Current Affairs Summary-December 2016

Current Affairs Summary-December 2016

 SINGLE TRIBUNAL FOR INTER-STATE WATER DISPUTE

The Central Government has decided to amend Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956 (ISWDA) to constitute a permanent tribunal to decide on all inter-state water disputes that arise. An agency, to collect and maintain all relevant water data, like rainfall, water flow and irrigation area, in each of the river basins of the country, is also proposed to be created.

Benefits

Centre now sets up ad hoc tribunals under ISWDA to adjudicate disputes as they arise. Eight tribunals have been constituted so far. With water becoming scarce resource, inter-state water disputes are increasing. Recently, dispute over Mahadayi river between Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra has arisen.

Speedier adjudication: Ready availability of relevant and updated data collected by the proposed agency at all the times would expedite the adjudication process.

Reliable Data: States in disputes have tendency to question data provided by the other side which will be minimized by availability of data by specialized agency.

Pre-litigation Resolution: A Disputes Redressal Committee comprising experts is also proposed to be set up which is expected to solve most of the disputes before they are referred to permanent tribunal.

Fixed Timeframe: Proposed Amendment puts a timeframe of three years for permanent tribunal to give its verdict.

The Supreme Court recently has said that it can hear appeals against water tribunals set up under ISWDA, thus delaying the judicial proceedings.

NATIONAL RAIL PLAN 2030

It will be used by all stakeholders including State Govts, public representatives and relevant Ministries to give their inputs for purposeful study in order to develop NRP 2030. Presently Railway planning is not based on an integrated plan and projects are sanctioned mostly in isolation. The national plan will take into account connectivity to backward region, regional imbalances. Congestion in the existing network and futuristic development of Industrial corridors. It will harmonise and integrate the rail network with other modes of transport and create synergy for achieving seamless multi modal transportation network across the country. It will also realize vision of integrated planning and cost optimization of the transportation network by laying the new railway lines and new highways together in tunnels and over mega-bridges.

ELECTORAL REFORMS-POLITICAL FUNDING

Election Commission (EC) has asked the government to amend law to ban anonymous contributions of Rs.2000 and more to political parties. Presently, the Representation of the People Act, 1951, does not stop the political parties from accepting nameless donations. However Political Parties are required to disclose details of donations which are above 20000 only as per section 29C of RPA, 1951 providing indirect partial ban. Political Parties are not legally bound to submit their income tax returns annually under Section 13A of the Income Tax Act, 1961. It has been noticed that some of them do not submit their returns on time. Section 13A of IT act 1961 provide tax exemption to Political Parties for income from house property, voluntary contribution, capital gains and other sources.

Only income of Political Parties from salaries, business or profession is taxed. Case may occur where Political Parties may be formed only for the sake of avoiding income tax for the property given to it which is maintained using public money.

RESPECTING NATIONAL SYMBOLS

In Shyam Narayan Chouksey case (National Anthem Order), the Supreme Court directed all cinema halls to play national anthem at the start of movies.

Article 51A of the Constitution makes it a fundamental duty for every citizen of India to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the national flag and the national anthem.

The Prevention of Insult to National Honour Act, 1971 deals with cases of insults to the Constitution, the national flag and the national anthem and provides for penal provision for insulting these symbols.

Flag Code of India, 2002 is not a law but a consolidation of executive instructions issued by the Government of India from time to time and contains detailed instruction for observing such behaviour which will not disrespect the National Flag.

Provisions of the Prevention of Insult to National Honour Act, 1971

Section 2 of the Act provides for a maximum imprisonment of three years with or without fine for insulting the Indian national flag and the constitution of India.

Insult includes burning, mutilating, defacing, defiling, disfiguring, destroying or otherwise showing disrespect or contempt towards the national flag or the constitution.

Section 3 of the Act criminalizes insult to national anthem.

No section of this Act or Indian Panel Code, 1860 makes it mandatory for a citizen to stand up when the national anthem is being played.

JUDICIAL ACTIVISM VS JUDICIAL OVERREACH: CASE STUDY

SC banned the States and UT’s from granting license for liquor sale along national and state highways. Uttarakhand HC imposed a blanket ban on sale and consumption of liquor in 3 districts of states which is being termed as case of Judicial overreach.

Judicial Activism

It implies going beyond the normal constraints applied to jurists and the Constitution, which gives jurists the right to strike down or make any legislation or rule against the precedent if it goes against the Constitution. Judges assume a role as independent policy makers or independent “trustees” on behalf of society that goes beyond their traditional role as interpreters of the Constitution and laws

Judicial Overreach

It refers to an extreme form of judicial activism where unreasonable, arbitrary and frequent interventions are made by judiciary into the legislature’s domain. It is often done with the intention of disrupting the balance of powers between executive, legislature and judiciary.

HC crossed its constitutional mandate and ordered complete prohibition on possession, distribution, collection, sale, purchase or consumption of liquor in 3 districts of Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Uttrakashi district citing its religious significance.

HC referred to Article 47 under DPSP which states that “State shall endeavor to bring about prohibition of the consumption of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health”.

ANTI DEFECTION LAW

Recent trends have been observed in past few years where MLA’s defected to ruling party without being disqualified from their legislative membership. This questions the viability of Anti-Defection-Law in India. 

Telangana: MLA’s from various political party like TDP, BSP, CPI etc joined TRS without disqualification.

West Bengal: Congress MLA joined TMC leaving behind their parent party.

Andhra Pradesh: YSR congress MLA’s switching side to TDP.

Similar cases witnessed in Uttrakhand and Arunachal Pradesh recently.

 The anti-defection law was passed by parliament in 1985.  The 52nd amendment to the Constitution added the Tenth Schedule which laid down the process by which legislators may be disqualified on grounds of defection. An MP or MLA is deemed to have defected if he either voluntarily resigned from his party or disobeyed the directives of the party leadership on a vote (against party’s whip). Independent members would be disqualified if they joined a political party. Nominated members who were not members of a party could choose to join a party within six months; after that period, they were treated as a party member or independent member.

Any person elected as speaker or chairman could resign from his party, and rejoin the party if he demitted that post. A party could be merged into another if at least two-thirds of its party legislators voted for the merger. The law initially permitted splitting of parties, but that has now been outlawed. There is no mention of time frame for Speaker to take decision regarding disqualification which is one of the main loophole in the law.

The law states that the decision of Presiding officer is final and not subject to judicial review. The Supreme Court later on held that there may not be any judicial intervention until the presiding officer gives his order. However, the final decision is subject to appeal in the High Courts and Supreme Court.

Though there is provision of judicial review (Kihoto Hollohan case, 1993) still judiciary is by and large helpless at the pre-decisional stage as no clear role is mentioned in the anti-defection law.

Need to define the entire procedure clearly and set a definite and reasonable time limits for each step of the process, ensuring transparency.

Power to decide upon the question of disqualification can be taken away from Speaker and entrusted to some independent constitutional authority like Election commission of India.

Current Affairs Summary-December 2016: CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Prime database recently released CSR expenditures by firms for financial year 2015-16. As per the report Indian companies spent Rs 9309 crore on CSR projects in 2015-16, which was Rs 163 crore more than the amount required by law, and Rs 703 crore more than the previous year.

