accept any assignment as resolution professional,
liquidator, bankruptcy trustee, authorised representative under the Insolvency and
bankruptcy Code, 2016 unless he holds an ‘Authorisation for Assignment’ issued by his
Insolvency Professional Agency. This is effective from 1st January, 2020.
An insolvency professional shall not engage in any employment when he holds an
Authorisation for Assignment or when he is undertaking an assignment.
Amendments made by the IBBI (Model Bye-Laws and Governing Board of Insolvency
Professional Agencies) (Amendment) Regulations, 2019:
An Insolvency Professional Agency shall issue/renew an Authorisation for Assignment to
insolvency professionals in accordance with its Bye-laws.
An insolvency professional shall be eligible to obtain an Authorisation of Assignment if he
has not attained the age of seventy years.
An individual may serve as an independent director on the Governing Board of an
Insolvency Professional Agency up to the age of 75 years.
Apple acquires Intel's smartphone modem business for $1bn

Apple has announced the acquisition of chip-maker Intel''s smartphone modem business
for $1 billion.
This agreement enables to focus on developing technology for the 5G network while
retaining critical intellectual property and modem technology.
Intel had been working on a chipset for the iPhone maker, with the chip expected to be
part of iPhones by 2020.

Polity and Governance
The Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 introduced in Lok Sabha
The Government of India introduced the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in
Lok Sabha to amend the Right to Information Act, 2005.
The Bill changes the terms and conditions of service of the CIC and Information
Commissioners at the centre and in states.
RTI Act, 2005: The Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and Information Commissioners
(ICs) (at the central and state level) will hold office for a term of five years.
RTI (Amendment) Bill, 2019: The central government will notify the term of office for the
CIC and the ICs.
RTI Act, 2005: The salary of the CIC and ICs (at the central level) will be equivalent to the
salary paid to the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners, respectively.
RTI (Amendment) Bill, 2019: The salaries, allowances, and other terms and conditions of
service of the central and state CIC and ICs will be determined by the central government.
RTI Act, 2005: At the time of the appointment of the CIC and ICs (at the central and state
level), if they are receiving pension or any other retirement benefits for previous
government service, their salaries will be reduced by an amount equal to the pension.
RTI (Amendment) Bill, 2019: The Bill removes these provisions.
Cabinet approves setting up of NMC

The Union Cabinet has approved National Medical Commission Bill, 2019. The bill provides
for setting up of a National Medical Commission in place of Medical Council of India and
repeal the Indian Medical Council Act 1956.
The features of the bill include, the Common final year MBBS Exams will be known as
National Exit Test (NEXT) which would serve as Licentiate Exam, for entrance to Post
Graduate medical course and as screening test of foreign medical graduates.
Steps taken to combat Terror Financing and circulation of Fake Indian Currency
in the country
In written replies to questions in the Lok Sabha, the Minister of State for Home Affairs
mentioned steps taken to combat the menace of terror financing and fake Indian
currency.
Strengthening the provisions in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 by
criminalizing the production or smuggling or circulation of high quality counterfeit Indian
currency as a terrorist act, and enlarging the scope of proceeds of terrorism to include any
property intended to be used for terrorism.
A Terror Funding and Fake Currency (TFFC) Cell has been constituted in National
Investigation Agency (NIA) to conduct focused investigation of terror funding and fake
currency cases.
Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) network is one of the channels of terror financing in
India. FICN Coordination Group (FCORD) has been formed by the Ministry of Home

Affairs to share intelligence/information among the security agencies of the states/centre to
counter the problem of circulation of fake currency notes.
Lok Sabha passes bill to amend Unlawful Activities Prevention Act

The Lok Sabha has passed the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019.
The Bill amends the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, providing special
procedures to deal with terrorist activities, individuals and groups that foster terrorism in
India.
The Bill is yet to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha.
Key Features of the Bill
It empowers the government to designate individuals as terrorists if the person commits
or participates in acts of terrorism, prepares for terrorism, promotes terrorism or is otherwise
involved in terrorism.
The bill also empowers the Director-General, National Investigation Agency (NIA) to grant
approval of seizure or attachment of property when the case is being investigated by the
agency.
It empowers the officers of the NIA — of the rank of Inspector or above, to investigate
cases.
The International Convention for Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (2005) has
also been added in the Second Schedule through the Amendment.

Social Issues
27% of children with disabilities have never been to school: UNESCO
According to a report by UNESCO and the TISS, 27% of children with disabilities have
never been to school in India.
Name of the report: “State of the Education Report for India-2019: Children with
Disabilities."
Key findings of the report:
Citing 2011 census data, the report showed that there are more than 78 lakh children with
disabilities in the country between 5-19 years.
27% of children with disabilities between ages 5 and 19 in India have never attended
any educational institution, while around 75% of five-year-olds with disabilities are not in
school.
There are fewer girls with disabilities in school than boys.
Differences remain among various types of disabilities. Only 20% of children with visual
and hearing impairments had never been in school. However, among children with multiple
disabilities or mental illness, that figure rose to more than 50%.
Recommendations made: Amend the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 to make it align
with the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
The Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers' Cadre) Bill

Parliament passed the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers’ Cadre)
Bill, 2019. The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill after it was passed in Lok Sabha on 1st July,
2019.
The Bill replaces the “The Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers’
Cadre) Ordinance, 2019”.
The unit for reservation of posts in direct recruitment in teachers’ cadre will be the
‘University/Educational Institution’ and not the Department. Thus, it restores earlier
reservation system based on 200-point roster.
Benefits of this decision:
 It allows up of more than 7000 existing vacancies in Central Educational Institutions

and pave the way for filling up 3 lakh vacancies in the Government (Central and
State) Educational institutions by direct recruitment in Teacher’s Cadre.
 It ensures full representation of the SCs/STs, the socially and Educationally Backward
Classes and Economically Weaker Sections in direct recruitment in teachers’ cadres, thus
ensuring compliance of the Constitutional Provisions of Articles 14, 16 and 21.
 The Bill will now be sent for President’s assent.
WHO launches its first guidelines on self-care interventions for health

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched its first guidelines on self-care
interventions for health.

These were launched in response to an estimate that by 2035 the world will face a shortage
of nearly 13 million healthcare workers.
It is the “the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent
disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of
a health-care provider”.
Key highlights of guidelines:
In its first volume, the guidelines focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Some of the interventions include self-sampling for HPV and sexually transmitted infections,
self-injectable contraceptives, home-based ovulation predictor kits, HIV self-testing and self-
management of medical abortion.
The guidelines will be expanded to include other self-care interventions, including for
prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases.
Campaign to eradicate AES to be launched in UP today

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the DASTAK campaign to eradicate
deadly Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) disease.
The campaign will run from 1st to 31st July.
Under this state-wide campaign, teams will go door to door in every village of the 75
districts of the state to create awareness about the communicable diseases as well as Acute
Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and Japanese Encephalitis (JE).
Similar campaign launched last year also has improved the health conditions and the
government claimed that fatality rate due to AES and JE dripped.
One nation one ration card’ scheme from July 1, 2020

Recently the Food Minister announced One Nation One Ration Card Scheme, which all
states needs to implement by July 2020.
One Nation One Ration Card’ scheme seeks to provide portability of food security benefits
all across the nation.
Features
 The poor migrant workers will be able to buy subsidised rice and wheat from any ration
shop in the country but for that their ration cards must be linked to Aadhaar.
 Migrants would only be eligible for the subsidies supported by the Centre, which
include rice sold at Rs. 3/kg and wheat at Rs. 2/kg, It would not include subsidies given
by their respective state government in some other state.
 This scheme will ensure that no poor person is deprived of subsidised grains.
 The scheme can be implemented as already 77% of the ration shops across the
country have PoS machines and more than 85% of people covered under the National
Food Security Act (NFSA) have their cards linked to Aadhaar.
 For remaining beneficiaries, all the States have been given one more year to use point of
sale (PoS) machines in the ration shops and implement the scheme.
AYUSH, MeitY ministries to collaborate for digitisation of AYUSH sector

The Ministries of AYUSH and Electronics and Information Technology signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi to collaborate on the digitization of the
AYUSH sector.
The Electronics and Information Technology Ministry has agreed to give technical
support to the AYUSH Ministry for planning and development of AYUSH GRID Project.
In pursuance to the National Health Policy 2017, the project aims to digitize the entire
AYUSH, leading to transformation in the field of health care delivery at all levels, along
with greater research, education, delivery of various health care programmes and better drug
regulations.
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has taken various Health
initiatives such as e-Hospital, e-Aushadhi, e-Rakt Kosh, Online Registration System
(ORS) and e-Shushrut for digitizing the internal workflows and processes of hospitals across
the country.
MeitY has also launched an online information guide called Vikaspedia, a portal for the
various social sectors including Health and it offers information in 23 languages.
UGC approves a scheme "STRIDE" to boost research culture in India
University Grants Commission has approved a ‘Scheme for Trans-disciplinary Research
for India’s Developing Economy’ to boost research culture in India.
It will provide support to research projects that are socially relevant, locally need-based,
nationally important and globally significant.
An Advisory Committee has been set up by the UGC under the chairmanship of Prof
Bhushan Patwardhan to oversee the entire scheme.
Objectives of STRIDE:
 To identify young talent, strengthen research culture, build capacity, promote

innovation and support trans disciplinary research for India’s developing economy
and national development.
 To fund multi institutional network high impact research projects in humanities and
human sciences.
ICMR Report On Non Communicable Diseases; India: Health of the Nation’s

States
According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) report titled “India: Health of the
Nation’s States”, contribution of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) to total death in
the Country was 61.8% in 2016, as compared to 37.9% in 1990.
Some examples of common NCDs, i.e. diabetes, hypertension and cancers (Oral, Breast
and Cervical cancer) are on the rise in India.
Risk factors for NCDs inter alia include ageing, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, high
blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol and overweight.
Also In the States of Kerala, Goa and Tamil Nadu, due to epidemiological transition, fewer
deaths are recorded for communicable, maternal, neonatal and nutritional diseases, thereby
raising the share of NCDs in total deaths.
Most of Rajya Sabha members support Medical Council Bill

Parliament has passed the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2019. The Bill
replaces the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Second Ordinance, 2019 which was
promulgated on 21st February, 2019.
The Bill seeks to reduce the time period for supersession of the Medical Council of India
(MCI) from three years to two years, with effect from 26th September, 2018, during which the
government-constituted Board of Governors will exercise the powers and functions of
MCI as assigned under the Indian Medical Council (IMC) Act, 1956.
The 1956 Act provides for supersession of the MCI and its reconstitution within a period of
three years from the date of its supersession. In the interim period, the Act requires the
central government to constitute a Board of Governors, to exercise the powers of the MCI.
The Bill also increases the strength of the Board appointed by the central government,
from seven members to 12 members.
The government will soon come up with the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill that
seeks to replace MCI with a National Medical Commission and overhaul the medical education
system in India.
Various initiatives have been taken to promote digital learning under ‘National
Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology’
(NMEICT)
The Ministry of Human Resource Development administers the programme, National
Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology (NMEICT),
to leverage the potential of ICT to make the best quality content accessible to all learners
in the country free of cost.
Initiatives under the Program
SWAYAM: The Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds' (SWAYAM) is
an integrated platform for offering online courses, covering school (9th to 12th) to
Postgraduate Level. The online courses are being used not only by the students but also by
the teachers and non-student learners, in the form of lifelong learning.
SWAYAM Prabha: It is an initiative to provide 32 High Quality Educational Channels
through DTH (Direct to Home) across the length and breadth of the country on a 24X7
basis.
National Digital Library of India (NDL): It is a project to develop a framework of virtual
repository of learning resources with a single-window search facility. Presently, there
are more than 3 crore digital resources available through the NDL.
Spoken Tutorial: They are 10-minute long, audio-video tutorial, on open source software,
to improve employment potential of students. It is created for self-learning, audio dubbed
into 22 languages and with the availability of online version.
Free and Open Source Software for Education (FOSSEE): It is a project promoting the
use of open source software in educational institutions. It does that through instructional
material, such as spoken tutorials, documentation, such as textbook companions, awareness
programmes, such as conferences, training workshops, and internships.
Virtual Lab: This is a project to develop a fully interactive simulation environment to
perform experiments, collect data, and answer questions to assess the understanding of the

knowledge acquired. There are about 225 such labs operational, with more than 1800
experiments that benefitted more than 15 lakhs students.
E-Yantra: It is a project for enabling effective education across engineering colleges in
India on embedded systems and robotics. More than 275 colleges across India have benefited
with this initiative.
Providing access to safe and adequate drinking water to all Indians

The Union Minister for Finance while presenting the budget announced Jal Jeevan Mission
to ensure HarGharJal (piped water supply) to all rural households by 2024.
The objective of mission is to ensure HarGharJal (piped water supply) to all rural households
by 2024 under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
It will be executed by Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Jal Shakti
Mantralaya.
This Mission will focus on integrated demand and supply side management of water at
the local level, including creation of local infrastructure for source sustainability like
rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and management of household wastewater
for reuse in agriculture.
The Mission will converge with other Central and State Government Schemes to achieve
its objectives of sustainable water supply management across the country.
Government has identified 1592 Blocks which are critical and over exploited, spread
across 256 Districts for the Jal Shakti Abhiyan.
Besides using funds available under various Schemes, the Government will also explore
possibility of using additional funds available under the Compensatory Afforestation
Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) for this purpose.
Rs. 400 Cr allocated for creating world class educational institutions

While presenting the Union Budget 2019-20, Union Minister of Finance announced setting
up of a National Research Foundation (NRF) to achieve the objectives of research and
innovation.
Key announcements wrt Education Sector:
An amount of Rs. 400 crore has been provided for FY 2019-20 to create “World Class
Institutions” in the field of education which is more than three times the revised estimates
for the previous year.
The Government will also bring in a “New National Education Policy” to transform India’s
higher education system to one of the global best education systems.
A National Research Foundation (NRF) will be setup to fund, coordinate and promote
research in the country.
The ‘Study in India’ programme was announced that will focus on bringing foreign
students to study in our higher educational institutions.
A draft legislation for setting up Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) would be
presented in the year ahead. This will help to comprehensively reform the regulatory

system of higher education to promote greater autonomy and focus on better academic
outcomes.
National Sports Education Board for Development of Sportspersons would be set up
under Khelo India Scheme to popularize sports at all levels.
Parliament passes Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill

Parliament has passed the Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019 with the Rajya
Sabha approving it. The Lok Sabha had already passed the bill.
The bill envisages strengthening of the Aadhaar Act as per the directions of the Supreme
Court and recommendations of Justice B.N.Srikrishna(Retd) Amendments to Aadhaar and
other laws were necessitated after the Supreme Court's ruling on privacy.
The bill seeks to amend Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies,
Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 and to further amend the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885
and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
The salient features of the amendments:
No individual will be compelled to provide proof of possession of Aadhaar number or
undergo authentication for the purpose of establishing his identity unless it is so provided
by a law made by Parliament.
For the convenience of the general public in the opening of bank accounts, it will allow the
use of Aadhaar number for authentication on a voluntary basis as an acceptable KYC
document under the Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act,
2002.
It gives an option to children who are Aadhaar number holders to cancel their Aadhaar
number on attaining the age of eighteen years.
It prevents denial of services for refusing to, or being unable to, undergo authentication.
It provides for establishment of Unique Identification Authority of India Fund.
It provides for civil penalties, its adjudication, appeal thereof in regard to violations of Aadhaar
Act and provisions by entities in the Aadhaar ecosystem.
Centre asks all Urban Local bodies to set up cell for monitoring Rain Water
Harvesting
Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry has released its Guidelines for urban water
conservation.
The guidelines have been issued as part of the first phase of Jal Shakti Abhiyan which began
on 1st of this month and will continue till 15th of September this year.
Key features of guidelines released:
All Urban Local Bodies across the country have been asked to set up a cell for monitoring of
Rain Water Harvesting and revival of at least one water body in their areas.
The cell should monitor the extent of groundwater extraction and groundwater aquifer
recharge. This information should be displayed at prominent locations for public awareness.
Reliance Jio ties up with Facebook for 'Digital Udaan'

Reliance Jio ties up with Facebook for digital literacy initiative 'Digital Udaan'.
The initiative will have audio-visual training in 10 regional languages. The initiative is
announced for the first-time Internet users in the country.
The programme is being launched in nearly 200 different locations across 13 states.
RPF launched “Operation Thirst”, an All India Drive to crack down selling of
unauthorised Packaged Drinking Water
Railway Protection Force (RPF) launched “Operation Thirst”, an All India Drive to crack
down selling of unauthorised Packaged Drinking Water.
To curb the menace of unauthorized Packaged Drinking Water (PDW) in Railway
premises, an all India drive named “Operation Thirst” was launched on 08th & 09th July
2019 on the direction of DG/RPF, Railway Board, New Delhi.
During this, all the Zonal Principal Chief Security Commissioners (PCSCs) were asked to
crackdown these unauthorised activities. Almost all major stations over Indian Railway
were covered during this operation.
During the drive, 1371 persons were arrested for selling of packaged drinking water of
unauthorised brands under different sections i.e. 144 & 153 of Rly. Act.
The special drive will be followed by continuous action by concerned PCSCs on this issue.
India lifted 271 million people out of poverty in 10 years: UN

Global Multidimensional Poverty Index - 2019 (MPI), released by the United Nation
Development Programme (UNDP) has revealed that there are vast inequalities across
countries, and among the poorer segments of societies.
MPI-2019 edition is a revised version of MPI-2018.
The MPI captures both the incidence and intensity of poverty and tracks 101 countries
on deprivations across ten indicators in health, education, and standard of living.
Index is developed by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and
the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
As per report a single measure is not a sufficient guide to both inequality and
multidimensional poverty, and studies such as the MPI, Human Development Index, and
the Gini coefficient (which measures countries wealth- income distribution), can
contribute important and distinctive information for policy action to effectively reduce poverty.
Key Findings
As per Index 1.3 billion people in the world are still multidimensionally poor.
Multidimensionally poor means that poverty is defined not simply by income, but by a
number of indicators, including poor health, poor quality of work and the threat of
violence.
Level of Inequality and poverty is very high in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
One in every three children (under the age of 10) and every second child below the age of
18 years is multidimensionally poor in the world.