Most of the spending has been in areas which companies prefer. Of the nine different schedules prescribed by The Companies Act, two schedules: combating various diseases and promotion of education accounted for 44% of the total CSR expenditure.

There is issue of geographical equity. More than 25% of all CSR spending happens in 5 states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu while north east states are mostly neglected.

Historically CSR spending has never been reported so it cannot be concluded whether CSR spending has increased or decreased after the law came into effect. Like a company who may be voluntarily spending more than 2% of their profit may now just spend just 2% to meet obligation and vice versa.

There are evidences which suggests that companies under the garb of CSR spending have increased their profit as it results in brand building, employee engagement and good public relations. This saves lot of money for companies kept under marketing and promotion of products.

CSR law can be seen as an indirect way to increase corporate tax, which is already among the highest in the world (As per KPMG, India – 34.61%, World Avg – 24.09%) as it is spent on social welfare programme which does not generate profit for the firms. This high rate not only makes Indian firms less competitive in international market but also hampers foreign investments in India.

Though CSR law compel firms to contribute towards social welfare through spending a part of their profit in some initiatives but it does emphasize upon outcomes of those initiatives.

There is also non-availability of well-organized nongovernmental organizations esp in remote and rural areas that can assess and identify real needs of the community and work along with companies to ensure successful implementation of CSR activities.

Yet another reason is that there is a lack of consensus between various local agencies regarding CSR projects resulting in duplication of efforts by companies. This give rise to a competitive spirit between local implementing agencies rather than building collaborative approaches on issues.

CSR law enlists only few genres of works like eradicating extreme hunger and poverty, promoting education, social business projects which is too vague to work as legal definition.

CSR does not talk about enforcement mechanism or penalties in case of noncompliance.

Important CSR provisions under companies act, 2013

CSR applicable to companies with at least 5 crore net profit or 1000 cr turnover or 500 cr net worth.

Companies will have to spend 2% of their 3 year average annual net profit in CSR activities in each financial year starting from 2014-15.

VANJEEVAN

Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs in collaboration with UNDP and National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) launched “Vanjeevan” the National Resource Centre (NRC) for Tribal Livelihood issues at Bhubaneswar.

National Scheduled Tribe Finances and development Corporation (NSTFDC) was set up in 2001 as non-profit company under ministry of Tribal Affairs, GoI. It provides financial assistance at concessional rates of interest for undertaking viable income generating activities to the Scheduled Tribes up to double the poverty line. The scheme will identify problems related to livelihood issues, provide skill training and to facilitate entrepreneurship and employment among tribal people.

NRC will serve as an apex central institution within Ministry of Tribal Affairs to act as research and technical hub for the socio-economic development of tribal communities. In first phase it will be launched in selected districts of six states having low HDI value of tribal people. These states are Assam, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha and Telangana.

In 2nd phase, programme will be implemented in Arunachal Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Meghalaya and Tripura.

The centre will also have a knowledge hub that will give special emphasis on traditional tribal knowledge and make a sync with new business models and employment opportunities

MANIPUR ISSUE

Manipur has created 7 new districts taking total number of districts in state to 16. Manipur has largely three main communities- the Naga and Kuki, who are tribals and Meitei who are non- tribals. While the Naga and the Kuki occupy the hilly areas, the Meitei reside in the valley. The demand of new districts has been a subject of ethnic strife in Manipur since 1971. Naga and Kuki villages are located side by side in all four hill districts of Manipur thus complicating the issue.

The United Naga Council (UNC), which claims to represent Naga interest, is opposed to the creation of the Sadar Hills district out of the Senapati district, with a substantial Naga population. They allege that two districts, Sadar and Jiribam, would encroach the ancestral land of the Nagas. The state government denying the charge stated that the move was purely aimed for administrative convenience and with no ulterior motives.

Current Affairs Summary-December 2016: RESERVATION FOR KANNADIGAS

Karnataka govt. has released draft amendments to Karnataka Industrial Employment (Standing Order) Rules of 1961 which will provide 100% reservation for Kannadigas for blue collar jobs in private sector.

It will be applicable to all companies receiving government concessions except those in IT and Bio Tech sectors. Companies that don’t comply will be denied concessions by government.

It may trigger a similar response from other states for reserving quota of jobs in private sector for local people endangering unity and integrity of the nation by promoting divisive tendencies.

Private companies hire employee purely on the basis of merit but if “son of the soil policy” is applied in hiring it would mean giving primacy to regional factors than merit.

Private companies may not remain competitive in international market if such rules will be imposed upon them.

REGULATION OF NGOs UNDER FCRA ACT

Under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 2010 (FCRA 2010), licences of around 20,000 of 33,000 NGOs were cancelled by the government thus barring them from receiving foreign funds. Independent analysis has revealed that nearly Rs 6000 crores have been amassed as cash and cash equivalents and for acquisition of vast tracts of real estate by NGOs in violation of FCRA. The FCRA, 2010 regulates the acceptance and utilization of foreign contribution or foreign hospitality by certain individuals or associations or companies. It prohibits acceptance and utilization of foreign contribution or foreign hospitality for any activities detrimental to national interest. Funds can be collected only for research, training, awareness, rehabilitation and relief for victims of man-made and natural calamities, maintenance of buildings and real estate for philanthropic activities.

India is a party to International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which incorporates the right to freedom of association. Access to resources, particularly foreign funding, is part of the right to freedom of association. FCRA is in violation of this Covenant.

Restrictions in the name of “public interest” and “economic interest” are too vague making it possible for arbitrary executive action and they fail the test of “legitimate restrictions”. It is alleged that Government is using the Act to silence dissent.

Qatar’s Importance for India

Qatar is the largest supplier of LNG to it, accounting for 66 per cent of the total imports in 2015-16. Important trading Partner: Bilateral trade in 2014-15 standing at $15.67 billion of which India’s exports were only $1 billion.

Security and welfare of Indian community: Indians form largest expatriate community in Qatar. There are over expatriate 630,000 Indians in Qatar.

To counter radicalization: close cooperation is essential to counter radicalization in India.

Qatar is member of Gulf cooperation council (GCC), close cooperation with Qatar is essential for maintaining stable relation in Gulf region.

INDIA-SINGAPORE

DTAA is a tax treaty signed between two or more countries. Its key objective is that tax-payers in these countries can avoid being taxed twice for the same income. A DTAA applies in cases where a tax-payer resides in one country and earns income in another.

FDI flows from Singapore stood at $50.6 billion between April 2000 and Sept 2016, contributing more than 16 percent to total capital inflows during that period, second only to Mauritius.

DTAA with Singapore, Mauritius and Cyprus give full exemption on capital gains to investors as there’s no cap gains in contracting countries. These agreements were misused for round tripping black money.

To curb revenue loss and check menace of black money through automatic exchange of information, India recently revised treaties with Mauritius and Cyprus and joint declaration was signed with Switzerland.

India signed a third protocol with Singapore to amend the bilateral double taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA), in a move to check tax evasion.