India lifted 271 million people out of poverty between 2006 and 2016, (reduced from 0.283
in 2005-06 to 0.123 in 2015-16) recording the fastest reductions in the multidimensional
poverty index values during the period with strong improvements in areas such as assets,
cooking fuel, sanitation and nutrition.
Jharkhand has reduced the incidence of poverty at a faster pace than other regions
(reduced the incidence of multidimensional poverty from 74.9% in 2005-06 to 46.5% in
2015-16).
Health Dept officials inspect Women & Children Hospital

Recently, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched “LaQshya”
(Labour room Quality Improvement Initiative) to improve the quality of care in the labour
room and maternity operation theatres in public health facilities.
Aim of the LaQshya program is to reduce preventable maternal and newborn mortality,
morbidity and stillbirths associated with the care around delivery in the Labour Room and
Maternity Operation Theatre (OT) and ensure respectful maternity care.
Implementation
The LaQshya program will be implemented by all Medical College Hospitals, District
Hospitals and First Referral Unit (FRU), and Community Health Centres (CHCs) and will
benefit every pregnant woman and new-born delivering in public health institutions.
Under the initiative, a multi-pronged strategy has been adopted such as improving
infrastructure up-gradation, ensuring the availability of essential equipment, providing
adequate human resources, capacity building of health care workers and improving quality
processes in the labour room.
The Quality Improvement in the labour room and maternity OT will be assessed through NQAS
(National Quality Assurance Standards).
88 manual scavenging deaths in 3 years

According to the Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry, despite a ban on manual
scavenging from 1993, 620 cases of deaths of sanitation workers (while cleaning septic
tanks and sewers) have been reported, of which 88 occurred in the past three years.
Manual scavenging
Manual scavenging refers to the practice of manually cleaning, carrying, disposing or
handling in any manner, human excreta from dry latrines and sewers.
The practise of manual scavenging is linked to India’s caste system where so-called lower
castes were expected to perform this job.
Manual scavengers are amongst the poorest and most disadvantaged communities in
India.
Frequent deaths occur as manual scavengers don't even have adequate tools and
protective gear to clean the manhole. It often involves using the most basic of tools such
as buckets, brooms and baskets.
Midday meals left 900 children ill

The Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry has received 35 complaints from 15
States and Union Territories (UTs) regarding substandard food quality in mid-day meals
in the past three years.
The Midday Meal Scheme comes under the HRD Ministry’s Department of School
Education and Literacy.
Launched in the year 1995 as a centrally sponsored scheme, it provides that every child
within the age group of six to fourteen years studying in classes I to VIII who enrol and
attend the school, shall be provided hot cooked meal having nutritional standards of 450
calories and 12 gm of protein for primary (I- V class) and 700 calories and 20 gm protein
for upper primary (VI-VIII class), free of charge every day except on school holidays.
The scheme covers all government and government aided schools and also Madarsa and
Maqtabs supported under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).
The last Mid Day Meal Rules were notified in the year 2015 under the National Food
Security Act, 2013 but amendments have been made from time to time.
Sexual offence cases not being probed in stipulated time: Report

According to the ITSSO analysis of crime data in the seven States, sexual offence cases not
being probed in stipulated time.
In February 2019, the Union Home Ministry launched an analytics tool — Investigation
Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO) to monitor and track time-bound
investigation.
ITSSO is part of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and System (CCTNS) that
connects over 15,000 police stations across the country.
According to the ITSSO analysis of crime data in the 7 States — Haryana, Delhi, Madhya
Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh. Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand — investigation into nearly
half the sexual offences cases are not being completed within the stipulated 60-day
period.
To check sexual crimes against women and children, the Centre approved the Criminal Law
(Amendment) Act, 2018 last year which prescribed the time-limit for completion of
investigation.
In many States, the fast-track courts designated to handle rape cases are also handling
other criminal cases leading to delay in verdicts.
Dr Harsh Vardhan releases the National Digital Health Blueprint report in the
Public domain
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare released the National Digital Health
Blueprint (NDHB) report in the public domain for inputs from various stakeholders.
IT enabled schemes in health sector like Ayushman Bharat Yojana, Reproductive Child
Healthcare, NIKSHAY etc. are benefitting the patients at right time with right service delivery.
Now, there is a need to ensure convergence across these IT systems to monitor and
provide health services in a robust and efficient manner.
In this background, Ministry of Health has initiated efforts in the direction of a comprehensive,
nationwide integrated e-Health system under National Digital Health Blueprint.
The vision of NDHB is to create a National Digital Health Eco-system that supports
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through provision of a wide-range of data, information and
infrastructure services, duly leveraging open, interoperable, standards-based digital
systems, and ensuring the security, confidentiality and privacy of health-related personal
information.
It will strengthen the Digital India and accelerate efforts towards Universal Health
Coverage (UHC).
20 million children missed out on potentially life-saving vaccinations in 2018: UN
According to a joint study by the WHO and UNICEF, 20 million children worldwide failed
to receive potentially lifesaving vaccines in 2018.
More than one in 10 children – almost 20 million worldwide – failed to receive potentially
lifesaving vaccines in 2018.
In 2018, 19.4 million children were not fully vaccinated, up from 18.7 million in 2017.
10 countries accounted for 11.7 of the 19.4 million under and non-vaccinated youngsters
in the world, in particular Nigeria (three million), India (2.6 million) and Pakistan (1.4
million).
Global protection against four diseases that are regarded as a gauge of overall coverage -
diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and measles - has “stalled” at around 86 % since 2010.
Ideally, it should be 95 % across countries and communities globally.
The best regional performer for vaccine reach in 2018 was Europe, whose more than 90
% rate was 18 % higher than Africa, the lowest-performing region.
The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2019

According to the latest UN report, The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World
2019, more than 821 million people suffered from hunger worldwide in the year 2018.
The report was prepared by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other
United Nations agencies including the World Health Organization (WHO).
Key Findings
Undernourishment: After decades of steady decline, the trend in world hunger – as
measured by the prevalence of undernourishment – reverted in the year 2015, remaining
virtually unchanged in the past three years at a level slightly below 11 %, posing a challenge
to achieving the SDG Goal 2 (End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and
promote sustainable agriculture).
Breastfeeding: Only 40% of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed, which is
far from the 2030 target of 70 %.
Low Birthweight: No progress has been made in reducing the prevalence of low birthweight
since 2012. One in seven live births, or 20.5 million babies globally, suffered from low
birthweight in 2015.
Stunting: The number of stunted children has declined by 10% over the past six years.
In the year 2018, Africa and Asia accounted for more than nine out of ten of all stunted children
globally, representing 39.5% and 54.9 % of the global total, respectively.

Food Insecurity: About 2 billion people in the world experience moderate or severe food
insecurity.
In every continent, the prevalence of food insecurity is slightly higher among women than men,
with the largest differences found in Latin America.
Central Universities Bill cleared

The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2019 has been passed by both the houses of
Parliament.
The Bill seeks to amend the Central Universities Act, 2009, which establishes universities
for teaching and research in various states.
The Bill provides for the establishment of two central universities in Andhra Pradesh to
be known as
The Central University of Andhra Pradesh and
The Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh.
The Central Tribal University will take additional measures to provide higher educational
and research facilities in tribal art, culture, and customs primarily to the tribal population of
India.
Google India's 'Internet Saathi' programme to empower rural women

Google India's 'Internet Saathi' programme has now added two more states -- Punjab and
Odisha.
It was launched as a pilot project in 2015.
It was launched by Google India along with Tata Trusts.
It aims to educate rural women on how to use the Internet. These women, in turn, impart
training to other women in their community and neighbouring villages.
With the addition of Punjab and Odisha, the programme has now reached 20 states.
Impact of programme:
In the four-year journey, 70,000 "Internet Saathis" are using the Internet to drive positive
change in their communities.
According to a recent study by Google, about 70 % of Internet Saathis believe they are seen
as a source of information in their village. 30% of Saathis have set up some form of
business.
Health Ministry to launch a "Jan Jagrukta Abhiyaan" in Delhi

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will launch a Jan Jagrukta Abhiyaan in Delhi to
accelerate measures for prevention and control of Vector Borne Diseases like Malaria,
Dengue and Chikungunya.
It will start from 17th to 19th July, 2019 in Delhi through active involvement of people’s
representatives, officers from Government of India, Government of NCT Delhi, all three
Delhi Municipal Corporations, and New Delhi Municipal Council, Railways and
Cantonment board and other stakeholders to combat malaria, dengue and chikungunya.

Union HRD Minister launches the UGC Scheme of ‘Paramarsh’
The Union Minister for Human Resource Development (HRD) launched the UGC Scheme of
‘Paramarsh’.
It is a scheme for Mentoring National Accreditation and Assessment Council (NAAC)
Accreditation Aspirant Institutions to promote Quality Assurance in Higher Education.
The scheme will target 1000 Higher Education Institutions for mentoring.
The Scheme will be operationalized through a “Hub & Spoke” model.
Under it, the Mentor Institution, called the “Hub” is centralized and will have the
responsibility of guiding the Mentee institution through the secondary branches the
“Spoke” through the services provided to the mentee for self-improvement.
This allows a centralized control over operational efficiency, resource utilization to attain
overall development of the mentee institution.
Union HRD Minister releases Deeksharambh- A Guide to Student Induction

Programme
The Union Minister of Human Resource Development (HRD) released UGC Guide to
Student Induction Programme – “Deeksharambh”.
Deeksharambh is a guide to Student Induction Programme.
Prepared by: University Grants Commission (UGC).
Objectives:
 To help new students adjust and feel comfortable in the new environment, inculcate
in them the ethos and culture of the institution, help them build bonds with other
students and faculty members, and expose them to a sense of larger purpose and
self-exploration.
 The Student Induction Programme engages with the new students as soon as they
come into the institution, before regular classes start.
 At the start of the induction, the incumbents learn about the institutional policies,
processes, practices, culture and values, and their mentor groups are formed.
Lok Sabha passes The Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019
Lok Sabha passed The Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019 to make
NHRC more inclusive and efficient.
Feature of the bill Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019
A person who has been a Judge of the Supreme Court is also made eligible to be
appointed as Chairperson of the Commission in addition to the person who has been the
Chief Justice of India;
Increase the Members of the Commission from 2 to 3 of which, one shall be a woman;
Include Chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes, Chairperson of
the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the Chief Commissioner for
Persons with Disabilities as deemed Members of the Commission;

Reduce the term of the Chairperson and Members of the Commission and the State
Commissions from 5 to 3 years and shall be eligible for re-appointment;
A person who has been a Judge of a High Court is also made eligible to be appointed as
Chairperson of the State Commission in addition to the person who has been the Chief Justice
of the High Court; and,
To confer upon State Commissions, the functions relating to human rights being discharged
by the Union territories, other than the UT of Delhi, which will be dealt with by the Commission.
Ebola vaccine tested during epidemic saves lives in Congo

According to the WHO, preliminary data suggest that the Merck’s vaccine (VSV-EBOV) used
during the current outbreaks in Congo was 97.5% efficacious in preventing Ebola
infection.
VSV-EBOV is an Ebola vaccine. Studies suggest that the yet to be licensed vaccine could
prevent Ebola infection when used before and also immediately after exposure to the Ebola
virus.
The vaccine is based on a virus found in animals called vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) that
is combined with a portion of the protein covering of the Ebola virus. When administered,
it induces an immune response against the Ebola virus. It does not contain a live Ebola
virus.
VSV-EBOV has been developed by NewLink Genetics and Merck Vaccines USA in
collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada.
361 Complaints of Child Labour Resolved Through Pencil Portal

Union Minister for Labour informed Lok Sabha that 361 Complaints of Child Labour have
been resolved Through Pencil Portal.
Full Name: Platform for Effective Enforcement for No Child Labour (PENCIL).
Launched in: 2017.
It is a separate online portal to ensure effective enforcement of the provisions of the Child
Labour Act and smooth implementation of the National Child Labour Project (NCLP)
Scheme.
The PENCIL Portal (pencil.gov.in) has various components, namely Child Tracking
System, Complaint Corner, State Government, National Child Labour Project and
Convergence.
Features:
The Portal connects Central Government to State Government(s), District(s), all Project
Societies and the General public.
Further, online complaints regarding child labour can also be filed by anybody on the
Pencil Portal. The complaint gets assigned to the concerned Nodal Officer automatically
by the system for further necessary action.
Of the 1010 complaints of child labour received on PENCIL, the District Nodal Officers have
updated the status in respect of 361 complaints as resolved.
Government of India is running several research fellowship schemes

In order to attract meritorious students into research, Government of India, in 2018
launched Prime Minister’s Research Fellows (PMRF) Scheme, which offers direct
admission to such students in the Ph.D programmes in IITs, IISERs and IISc.
The scheme is aimed at attracting the talent pool of the country to doctoral (Ph.D.)
programmes for carrying out research in cutting edge science and technology domains,
with focus on national priorities.
A fellowship of Rs.70,000/- per month for the first two years, Rs.75,000/- per month for
the 3rd year, and Rs.80,000/- per month in the 4th and 5th year provided under the
scheme.
Apart from this, a research grant of Rs.2.00 lakh per year will be provided to each of the
Fellows for a period of 5 years to cover their academic contingency expenses and for
foreign/national travel expenses.
There will be a rigorous review of the performance of Prime Minister’s Research
Fellowship holders and continuation of the next year fellowship shall be contingent upon
successful review.
Trauma Care Centres for Road Accident Victims

The Government of India has taken initiatives towards setting up of Trauma Care Facilities
along National Highways, under the scheme “Capacity Building for Developing Trauma
Care Facilities on National Highways”.
The overall objective of the scheme is to bring down preventable deaths due to road
accidents by developing a pan-India trauma care network.
The scheme provides for setting up a designated trauma centre at every 100 km on NHs.
WHO’s Global Burden of Disease Project
According to this project, road traffic accidents (RTA) cause over 1.27 million deaths a
year.
Road Traffic injuries are consistently one of the top three causes of death for people aged
5 to 44 years.
It is estimated that unless immediate actions are taken road deaths will be the fifth leading
cause of death by 2030, leading to an estimated 2.4 million deaths per year.
Over 90% of the world’s fatalities on the roads occur in low-income and middle-income
countries, which have only 48% of the world’s vehicles.
In India, accidental injury is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity.
India has just one per cent of total vehicles in the world but accounts for six per cent of
total road accidents.
What are India’s challenges as its fertility rate falls?

India’s total fertility rate (TFR) is declining. It is now 2.2 per woman, nearing the
replacement rate of 2.1, according to the latest government data.
The government’s Sample Registration System in 22 states shows that TFR for India
declined to 2.2 in 2017 after being stable at 2.3 between 2013 and 2016.

The 2017 figure is just 10 basis points more than the replacement level of 2.1%.
TFR indicates the average number of children expected to be born to a woman during her
reproductive span of 15-49 years.
The replacement level is the number of children needed to replace the parents, after
accounting for fatalities, skewed sex ratio, infant mortality, etc. Population starts falling below
this level.
SC orders setting up of special courts in districts with over 100 pending POCSO
cases
The Supreme Court asked the Centre to set up Special Courts in 60 days for POCSO
cases.
The Supreme Court directed the Centre to set up of Centrally-funded Special Court within
60 days in districts with over 100 cases registered under the Protection of Children from
Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The Supreme Court asked the Centre to appoint sensitised prosecutors to deal with sexual
assault cases against children under POCSO.
The bench also directed the chief secretaries of states and union territories to ensure
timely submission of forensic reports in such cases.
The matter has been put up for further hearing on September 26th.
The order came on a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition registered by the
Supreme Court on the basis of the court’s own report that showed that from January 1 to June
30 this year, 24,212 First Information Reports were filed across India related to Child Rape
Incidents.
Till now, the trial courts had decided only 911 cases, that is, about 4% of the total cases
registered.
India on the move: What data from Census 2011 show on migrations
According to the Census 2011 data on migration released last week, Marriage and
employment are the major reasons for migration.
Criteria for Migrant: When a person is enumerated in Census at a different place than
his/her place of birth, she/he is considered a ‘migrant’.
Number of migrants: Over 45.58 crore Indians were found to be “migrants” during Census
2011. The previous Census (2001) had recorded the number of migrants at 31.45 crore.
Marriage and employment are the major reasons for migration.
Scenario in states:
Maharashtra had more migrants from Madhya Pradesh than from Bihar.
Gujarat had almost double the number of migrants from Rajasthan than from Bihar.
UP, from where people travel to all over India in search of work, itself was host to 5.65
crore migrants.