The India-Singapore DTAA at present provides for residence-based taxation of capital gains of shares in a company. The Third Protocol amends the DTAA with effect from April, 2017 to provide for source based taxation of capital gains arising on transfer of shares in a company.  It will allow India to levy capital gains tax on investments coming from Singapore. The tax rate will be half the prevailing Indian rate for the next two years and rates will be equated by April 2019.

For first 2 years, India and Singapore will share the taxes on such gains equally and from third year onwards, all such taxes will accrue to India. It is a significant step to plug another loophole on black money. This amendment effectively closes one route of laundering domestic black money by “round-tripping”. Regulators have long suspected rich Indians routing money through these tax jurisdictions, and channeling money back to India. This is in line with India’s treaty policy to prevent double non-taxation, curb revenue loss and check the menace of black money through automatic exchange of information

This is a taxpayer friendly measure and is in line with India’s commitments under Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Action Plan to meet the minimum standard of providing Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP) access in transfer pricing cases.

Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago, straddling the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It can potentially control all the straits linking the southern Indian Ocean to the South China Sea. India needs to look for partners who can play a stabilising role in the Indo-Pacific region as China is showing its naval muscle in the South China Sea and its strategic and commercial reach through ‘One Belt One Road’. India has a stake in the diversity of Islam found in Indonesia against exclusive and homogenising influences. Indonesia and India can provide complementary models for coexistence of religious minorities with majority communities in Asia based on their own traditions of coexistence India could also learn from Bali about a more ‘simple’ Hinduism that is relatively free from caste and sectarian divisions.

Current Affairs Summary-December 2016: INDIA-VIETNAM

Vietnam is the 14th country with which India signed the civil nuclear deal. The two countries had earlier in 1986 signed a pact in the civil nuclear field limited to training. However, the new agreement is broad based and encompasses research on reactors. MoU was signed between Air India and Vietjet Aviation Company for promotion of traffic between Vietnam and India and sharing of best practices in airline operation, ground handling procedure and management. Another MoU was signed between India’s Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) and Vietnam Electricity (EVN) on developing a partnership to jointly work in the area of energy efficiency. A parliamentary cooperation agreement was also signed between LS Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Ngan.

Vietnam extended invitation to India to explore energy in South China Sea and supported India’s multilateral membership plans.

Highlighting India’s importance as a regional power, Vietnam has urged New Delhi to intensify economic engagement with Southeast Asia.

Defence cooperation:

In a further boost to its growing defence ties with Vietnam, India has agreed to train the southeast nation’s Sukhoi-30 fighter pilots. A memorandum of understanding was signed on peacekeeping as well as exchange of delegations.

India-US Visa dispute

In March 2016, India dragged the US to WTO’s dispute settlement body against the latter’s measures imposing increased fees on certain applicants for L-1 and H-1B visa categories. India has stated that the move would impact Indian IT professionals. India has alleged that the US is violating its obligations under General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) as well as the GATS Annex on Movement of Natural Persons Supplying Services, to not discriminate against or between non-US service providers.

Congressional Research Service (CRS) report

 A Congressional report has warned American lawmakers that if visa dispute between India and US moves to formal settlement phase, it could possibly result in WTO-authorised trade retaliation against the U.S. CRS said India contends, among other things, that the 2010 and 2015 fee increases do not comply with “most-favoured-nation (MFN) treatment” under the GATS.

“Major Defence Partner” is based on the concept of the US treating India as its closest ally and partner for the purpose of technology transfer.

India was accorded this status during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington in June 2016. Both sides reviewed the progress in defence ties in recent years, and welcomed the progress achieved under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) intended to promote opportunities for co-production and co-development of weapon systems and platforms.

In the past two years, some major agreements were signed:

The Defence Framework Agreement in 2015, which laid a blueprint for collaboration between the defence establishments

The logistics support agreement Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA)

INDIA-CYPRUS

The Indian government has rescinded a notification blacklisting Cyprus, providing relief to investors who route their investments through the Mediterranean island nation. Cyprus’s removal comes after both countries agreed to changes in the double taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA). The revised treaty signed by both the countries gives India the right to tax capital gains from sale of shares on investments made by Cyprus-based companies after 1 April 2017. Cyprus was one of the key destinations through which companies based in Europe and the US invested in India, benefiting from the treaty between both countries. In 2015-16, Cyprus ranked eighth in terms of foreign direct investment into India at $3.3 billion.

About Heart of Asia

The Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process was launched in 2011 and the participating countries include Pakistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and the UAE. 14 member countries are supported by 16 other countries and 12 international organizations. The platform was floated to encourage security, political and economic cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbors.

HEART OF ASIA (HOA) CONFERENCE

India hosted the 6th Ministerial Conference of Heart of Asia (HoA) in Amritsar.

Amritsar Declaration: Called for immediate elimination of terrorism to help the war-ravaged country in its political and economic transition. Members concerned about the increase in production and cultivation of opium in Afghanistan, the volume of drug trafficking and demand in the HoA Region and beyond.

ENVIRONMENTAL REFUGEES

 An increasing number of people globally are facing displacement due to droughts, famines, rising sea levels and other natural disasters caused by climate change. This class of migrants has been labelled as ‘environmental refugees’. This crisis will make almost half a billion people worldwide “environmental refugees” by 2100.

The UN Refugee Convention (1951)

It grants certain rights to people fleeing persecution because of race, religion, nationality, affiliation to a particular social group, or political opinion. The rights they are entitled to follow the principles of non-discrimination, non-penalisation, and non-refoulement. However, people migrating due to environmental disasters have no such recognition of their ‘refugee’ status in international law, leaving them without any basic rights of rehabilitation and compensation.

The Paris Agreement

Paris agreement has mentioned the rights of ‘migrants’ in its Preamble. However, it is an anemic attempt at appreciating the gravity of this crisis. There is also little follow-up in the text of the agreement to address this problem.

Urban plus approach

The sixth edition of Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development (APMCHUD) was held in New Delhi. Asia Pacific countries that account for over 55% of global urban population have resolved to adopt ‘Urban Plus’ approach. This was contained in the ‘New Delhi Declaration’ adopted on the conclusion of the APMCHUD. It also adopted implementation plan. This approach will address ways to make urban expansion sustainable and manageable. This would mean an emphasis on planning for urban and its adjoining peri-urban and rural areas in an integrated manner.

UN MILITARY OBSERVER GROUP IN INDIA AND PAKISTAN

Jose Ramos-Horta has called upon India to allow the U.N. Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play a role in de-escalating tension over the Kashmir issue. Jose Ramos-Horta won the 1996 Nobel peace prize for his role in resolving the violence in East Timor. India in 2014 had asked UNMOGIP to wind up its work in Kashmir and earlier this year the MEA spokesperson had reiterated that the UNMOGIP did not have the mandate to monitor situation in Kashmir. India has contended that the U.N. mission’s mandate, set up in 1948 had lapsed in 1971 after the ceasefire line changed to Line of Control (LoC), and the Shimla agreement.

‘URBAN PLUS’ APPROACH

The New Delhi Declaration has strongly advocated planning for urban and adjoining rural areas in an integrated manner instead of looking at them as independent entities. The Declaration also called for a thorough review of existing policies and formulation of new policies to promote New Urban Agenda adopted at the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Development in Quito, Ecuador in October 2016.