In Assam, where illegal migrations from Bangladesh has long been an issue, Census 2011
recorded 64,117 people who said their last place of residence was in the neighbouring
country.
Among the 4.96 lakh migrants from other Indian states in Assam, those from Bihar had the
largest stare (1.47 lakh, or nearly 30%).
Deaths due to Malnutrition

The Minister of Women and Child Development informed Lok Sabha the scenario of
Malnutrition in India.
The data on nutritional indicators of women and children across the country is captured
under the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted by Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare.
As per NFHS - 4 (2015-16), 52.1% children under 5 years age are underweight and 49.3%
are stunted and 31.3% are wasted.
Further, 37.5% women (age 15-49 years) have chronic energy deficiency (BMI less than
18.5) among the tribal population of Rajasthan.
Malnutrition is not a direct cause of death among children under five years of age;
however, it can increase morbidity and mortality by reducing resistance to infections.
Therefore, data regarding child mortality due to malnutrition is not maintained by this Ministry.
The overall child mortality rate as per NFHS- 4 is 9.4 which is declined from 18.4 as per
previous NFHS- 3.
For monitoring the level of malnutrition among the children (0-6 years of age), recently
POSHAN Abhiyaan has been launched under which near real time monitoring is done
through ICDS-CAS Mobile based Software Application.
WHO report: Mobile scheme to quit tobacco has over 2 million users in India
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) report on global tobacco epidemic, launched in
July 2019 makes a special reference about mCessation programme and other initiatives of
India for helping smokers quit.
The 2019 report is the seventh in a series that tracks the status of tobacco epidemic and
interventions to combat it.
Released in Brazil, the report states that India is the second largest consumer of tobacco
products, with more than 200 million users of smokeless tobacco and 276 million
consumers of tobacco overall.
The programme has shown strong outcomes in terms of health and outreach, and
provides a huge opportunity to help several million tobacco users who want to quit.
In 2017, a Global Adult Tobacco Survey found that 38.5 percent of adult smokers and
33.2 per cent adult users of smokeless forms of tobacco had attempted to quit, the report
noted.
About mCessation Programme
It is an initiative using mobile technology for tobacco cessation.

India launched mCessation using text messages in 2016 as part of the government’s
Digital India initiative. It uses two-way messaging between the individual seeking to quit
tobacco use and programme specialists providing them dynamic support.
The National Tobacco Control Programme and the Union Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare, with support from the WHO and the International Telecommunication Union’s ‘Be
He@lthy, Be mobile’ initiative, implemented the programme.

International News
Government to consider issuing Aadhaar Card for NRIs with Indian Passports
The Union Finance Minister proposed that the IDEAS scheme will be revamped during the
current financial year.
Key highlights of Budget Speech:
The Union Finance Minister proposed to consider issuing Aadhaar Card for Non-Resident
Indians with Indian Passports.
Indian Development Assistance Scheme (IDEAS): The IDEAS scheme will be revamped
during the current financial year. Indian Development Assistance Scheme (IDEAS) provides
concessional financing for projects and contributes to infrastructure development and
capacity building in the recipient developing countries.
In Financial Year 2019-20, Government intends to open four new Embassies and High
Commissions abroad in countries where India does not have a Resident Diplomatic
Mission.
Government is developing 17 iconic tourism sites into world class tourist destinations.
These sites will lead to increase visits of both domestic and international tourists at
these destinations.
Government proposed to launch a Mission that will integrate India’s traditional artisans
and their creative products with global markets. Wherever necessary patents and
geographical indicators, will be obtained for them.
Kulbhushan Jadhav case: International court to deliver verdict on July 17

International Court of Justice likely to deliver verdict in Kulbhushan Jadhav case this
month.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial body of the UN. Established
in 1946 to replace the Permanent Court of International Justice, the ICJ mainly operates
under the statute of its predecessor, which is included in the UN Charter.
It has two primary functions:
 to settle legal disputes submitted by States in accordance with established

international laws
 to act as an advisory board on issues submitted to it by authorized international
organizations.
Members of the Court:
The International Court of Justice is composed of 15 judges elected to nine-year terms
of office by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. These organs
vote simultaneously but separately.
ICJ has its headquarters at The Hague, Netherlands.
Iran breaches uranium enrichment cap set by troubled 2015 nuclear deal
Iran has breached a uranium enrichment cap set by a 2015 nuclear deal and warned
Europe against taking retaliatory measures.

Iran surpassed the cap and reached 4.5 % enrichment.
This was announced by the country's atomic energy organisation spokesman Behrouz
Kamalvandi who said that this level of purity completely satisfies the power plant fuel
requirements of the country.
He hinted that Iran might stick to this level of enrichment for the time being, which is well
below the more than 90 % level required for a nuclear warhead.
The UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), confirmed that
Iran had enriched uranium to a level above the deal's cap.
The move came more than a year after United States pulled out of the landmark accord
between world powers and Iran, which says it has lost patience with perceived inaction by the
remaining European partners.
UN nuclear agency to verify Iran enrichment announcement

The United Nations' nuclear watchdog, International Atomic Energy Agency, has said that it
will verify Iran enrichment announcement that it will break the 2015 nuclear deal's limit on
uranium enrichment.
IAEA is widely known as the world’s “Atoms for Peace and Development” organization within
the United Nations family.
It is the world's central intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical cooperation in the
nuclear field. It works for the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear science and
technology.
Though established as an autonomous organisation, independently of the United Nations
through its own international treaty, the IAEA Statute, the IAEA reports to both the United
Nations General Assembly and Security Council.
Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.
The IAEA has 171 member states. Most UN members and the Holy See are Member States
of the IAEA.
The IAEA and its former Director General, Mohamed ElBaradei, were jointly awarded the
Nobel Peace Prize in 2005.
Five Eyes security rift over Huawei

The U.S. has threatened to cut off intelligence sharing between the so-called Five Eyes unless
its members ban 5G equipment from Huawei, fearing it could be a vehicle for Chinese spy
operations.
The Five Eyes name refers to the security classification of intelligence documents: “SECRET
– AUS/CAN/N.Z./U.K./U.S. EYES ONLY” or “FVEY.”
It is an anglophone intelligence alliance comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the
United Kingdom and the United States.
It began in 1946 when the United States and the United Kingdom agreed to an open exchange
of intelligence on the communications of foreign nations.
It was expanded when Canada joined the alliance in 1948, followed by Australia and New
Zealand in 1956.
Five Eyes allowed the national agencies to share monitoring infrastructure, and to track
nuclear-armed Soviet submarines during the Cold War. The surveillance partnership
strengthened following the 9/11 attacks on the United States, and monitoring of internet
communications has since expanded exponentially.
WHO declares Sri Lanka ‘measles-free’ nation

The World Health Organization (WHO), has declared Sri Lanka, a measles-free country.
Sri Lanka is the fifth country in the WHO Southeast Asia region to eliminate measles.
The elimination of a disease means that there have been zero new cases of the disease in
the last three years.
The country reported its last case of measles in May 2016.
The other countries in the region which have eliminated measles in their geographical area
are Bhutan, Maldives, DPR Korea and Timor-Leste.
According to the latest Global Measles and Rubella Update, India had 56,399 confirmed
measles cases and 1,066 confirmed rubella cases in the year 2018, thus quite far from
eliminating the diseases in its boundary.
Turkey receives first shipment of Russian missile system

Turkey has received its first shipment of an advanced Russian air defence system, setting
the stage for the escalation of a dispute with the US.
The S-400 includes advanced radar designed to detect stealth fighters like the F-35.
Turkey is set to deploy the system along the border it shares with war-torn Syria.
S-400 Triumf is one of the world’s most advanced air defence systems that can
simultaneously track numerous incoming objects — all kinds of aircraft, missiles and UAVs —
in a radius of a few hundred kilometres and launch appropriate missiles to neutralise them.
The United States had warned Turkey it will face economic sanctions if it goes ahead
with the purchase of a Russian missile defense system.
The US told the Turkish government that it cannot invest in both the Russian S-400 system
and the ongoing F-35 fighter jet programme.
Goyal to attend India Day Conclave in London on July 16

The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry will address India–UK Joint Economic Trade
Committee (JETCO) meeting in London.
The key issues that will be addressed at JETCO process include:
 Future of the UK-India Financial Services Relationship.

 Opportunities in India’s growing economy.
 Innovation in financial services (FinTech).
 Investing in stressed assets.
 Opportunities in green infrastructure financing.
 Investing in innovation (private equity/venture capital) and the future of insurance.
JETCO provides a forum to United Kingdom companies to enhance their links and
develop new partnerships with India business and decision-makers.
Government to Government negotiations, which address issues of market liberalization
and market access, are conducted through the JETCO process.
Review Kulbhushan Jadhav sentence, grant consular access, ICJ tells Pakistan
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Pakistan should “review and
reconsider” Kulbhushan Jadhav’s conviction and death sentence.
In March 2016, Mr. Jadhav was arrested by the Pakistani government for ‘spying’ and
allegedly plotting terror acts in Balochistan.
Subsequently, Pakistan held a secret trial of Mr. Jadhav in a military court, where evidence
and processes were not made public.
In May 2017, after the Pakistani court convicted and sentenced Mr. Jadhav, India went to the
ICJ as a last resort of appeal. India has rarely ever approached the ICJ, as it considers the
UN body a “third party” in bilateral matters.
Recent ICJ Verdict:
ICJ ruled that Pakistan should “review and reconsider” Kulbhushan Jadhav’s conviction and
death sentence.
It also ruled that Pakistan should give the Indian government consular access to Mr. Jadhav,
something Pakistan has failed to do in the three years since his arrest, and to stay the
execution of his sentence, pending the review process.
About International Court of Justice
The International Court of Justice is composed of 15 judges elected to nine-year terms
of office by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial body of the UN.
Established in 1946 to replace the Permanent Court of International Justice.
Palau signs International Solar Alliance Framework agreement

Palau became the 76th country to sign the International Solar Alliance framework
agreement.
Palau will host the 2020 edition of the ‘Our Oceans conference’, (based on the concept
of partnership - “big brothers working with small brothers to address sustainable development
issues”) which will focus on issues such as climate change, sustainable fisheries and
marine pollution.
The ISA was jointly launched by India and France at the UN Climate Change Conference
in Paris on November 2015.
The First Assembly of the ISA was held in New Delhi in 2018.
China gifts warship 'P625' to Sri Lanka
China has gifted warship 'P625' to Sri Lanka. As a new member of the Lankan Navy, the
'P625' frigate will be mainly used for offshore patrol, environment monitoring and anti-
piracy combats.
The Type 053 frigate was commissioned into China's People's Liberation Army Navy in
1994 as the Tongling.

New India-UK scheme to fund students from UK to visit India
A new India-UK bilateral scheme named “UKEIRI Mobility Programme: Study in India”
has been launched on a pilot basis.
Name of the scheme: UKEIRI Mobility Programme: Study in India.
Its objective is to fund students from UK to visit India. It will support Britain's universities
to collaborate with Indian partners to send UK students to India during their studies.
The programme will be funded by the UK and Indian governments as part of Phase 3 of
the UK-India Education Research Initiative (UKEIRI) and delivered by the British Council
India, Universities UK International (UUKI) and EdCIL in India.
The programme will increase the levels of outward student mobility from the UK to 13 per
cent by 2020, as set out in UUKi's “Go International: Stand Out” campaign.
China launches first private rocket capable of carrying satellites

Chinese startup Interstellar Glory Space Technology also known as iSpace has
successfully launched the country’s first commercial rocket capable of carrying satellites
into orbit.
The 20-metre (66-foot) rocket designed by iSpace named Hyperbola-1 reached an altitude
of 300 kilometres (186 miles).
Two other private Chinese rocket builders, LandSpace and OneSpace, have both failed to
launch their rockets into orbit in 2018.
Once dominated by state research agencies and the military, China allowed private
companies to enter the space industry to build and launch satellites in 2014.
Dozens of Chinese companies are competing for a share in the global space industry
which according to Morgan Stanley, is estimated to be worth about $1 trillion by 2040.
The sector is currently dominated by SpaceX and Blue Origin in the US.
Chinese startups are mostly focused on building technology to launch microsatellites
instead of space tourism like their US counterparts.

National News
Nagaland to carry out its own version of NRC from July 10
Nagaland has decided to start a variant of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) that
neighbouring Assam is updating.
Nagaland Home Commissioner R. Ramakrishnan has issued a notification for the setting up
of the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN).
It is aimed at preparing a master list of all indigenous peoples and checking the issuance
of fake Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate (IIC) to ineligible persons.
It will be prepared after an extensive survey with the help of a village-wise and ward-wise
list of indigenous inhabitants based on official records.
The survey will take into account whether an indigenous inhabitant is residing in his/her
permanent residence or has moved elsewhere. Aadhar numbers, wherever applicable, will
be also recorded.
Designated teams will fan out to each village and urban ward from July 10, 2019. The drive
for collecting information on locals and non-locals has a 60-day deadline.
It will be monitored by the Home Commissioner, it will be prepared under the supervision
of each district administration.
Haryana CM announces annual health assistance to 'loktantra senanis'
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced an annual financial assistance of
Rs 5 lakh to "loktantra senanis" or their spouse.
Under this, they will be provided treatment at private or government hospitals. The term
"emergency victim" on their identity cards would be replaced with "loktantra senani".
"Loktantra senanis" are those people who were imprisoned during the 1975-77
Emergency under preventive detention laws.
Jal Shakti Abhiyan for Water Conservation Launched

The Jal Shakti Abhiyan, launched by the Union Jal Shakti Minister has begun from 1st
July, 2019.
The Jal Shakti Abhiyan is a campaign for water conservation and water security in the
country.
The campaign will run through citizen participation in two phases, firstly, during the
monsoon season, from 1st July, 2019 to 15th September, 2019 and then from 1st October,
2019 to 30th November, 2019 for states receiving the North East retreating monsoons.
It is a collaborative effort of various ministries of the Government of India and state
governments, being coordinated by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation
(DDWS) that comes under the Jal Shakti Ministry.
The focus of the campaign is on water stressed districts and blocks. The teams of officers
from the central government will visit and work with district administration in 1592 water
stressed blocks in 256 districts, to ensure five important water conservation interventions.
The five important water conservation interventions are:
 Water conservation and rainwater harvesting,
 Renovation of traditional and other water bodies/tanks,
 Reuse of water and recharging of structures,
 Watershed development and
 Intensive afforestation.
Story in numbers: The 'poor' state of public libraries in India
The Union Ministry of Culture has declared financial assistance under National Mission on
Libraries (NML) to develop libraries in each States/UT.
As per scheme, it will provide financial assistance for upgradation of infrastructure of
one State Central Library and one District Library in each State/UT as NML Model Library.
Public libraries as being a State Subject, function under the administrative control of the
respective State/UT library authority.
There are six Public Libraries under administrative control of Union Ministry of Culture
namely National Library, Kolkata; Central Reference Library, Kolkata; Central Secretariat
Library, New Delhi; Delhi Public Library, Delhi; Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library,
Patna and Rampur Raza Library, Rampur.
National Mission on Libraries (NML)
The Union Ministry of Culture in 2012 formulated the NML scheme in pursuance of
National Knowledge Commission recommendations for sustained attention for
development of Libraries and Information Science Sector.
The National Knowledge Commission was constituted in 2005 to prepare a blueprint for
reform of knowledge related institutions and infrastructure which would enable India to meet
the challenges of the future.
The scheme consists of four components:
 Creation of National Virtual Library of India (NVLI)

 Setting up of NML Model Libraries
 Quantitative & Qualitative Survey of Libraries
 Capacity Building
Maharashtra ranks first in NITI Aayog's AMFFR Index

Maharashtra achieves first rank in NITI Aayog launched "Agricultural Marketing and
Farmer Friendly Reforms Index (AMFFRI)".
The index ranks states based on the degree of reforms they have undertaken in agricultural
marketing.
AMFFRI has a score that can have minimum value “0” implying no reforms and maximum
value “100” implying complete reforms in the selected areas.
Pink City Jaipur gets UNESCO World Heritage tag, PM Modi welcomes move
In a remarkable achievement, India gets its 38th UNESCO World Heritage Site as Pink City
Jaipur.