KAFALA LABOUR SYSTEM

Qatar formally announced the end of its controversial “kafala” system. The kafala system is a system used to monitor migrant laborers, working primarily in the construction and domestic sectors, in Lebanon, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The system requires all unskilled laborers to have an in-country sponsor, usually their employer, who is responsible for their visa and legal status. The workers need their permission to switch jobs or leave the country. The system was compared to modern-day slavery and left vulnerable workers with little protection and open to abuse.

RUSSIAN-TURKISH PEACE INITIATIVE FOR SYRIA

The UN Security Council has unanimously approved a resolution supporting a Russian-Turkish peace initiative for Syria, including an ongoing ceasefire and talks in late January 2017 in Kazakhstan. The resolution aims to pave the way for the new talks under the aegis of key Syria government backers Russia and Iran, and of Turkey, which backs rebel groups. Washington has been kept out from recent peace initiative.

ONE CHINA POLICY

US President-elect Donald Trump questioned US persistence with a one-China policy. The President-elect indicated that he wants concessions from China over key issues such as trade, South China Sea disputes and the North Korea nuclear crisis, and that by raising the sensitive Taiwan issue, he is trying to gain some bargaining leverage over China. China’s Foreign Ministry warned that any change in the one-China policy, if pursued by US, will impair ties between Beijing and Washington. The one-China policy underscores recognition of China’s sovereignty over Taiwan — a position that has been held by the U.S. since 1979. The One-China policy refers to the policy or view that there is only one state called “China”, despite the existence of two governments that claim to be “China”. As a policy, this means that countries seeking diplomatic relations with People’s Republic of China (PRC, Mainland China) must break official relations with the Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan) and vice versa. Any country that wants to establish political and diplomatic relations with China must agree to adhere to this principle and not recognise Taiwan as an independent country. Currently, 21 states recognize Taiwan as a sovereign country. Since 1979, Taiwan has had to negotiate its ‘international living space’ but it has largely honoured the ‘One China’ principle.

XISHA AND NANSHA ISLANDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy commemorated the 70th anniversary of the recovery of the Xisha and Nansha Islands, the Chinese names of Paracel and Spratly islands in the SCS. In compliance of the Cairo Declaration and Potsdam Proclamation, China in November-December 1946 designated officials to proceed to the islands by four warships to take over the islands, illegally occupied by Japan. China’s claims over the SCS was contested by Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

INDUS WATER TREATY (IWT)

India has constituted a high-level task force under Principal Secretary to Prime Minister to decide on measures to be taken to ensure full utilisation of its share of river waters under the Indus Water Treaty. The Indus Water Treaty of 1960 allocates the waters of three rivers of the Indus basin to India and of the other three to Pakistan. India has full rights over the so-called eastern rivers – Sutlej, Beas and Ravi – while it must allow the three western rivers – Indus, Chenab and Jhelum – to flow unrestricted to Pakistan. Pakistan has lodged a fresh complaint with World Bank over a run-of-the-river project on Kishanganga River in Jammu and Kashmir. It has also raised a dispute over construction of Ratle Dam over Chenab River.

INDIA-NEPAL

Nepal has rejected India’s ‘open sky’ offer to allow unlimited flights between the two countries. Nepal said it was not yet ready for the agreement and it might consider the proposal two years later. Among SAARC countries, India doesn’t have any ‘open sky’ agreement with Pakistan, Nepal and Afghanistan.

MAJOR PORTS AUTHORITY BILL, 2016

Union cabinet approved Major Ports Authority Bill, 2016 that will replace Major Ports Trusts Act, 1963. Issues with the ports

• Port Trusts are not leasing out the land to Private operators in time.
• Multiple agencies are involved in decision making process leading to delay.
• Multiple stakeholders are interpreting the concession agreements in their own way causing differences and litigations.
• Presently there is no independent board to look into disputes between stakeholders.

 Even though 100% FDI is allowed in Port sector, still tendering process inviting bidding from top MNC’s is not usually followed citing security issues.

It proposes to simplify composition of Board of Port Authority (BPA) comprising of only 11 members including 3-4 independent directors from present 17-19 members. Bill propose to divest Tariff Authority of Major Ports (TAMP) of its power to regulate tariffs and delegate this power to BPA to fix tariff which will act as a reference tariff for purpose of bidding PPP projects.

Bill will help in reorienting the governance model of Central ports to Landlord port model. Presently most major ports in India carries out terminal operations as well, resulting in hybrid model of port governance.

While globally landlord port model is followed consistent with market oriented economy this resulted in conflict of interest in India between the port trusts and the private sector, with the former acting both as port regulators and providers of commercial services in many instances.

LANDLORD PORT MODEL

Ownership of the port remains with port authority. Infrastructure is leased to private firms that provide and maintain their own superstructure and install own equipment to handle cargo. In return, the landlord port gets a share of the revenue from the private entity.

SERVICE PORT MODEL

Port authority owns the land and all available assets-fixed and mobile-and performs all regulatory and port functions. The port trust is both landlord and the cargo terminal operator.

ASIA PACIFIC TRADE AND INVESTMENT REPORT, 2016

The Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Report (APTIR) is an annual major publication of Trade, Investment and Innovation Division of United Nations ESCAP. This report helps to understand trends and developments in trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region.

ESCAP

It is a regional development arm of UN for Asia-Pacific region, home to more than 2/3rd of world population. Founded in Bangkok, 1947 it comprises of 53 Member States and 9 Associate Members. It provides most comprehensive multilateral platform for promoting cooperation among member States achieve inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific. Report states that because of uncertainty in global economic policy, slow economic growth followed by fall in world commodity price, Asia-Pacific trade flows kept wavering.

In Asia–Pacific region services trade more than doubled between 2005 and 2015, from just under $600 billion to close to $1,400 billion. Exports are expected to increase by 4.5% and imports by 6.5% in developing countries of Asia-Pacific in 2017, but the report forecasts more modest growth in volumes of exports and imports, at 2.2% and 3.8%, respectively. A worrisome trend of high usage of restrictive trade policies, especially non-tariff measures, in the region. Region even saw a proliferation of Preferential Trade Agreements (PTA), with Asia-Pacific region contributing to almost 63 per cent of world PTAs, curbing a momentum towards region-wide free trade.

India’s international and intra-regional trade cost remained higher compared with trade cost of best performing economies in Asia and Pacific, although a declining trend has been observed since 2009.

FDI inflow in India during 2010-15 expanded at the rate of 10% on an average while in 2015 alone FDI flow expanded at staggering 27.8% which was significantly higher than Asia-Pacific region avg of 5.6%.

DRAFT NATIONAL POLICY ON SOFTWARE PRODUCTS

Government released the Draft National Policy on Software Products for public consultation. Need for a new Software policy. The first Software policy came up in 1986. It resulted into Software Technology Park (STP) scheme in 1991. But, past few years have seen serious decline in growth, owing to rapid transformation in technology and Software industry, globally.