India’s nomination of the Jaipur City, Rajasthan got inscribed on the World Heritage List of
UNESCO during the 43rd Session of the World Heritage Committee held at Baku,
Azerbaijan.
The nomination of Jaipur City has successfully been done by complying with the various
UNESCO guidelines of 2017.
With Successful inscription of Jaipur City, India has 38 world heritage sites that include 30
Cultural properties, 7 Natural properties and 1 mixed site.
About Jaipur
The City of Jaipur is an exceptional urban example in indigenous city planning and
construction in South Asia.
Unlike other medieval cities of the region, Jaipur was deliberately planned as a new city
on the plains open for trade as opposed to hilly terrain and military cities of past.
Its iconic monuments such as the Govind Dev temple, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa
Mahal excel in artistic and architectural craftsmanship of the period.
India's first Design Development Centre launched in Gujarat

India's first Design Development Center 'Fashionova' was launched in the Textile city Surat.
The centre will promote the city in the field of the fashion design sector.
It will also fulfil the business needs from co-working space, technicians, expert advises to
cognitive workshops and exposure to the industry. India ranked 86th in the Henley Passport
Index 2019
The Henley Passport Index 2019 have ranked the Indian passport on the 86th position with a
mobility score of 58.
The score points out that Indian passport holders can access 58 countries around the world
without a prior visa. Japan and Singapore holds the top spot with a score of 189.
The index includes 199 passports and 227 travel destinations including micro-states and
territories.
Honour for ‘Plan Bee’ that helped save jumbos

Plan Bee, a unique strategy adopted by Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) to keep wild
elephants away from railway tracks, has won the best innovation award by Indian
Railways.
Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR)'s Plan Bee, involves setting up of devices (an
amplifying system imitating the buzz of a swarm of honey bees) near tracks, which emit
the ‘buzzing’ sound of swarming bees, considered as a natural repellent of elephants
(elephants have a natural fear of the perilous stings of the insects).
First one was installed near the Guwahati railway station.
The sound is audible to elephants 600-700 meters away and thus helps them in keeping
away from the tracks.
According to wildlife experts, India has the highest number of train accidents involving
elephants in the world.

10k monthly allowance to Padma Shri awardees by Odisha govt
Odisha government has decided to give monthly allowance of Rs 10,000 to Padma award
winners of the state facing financial problems.
The decision has been taken on the basis of the Culture Department's report on the
economic conditions of the Padma award winners of the state.
Malware ‘Agent Smith’ has infected 15 million mobile devices in India

A study by Check point research (a cybersecurity services provider) has revealed that “Agent
Smith”, a new variant of smartphone malware, has infected around 25 million Android
devices globally, including 15 million mobile devices in India.
Agent smith malware exploits known android vulnerabilities and automatically replaces
installed apps with malicious versions without the user's knowledge or interaction.
Malware currently uses its broad access to the resources of the mobile device to show
fraudulent ads for financial gain, and could easily be used for far more intrusive and harmful
cyber-attacks such as banking credential theft and eavesdropping.
Check Point Research notes that the activity of Agent Smith resembles how other malware
like CopyCat, Gooligan, and HummingBad have operated in the past.
“Agent Smith” was originally downloaded from the widely used third-party app store,
9Apps and targeted mostly Hindi, Arabic, Russian and Indonesian-speaking users.
Setting up of Neutrino Observatory

The Union Minister of Atomic Energy and Space informed Rajya Sabha about the
India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO).
The Government of India has approved a project to build the India-based Neutrino
Observatory (INO) at Pottipuram in the Theni District of Tamil Nadu.
The project aims to set up a 51000 ton Iron Calorimeter (ICAL) detector to observe
naturally occurring atmospheric neutrinos in a cavern at the end of an
approximately 2 km long tunnel in a mountain.
This will help to reduce the noise from cosmic rays that is ever present over-ground
and which would outnumber the rare neutrino interactions even in a detector as
large as ICAL.
According to India, The INO project does not disturb the ecosystem around the site
and does not release any radiation, as it does not have any radioactive substance. It
measures cosmic rays.
Venkaiah wants classical Telugu centre shifted from Mysuru to A.P. or TS
Vice President, Venkaiah Naidu has suggested shifting the Center of Excellence for
Studies in Classical Telugu from Mysuru to either of the Telugu states.
It is located in the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru.
It undertakes research, digitization, and publishing of classical Telugu literature.

The Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) is an Indian research and teaching
institute based in Mysore.
It is part of the Language Bureau of the Ministry of Human Resource Development.
It was founded in 1969.
West Bengal govt observes “Save Water Day”
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and eminent persons of different fields, School students took
part in a Padayatra in Kolkata to spread the message of water conservation.
CM announced that the Save Water Day will be observed in the state each year from now
to create awareness among people to check misuse of water.
Amid Maoist threat, ASI restoring ‘mini Khajuraho’

The Archaeological Survey of India is taking up the restoration work of Markandeshwar
temple in Maharashtra.
Markandeshwar temple is situated on the bank of River Wainganga in district Gadchiroli
of Maharashtra.
It is also known as the “Khajuraho of Vidarbha”.
Markandeshwar temple belongs to the Nagara group of temples of North India.
The temples belong to Saiva, Vaishnava and Sakta faith.
Most of the temples have a simple plan, with ardhamandapa, mandapa, antarala and
garbhagriha forming the component of the entire set up.
WEF Centre, Telangana govt set to send medical supplies via drones
Telangana Government and the World Economic Forum's Centre for the Fourth Industrial
Revolution Network announced the ‘Medicine from the Sky’ project.
The pilot project will be soon launched by Telangana Government and the World Economic
Forum's Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network in partnership with the
HealthNet Global Limited.
It is an innovative project to deliver emergency medical supplies such as blood and
vaccines via drones.
It will help facilitate decision-making in healthcare supply chains, focus on last-mile
deliveries and address issues that affect the medical distribution system.

Environment & Ecology & Agricultural News
Tamil yeoman declared Tamil Nadu's state butterfly
Tamil Nadu has officially designated Tamil yeoman as it’s ‘State Butterfly.’
Scientific name: Cirrochroa thais.
Common name: Tamil yeoman or the ‘Tamizh Maravan’.
It is a species of nymphalid butterfly.
It is found in found in the Western Ghats of India and Sri Lanka.
State Butterflies in India:
With the recent decision, Tamil Nadu has become the fifth state in the country to declare
its state butterfly.
Maharashtra was the first to declare Blue Mormon as its state butterfly, followed by
Uttarakhand (Common peacock), Karnataka (Southern bird wings) and Kerala (Malabar
banded peacock).
82 personnel complete training to check rhino poaching

An 82-member Special Rhino Protection Force (SRPF) has been deployed in the
Kaziranga National Park (KNP).
The SRPF personnel will be posted under eight ranges of Kaziranga National Park (KNP)
to control rhino poaching as well as tiger poaching since Kaziranga is also a tiger reserve.
The Assam government would be paying the salaries of the SRPF members and the amount
would be reimbursed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which
recommended setting up of the special force.
Kaziranga National Park (KNP) houses the largest population of One Horned Rhinoceros
in the world and has about 68% of the entire world population of One-horned Rhinoceros.
India to host 3rd global sunflower seed meet on July 19

India will host the 3rd International Sunflower Seed and Oil Conference (ISSOC) 2019 on
19th–20th July in Mumbai.
Organized by the International Sunflower Oil Association (ISOA), it will be hosted by the
Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA).
International Sunflower Oil Association (ISOA)
International Sunflower Oil Association (ISOA) was established in the year 2015 in Rome
by National Associations and Companies from China, Ukraine, Russia, Hungary, Spain and
Argentina.
It aims to encourage and promote better communications among sunflower oil
producers, industry groups, academic researchers and local governments, as well as
enhancing sunflower oil value addition and enlarging the field of its commercial application.
The first International Sunflower Oil Symposium and ISOA launching ceremony was
held in October 2015, in Shanghai, China and the second conference was held in July 2017
in Odessa, Ukraine.
After decades of increases, sea ice in Antarctica is now shrinking
As per the study of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), after decades
of gradual increases, Antarctic sea ice is now decreasing, faster than that in the Arctic.
The sea ice extent is a measure of the surface area of the ocean covered by ice.
The Arctic and Antarctic both are experiencing shrinking of the sea ice extent which
proves the effect of global warming on Frigid Zones.
The satellite observations of Antarctic sea ice coverage since the late 1970s show that
after a gradual increase in the Antarctic sea ice over decades until 2014, the trend suddenly
reversed completely in the 2014- 2017 period.
During 2014-2017, the rate of sea ice loss in the Antarctic far exceeded those recorded for the
Arctic.
Climate scientists have been warning of an increase in the frequency of extreme weather
events, increased variability and instability of climatic patterns because of global
warming. The findings of the study indicate that the Earth has the potential for significant and
rapid change.
The sea surface temperatures in the open waters of the Arctic have been unusually high,
up to 5 degrees Celsius above average in the Chukchi Sea, a marginal area of the Arctic
Ocean.
Leonardo DiCaprio helps create new environmental alliance

Leonardo DiCaprio is joining with billionaire investors and philanthropists Laurene Powell
Jobs and Brian Sheth to create Earth Alliance.
Type of organization: A non-profit environmental organization.
It will work globally to protect ecosystems and wildlife, ensure climate justice, support
renewable energy and secure indigenous rights to the benefit of all life on Earth.”
It will provide grants, educational opportunities and fund campaigns and films, as well as
work with grassroots organizations and individuals in places most affected by biodiversity
loss and climate change.
Plan for district eco-panels draws fire

State-level officers tasked have objected to the creation of District-Level Environment Impact
Assessment Authorities (DEIAA) as these authorities may have a conflict of interest and may
not be technically competent.
The proposed Environment Impact Assessment Notification (EIA) 2019 aims to be an update
of the EIA 2006.
The EIA 2019 makes the District Magistrate (DM) the chairperson of an expert authority, or
the District Environment Impact Assessment Authority (DEIAA), that will accord environment
clearance for “minor” mining projects.
However, State-level authorities called the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority
(SEIAA) have objected that making District Magistrate (DM) the chairman (of the DEIAA)
would be self-serving for grant of environmental clearance. Also, the DM doesn’t have
technical expertise in matters of environment and ecology.

Madhya Pradesh to produce its own seeds soon
In Madhya Pradesh, along with distribution and marketing of certified and high quality seeds
to farmers, the Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Seed Federation will produce seeds
too.
The brand name of seeds will be ‘Sah-Beej’.
A plan has been made by Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Seed Federation to produce
seeds from the next Rabi season.
A large number of seed committees present in the state will be linked to the seed
federation and these committees will help in the marketing of seeds.
SC to decide on NGT’s powerto take suo motu cognisance

The Supreme Court has agreed to examine whether the National Green Tribunal (NGT)
has the power to take cognisance of a matter suo motu (on its own).
Established in: 2010.
National Green Tribunal Act 2010. Consequent to enforcement of the National Green
Tribunal Act, 2010, the National Environment Tribunal Act, 1995 and the National
Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997 have been repealed.
It is a specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental
disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues.
Functions:
Effective disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of natural
resources.
Enforcement of any legal right relating to environment.
Giving relief for damages to persons and property for related matters.
Composition: The NGT Act, 2010 provides for a Chairperson and a minimum of 10 Expert
Members and equal number of Judicial Members.
Speed restrictions and sound alerts mooted for protection of dolphins

The Ministry of Shipping informed parliament that it is planning to safeguard the
population of the Ganges River Dolphin in the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary
(VGDS) by restricting the speeds of vessels and blowing sirens and horns.
The Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (VGDS), from Sultanganj to Kahalganj on
the Ganga in Bihar is the only dolphin sanctuary in the country. Experts have pegged the
population of the Ganges dolphin in VGDS from 150 to 200.
National Waterway-1 connecting Haldia to Varanasi passes through the Vikramshila
Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (VGDS).
Measures being taken by the Ministry of Shipping to safeguard the population of the
Ganges River Dolphin in the VGDS:
 Vessel speed would be restricted to 2.7 knots in VGDS area to reduce the noise generation
from propeller.

 lf any aquatic mammal/dolphin is spotted, then the measures will be taken to push it away
through sirens/signals.
 Vessels to be fitted with propeller guards and dolphin deflectors to minimise dolphin
accidents.
 Using non-toxic paints for painting vessels.
The mitigation measures are based on Comprehensive Environmental and Social lmpact
Assessment (ESIA) study on National Waterway-I including on stretches falling within
VGDS.
India is home to 1,256 species of orchid, says first comprehensive survey

India is home to 1,256 species of orchid, according to the first comprehensive census of
orchids of India.
A Pictorial Guide was published recently by the Botanical Survey of India.
It is the first comprehensive census of orchids of India.
Key highlights:
The 1,256 species or taxa of orchids belong are found in India.
388 species of orchids are endemic to India of which about one-third (128) endemic species
are found in Western Ghats.
The publication also contains photographs of 775 species.
While north-east India rank at the top in species concentration, the Western Ghats have
high endemism of orchids.
The highest number of orchid species is recorded from Arunachal Pradesh with 612 species,
followed by Sikkim 560 species and West Bengal.
Among the 10 bio geographic zones of India, the Himalayan zone is the richest in terms
of orchid species followed by Northeast, Western Ghats, Deccan plateau and Andaman &
Nicobar Islands.
Subansiri dam: Work on despite assurance to NGT that it won’t

Despite National Green Tribunal's order of not resuming construction or concretization work
at Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project (LSHP) till safety issues are resolved, massive
concretization has been carried out at the Subansiri hydroelectric project.
Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP), is an under-construction gravity dam
on the Subansiri river along the border of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Subansiri River (gold river), originates in the Tibet Plateau and enters India through Miri
hills in Arunachal Pradesh.
It is the largest tributary of Brahmaputra River.
Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project had been kept pending due to local agitation over
several dam safety and administrative issues involved in the implementation of the project
like:

SLHEP contravenes the 1980 Brahmaputra Board Act by transferring the work of Water
Resources Department of Subansiri Basin from the Brahmaputra Board to the public and
private sector.
Increased seismic threat level to the dam, assessed by Indian Institute of Technology at
Roorkee.
12 Indian beaches in the race to crest the ‘Blue Flag’ challenge

Recently, the Union Environment Ministry has selected 12 beaches in India to contend for
a ‘Blue Flag’ certification.
The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary eco-labels awarded to
beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators.
In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational,
safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.
There are nearly 33 criteria that must be met to qualify for a Blue Flag certification, such
as the water meets certain quality standards, having waste disposal facilities, being
disabled-friendly, have first aid equipment etc.
The Blue Flag Programme for beaches and marinas is run by the international, non-
governmental, non-profit organisation FEE (the Foundation for Environmental
Education).
FEE (the Foundation for Environmental Education) was established in France in 1985 and
got extended to areas outside Europe since 2001.
Spain tops the list with 566 such beaches; Greece and France follow with 515 and 395,
respectively.
Ethanol biorefinery to come up in Vidarbha

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) will set up Maharashtra’s first ever
ethanol biorefinery in Vidarbha’s Bhandara district at a cost of nearly ₹1,500 crore.
It will be set up in Makardhokda village in Vidarbha’s Bhandara district, Maharashtra.
The plant will manufacture ethanol from rice straw.
The project will utilise 2 lakh tonne of rice straw annually to produce 700 tonne of biofuel.
This project is one among the 12 such refineries planned in different States.
The National Policy on Biofuels, 2018, aims to increase the percentage of ethanol in petrol
and diesel.
Currently, it is at nearly 2% in petrol, while in diesel, biofuel is less than 0.1%. An indicative
target of 20% of ethanol in petrol and 5% of biodiesel in diesel is proposed by 2030.
Release of water to Tamil Nadu triggers farmers’ protests; boating suspended

at Ranganathittu
Farmers in Karnataka held protests against the State Government for increasing the
discharge of water to Tamil Nadu from upstream Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS).
Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS), is a lake and the dam that creates it.

It is a type of Gravity Dam.
The dam is located below the confluence of river Kaveri with its tributaries Hemavati and
Lakshmana Tirtha, in the district of Mandya in Karnataka.
The project was conceptualised by Bharat Ratna awardee, Chief Engineer of Mysore M.
Visvesvaraya. The construction began in 1911 and it began operations in 1938.
The water from the Dam is used for irrigation in Mysore and Mandya, and is the main source
of drinking water for Mysore, Mandya and Bengaluru city.
The water released from this dam flows into the state of Tamil Nadu and is stored in
Mettur dam in the Salem district.
Brindavan Gardens, an ornamental garden, is attached to the dam.
Madhya Pradesh yet to form tiger protection force

Madhya Pradesh is yet to constitute the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF), even as
the State has registered the most number of tiger deaths due to poaching since 2012.
Under an agreement signed in 2012 among the National Tiger Conservation Authority
(NTCA), and Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Pench tiger reserves, the State Forest Department
was supposed to constitute a Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) in the reserves within
two years of the agreement.
However, Madhya Pradesh is yet to constitute the battalion. In its absence 30 tiger deaths
due to poaching have been reported between 2012 and 2018 in the Madhya Pradesh, highest
among states.
No longer the leading Tiger State:
Famous as the ‘Tiger State’ at least until 2006 when it boasted the most number of tigers
with an estimated 300 in its six reserves, Madhya Pradesh lost out to Karnataka in 2010
and fell behind Uttarakhand too in 2014, according to the Status of Tigers in India report.
Unlike these States which have contiguous forests, Madhya Pradesh has a patchy cover
running through fragmented reserves and human habitations, and therefore it’s a
challenge to protect tigers and prevent man-animal conflicts here.
Madhya Pradesh government to declare Ratapani sanctuary a tiger reserve
The Madhya Pradesh government has decided to declare the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary
a tiger reserve. The state received an approval for the same from the National Tiger
Conservation Authority (NTCA) 11 years ago.
The sanctuary is spread over 890 sqkm in Bhopal-Raisen forest division of Madhya
Pradesh.
The sanctuary has a population of about 40 tigers and the movement of 12 tigers has
been reported in the forest area of Bhopal. The whole area will be combined as one to declare
it as a tiger reserve.
The area of about 3,500 sq km of Raisen, Sehore and Bhopal districts has been reserved
for the same.
The declaration of the sanctuary as a tiger reserve will help in better conservation of tigers
in the area which is facing the problem of illegal mining and poaching.
Odisha renews effort to revive gharial population
Odisha has renewed its effort to revive the population of gharials in their natural habitat
by releasing five reptiles, fitted with radio transmitters, into the Satkosia gorge of Mahanadi
— the southernmost limit of gharials’ home range in India.
Scientific name: Gavialis Gangeticu.
Compared to alligators and crocodiles, a gharial has a very long and narrow snout (instead
of a broad snout).
They are a fresh-water crocodile. They live in deep fast-flowing rivers.
Globally Gharial is found only in India and Nepal. In India too, the major ‘breeding’
populations are confined to two rivers only:
Girwa: The Girwa River originates in Nepal and runs through Katerniaghat Wildlife
Sanctuary.
Chambal: Chambal supports the largest population of Gharials in the wild.
IUCN Conversation status : critically endangered.
Significance in Hindu Culture: To some, it is the vahana or vehicle of the River Goddess Ma
Ganga, while others revere it as the vahana of varuna, the god of water.
Three Species of crocodilians are found in India: (1) Gharial (Or freshwater crocodile), (2)
Saltwater crocodile; and (3) Mugger crocodile.
Odisha is the only State in India having all three species — gharial, mugger and saltwater
crocodile.
Wage issue hits India’s easternmost tiger reserve

Conservation of the Royal Bengal Tiger has taken a hit in the Namdapha Tiger Reserve as
the authorities have discontinued the services of 53 frontline staff and all casual employees.
The Namdapha Protected area is a Tiger Reserve and a national park.
Location:
It is India’s easternmost tiger reserve.
It is located in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh near the international border
with Myanmar.
The area is located between Dapha Bum ridge of Mishmi Hills, outspurs of North Eastern
Himalayas and Patkai Ranges.
Namdapha is in fact the name of a river which originates from Daphabum and meets Noa-
Dehing River. This river flows right across in a North-South direction of the National Park
and hence the name Namdapha has been given.
NGT nod for plan to tap rainwater along Yamuna

The National Green Tribunal approved the Delhi government’s Yamuna water
conservation project.

The project aims at conserving water in the floodplain between Palla on the Delhi-
Haryana border and Wazirabad to deal with the water shortage in the capital, particularly
during summers.
The project was first recommended in NGT’s 2015 order, ‘Maily Se Nirmal Yamuna
Rejuvenation Plan’. Various academic institutions, such as IIT Delhi, NIH, CGWB, IIT
Bombay, WAPCOS and Delhi University, also indicated the potential to store huge amount
of water on the floodplain.
Under the plan, Delhi government has proposed to create waterbodies and reservoirs on
the Yamuna floodplains.
The reservoirs will store water overflowing from the Yamuna during the monsoon and help
recharge groundwater.
Seed Bankers for Conserving Native Crops

A total of 1597 seed varieties have been registered with Protection of Plant Varieties and
Farmers' Rights Authority and certificates of registration have been issued.
India’s Seed Bank
India has established its own seed storage facility at Chang La in Ladakh, Jammu and
Kashmir.
It has been built jointly by the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) and
the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) in 2010 under the aegis of
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
It stores over 5,000 seed accessions (one accession consists of a set of seeds of a particular
species collected from different geographical and demographic locations).
Svalbard Global Seed Vault is the world’s largest seed storage facility situated at Norway.

Defence & Security
AFSPA extended in Nagaland till december end
Ministry of Home Affairs have extended The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA)
for another six months in Nagaland.
The Act is implemented with effect from June 30 and will be in force till December end.
BSF launches operation ‘Sudarshan’ to fortify Pakistan border in Punjab and

Jammu
The Border Security Force (BSF) has launched a massive exercise, code named ‘Sudarshan’,
to fortify the ‘anti-infiltration grid’ along the Pakistan border in Punjab and Jammu.
The exercise will see the entire BSF’s senior field brass, thousands of troops and machinery
being deployed in these forward areas.
The operation was launched on July 1 and will cover the entire over the 1,000-km length of
the India-Pakistan International Border. While Jammu shares about 485-km of the border with
Pakistan, about 553-km of the front is in Punjab. It further runs down towards Rajasthan and
Gujarat on India’s western flank.
DRDO gets clearance for missile test facility in A.P.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has granted
environmental and Coastal Regulatory Zone clearances for setting up Missile Testing
Launch Facility on the Bay of Bengal coast and Technical Facility at Gullalamoda village
in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh.
Earlier, the DRDO had proposed to set up this project in the Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary
in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh.
Since this project is a strategic requirement and of national importance and cannot be
located anywhere else. It is thus exempted from the public hearing as per EIA notification
2016.
Other missile testing range in India:
The Integrated Test Range missile testing facility is located on Dr Abdul Kalam Island,
formerly known as Wheeler Island, an island off the coast of Odisha.
Missiles like Agni, Prithvi, Brahmos, Astra, NIrbhay etc are tested here.
Automated facial recognition: what NCRB proposes, what are the concerns
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has released a request proposal for an
Automated Facial Recognition System (AFRS) to be used by police officers across the
country.
Automated Facial Recognition System can play a very vital role in crime prevention and
criminal identification and verification (identifying criminals, missing people, and
unidentified dead bodies) by facilitating easy recording, analysis, retrieval and sharing of
information between different organizations.
Automated Facial Recognition System (AFRS)

AFRS will be a mobile and web application hosted in NCRB’s (which manages data for
police) data centre in Delhi but used by all police stations in the country.
AFRS works by comparing the new image of an unidentified person often taken from
CCTV footage with the existing database (AFRS maintains a database with photos and videos
of people’s faces) to find a match and identify the person.
The artificial intelligence technology used for pattern-finding and matching is called
“neural networks”.
India successfully tests a new version of Brahmos missile
India has successfully tested the vertical steep dive version of the Brahmos supersonic
cruise missile.
Made in India 'Brahmos Aerospace' is also ready with a longer 500 km range version of
the Brahmos missile that can be fired from Sukhoi 30 fighter jets.
BrahMos Aerospace is a joint venture company owned by the governments of India and
Russia and its missiles are produced in India.
Cabinet approves Grant of Organized Group ‘A’ Status to RPF
The Union Cabinet has approved Grant of Organised Group 'A' status to Indian Railway
Protection Force (RPF).
Grant of status of Organized Group 'A' service to RPF will end stagnation, improve career
progression of the officers and keep up their motivational level.
In 2012, High Court of Delhi directed Railways to grant Group 'A' Service status to RPF.
Same was upheld by Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in 2019. Accordingly, Railway Board
had proposed for grant of Organised Group 'A' Service status to RPF.
About Railway Protection Force (RPF)
The Railway Security Force (RSF) was established in The Railway Protection Force Act,
1957 renamed RSF to Railway Protection Force (RPF) and expanded the force’s legal powers
(thus it’s a statutory body).
In 1980s it was transformed into an ‘Armed Force of the Union’ by giving enhanced powers.
Defence Ministry signs MoU with IPFC and NRDC

In a major boost to Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti, a MOU was signed between the
Intellectual Property Facilitation Cell (IPFC), Department of Defence Production, Ministry
of Defence and National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), Ministry of Science
and Technology.
The partnership between IPFC and NRDC is expected to bridge the capacity shortfall and
promote a culture of Innovation and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in Indian Defence
industry.
It may be recalled that Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti was launched with the aim to inculcate
IP culture in Indian defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Under this mission, an Intellectual Property Facilitation Cell (IPFC) has been established
under the aegis of Directorate General Quality Assurance (DGQA) which has trained more
than 12,000 personnel on IPR and facilitating filing of more than 1000 new IPR applications.
The Action Plan 2019-20 of MRGS has also been approved by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath
Singh, which includes training of additional 20,000 personnel from Public / Private Sector
Industry and Armed Forces on relevance of IP Culture to Indian Defence manufacturing
industry and instituting a framework which enables full utilization of new ideas and innovation
towards achieving self-reliance in defence sector.
What is Sikhs for Justice, pro-Khalistan group banned by Indian govt?

The Government of India banned a separatist group, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), on grounds
of secessionism.
Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), formed in 2007, is a United States-based group seeking a
separate homeland for Sikhs — a “Khalistan” in Punjab.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a law graduate from Panjab University and currently an attorney
at law in the US, is the face of SFJ and its legal adviser.
SFJ has been banned by the Home Ministry under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention)
Act.
The secessionist campaign, called ‘Referendum 2020’, seeks to “liberate Punjab from
Indian occupation” by holding the first ever non-binding referendum among the global
Sikh community on the question of establishing Punjab as an independent country.
National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019 passed by Lok Sabha

The Lok Sabha passed the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019.
The amendment will strengthen the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to speed up trials
in terrorism-related cases. By designating special courts, the cases would be expedited and
transfers or delay in appointments of judges would not delay them.
The agency will be able to investigate terrorist acts against Indian embassies and assets
abroad and take up cases of drug, arms and women trafficking apart from cyber-terrorism.
Opposition parties warned that additional powers to NIA may create a police state as there
are possibilities of misusing the agency for political vendetta.
They wanted investigation and prosecution to be separated to safeguard the right of the
accused to access justice.
Government assured that it will not be misused. It is only aimed at eliminating terrorism.
Government is governed by Rule of Law and all investigative agencies follow the procedure
established by law.
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) – A 7-Pronged Scheme to Fight

Cyber Crime
The Minister for Home Affairs informed Rajya Sabha today about the scheme Indian Cyber
Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has rolled out a scheme ‘Indian Cyber Crime
Coordination Centre (I4C)’ for the period 2018-2020.
It is a 7-Pronged Scheme to combat cyber-crime in the country, in a coordinated and effective
manner.
 The scheme has following seven components:

 National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit.
 National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
 Platform for Joint Cybercrime Investigation Team.
 National Cybercrime Forensic Laboratory Ecosystem.
 National Cybercrime Training Centre.
 Cybercrime Ecosystem Management Unit.
 National Cyber Research and Innovation Centre.
DRDO Research Ship INS Sagardhwani Embarks on Sagar Maitri Mission-2

Oceanographic research vessel of DRDO, INS Sagardhwani, embarked on a two-month
long SAGAR MAITRI (SM) Mission-2 from Southern Naval Command (SNC) in Kochi.
Sagar Maitriis an initiative of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The prime objectives of the SAGAR MAITRI Mission:
Data collection from the entire North Indian Ocean, focussing on the Andaman Sea and
adjoining seas and establishing long-term collaboration with eight IOR countries in the
field of ocean research and development. The other IOR countries, include Oman,
Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Myanmar.
It aligns with PM Narendra Modi’s policy declaration of Safety and Growth for All in the
Region (SAGAR).
MAITRI (Marine & Allied Interdisciplinary Training and Research Initiative) is the specific
scientific component of DRDO.
SAGAR MAITRI Mission-2 commemorates the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of India’s
lone research ship INS Kistna’s missions as part of the historic International Indian
Ocean Expeditions (IIOE), which took place during 1962-65.
Summer User Trials of Nag Missile successfully Conducted by Indian Army

Indian Army has successfully carried out summer user trials of NAG missile at Pokhran
Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. Completion of summer user trials will now pave the way
for production and induction of the missile system into the Army.
NAG is a third Generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile.
Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
NAG missile has been developed to engage highly fortified enemy tanks in all weather
conditions with day and night capabilities and with a minimum range of 500 metres and
maximum range of 4 kilometres.
It is a third-generation fire and forget class missile and uses an imaging infrared seeker in
lock-on-before-launch mode.
The missile is launched from the NAG missile carrier (NAMICA) which is capable of carrying
up to six combat missiles.
Raksha Mantri Inaugurates Ujh and Basantar Bridges in J&K

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated Ujh and Basantar Bridges in Jammu &
Kashmir.

The One kilometre long Ujh bridge is located in Kathua district of Jammu & Kashmir. The
617 Metre long Basantar bridge is located in Samba district of Jammu & Kashmir.
Both these bridges have been constructed by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under
69 RCC/13 BRTF of Project Sampark.
These bridges will provide smooth connectivity and are vital for the Army for deployment
on border areas.
The project was raised by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 1975 with its HQ at Jammu.
It has an area of responsibility from Pir Panjal Range in the north to Pathankot in the south
and from Poonch in the west to Dalhousie in the east, covering approximately 2200 km of road
network.
Bhabha Kavach to block 7.62 mm AK-47 bullets for paramilitary forces

India’s lightest and cheapest bullet proof jacket ‘Bhabha Kavach’ was displayed at the
International Police Expo 2019 held at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
The expo was organised by Nexgen Exhibitions (Asia’s leading and established trade fair,
exhibition and conference organizer).
The bullet proof jacket weighs just 6.6 kg (in comparison to traditional jackets which weigh
around 17-kg).
Bhabha Kavach was developed indigenously by Defence organizations like Ordnance
Factory Board and Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) with transfer of carbon-
nanomaterial technology from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
With personnel spending more time on phones, CISF launches YouTube,

Wikipedia like portals to train forces
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has launched an online encyclopedia called
Securitypedia.
Securitypedia is a website which incorporates a wide range of security related issues,
best practices and latest technologies (in the domain of security) available across the world.
It is not just a static website containing data archives but is more of a dynamic platform
where a force member can contribute by writing blogs on relevant security related professional
issues.
Just like Wikipedia, any member could post information or edit articles after citing
authentic and verifiable sources.
As a supplement to Securitypedia, CISF has also developed CISF Tube which is an online
video database of all videos relevant to CISF.
The videos available on CISF Tube enables CISF personnel to learn on various subjects
related to their area of functioning.
On Vijay Diwas, Army chief warns Pakistan of 'bloodier nose' next time
On the 20th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil war, Army chief General Bipin
Rawat warned Pakistan of a "bloodier nose" if it chooses to go into another war with India
while advising the neighbouring country of not repeating "misadventures".

The year 2019, marks the 20th anniversary of victory in ‘Operation VIJAY’ popularly known
as the ‘Kargil War’.
The Kargil War will always be remembered for its strategic and tactical surprises, the
self-imposed national strategy of restraint in keeping the war limited to Kargil - Siachen
Sectors and swiftly executed tri-services military strategy and plans.
The ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ celebrations for the year 2019 are being celebrated with the theme
‘Remember, Rejoice and Renew’.
The objective of these celebrations is to evoke feeling of nationalism and patriotism
through nationwide campaigns especially amongst youth and to pay homage to the valiant
soldiers.

Science & Technology
Company to spearhead commercialization of various space products
Presenting the General Budget 2019-20 in the Parliament, Union Minister of Finance said that
a Public Sector Enterprise viz. New Space India Limited (NSIL) has been incorporated.
New Space India Limited (NSIL) has been incorporated as a new commercial arm of
Department of Space to tap the benefits of the Research & Development carried out by
ISRO.
The Company will spearhead commercialization of various space products including
production of launch vehicles, transfer to technologies and marketing of space
products.
NSIL has an authorised capital of ₹10 crore and a paid up capital of ₹1 crore.
Human cell atlas: An initiative for holistic understanding of human body
A human atlas initiative named Manav has been launched by the Department of
Biotechnology (DBT) and Persistent Systems, a biotechnology company.
The aim is to create a unified database of molecular network of all the tissues in the human
body and to derive a holistic picture of working of the human body.
In this public-private venture, DBT and Persistent Systems will invest Rs 13 crore and Rs 7
crore respectively.
There is already a similar Human Cell Atlas project (launched in the year 2016), which is
a collaborative effort between the world-leading scientists, to generate data pertaining to
cellular and molecular activities of various cell types in the body in both its normal and disease
state using techniques such as single cell genomics.
The Indian project, on the other hand, depends on the knowledge already available in
scientific literature to derive information on cellular network.
About the Project
This mega project will collate and integrate molecular information on human tissues and
organs that currently remain in research articles in an unstructured and disorganised form.
The project would utilise large biological community, both students and scientists, for
extracting and adding the information from scientific literature at the level of cells and organs.
The database, that would get created, would eventually help researchers identify gaps in
current knowledge and help in future projects in diagnostics and disease biology.
The project will be executed by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research
(IISER) and the National Center for Cell Sciences (NCCS) based in Pune.
Spektr-RG: Powerful X-ray telescope launches to map cosmos

Russia has launched a space telescope, named Spektr-RG, in a joint project with Germany.
It is intended to replace Spektr-R, known as the Russian Hubble. The Russian Space
Agency, Roscosmos, lost control of the Spektr-R in January 2019.