There are fostering new opportunities for the industry such as decline in working age population in many developed and developing economies, increased technology adoption and globalization. Thus, there is a need for focused strategies to increase the global spread of our IT-ITES sector which at present drives its business mainly from limited geographies.

With internet penetration reaching 400 million and with more than a billion mobile phone connections, the opportunities to leverage the soft power of Indian IT professional for producing niche innovative IT solutions for Indian needs is enormous.

Though India is well positioned to further grow in services sector, however for the holistic growth there is a need for a National Policy on Software Products that can synergies the efforts of the Government and Industry to create a robust Software Product Industry.

To create conductive environment for creation of 10,000 technology startups to develop software products and thereby generating a direct and in-direct employment for 3.5 million persons. To strive for a tenfold increase in share of the Global Software product market by 2025. To create a specialized talent pool of 100,000 professionals by 2025.

Developing linkages with other sectors including core & social infrastructure and service sector. Creating disruptive innovations and cutting edge technologies, improved R&D and innovation ecosystem.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY VS COMPETITION LAW

The IPR is often seen overriding the Competition law brewing a fresh debate each time whether the two are good enough for the producers and consumers alike.

What is IPR (Intellectual Property Rights)?  Intellectual Property Rights are the rights given to a creator over the use of his creations. It is aimed at incentivizing creativity and innovation.

It can include creations such a new drug composition, business module, product, software and so on.

Some of the aspects of intellectual property include patents, trademarks, copyrights, geographical indications and industrial designs.

What is Competition Law?

Competition law seeks to avoid market barriers and benefit consumers by encouraging competition among a multiplicity of suppliers of goods, services and technologies.

The Competition Law has been put in place in order to ensure competitive environment among the firms.

India’s Competition Law was formulated as Competition Act 2002 which was later amended in 2007. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) under the ambit of Competition Act prevents practices having adverse effect on competition, promotes and sustains competition in markets, protects the interests of consumers and ensures freedom of trade carried on by the participants.

Intersection of the two laws is observed when there is an interchange in the exclusive rights given by IP law to a company and the anti-competition practices that the Competition Law tries to protect.

The Competition law stands abused when IPR holder imposes unfair and discriminatory conditions or price. Limits or restricts production of goods or provision of services. Denies market access to other entities.

Uses its dominant position in one market to enter into another market.

India under section 84 of Patents Act 1980 granted compulsory license to NATCO for production the anti-cancer drug Nexavar against Bayer which was holding patent for Nexavar. In developing countries, strengthening of IP law has taken place without commensurate levels of anti-competitive practices.

Competition Commission of India also does not have required competence to deal with this trade off that exists between IP law and Competition law.

The ratio of cash to gross domestic product is one of the highest in the world- 12.42% in 2014, compared with 9.47% in China or 4% in Brazil. Therefore, RBI has also recently unveiled a document-“Payments and Settlement Systems in India: Vision 2018”- setting out a plan to encourage electronic payments and to enable India to move towards a cashless society or economy in the medium and long term.

 (MeitY) has launched a TV channel named ‘DigiShala’  Vittiya Saksharata Abhiyan (VISAKA) was launched by HRD Ministry to make people aware about cashless economic system.

 Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched a TV channel named ‘DigiShala’ to promote cashless transactions. The channel was launched as part of the ‘Digidhan’ campaign which aims to spread awareness about digital transactions.

Other miscellaneous steps:

To enable mobile banking on feature phones, the USSD charges have been rationalized and reduced from Rs. 1.50 per SMS to Rs. 0.50; an application for mobile phone payments (*99#) in four languages has been developed

Ratan Watal Committee

An 11-member committee was notified in September 2016 by the Union Finance Ministry to review existing payment systems in country and recommend appropriate measures for encouraging Digital Payments. The strategy must be backed with regulatory regime which is conducive to bridging the Digital divide by promoting competition, interoperability and open access in payments. The committee recommended making regulation of retail payments independent from the function of RBI to give digital payments boost. It had called for establishing separate Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) as an independent body for retail payments and suggested that RBI’s regulation must be kept only for SIPS (systemically important payment system).

VITTIYA SAKSHARATA ABHIYAN (GO DIGITAL)

ROLE OF MARKET STABILISATION SCHEME BONDS

The government increased the ceiling of market stabilisation scheme (MSS) bonds to Rs. 6 lakh crore, from the earlier Rs. 30000 crore. The demonetisation drive has resulted in banks having lot of excess funds skewing bond yields and interest rates, disrupting the functioning of the market. The central bank also imposed 100% CRR requirement on deposits collected between September 16 and November 11, to suck out excess liquidity. Though the hike in CRR sucked out Rs.3.24 lakh crore from banks, there are certain challenges such as: This amount will not earn any interest.

Jam the transmission of liquidity adjustment facility rates and lending rates

What is MSS scheme?

MSS is a mechanism to give more powers to RBI to manage liquidity. To suck out the over-liquidity from the market. It was first used in February 2004 when the country was flushed with dollar inflows, which needed to be converted into the rupee. Raised money goes to separate Market Stabilization Scheme Account (MSSA), not for government expenditure.

The central board of RBI, in the past 3 years, is shrinking. RBI board has four independent members and six executives (representing the RBI and government) while the expected structure should have 14 independent members and 7 executives.

MSS bonds bear an interest rate that can boost banks’ income. This incentivizes banks to participate effectively in demonetization drive. MSS as SLR bonds: MSS bonds can also be used to calculate banks’ mandatory bond holding. MSS bonds does not increase Government’s fiscal deficit.

According to CRISIL, the stock of G-secs with the RBI, necessary to conduct reverse repo operations, is limited.

THE GOVERNANCE OF RESERVE BANK OF INDIA

The vacancies in RBI have been sizeable and questions on autonomy of RBI have been posed.

Empty regional boards: There have been no new appointments to the local boards. Each regional boards sends one representative to central board.

Vacancy in central boards: The current government has made only three appointments to 10 positions and the rest have remained vacant for a very long time.

Secrecy: is given as a reason for interference by the government.

The continuous but random changes in the procedures of replacing old notes and continuous interference gives the impression that RBI is a virtual department of the government. This will have long-term effects on the economy; especially how the rest of the world perceives policymaking in India. Confidence in the financial sector and in how it is regulated will be seriously affected. The relationship between RBI governor and boards and the government has to be healthy, collaborative and mutually respectful. Post the north Atlantic financial crisis, central bank’s role in the economy goes beyond monetary policy and extends to growth and financial stability. With stable tenures and board members from various fields, this can be achieved.

The RBI board has had representatives from agriculture, social services and even scientists in the past. RBI is not just a monetary authority worried exclusively on issues of inflation, but much beyond. Tenure: Having a period shorter than five years (Raghuram Rajan term ended in 3 years) does not allow the governor sufficient time to implement his/her agenda and also politicizes the extension of tenure. Five-year tenure to the governor and deputy governors can be given.

PERSISTENT POVERTY OF INDIAN STATE

According to the Economic Survey, India’s ratio of tax-to-GDP (gross domestic product) is 5.4 percentage points below that of comparable countries. At 16.6% tax to GDP ratio necessitates the government to take immediate steps to mop up revenue sources. India has one direct tax payer for every 16 voters.