Spektr-R was launched in the year 2011 to observe black holes, neutron stars and
magnetic fields, aiding understanding of cosmic expansion.
Spektr-RG will take up similar duties but will also work on mapping X-Rays across the
sky.
TIFR desalinates seawater without electricity

Recently, researchers at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai, have
been able to desalinate seawater to produce drinking water without using electricity.
Unlike the conventional reverse osmosis that is energy-intensive, the researchers used
gold nanoparticles which required no external energy to produce potable water from seawater.
Using gold nanoparticles that absorb sunlight over the entire visible region and even the near-
infrared light, researchers were able to use sunlight to heat the water up to 85 degrees Celsius
and generate steam to produce drinking water from seawater.
Alternatively, gold nanoparticles can also be used to convert carbon dioxide into methane.
However, This is only a preliminary study. The next step should be to replace gold with some
inexpensive metal to make it sustainable.
Behind Chandrayaan-2’s GSLV Mk-III rocket that developed a glitch

The launch of Chandrayaan-2 was aborted less than an hour from liftoff after scientists
detected a technical glitch in the launch vehicle system. The mission vehicle was a GSLV
Mk-III rocket.
GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) rockets use a different fuel, and have a
thrust that is far greater than PSLV’s. They can, therefore, carry heavier payloads and travel
deeper into space.
Among ISRO’s GSLV rockets, GSLV Mk-III is the latest and most powerful. It has had two
successful flights so far — it carried and deployed the GSAT-19 communication satellite
in 2017 and then, the GSAT-29 communication satellite in 2018.
GSLV Mk-III is powered by a core liquid engine, has two solid boosters that are used to
provide the massive thrust required during liftoff, and a cryogenic engine in the upper stage.
Cryogenics is the science relating to behaviour of materials at very low temperatures.
Cryogenic technology is challenging to master, but essential for a rocket like GSLV Mk-III.
Chandrayaan-2 was GSLV Mk-III's biggest and the most keenly-awaited launch. But it
will now have to wait for several months.
Though ISRO has been tight-lipped about the nature of the problem, there are indications that
it could relate to the cryogenic upper stage.
Scientists create Ramanujan Machine: what’s it for, why name it after him?
Scientists from Technion — Israel Institute of Technology have developed a concept they
have named the Ramanujan Machine, after the Indian mathematician Srinivasa
Ramanujan.
The Ramanujan machine is more of a concept than an actual machine—it exists as a
network of computers running algorithms dedicated to finding conjectures about
fundamental constants in the form of continued fractions.
The purpose of the machine is to come up with conjectures (in the form of mathematical
formulas) that humans can analyse, and hopefully prove to be true mathematically.
Conjectures are a major step in the process of making new discoveries in any branch of
science, particularly mathematics.
New conjectures in mathematics, however, have been scarce and sporadic. The idea is to
enhance and accelerate the process of discovery.
The Ramanujan machine is named for famed Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan
(1887-1920), a self-taught mathematician who grew up in India and was "discovered" by fellow
mathematician G.H. Hardy.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurates NSG facility at CCMB

Union Minister of Science and Technology inaugurated the Next Generation Sequencing
(NSG) facility at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad
today. This NGS facility is the fourth such facility in the country.
Genome sequencing is figuring out the order of DNA nucleotides, or bases, in a genome—
the order of As, Cs, Gs, and Ts that make up an organism's DNA.
Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) allows parallel Genome sequencing, resulting in the
generation of Giga bases of data in a short amount of time.
This has reduced the cost per genome significantly, making genomic data more accessible
to individual researchers. Decreasing costs are making genomics an attractive and integral
part of any successful bioscience research project.
The NSG would help prenatal genetic screening and counselling, thereby generating large
scale genomic data critical for diagnosis and therapy. It would be of help, especially to patients
suffering from rare genetic disorders.
The recent NSG facility at the CCMB in Hyderabad can sequence 18,000 samples in 8
minutes. With this, the CCMB can now sequence up to 30 human genomes or 384 diagnostic
samples in a day.
Chandrayaan-2 goes up successfully, places satellite in orbit

India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLVMkIII-M1), successfully launched
the Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft into the earth orbit.
The chandrayaan-2 is now revolving round the earth with a perigee (nearest point to
Earth) of 169.7 km and an apogee (farthest point to Earth) of 45,475 km.
Chandrayaan-2 is India's second mission (after Chandrayaan-1) to the moon and
comprises a fully indigenous Orbiter, Lander (Vikram) and Rover (Pragyan).
The Rover Pragyan is housed inside Vikram lander.
The mission aims to expand our knowledge and understanding of the origin and evolution
of the Moon through a detailed study of its topography, mineralogy, surface chemical
composition, thermo-physical characteristics and atmosphere.
After Chandrayaan-2, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has planned the
launch of its solar mission, Aditya-L1, in the first half of 2020 to study the Sun’s corona.
ICMR launches forum to improve data collection and use

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) launched the National Data Quality
Forum (NDQF) to improve data collection and use.
It has been launched by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)’s National
Institute for Medical Statistics (ICMR-NIMS), in partnership with Population Council.
Purpose:
NDQF will integrate learnings from scientific and evidence-based initiatives and guide
actions through periodic workshops and conferences.
Its activities will help establish protocols and good practices of data collection, storage,
use and dissemination that can be applied to health and demographic data, as well as
replicated across industries and sectors.
Release of India’s R&D expenditure eco-system report

A special session was held to discuss India’s Research and Development (R&D)
expenditure eco-system report during the Global launch of Global Innovation Index (GII) –
2019 in New Delhi. The report has been compiled by PMEAC.
Investments in R&D are key inputs in economic growth. The impact of this is proven on
productivity, exports, employment and capital formation.
India’s investment in R&D is a fraction of India’s GDP. It has remained constant at around
0.6% to 0.7% of India’s GDP.
This is below the expenditure of countries like the US (2.8), China (2.1), Israel (4.3) and Korea
(4.2).
Government expenditure, almost entirely the Central Government, is the driving force of
R&D in India which is in contrast to the advanced countries where private sector is the
dominant and driving force of R&D spend.
Recommendations:
There is a need for greater participation of State Governments and private sector in
overall R&D spending in India especially in application oriented research and technology
development.
The growth in R&D expenditure should be commensurate with the growth of GDP and should
reach at least two percent of GDP by 2022.
India Ranked 52ndin Global Innovation Index-2019

India has been ranked 52nd in Global Innovation Index-2019.
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, launched the Global Innovation Index
(GII) 2019 in New Delhi. This is the first time that the GII is being launched in an emerging
economy.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) of Ministry of
Commerce and Industry, Government of India, World Intellectual Property Organization
(WIPO) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) are co-hosting the event.
The theme of the 2019 GII is Creating Healthy Lives - The Future of Medical Innovation,
which aims to explore the role of medical innovation as it shapes the future of healthcare.

The GII rankings are published every year by Cornell University, INSEAD and the UN World
Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and GII Knowledge Partners.
This is the 12th edition of the GII rankings of 129 economies based on 80 indicators
ranging from intellectual property filing rates to mobile-application creation, education
spending and scientific and technical publications.
Switzerland remains number one is the GII index followed by Sweden, the United States of
America, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Finland, Denmark, Singapore, Germany and
Israel.

Art & Culture
Digitization of Archaeological Museum is being done through a special software
The Minister of Culture informed Lok Sabha about the JATAN: Virtual Museum software.
Full name: “JATAN: Virtual Museum Builder.”
JATAN is a Virtual Museum software which is used for creating the digital collections in
various museums and digital archival tools that are used in background for managing the
National Portal and Digital Repository for Indian Museums.
It has been developed and hosted by Human Centres Design and Computing (HCDC)
Group, C-DAC, Pune, as per the agreement with Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
There are 48 Archaeological Site Museums under Archaeological Survey of India out of
which two Archaeological Site Museums, namely - Velha Goa; and Nagarjunakonda, have
been digitised during the first phase through JATAN.
Delhi HC dismisses plea seeking direction to declare "Vande Mataram" on par

with "Jana Gana Mana"
The Delhi High Court dismissed a plea seeking a direction to the Centre to declare "Vande
Mataram" on par with "Jana Gana Mana".
Vande Mataram (also pronounced Bande Mataram) is a Bengali poem written by Bankim
Chandra Chatterjee in 1870s, which he included in his 1882 novel Anandamath.
The title 'Bande Mataram' means "I praise thee, Mother" or "I praise to thee, Mother" was
written as an ode to the Motherland.
The poem was composed into song by Rabindranath Tagore. It was first sung in a political
context by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress.
In 1950, the first two verses of the song were declared the "national song" of India,
distinct from the national anthem of India, Jana Gana Mana.
There is no time limit or circumstantial specification for the rendition of this song (unlike
the national anthem Jana Gana Mana that specifies 52 seconds).

Facts of the Month
Events
Abu Dhabi to host first ISA's joint security exercise ISALEX19 beginning today
Abu Dhabi is hosting International Security Alliance (ISAs) first joint security exercise
named ISALEX19.
Representatives of 50 law enforcement agencies of the International Security Alliance
are taking part in the first joint security exercise in Abu Dhabi.
The participants include representatives from tactical teams, rapid intervention units,
communications, civil defence, and explosive ordnance disposal, teams.
About International Security Alliance
The International Security Alliance (ISA) is an international working group to confront
organised, transnational and extremist crimes.
It was launched in 2017 in Abu Dhabi.
Secretariat: Abu Dhabi.
The alliance now comprises nine countries, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco,
France, Italy, Spain, Senegal, Singapore, and the Slovak Republic.
First ever India International Cooperatives Trade Fair to commence from 11 July
First ever India International Cooperatives Trade Fair (IICTF) to be held at Pragati Maidan,
New Delhi.
IICTF is a unique initiative for taking farmers, artisans & other members of cooperatives
directly to the global trade platform.
Trade Fair is being conducted by National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)
with the support of Network for the Development of Agricultural Cooperatives (NEDAC),
Ministries, State Governments and several apex level Indian cooperative organizations.
Focus sectors of India International Cooperatives Trade Fair are:
 Textile: ginning spinning, power loom, and textile processing.

 Agribusiness and food processing: cold chain, packaging, climate-smart agriculture.
 Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Health and hospitality
 Trade and marketing: agriculture produce marketing, transport and marketing
infrastructure.
 Credit service and finance: insurance, cooperative banking.
Jagannath Rath Yatra festival begins

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on the occasion of commencement of nine-day
Long Jagannath Rath Yatra festival.
Ratha Yatra is a Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath held at Puri in Odisha.
It is regarded as the oldest Ratha Yatra taking place in India whose descriptions can be
found in Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, and Skanda Purana and Kapila Samhita.

This annual festival is celebrated on Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya (second day in bright
fortnight of Ashadha month).
The festival commemorates Jagannath's annual visit to Gundicha Temple via Mausi Maa
Temple (aunt's home) near Balagandi Chaka, Puri.
Festival highlights:
As part of Ratha Yatra, the deities of Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra and
younger sister Subhadra are taken out in a procession to Gundicha Temple, which is
situated at a distance of 2-3 km from their temple.
The deities remain there for nine days.
Then the deities or Ratha Yatra return to the Main temple. The return journey of Puri
Jagannath Ratha Jatra is known as Bahuda Jatra.
Giving indigenous India a voice through the visual medium

International Indigenous Film Festival of Kuching, Malaysia is showcasing films on
indigenous Indian communities.
Four Indian films showcased at International Indigenous film festival (held in Kuching,
Malaysia) are:
 Dibi Durga by Niranjan Kujur.

 Niyamgiri-The Mountain of Law by Surya Shankar Dash (Odisha).
 Shot Awake by Anungla Zoe (Nagaland).
 Strength in Diversity by Chentei (Nagaland).
Festival showcases films made by indigenous filmmakers in collaboration with the
indigenous communities with the intent to shed a light on and celebrate the huge and
diverse native tribes and indigenous cultures, their issues and concerns and the problems
afflicting them.
The festival aims to be a platform for indigenous communities from the world over to share,
have a dialogue, and collaborate and to use cinema as a mode of united assertion, resistance,
and activism against exploitative forces.
India’s first international indigenous film festival was held in Bhubneswar, Odisha in
february 2019.
FIDIC ASPAC Conference 2019

The FIDIC ASPAC 2019 International Conference for Engineering Services is taking place
in New Delhi, India from 7th to 9th July 2019. It has been organized by the Consulting
Engineers Association of India (CEAI).
The theme of the Conference is “Quality Infrastructure for Clean and Sustainable
Development”.
Focus Areas:
 Infrastructure industry revolution

 Urban Mobility
 Coastal & Marine Development
 Energy and Quality of Life
 Business Opportunities with Regional Cooperation
 Young Professionals Open Forum
 Technological Developments
Avoid politicisation of Parkash Purab: Minister

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) delegation invited PM Modi to attend a function to mark the
550th ‘Parkash Purab’ of Guru Nanak Dev on November 12 at Sultanpur Lodhi in Punjab.
Prakash Purab is also known as Guru Nanak Gurpurab, Guru Nanak's Prakash Utsav and
Guru Nanak Jayanti.
This is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism and celebrates the birth of the first Sikh
Guru, Guru Nanak Dev.
Sikhs have been celebrating Guru Nanak's Gurpurab on the Full Moon Day (Pooranmashi or
Purnima) of the Lunar Month Kartik which falls around November.
Kerala Startup Mission to host Women Startup Summit in Kochi on August 1

The Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) is to host the Women Startup Summit in association
with the Indian Women Network of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The ‘Women Startup Summit 2019’, a one-day event aims at encouraging aspiring women
professionals to take up their entrepreneurial journey and developing an inclusive
entrepreneurship ecosystem in the State.
Theme of the Summit is “Developing an Inclusive Entrepreneurship Ecosystem”.
About 20 women startups shortlisted from the “She Loves Tech” national grand challenge
will be showcased in the summit.
She Loves Tech is a global competition which was launched in 2015 to provide a platform
for women entrepreneurs and startups dedicated to improving the lives of women globally.
2019 Global Startup Competition is the world’s largest startup competition focused on
women and technology.
For the first time She Loves Tech competition will be held in India in association with Kerala
Startup Mission, the nodal government organization for promoting the startups in Kerala.
Bonalu festival kicks off in Telangana

The annual Bonalu festival kicked off at the Jagadamba temple in historic Golconda Fort,
Telangana.
Bonalu is celebrated every year in the state during the first month of the monsoon
season. Bonalu is the "state festival" of Telangana.
PM greets people on Kharchi Pooja

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people of Tripura on the start of the
auspicious Kharchi Pooja.
Kharchi Puja is one of the most popular festivals in Tripura. It is celebrated at Agartala
(Puran Agartala) in the temple premises of fourteen gods.
It’s a week-long royal Puja which falls in the month of July on the eighth day of the new moon.

The word Kharchi is derived from the word Khya which means earth. Kharchi Puja is
basically done to clean the post menstrual phase of mother earth’s menstruation.
On the day of the Puja, the fourteen gods are carried to river Saidra by the members of
chantai. The gods are bathed in the holy water and are brought back to the temple.
Animal sacrifice is also an important part of this festival.
2nd India-Russia Strategic Economic Dialogue begins

The 2nd India-Russia Strategic Economic Dialogue begins in New Delhi.
It was held under the chairmanship of NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar and Deputy
Minister of the Economic Development of Russia, Timur Maksimov. The first Dialogue was
held in St. Petersburg in November 2018.
Films Division to have fortnightly public screenings of acclaimed documentary

films
A documentary film club "KSHITIJ" is being launched at Films Division.
KSHITIJ is a documentary film club at New Museum Building, Films Division Complex,
Mumbai.
It is being launched by Films Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting,
Government of India, in association with Indian Documentary Producer’s Association
(IDPA).
The public screenings will be organized on the 2nd and 4th Friday of every month
during 5:00 pm - 6:30pm at Films Division Complex, followed by a short interaction of
audience with the director / curator of the film.
The acclaimed documentary film “Secret Life of Frogs” by Ajay & Vijay Bedi will be
screened as the inaugural film.
36th Meeting of the Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC)
The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship organised the 36th meeting of the
Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC) in New Delhi.
The 36th CAC meet under the chairmanship of Minister of MSDE, aims to meet the
aspirations of the Indian youth who strive to gain on-the-job training and secure better
opportunities for employment.
IFFI's Golden Jubilee Edition to be celebrated in Goa

The Golden Jubilee Edition of International Film Festival of India, will be held from 20th
Nov till 28th November 2019 in Panaji, Goa.
President of Oscar Academy John Bailey and other eminent cinematographers and producers
have been invited for the event. Russia will be IFFI partner in this edition.
India, Uzbekistan exchange views on combating terror financing

The 8th meeting of India-Uzbekistan Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism was held
in New Delhi. The Joint Working Group reviewed threats posed by terrorist groups
worldwide and in their respective regions including cross border terrorism.