To support social sector and capital expenditure, the ratio of taxpayers to GDP will have to rise to 23%. Therefore, bringing more people into the tax net through some form of direct taxation will help. Goods and Services Tax, which seeks to create a seamless national market will create buoyancy in markets and increase the ratio.

Simplification of direct tax laws as suggested by Justice Easwar committee must be looked into.

BILATERAL INVESTMENT TREATY

India recently unilaterally terminated its Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with Netherlands and it has also served notices to 20 EU members for termination of their respective BITs.A BIT is an agreement between two countries that help formulation of rules for foreign investment in each other’s countries. BIT offers protection to foreign investor by holding the host state accountable for exercise of their regulatory power through an independent international arbitration mechanism. India changed its model BIT treaty in 2015. This model pays a greater emphasis to the state’s regulatory power. India was one of the most sued countries in 2015. Indian signed some 70-odd BITs from 1994-2011 which were investor friendly. Post 2011, the trend has been its opposite. Termination of the treaty means that new foreign investment would not enjoy treaty protection. However, it will not impact the existing foreign investment in India as most BITs ensure investment protection even after the expiration of the treaty for the next 10-15 years. Foreign investors will now have to rely completely on domestic laws and domestic courts to safeguard their interests. Given the dual nature of BITs, their termination will result in lesser protection for Indian investors abroad as well

ONE TIME LICENSING FOR DRUGS

The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) recently recommended one-time licensing for manufacture and sales of drugs. At present, the renewal of licenses for each formulation rests with state regulators and takes around three years. The board has also asked for separate rules for manufacturing, import, sale and distribution of cosmetics. It has suggested the European Union’s model. It has proposed making influenza drugs Oseltamivir and Zanamavir available widely at all pharmacies, by putting it in the Schedule H1 list. It retained the four-year approval threshold for ‘new drugs’ because the domestic industry felt if the definition of a new drug is extended to 10 years, innovation will take a back seat. Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB): It is the highest statutory decision-making body under the Union Health ministry on technical matters. It is constituted as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

INDIA REPORTS FISHERY SUBSIDIES TO WTO

India has notified the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on the subsidies it pays fishermen. According to the UN FAO’s ‘State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture’, almost a third of commercial fish stocks are now fished at biologically unsustainable levels. The subsidies were provided to fishermen who were either homeless or poor boat owners, those with registered craft and members of fishermen cooperative societies. They went for vital components such as:

• Fuel, purchase of inboard machine, purchasing nets, accessories, life-saving jackets etc.,
• Insurance cover to fishermen for accident due to cyclone/mishap/calamities etc.,
• India’s stand
• Ban on subsidies for IUU fishing could lead to prohibition even on fishing that could be termed non-IUU.
• This could, in turn, harm the interests of lakhs of subsistence fisher folk in poor and developing nations.
• Way forward
• US too gives certain subsidies that benefit several sectors, including fishing industry. All the subsidies must be included.
• Also, currently there is no unanimity among WTO members on what constitutes IUU fishing. This should be achieved first.

COAL MITRA

GoI launched Coal Mitra web portal to facilitate coal swapping among government and private firms. There is inadequate supply of fuel like coal and gas to power generating station. CIL supply is only 65% of total requirement so most of demand is met through import thus escalating generation cost. Financial health of most of the DISCOMS are in bad shape because of under recovery of dues, various populist schemes and transmission and distribution losses.

PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (PFMS)

PFMS, administered by the department of expenditure, is an end-to-end solution for processing payments, tracking, monitoring, accounting, reconciliation and reporting. PFMS platform compiles, collates and makes available in real-time, information regarding all government schemes, and, significantly, provides the government real-time information on resource availability and utilisation across schemes. Centre stands to save a significant amount on interest costs when the Public Financial Management System is implemented

The government launched the PM’s Fasal Bima Yojana in February 2016 in a bid to offer some respite to the farmers from the vagaries of nature. Recently, its performance was reviewed. Before the launch of PMFBY, National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and Modified NAIS were serving the farmers. However, the scheme was not successful in providing the farmers the much needed benefits. The sum insured under these schemes were insufficient. Also, compensation to the farmers took several months.

How Does PMFBY Works?

A technical committee in each district decides the sum insured taking into account all the costs incurred by the farmers. Premiums are decided by assessing the risk involved through mathematical and statistical calculation (actuarial analysis). Also, there is no capping on the premium. Both public and private insurance companies come together to decide the premium. The premium is then subsidized. The farmer only has to pay 2% for kharif crop, 1.5% for rabi crops and 5% for annual commercial crops. The rest is paid by the government (divided equally between the Centre and the States). High technology including smartphones, GPS, drones and satellites are to be used for accuracy, transparency, and faster assessment of damages and settling claims.

What is PMUY: Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: PMUY scheme provides free LPG connections in the name of woman head of BPL household identified through Socio-Economic Caste Census Data. It will help in replacing the unclean cooking fuels mostly used in rural India with clean and more efficient LPG resulting in empowerment of women and protecting their health.

INDIAN ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT SERVICE (IEDS)

Government approved the creation of IEDS in office of Development Commissioner under Micro Small and Medium Enterprise ministry (MSME)

Key Features of IEDS

Will have cadre strength of 617 officers including 6 officers at the joint secretaries level. It will be created by absorbing 11 trades in which recruitment had been done through different rules. Its headquarter will be in Delhi and will also have 72 field offices of Development commissioner. Out of 72 field offices, 30 will be MSME development institute and 28 branch institute. It will help in strengthening the organization and also help in fulfilling the vision of “Start up India”, “Stand up India” and “Make in India” by promoting indigenous industries. This will not only increase efficiency and capacity of MSME but will also ensure growth in the sector.

GARV II APP

Power ministry launched GARV app to provide real time data about rural electrification in all (6 lakh) villages of the country.

Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY)

Flagship programme of power ministry to facilitate 24*7 power supply esp in rural area villages. t was launched in 2015 in Patna. Earlier scheme for rural electrification called Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) has been subsumed in this scheme.

Need for GARV II APP

Earlier GARV app only provided data about rural electrification regarding 18,452 unelectrified villages while GARV II will provide real time data about all villages. It will ensure transparency in rural electrification programme as it will be open to public scrutiny through feedback and suggestions unlike earlier GARV app. It has a citizen engagement window called “SAMVAD” through which people can provide their feedback and suggestion which will be automatically forwarded to concerned authorities.

FINANCIAL DATA MANAGEMENT CENTRE (FDMC)

To establish, operate and maintain the financial system database, collect financial regulatory data and provide access to it. Standardize data from all financial sector regulators in a single database. To provide analytical support to the FSDC on issues relating to financial stability.

SMART CITIES: PROBLEMS IN IMPLEMENTATION

US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) officials entrusted with engaging with India on the Smart Cities initiative have flagged certain issues in its implementation.

US is partnering in developing Ajmer, Allahabad and Visakhapatnam as smart cities

Issues Flagged by USTDA Officials

Lack of clarity in governance for execution of projects and on the role and functions of Special Purpose Vehicles at different levels of government

No allocation of fund to some state governments due to requirement for some prior work to be done by states shows lack of adequate cooperation between centre and state governments.