The meeting was co-chaired by Mahaveer Singhvi, the Ministry of External Affairs' Joint
Secretary for Counter-Terrorism and Ambassador Farhod Azriev of Uzbekistan.
Urban Haat soon to come up in city

The Union Ministry of Textile has received a proposal to establish Urban Haat for
handicrafts and craftsman at Madhubani, Bihar.
It aims to setup a permanent marketing infrastructure (for handloom weavers and artisans)
in big towns and metropolitan cities in order to eliminate middle agencies.
Urban Haats will be set up in the big towns/metropolitan cities to provide direct marketing
facilities to the craft persons and weavers.
State Handicrafts, handlooms development corporations, and tourism development
corporations with sufficient financial resources and organisational capacity will implement the
project.
National level and State level handloom agencies/ corporations/ cooperatives/ primary
cooperatives/ weavers/ artisans are eligible beneficiaries of urban haat initiative.
The financial ceiling for Urban Haat is Rs. 300 lakh for each unit.
Uttarakhand to host first ever Himalayan states conclave

Uttarakhand will host the first ever Himalayan states conclave here on July 28 where the
prime focus will be on sustainable development.
The conclave will host the Chief Ministers of the Himalayan states - Uttarakhand, Jammu
and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland,
Tripura, Mizoram and Nagaland, along with administrators and specialists.
11th DefExpo to be organised from 5th to 8th February 2020 in Lucknow

The 11th biennial edition of DefExpo India- 2020 is scheduled to be held for the first time
in Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow.
Main theme of the DefExpo India- 2020 will be ‘India: The Emerging Defence
Manufacturing Hub’ and focus will be on ‘Digital Transformation of Defence’.
The DefExpo would provide a unique platform for Defence industry Original Equipment
Manufacturers (OEMs), exhibitors and private industry to display their latest innovations and
capabilities.
The exhibition will also highlight emergence of UP as an attractive destination for
investment in the defence sector.
UP has 4 units of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, 9 ordnance factory units and one unit of
Bharat Electronics Limited at Ghaziabad.
One of the two Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs) of India is planned in Uttar Pradesh.
The other DIC is proposed in Tamil Nadu.
5th International Police Expo 2019, New Delhi

The International Police Expo 2019, focused on everything related to police forces, their
welfare and fitness, also showcases the latest equipment required for safety and protection
of society.
Over 25 countries are showcasing advanced firearms, combat or armoured vehicles a
plethora of disruptive technologies in cyber security, drones, homeland security, and
safety and rescue at this Expo at Pragati Maidan, in New Delhi.
International Conference on Electric Mobility

In order to discuss the various challenges and opportunities in creating an ecosystem for
electric vehicles, the Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India
(ASSOCHAM) is organizing an International Conference on “Electric Mobility: Challenges
and Opportunities” on 26th July, 2019 in New Delhi.
The global automotive industry is at the cusp of a paradigm shift from internal combustion
engine vehicles to zero emission vehicles.
India, too, is actively going ahead for cost effective and viable solutions to the problem of
poor air quality in a number of its cities.
The country has announced a significant shift to an all electric public fleet by 2030,
necessitating attention and action by players across sectors including automobile, power and
utilities, oil and gas, etc.
The Conference would bring together all concerned groups and stakeholders of various
segments of Electric vehicle Industry to a common platform to discuss and explore the future
opportunities and creating and ecosystem for Electric Mobility.
India to launch first-ever space war exercise 'IndSpaceEx'

The Indian armed forces are all set to conduct the country’s first-ever simulated space
warfare exercise “IndSpaceEx”.
This exercise will lead to an assessment of the “imminent threats” in the expanse beyond
earth and the drafting of a joint space doctrine for futuristic battles. Ministry of Defence
will organize exercise with all three forces together.
PM Modi releases book on former PM Chandra Shekhar

PM Narendra Modi releases book "Chandra Shekhar - The Last Icon of Ideological
Politics" is written by Deputy Chairman in the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh and Ravi Dutt Bajpai
in New Delhi.
Prime Minister also announced a museum for all former Prime Ministers of India, and
invited their families to share aspects of their lives.
Digital India and Digital Payments to ensure more people can benefit from
technology
Recently, the Conference on Digital & Cashless Economy was held in New Delhi with the
theme of ‘The Future of India’s Digital Payments’.
The west transitioned from Paper currency to Plastic card currency. India will transition
from Paper currency to Digital currency, much faster and with more volume anywhere
in the world. In this direction government has taken various initiatives:
To ensure digital literacy in every house-hold, government has initiated the Pradhan Mantri
Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) to make 60 million adults digitally
literate in rural India of which more than 10 million people have already been trained.

Awards
IIT Kanpur honours Gopichand with honorary doctorate
IIT Kanpur honours India's chief national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand with
honorary doctorate on the occasion of their 52nd convocation.
Former President APJ Abdul Kalam and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh are past
recipients of the honour.
Sports Journalists Federation of India 2019 Awards
 SJFI Medal (Highest Honour): Prakash Padukone (Badminton).

 Sportsperson of the Year Award: Pankaj Advani (Billiards and Snooker) and Bajrang
Punia (Wrestling).
 Emerging Talent of the Year Award: Saurabh Choudhary (Shooting).
 Team of the Year Award: Vidarbha Cricket Team.
Tezpur University bags GYTI Award for third consecutive year

SRISTI (Society for Research and Initiatives for Sustainable Technologies and Institutions)
celebrates the creativity and innovation of young technological students by recognising their
outstanding projects with Gandhian Young Technological Innovation (GYTI) Awards.
These Awards celebrate the spirit of student innovation in all the fields of engineering, science,
technology and design through extremely affordable/frugal solution or the ones pushing the
technological edge.
Tezpur University accomplished a rare hattrick of different sorts by bagging the prestigious
Gandhian Young Technological Innovation (GYTI) Awards for the third consecutive year.
The Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu presented the student trio of Saurav Jyoti
Sarma, Abhijit Nath and Chandeep S. Gogoi of Tezpur University the award for the year 2019
Ajay Banga, Azim Premji to receive excellence awards from USISPF

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum has announced that Mastercard CEO and
President Ajay Banga and Wipro Chairman Azim Premji will receive the 2019 Global
Excellence Awards.
This is the Second Annual Leadership Summit of USISPF.
They have been honoured with the awards for their significant contribution to strengthening
economic ties between the US and India.
Gully Boy' wins NETPAC award in Bucheon film festival

Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar's directorial 'Gully Boy' has won the Network for the Promotion
of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) Award at the 23rd Bucheon International Fantastic Film
Festival (BIFAN) in South Korea.
4 eminent personalities selected for the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi

Fellow
Recently, the General Council of the Sangeet Natak Akademi has announced its awards in
the field of performing arts for the year 2018.

The awards are: Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships (Akademi Ratna), Sangeet Natak
Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar), and Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2018.
Sangeet Natak Akademi
The Sangeet Natak Akademi is India's national academy for music, dance and drama.
It was created by a resolution of the (then) Ministry of Education, Government of India, in
1952 with Dr P.V. Rajamannar as its first Chairman.
Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships (Akademi Ratna)
The Akademi conferred this award on four eminent personalities:
Zakir Hussain: Tabla
Sonal Mansingh: Indian classical dancer (Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Manipuri, Kuchipudi)
Jatin Goswami: Sattriya dance and music
K.Kalyanasundaram Pillai: Bharatanatyam
Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar)
These awards have been given to forty-four artists from the field of Music, Dance,
Theatre, Traditional/Folk/Tribal Music/Dance/Theatre, Puppetry and Overall
contribution/scholarship in the Performing Arts.
These forty-four artists include three joint awards as well.
Diwan Singh Bajeli (Theatre) and Puru Dadhich (Author/ Kathak) have been selected for
the Akademi Award 2018 in the field of Overall Contribution/Scholarship in the Performing
Arts.
'Nagarkirtan' wins big at SAARC film fest
Director Kaushik Ganguly's Bengali film 'Nagarkirtan', has won 4 awards in SAARC film
festival. The movie was honoured with 'Best Feature Film', 'Best Director', 'Best Actor'
and 'Best Original Score' awards.
Two other Indian films have won awards at the fest, 'Na Bole Wo Haram', a 20-minute film
by debutant director Nitish Patankar, bagged the 'Best Short Film' award, while 'Walking
With the Wind' by Praveen Morchhale received the Special Jury award for direction and
story.
Kerala Tourism bags 3 Gold Awards at PATA

The Ministry of Tourism's campaign, "Find the Incredible you" has been declared the
winner of PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Gold Award 2019.
It received an award in the “Marketing - Primary Government Destination” category.
The campaign is a part of its promotional initiatives that are released under the ‘Incredible
India’ brand-line in the Television, Print, Digital and Social Media, in key and potential
source markets overseas.
The campaign focuses on digital and social media and the promotion of Niche Tourism
products of the country.

Carnatic vocalist S. Sowmya chosen for Sangita Kalanidhi award
Noted Carnatic vocalist S. Sowmya has been chosen for the Sangeetha Kalanidhi award
of the Music Academy this year. She will be conferred with the awards on January 1, 2020.
Madras Music Academy (MMA):
It plays an important role in promoting the Carnatic Music.
A music conference was held along with All India Congress Session held in Madras in
1927 and during the deliberations, the idea of a Music Academy emerged. Next year MMA
was inaugurated. Thus it’s an offshoot of INC madras session, 1927.
Sangeetha Kalanidhi:
Awarded to one person who has contributed to the field of Carnatic music.
Considered as the highest accolade in the field of Carnatic music;
Since 2005, the Sangeetha Kalanidhi also receives the MS Subbulakshmi Award
instituted by The Hindu.
Nishagandhi Sangeetha Awards conferred by Kerala Tourism

Kerala Minister of Tourism presented the inaugural Nishagandhi Sangeetha Puraskaram to
musicians Parassala B. Ponnammal and T V. Gopalakrishnan in the Nishagandhi
Monsoon Ragas Music Festival.
Nishagandhi Sangeetha Puraskaram is Instituted by Kerala Tourism, the award carries ₹1.5
lakh in cash, citation and memento.
6 firms honoured with CSR Journal Excellence Awards

3rd Edition of the CSR Journal Excellence Awards honoured 6 firms for the best practices
in Corporate Social Responsibility.
The theme of the event was ‘India First’. The winners of the awards are:
Tata Power won in the category "Education & Skill Training".
ReNew Power won in the category "Women Empowerment & Child Welfare".
YES Bank Ltd. won in the category "Health & Sanitation".
Mahindra & Mahindra won in the category "Environment".
Hindustan Zinc won in the category "Agriculture & Rural Development".
Aditya Birla Capital Ltd. won in the category "Sports".
Persons
PM condoles demise of Smt. Sheila Dikshit
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of former Delhi Chief Minister
Sheila Dikshit.
Sheila Dikshit (1938 – 2019), was an Indian politician who served as the chief Minister of
Delhi for a period of 15 years from 1998 to 2013.

She was one of the longest-serving chief ministers of Delhi and was the longest-serving
female chief minister of any Indian state.
Her efforts to bring in cleaner public transport, extend the Delhi Metro project and build
flyovers in Delhi won wide appreciation. Her largely successful legacy in Delhi was,
however, marred by allegations of corruption during the 2010 Common Wealth Games.
In 2014, she was sworn in as Governor of Kerala.
Important Days
International Day of the Tropics, 29 June
The United Nations observe 29 June as International Day of the Tropics.
The International Day of the Tropics celebrates the extraordinary diversity of the tropics
while highlighting unique challenges and opportunities the Tropical nations face.
National Doctors' Day: 1 July

India observe 1st July as the National Doctors' Day. The day is celebrated to recognize the
contributions of physicians to individual lives and communities.
National Doctor's Day is also celebrated to honour the legendary physician Dr. Bidhan
Chandra Roy.
Dr Roy was honoured with the country's highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna on February 4,
1961.
International Day of Parliamentarism: 30 June
The United Nations observe 30 June as the International Day of Parliamentarism. This
day celebrates parliaments and the ways in which parliamentary systems of government
improve the day to day lives of people around the world.
This day also acknowledges the formation of the Inter Parliamentary Union, the global
organization of parliaments which was established in 1889.
International Day of Cooperatives: 6 July

The United Nations observes first Saturday of July every year as International Day of
Cooperatives.
The day is celebrated to increase the awareness of cooperatives. The event underscores the
contributions of the cooperative movement in resolving the major problems addressed by the
United Nations.
Theme for 2019: COOPS 4 DECENT WORK.
World Population Day 2019

World Population Day is observed on July 11 every year.
The day is aimed to shift the focus towards the urgency and the significance of issues
related to population.
World Population Day was established by the United Nations Development Programme
in 1989. World Population Day, which is being celebrated for over three decades, is meant to
raise awareness about solutions related to the issues of growing population.
UN Council every year decides the theme of World Population Day but in 2019 specific
theme is not decided and calls for global attention to the unfinished business of the 1994
International Conference on Population and Development.
I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar wishes people on National broadcasting Day

National Broadcasting day is being observed on July 23, 2019.
On this day in 1927, the first ever radio broadcast in the country went on the air from the
Bombay Station under a private company, the Indian Broadcasting Company.
On 8th of June, 1936, the Indian State Broadcasting Service became All India Radio (AIR).
Currently, AIR is one of the largest public broadcasting organisations in the world.
Since 1927, radio has been an important part in people's life in India.
CBDT celebrates Aaykar Diwas

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is celebrating the 159th Income Tax Day on
July 24, 2019.
It was on 24th July, 1860 that Income Tax was introduced for the first time in India by
Sir James Wilson to compensate for the losses incurred by the British regime during the first
war of independence against British Rule. This is why 24th July is observed as the Income
Tax Day.
The event to mark the occasion, will include release of departmental publications, e-
journal, publicity kit for outreach programmes among other things.
Appointments
FIEO elects Sharad Kumar Saraf as new president
Exporters body Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has elected Sharad
Kumar Saraf as its new president.
P.K. Purwar appointed as the CMD of BSNL

The GoI has appointed MTNL CMD P.K. Purwar as the Chairman and Managing Director
of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. He has been appointed for a period of three months
starting July 1.
He will replace Anupam Shrivastava as the CMD of BSNL.
S Vishwanathan gets extension by one year as RBI deputy governor

Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor N S Vishwanathan has been given a one-year
extension by the GoI. Presently he is heading the Department of Banking Regulation of the
Reserve Bank of India.
Manoj Kumar Nambiar elected chairman of MFIN

Microfinance Institutions Network has elected Manoj Kumar Nambiar as its chairman.
MFIN comprises 56 NBFC-MFIs and 40 associates including banks, small finance banks
and NBFCs.
Germany's Ursula von der Leyen nominated to lead EU Commission

European Union (EU) leaders have struck a deal to put women in two of the most important
policymaking jobs in the EU for the first time.
European Commission Chief: German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen has been
nominated as the first woman to become the European Commission Chief.
European Central Bank chief: Chief of International Monetary Fund (IMF) Christine
Lagarde has been nominated as the first woman to head the European Central Bank.
European Council President: Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel is nominated as
European Council President.
Foreign Policy Chief: Spain's Foreign Minister Josep Borrell is proposed as Foreign
Policy Chief.
President of the European Parliament: David-Maria Sassoli has been nominated as
President of the European Parliament.
BSNL clears employees' full salary for June

The government has appointed MTNL Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) P.K.
Purwar as the CMD of BSNL for a period of three months starting today (1 July), subject
to the approval of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), for ensuring continuity
at the struggling PSU.
Nalin Shinghal appointed CMD of BHEL

Nalin Shinghal has been appointed as the chairman and managing director of Bharat
Heavy Electricals Limited.
He will replace Atul Sobti as the chairman and managing director of BHEL.
Harideesh Kumar appointed as Director of IBPS

B Harideesh Kumar has been appointed as director of Institute of Banking Personnel
Selection for a period of three years. Earlier, he was the Executive Director of Canara Bank.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis becomes Greece's new PM
Kyriakos Mitsotakis was sworn in as the prime minister of Greece.
Mitsotakis is the son of former Prime Minister Constantine Mitsotakis, one of the country's
longest serving parliamentarians.
Shailesh Tinaikar assumes charge as Force Commander of UN mission

Lieutenant General Shailesh Tinaikar of India assumes charge as Force Commander of
United Nations Mission in South Sudan.
Shailesh Tinaikar has been awarded the Sena Medal and the Vishisht Seva Medal for
Distinguished Service.
Rahul Dravid appointed NCA’s Head of Cricket

BCCI has formally appointed Rahul Dravid as the National Cricket Academy’s Head of
Cricket.
Dravid will oversee all cricket related activities at NCA and will be involved in mentoring,
coaching, training and motivating players, coaches and support staff at the NCA.
Arun Kumar appointed as DGCA chief
Arun Kumar has been appointed as the Director General of aviation regulator Directorate
General of Civil Aviation. He will replace BS Bhullar.
MN Rao appointed DG of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guard

The Central government appointed M Nageswar Rao, as the Director General of Fire
Services, Civil Defence and Home Guard. Rao will replace former CBI Chief Alok Verma.
LinkedIn appoints Ashutosh Gupta as country manager for India

LinkedIn has appointed Ashutosh Gupta as the new country manager for India
operations. Gupta will replace Mahesh Narayanan, who was the country manager for India
for period from January-June 2019.
SBI's Anshula Kant appointed as MD and CFO of World Bank

India’s Anshula Kant has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief
Financial Officer (CFO) of the World Bank.
Anshula Kant will be the first woman Chief Financial Officer of the World Bank.
As Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, she will be responsible for:
 Financial and risk management of the World Bank Group.