No exclusive investment desk along the lines of the ones provided to Japan and Korea. Such a desk will be conducive for attracting investment from US investors

The Reserve Bank of India’s recent decision to waive 2FA for transactions less than Rs.2,000 treats may compromise higher-value payments and be a detrimental step. For a government which has staked its future heavily on the success of the Digital India programme, cyber security vulnerability cannot be neglected. Therefore the above steps need to be implemented as soon as possible.

Recently the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEE) approved the Centrally Sponsored scheme named Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism (LWE) Affected Areas. The project will be launched under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). Ministry of Rural Development will be the sponsoring as well as the implementing Ministry of this project. It aims at providing all weather road connectivity to the 44 worst affected LWE districts and the adjoining districts. Parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are considered LWE-affected areas.

PMGSY aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to all unconnected habitations in rural areas of the country

Though Pakistan believes it can mount pressure on India to come back for talks, it hardly seems to be working, as the world is getting impatient with terror attacks now. This can be seen from United States responses to terror attacks in the past, when it had quickly intervened after Kaluchak and Mumbai attacks, it’s not doing so now. Diplomatically too all South Asian nations except Pakistan sided with India in boycotting this year’s SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Summit which was to be held in Islamabad. India needs to keep tightening the screws with more economic, diplomatic as well as military pressure on Pakistan.

SMART ANTI-AIRFIELD WEAPON

The Defence and Research Development Organisation (DRDO) had successfully tested a Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) from an Indian Air Force aircraft.

KONKAN EXERCISE

It is the annual bilateral maritime exercise between the navies of the UK and India.

INDIAN NAVY DAY

The 45th Navy Day was celebrated on the 4th of December 2016. It is celebrated every year on the same day to commemorate the launch of Operation Trident against Pakistan on 4th December, 1971. The day is chosen because it was on 4th December 1971 during the India-Pakistan war; the Indian Navy played a significant role in the bombing of the Karachi harbour.

Vessels inducted in the Indian Navy in 2016

Kamov Ka-226TINS MarmugaoINS ChennaiINS Kadamatt INS Tarmugli INS Karna

 The 3 missile boats:

 INS Nipat,

 INS Nirghat and

 INS Veer, played an important role in the attack

 The present 23rd Indian Navy Chief is Admiral Sunil Lamba.

5. ENVIRONMENT 5.1. FIRST 2G ETHANOL BIO-REFINERY IN PUNJAB

First Generation Biofuel: They are produced directly from food crops.  Crops such as wheat and sugar are the most widely used feedstock

Second Generation Biofuel: They are produced from marginal croplands unsuitable for food production or non-food crops such as wood, organic waste, food crop waste and specific biomass crops. For example- Jatropha. Thus, it overcomes over food vs fuel debate in first generation biofuel.

Third Generation Biofuels: It is based on improvements on the production of biomass by taking advantage of specially engineered energy crops such as algae as its energy source.

Fourth Generation Biofuels: Fourth Generation Bio-fuels are aimed at producing sustainable energy and also capturing and storing carbon dioxide.

This process differs from second and third generation production as at all stages of production the carbon dioxide is captured which can be then geo-sequestered. This carbon capture makes fourth generation biofuel production carbon negative rather than simply carbon neutral, as it is ‘locks’ away more carbon than it produces.

WINTER FOG EXPERIMENT

Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has launched Winter Fog Experiment (WIFEX 2016-17) to achieve better understanding of fog life cycle at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), Delhi. The main scientific objective of this project is to study the characteristics and variability of fog events and associated dynamics, thermodynamics and fog microphysics. The physical and chemical characteristics of fog, meteorological factors responsible for its genesis, sustenance, intensity and dissipation are poorly understood. Similarly, meteorological conditions like humidity, wind and synoptic conditions are also not well studied.

DENSE FOG IN NORTH INDIA DUE TO CYCLONIC ACTIVITY

This year fog has arrived early in north India under the influence of cyclonic activity in the Bay of Bengal and light easterly winds blowing over the Indo-Gangetic plains. Low level easterly winds blowing from the Bay of Bengal due to cyclonic activity near the southeast of the Indian peninsula have brought humidity to the entire region. This along with higher humidity near river beds has resulted in close to or above 75 percent humidity in most areas. This has in turn led to lower temperatures and dense fog.

Easterlies from the Bay of Bengal are light, cold winds that have brought about humidity unlike the western disturbances that are colder and drier.

CYCLONE VARDAH

Cyclone Vardah made a landfall on Chennai on December 10, 2016 uprooting trees, causing heavy rainfall and bringing the metropolitan to a standstill. Cyclone Vardah is a tropical storm that originated in the Bay of Bengal. It slammed Chennai and adjacent parts of Andhra Pradesh coast.

Even if the Paris climate deal is honoured, a 2 degree rise in temperature has been predicted. This in turn would lead to a rise in sea level.

What are Cyclones

Cyclones are tropical storms/rapidly rotating wind systems formed over tropical oceans. They are characterized by low-pressure centres, a closed low-level atmospheric circulation, strong winds and thunderstorms that cause heavy rain. Tropical storms are known by different names in different parts of the world such as Hurricane in the Atlantic, Typhoon in the Pacific and Cyclone in the Indian Ocean. India is exposed to nearly 10% of the world’s tropical cyclone owing to its long coastline. Majority of cyclones originate in the Bay of Bengal and therefore mostly hit the east coast of the Indian sub-continent.

The Indian coast line was hit by other cyclones in 2016 such as Roanu and Nada.

NGT DECISIONS

DIRECTIONS ON SAMBHAR LAKE

National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Rajasthan government to cancel allotments of salt pans in the Sambhar Salt Lake that fall within the wetland.

About Sambhar Lake

Sambhar Salt Lake is India’s largest inland salt lake. It is located in Nagaur and Jaipur districts of Rajasthan. It is surrounded on all sides by the Aravali hills. It has been designated as a Ramsar site and also an Important Bird Area. The site is important for a variety of wintering waterbirds, including large numbers of flamingos. The illegal business of brine extraction in the Sambhar Lake was first highlighted in the Vinod Kapoor fact-finding report in 2010. Protection Acts of 1986 and 2010.

NGT

It has been established in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010. It has been established for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources. It also includes enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith. The Tribunal is not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, and is guided by principles of natural justice. The Tribunal is mandated to make and endeavour for disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing of the same. New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting of the Tribunal and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai shall be the other four place of sitting of the Tribunal.

It adjudicates matters relating to following Acts-

• Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
• Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
• Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
• The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
• Forest Conservation Act
• Biological Diversity Act

BACTERIA RESISTANT TO “LAST RESORT” ANTIBIOTIC

Scientists at the Ohio State University have identified bacteria resistant to carbapenems in a swine farming operation. Scientists have recovered 18 isolates of multiple Enterobacteriaceae species harbouring the beta-lactamase gene IMP-27, which confers resistance to carbapenem antibiotics. This family of bacteria includes pathogens such as Escherichia Coli. While plasmid-mediated carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) have been earlier reported in European and Asian livestock, it is the first time they have been identified in US livestock. Carbapenems are a last line of defense against drug-resistant bacteria. It is used to treat diseases when no other antibiotics are known to work.