 Oversight of financial reporting.
 Working closely with the World Bank Chief Executive Officer on the mobilization of
financial resources.
Vikas Swarup appointed as Secretary of Overseas Indian Affairs

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Shri Vikas
Swarup, High Commissioner in Ottawa as Secretary (Consular, Passport, Visa and
Overseas Indian affairs) in the Ministry of External Affairs with effect from 01.08.2019.
Kalraj Mishra appointed Himachal Pradesh Governor

President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed Kalraj Mishra as the Governor of Himachal
Pradesh.
Acharya Devvrat has been transferred from Himachal Pradesh and appointed as the
governor of Gujarat.
Chandrakant Kavlekar to be the new Deputy CM of Goa

Chandrakant Kavlekar to be the new Deputy Chief Minister of Goa. He will replace Vijai
Sardesai as the deputy chief minister of Goa.
President appoints Governors for Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh

President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed Anusuiya Uikey as Governor of Chhattisgarh.
Biswa Bhusan Harichandan has been named as Governor of Andhra Pradesh.
Justice AK Sikri appointed as judge in SICC

Former Supreme Court judge, Justice AK Sikri, has been appointed as an international
judge of the Singapore International Commercial court (SICC).
The President of the Republic of Singapore has made the appointment of Justice Sikri. It
currently has 16 international judges as part of its panel.
The SICC is a division of the Singapore high court and part of the Supreme Court of that
country, designed to deal with transnational commercial disputes.
Coca cola appoints Sarvita Sethi in M&A role

Global beverages major Coco-Cola announced top level changes in its India and southwest
Asia unit with the appointment of Sarvita Sethi as Vice president, M&A and New Ventures
and Harsh Bhutani as Vice-president finance (CFO).
Four new Governors appointed

In a major reshuffle, President Ram Nath Kovind transferred two Governors and made four
new appointments across six States.
The President of India made the following appointments/ changes -
Anandiben Patel, Governor of Madhya Pradesh is transferred and appointed as Governor of
Uttar Pradesh
Lal Ji Tandon, Governor of Bihar is transferred and appointed as Governor of Madhya Pradesh
Jagdeep Dhankhar as Governor of West Bengal
Ramesh Bais as Governor of Tripura
Phagu Chauhan as Governor of Bihar
RN Ravi as Governor of Nagaland
Ajay Bhadoo appointed as Joint Secretary to the President

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the appointment of Ajay Bhadoo as
Joint Secretary to President Ram Nath Kovind.
Bhadoo, a Gujarat batch IAS officer is currently serving as the Vadodara Municipal
Commissioner.
Boris Johnson announced as Britain’s next prime minister

Boris Johnson will replace Theresa May as Britain’s next Prime Minister.
Boris Johnson, who was the face of the 2016 Brexit referendum, won the votes of 92,153
members of the Conservative party. Queen Elizabeth will formally appoint Johnson before he
will enter Downing Street.
RBI names Kanungo to run monetary policy portfolio

Reserve Bank of India has assigned deputy governor B.P. Kanungo to run the monetary
policy portfolio and forecasting department. After the exit of Viral Acharya, Kanungo has
become the 6th member of the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee.
Now, all the three deputy governors N S Vishwanathan, B P Kanungo and M K Jain have been
made responsible for 12 departments each.
Priti Patel appointed as Britain’s Home Secretary

Priti Patel has been appointed as Britain’s Home Secretary in the newly-unveiled Boris
Johnson Cabinet.
She has become the Britain’s first Indian-origin Home Secretary.
Ajay Bhalla appointed as Home Secretary

Ajay Kumar Bhalla has been appointed Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Ministry of
Home Affairs.
Bhalla will take over as Home Secretary from incumbent Rajive Gauba. Bhalla is currently
serving as Power Secretary.
Sunil Kumar given charge as MTNL chief

Sunil Kumar has been given additional charge of chairman and managing director of the
Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL).
Kumar is currently Director (Human Resources and Enterprise Business) at MTNL and
takes over from P K Purwar who was recently appointed chairman and managing
Director of BSNL.
Sports
Max Verstappen wins Austrian Grand Prix
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won the Austrian Grand Prix for the second year in a row while
champion Mercedes lost for the first time in this season.
Indian Pro Boxer Wins WBC Asia Title

Indian pro boxer Vaibhav Yadav has become the WBC Asia Silver Welterweight
Champion. He defeated Thailand's Fahpetch Singmanassak in the title bout held in Pattaya,
Thailand.
The fight was conducted by the Asian Boxing Council and approved by the World Boxing
Council (WBC).
Ambati Rayudu retires from international cricket

Indian batsman Ambati Rayudu has announced his retirement from international cricket.
He has played 55 ODIs for India, scoring 1694 runs at an average of 47.05 with three hundreds
and 10 half-centuries.
India loses to Pakistan in the IBSF Snooker World Cup finals
The Indian team lost to Pakistan in the final of the IBSF Snooker World Cup in Doha.
India lost the summit clash by 1-3.
Pankaj Advani and Laxman Rawat represented the Indian team in the world cup.
Hima bags gold in Poznan Athletics Grand Prix

Hima Das, the under-20 World champion has won the gold medal in women’s 200m in
the Poznan Athletics Grand Prix.
Poznan Athletics Grand Prix is taking place in Poznan, Poland.

Central Govt to set up three CoE in Sports at Itanagar in AP
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju
informed that central government is going to set-up three Sports Centre of Excellence in
Itanagar very soon.
The three centre of excellence will be for Martial Arts, Weight Lifting and Boxing.
These centres will have a capacity of 300 sportspersons with residential facility.
This year Arunachal Pradesh will host the North East Youth Festival.
The government will also set up 12 to 15 football stadiums with Astro-turf football pitches
across the state in the next three years.
What is the Kerala Champions Boat League?

The Champions Boat League (CBL) has been conceived by tourism officials in Kerala on
the model of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to transform the state’s legendary and
historically-significant ‘vallamkali’ (snake boat races) into a world-class sporting event.
The snake boat, or ‘chundam vallam’ is essentially a long canoe that can seat up to 100
rowers and can have a length between 100 and 138 feet in length. While the front portion
of the boat tapers with a pointy end, the rear end can rise up to a height of 20 feet — the entire
wooden structure resembling a snake with its raised hood, hence the name.
Arjen Robben announces retirement from football

Dutch winger Arjen Robben has announced his retirement from football at the age of 35 after
a 10-year spell with German giants Bayern Munich.
He has played 96 international matches for the Netherlands, scoring 37 goals, and starred in
the team which reached the 2010 World Cup final.
21st Commonwealth Table Tennis C'ship to be hosted in Odisha

Odisha will host the 21st Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship in Cuttack, from
July 17 to 22.
The tournament has received entries from 14 associations, consisting of India, Singapore,
Malaysia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, England, Scotland, Wales, Jersey, Australia, Cyprus,
South Africa, Nigeria, Pakistan.
U.S. wins FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019

United States wins FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 held in Lyon, France.
They defeated the Netherlands with a scrore of 2-0. This is the 4th world cup title for the
US's women football team.
Copa America 2019: Brazil wins Title on home soil

Ten-man Brazil held on to win the Copa America on home soil despite Gabriel Jesus's
dismissal with a 3-1 victory over Peru.
Jesus scored the decisive goal after a penalty from Peru captain Paolo Guerrero
cancelled out Everton's opener for hosts Brazil at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium.

A last-minute penalty from substitute Richarlison sealed a win for Brazil which handed the
South American giants their ninth Copa triumph and first since 2007.
World Youth Cup: Arinjeeta Dey wins silver medal
Arinjeeta Dey, a 10-year-old girl, has won a silver medal in the World Youth Cup held in
Umag, Croatia.
The tournament was organised by World Karate Federation affiliated to the International
Olympic Association.
Vinesh, Divya wins gold at Wrestling Grand Prix of Spain

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has won a gold medal in the 53kg category, while Divya Kakran
has won the gold medal in the 68kg category at the Grand Prix of Spain.
Pooja Dhanda (57kg) has won a silver after losing the title clash to Russia’s Veronika
Chumikova.
Dutee Chand wins gold in Summer University Games

Dutee Chand from Odisha has won the gold medal in the women's 100 metre sprint at
the 30th Summer University Games in Naples, Italy.
This is the first time an Indian has won a 100-metre gold at this global event.
Gold medals for India in Commonwealth Championships

Rakhi Halder and Davinder Kaur has won a gold medal each in the senior women’s
section of weightlifting in the Commonwealth Championships.
Davinder Kaur has won the gold medal in women’s 59kg event. While Rakhi Halder has
won the gold medal in the 64kg category. The Championship is taking place in Apia, Samoa.
Mexico wins CONCACAF Gold Cup final

Mexico defeated USA to claim their eighth CONCACAF Gold Cup title. Jonathan Dos
Santos scored the winning goal in 73rd min for Mexico in the thrilling final.
Wimbledon 2019: Djokovic claims fifth Wimbledon in epic finale

Novak Djokovic defeated eight-time winner Roger Federer 7-6(5), 1-6, 7-6(4), 4-6, 13-
12(3) and clinch his fifth Wimbledon and 16th Major overall grand slam.
In the battle of wills that lasted four hours and 55 minutes, Djokovic rose from the dead
during the nearly two-hour final set, saving two match-points with Federer serving at 8-7.
Vinesh Phogat wins gold at Yasar Dogu International

India wrestler Vinesh Phogat has won her second consecutive gold in 53kg, at Yasar
Dogu International in Istanbul.
Phogat beat her Russian opponent Ekaterina Poleshchuk in the final match to bag the gold
medal.
England scripts history, claims maiden ICC World Cup title 2019
England lifted the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy 2019 at the Lord’s cricket stadium in
London.
England defeated New Zealand with more number of boundaries in the Super Over thriller in
the grand finale of ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy 2019.
Player of the tournament: Kane Williamson (New Zealand).
Player of the Match Award: Ben Stokes (England).
Highest run scorer of the tournament: Rohit Sharma (India).
Highest wicket taker of the tournament: Mitchell Starc (Australia).
India bags 2 Gold medals at ISSF Junior World Cup

India bagged two Gold medals in the Women's 10-meter Air Rifle event at the
International Shooting Sport Federation Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany.
In the Individual section of the category, Elavenil Valarivan claimed the top honours with
a total score of 251.6. India also clinched a Gold in the team section by creating a junior
world record.
India will host ISSF World Cup 2020
International Shooting Sport Federation approved India's application to host the ISSF
World Cup stages.
World Cup will be held in New Delhi from March 15 to 26, 2020. The last edition of ISSF
World Cup was held in Munich, Germany.
Rohan Bopanna and Smriti Mandhana got Arjuna Award

Sports and Youth Affairs Minister conferred Arjuna Awards to tennis player Rohan
Bopanna and Women cricketer Smriti Mandhana.
Bopanna who won the Gold medal in tennis men's double category in Asian Games 2018 and
Mandhana was the ICC women's player of the year 2018.
Vijayveer wins his 3rd gold at ISSF Junior Shooting World Cup
Vijayveer Sidhu picked up his third gold medal of the ongoing ISSF Junior World
Cup in Suhl, Germany, combining with Rajkanwar Singh Sandhu and Adarsh Singh
to clinch the men's 25m pistol.
21st Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship begins
Odisha Governor inaugurated the 21st edition of Commonwealth Table Tennis
Championship at the Jawaharlal Indoor Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha.
The event will witness the top players from India, Australia, England, Malaysia, Scotland
and Singapore among other nations competing for coveted titles.
Anish Bhanwala claims gold medal in ISSF Junior World Cup

Shooter Anish Bhanwala claimed gold in 25m rapid fire pistol competition to continue
India's dominance in the tournament in Suhl, Germany.
India's position at the top of the standings. Now India have so far won eight gold, seven silver
and three bronze medals in the tournament.
Adam Peaty breaks 57 seconds barrier & 100m breaststroke world record
The Britain swimmer Adam Peaty has break the world record in the men’s 100 metre
breaststroke at the World Championships in Gwangju, South Korea.
He smashed the previous record of 57.10 seconds that was set by him at last year’s
European Championships, after winning the semi-finals in 56.88 seconds.
Adam Peaty has now swum the event 1.4 seconds faster than anyone else in history.
Hima Das returns to 400m run, grabs 5th gold
Indian sprinter Hima Das extended her sensational run by claiming her fifth gold of the
month as she returned to her pet 400m competition with a season-best time of 52.09 seconds
in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic.
She is fondly called the 'Dhing Express'.
First Indian boxer to win gold at President’s Cup

Shiva Thapa became India’s first gold-medallist at the President’s Cup boxing
tournament after getting a walkover in the finals in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Making his international debut in the newly-introduced Olympic category of 63kg.
Thapa was to fight Kazakhstan's Zakir Safiullin in the summit clash.
Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi wins Indonesia Open
Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi wins Indonesia Open BWF Tour Super 1000 tournament held
in Jakarta, Indonesia.
She defeated India's P.V. Sindhu in the title clash by 21-15, 21-16.
Mohun Bagan Ratna Award 2019

Two-time Olympic gold medal winning Hockey Player Keshav Dutt and former India
Football Captain Prasun Banerjee are selected for Mohun Bagan Ratna Award.
This is for the 1st time Mohun Bagan’s executive committee has decided to confer their
highest honour to a non-footballer i.e. a sportsperson from other discipline.
Indian bodybuilder Ravinder Kumar Malik won Mr. South Asia title 2019
Championship was organised under the auspices of Nepal Bodybuilding and Fitness
Association by South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation.
Ravinder Kumar Malik won the title in 80 kg category India won a total 10 medals. It
includes 4 gold, 5 silver and 1 bronze medal. But overall India remained 3rd with 380 points.
Abhay, Tanvi win Bengal Open squash titles

Abhay Singh of Tamil Nadu and Tanvi Khanna clinched the men's and women's titles
respectively in the sixth Bengal Open squash tournament.
Earlier under-15 category witnessed a thrilling battle between fifth seeded Tamil Nadu girl
Shameena Riaz upsetting top seed Soniya Bajaj from Maharashtra.
Virat Kohli maintains number one spot in ICC Test Rankings

International Cricket Council has released the latest rankings of teams and players in
different categories.
1. Men's Team Rankings:
India topped the Test Team Rankings.
England topped the One Day International Team Rankings.
Pakistan topped the T20 International Team Rankings.
2. Men's Batting Rankings:
Virat Kohli (India) topped the Test Batting Rankings.
Virat Kohli (India) topped the ODI Batting Rankings.
Babar Azam (Pakistan) topped the T20I Batting Rankings.
High-level committee formed to strategise preparations for 2020, 2024 Olympics

A high-level 10-member Committee has been constituted to coordinate and strategize the
preparation for the 2020 and 2024 Olympics.
The Committee has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Sports Minister Kiren
Rijiju. The committee comprises prominent sportspersons like Olympic medallists tennis ace
Leander Paes and shooter Gagan Narang.
Objective of the committee: To ensure that the performance of the Indian athletes is
optimised in the Olympics and other multidisciplinary events.
The aim of the committee for the Tokyo Games would be to provide all possible support to
potential and qualified athletes.
For the 2024 Paris Games, the committee would chart out a road-map for the preparation
and then will continuously review and suggest course correction whenever required.
BCCI approves Indian Cricketers Association

The BCCI has approved the Indian Cricketers Association (ICA).
The ICA is not affiliated to Federation of International Cricketers’ Association (FICA)
and is only open to former men and women cricketers.
Former India cricketers Kapil Dev, Ajit Agarkar and Shantha Rangaswamy are the
directors at ICA.

July 2019 Bankersadda

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Monthly Capsule July 2019

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High Powered Committee of Chief Ministers constituted for ‘Transformation for

 To discuss measures for transformation of agriculture and raising farmers’ income.

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Govt to enhance import limit on Tur Dal

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Key Highlights of Economic Survey 2018-19

 India still the fastest growing major economy in 2018-19.

Transport sector gets enhanced Budget Allocation of Rs 83,000 crore

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Allocation for agriculture, farmers' welfare increased by over 78%

Key Highlights of Union Budget 2019-20

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NHAI Signs MoU with NIIF for funding highway projects

Skill development ministry launches Kaushal Yuva Samwaad

Production of Vande Bharat Express comes to a grinding halt

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Integrated Management of Public Distribution System (IM-PDS)

Nearly half of global wages received by top 10%, survey finds

Launch of Phase-II of DBT in Fertilizer Subsidy

Boost to Rural Road Connectivity

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 MTA stipulates a robust grievance redressal mechanism comprising of Rent Authority,

Government launches new scheme for Silk Sector

 Research & Development, Training, Transfer of Technology and I.T. Initiatives

MSME Schemes: Technology upgradation through the International

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Continuous rain damaged Asia's largest solar Power project in Rewa

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China GDP growth slows to 6.2%, 27-year low

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Rajya Sabha nod for changes to airports regulator Bill

Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana

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Parliament passes NDIAC Bill, 2019

36 Proposals shortlisted for Solar Charkha Mission

 To ensure inclusive growth by generation of employment, especially for women and

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India enters 37-year period of demographic dividend

Rashtriya Aajeevika Mission

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IMF cuts India’s growth forecast for 2019-20 to 7%

Cabinet approves Determination of ‘Fair and Remunerative Price’ of sugarcane

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Govt sets target for installation of Solar projects of 40,000 MW by 2022

Implementation of Krishonnati Yojana

 Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH);

Dr Jitendra Singh reviews status of implementation of various projects under

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Money in Swiss banks: India ranked 74

Centre ratifies convention to curb company profit shifting

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 The multilateral convention is an outcome of the OECD/G20 project to tackle base

High trading costs impact liquidity of Indian equities: study

SBI, NIIF in pact for funding infrastructure projects

RBI sets up panel to review CICs

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Trade infrastructure for export scheme

 Establishment of Main Exhibition Building (Phase-II) at Trade cum Permanent

First investors’ summit to be held in J&K