The WHO has adopted a global action plan to combat anti-microbial resistance in May 2015. As per the global action plan, all member countries are to submit national action plans to combat anti-microbial resistance by May 2017.

RISING TEMPERATURES CAUSES SOIL TO RELEASE MORE CO2

Rising global temperatures is triggering carbon release from the soil, according to a study published in the journal Nature. More carbon dioxide in the air would accelerate planetary warming. Soils have accumulated vast amounts of organic matter especially in Tundra and Boreal forests. As the soil warms, microbial activity picks up and carbon or methane is released. Both of which are active greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming.

SOLAR POWER IN INDIA

Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) called for bids to install 1 GW rooftop solar power projects on central government buildings. It is not only SECI’s largest tender but also the single-largest green energy tender in the world in the rooftop category. The project puts India on track to fulfil the promise made under the Paris pact to fight climate change. India has promised to get at least 40% of its total installed power from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. In 2014, PM put a target of generation of 175GW of energy by 2022 through solar power.

ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE: SANJAY GANDHI NATIONAL PARK

Final Notification for an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) area of 59.46 sq kms was notified by the government in Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai.

What is Eco-Sensitive Zone? It is created to act as a buffer for further protection around Protected Areas (PAs) such as National Parks and Wildlife sanctuaries. Activities around such areas are regulated and managed so as to protect the environment.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park

It is part of Western Ghat Biodiversity complex. Mammals found – leopard, wild boar, four-horned antelope, black-naped hare, wild cat, jackal and porcupine Birds- Lesser grebe, Purple Heron, Smaller Egret, Lesser Whistling Teal, Pariah Kite

Reptiles – Indian Cobra and Viper

AMMONIA DETECTED FIRST TIME IN TROPOSPHERE

Researchers for the first time detected trace amount of Ammonia in upper troposphere. It was most concentrated in the upper layer of the troposphere above India and China due to high agricultural emission from livestock farming and fertilisation. It shows that ammonia released on Earth’s surface due to agricultural processes survives all the way to the upper troposphere, and is not washed out completely by monsoon. It means that ammonia not only pollutes the local ecosystem but also plays a role in formation of Aerosols. The accumulation of aerosols in the troposphere is thought to have a cooling effect, as clouds reflect the sun’s energy.

Aerosols

Aerosols are tiny particles made from super-fine solid particles and liquid droplets carried in the atmosphere. They often act as ‘cloud condensation nuclei’ around which cloud droplets are formed. Aerosols can also modify the size of existing cloud particles, and change how the clouds reflect and absorb sunlight, leading to haze and much redder sunrises and sunsets.

GIRAFFES PUT ON EXTINCTION WATCH LIST

Scientists have put Giraffes on the official watch list of threatened and endangered species worldwide calling it “vulnerable”. Giraffe population has shrunk nearly 40 percent in 30 years.

NASA PROBE TO HUNT FOR ‘TROJAN’ ASTEROIDS

National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is set to search for elusive “Trojan” asteroids Asteroids, sometimes called minor planets, are rocky remnants left over from the early formation of our solar system about 4.6 billion years ago. Most of this ancient space rubble can be found orbiting the sun between Mars and Jupiter within the main asteroid belt. NASA’s Dawn spacecraft, launched in 2007, orbited and explored asteroid Vesta for over a year.

About Trojan Asteroids

Trojans are asteroids that are constant companions to planets in our solar system as they orbit the Sun, remaining near a stable point 60 degrees in front of or behind the planet.

There are six planets in our solar system with known Trojan asteroids—Jupiter, Neptune, Mars, Venus, Uranus and Earth.

WORLD’S FIRST WATER-WAVE LASER

Scientists of Technion Institute (Israel) have created the first ‘water-wave laser’ that emits a beam through the interaction of light and water waves. The biggest impediment till now was the large difference in frequencies of water waves and light waves. Water wave laser can be controlled better in terms of emissions and therefore it may be used in ‘lab-on-a-chip’ devices to study cell biology and test new drug therapies.

It can be used to develop cheap nano-laser sensors having range of applications like security.

INNOVATIVE MAGNETIC TETHER FOR SLOWING SPACE JUNK

Japan has launched a cargo ship which will use a half mile long tether to remove some of the debris from Earth’s orbit. The tether, made of aluminium strands and steel wire, is designed to slow the debris, pulling it out of orbit. The automated cargo ship – called Stork or Kounotori – which is carrying the junk collector is bound for the International Space Station and blasted off from Tanegashima Space Center in the North Pacific. The junk collector is the latest in a series of ideas put forward to tackle the problem, including harpooning, sweeping, lassoing and dragging debris into the atmosphere for burning.

COALITION FOR EPIDEMIC PREPAREDNESS AND INNOVATIONS

India will lead the global fight against epidemics as it is a member of the newly formed Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). It will be headquartered in Norwegian Institute for Public Health, in Oslo. Recent outbreaks: SARS, Ebola and Zika – reveal gaps that partnerships like CEPI should fill. CEPI aims to finance and coordinate the development of new vaccines to contain infectious disease epidemics that are usually neglected (like some neglected tropical diseases) The coalition will not focus on diseases that already have adequate attention like rotavirus, but will be guided by WHO’s R&D blueprint (2016), which lists eleven illnesses to focus on like Chikungunya, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) etc.

The steering agencies of the coalition are – Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, GOI; Government of Norway; Wellcome Trust; Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; and World Economic Forum.

LAUNCH OF AGNI-V

India successfully conducted the final test of its indigenous ICBM, Agni-V from Wheeler Island off Odisha coast. The nuclear-capable missile has a strike range of over 5,000-km. It has been developed by DRDO. It can be transported and swiftly launched from anywhere on land. It can even be launched from canisters.

It is a surface-to-surface missile having new technologies incorporated than previous Agni counterparts in terms of navigation and guidance, warhead and engine.

It is one of the most accurate ballistic missile in the world and therefore has high kill efficiency.

Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme

It was conceived by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam for self-sufficiency in missile technology in 1983

DRDO is its implementing agency

It has a time bound objective to develop the following missiles –

• Short range surface to surface ballistic missile – PRITHVI
• Intermediate range surface to surface ballistic missile – AGNI
• Short Range low level surface to air missile – TRISHUL
• Medium range surface to air missile – AKASH
• Third generation anti tank missile – NAG

In 1990s the programme was expanded to include Sagarika (ballistic missile), Dhanush (naval version of Prithvi) and Surya missiles

India has also started working on Agni-VI. It will be capable of being launched from submarines as well as from land, and will have a strike-range of 8,000-10,000 km

JET STREAM IN EARTH’S CORE

European Space Agency’s Swarm satellites have found out an occurrence of Jet streams in the outer core of the Earth’s interior. It is like an accelerating band of molten iron circling the North Pole, like the jet stream in the atmosphere.

Jet Streams

Jet streams are fast-flowing air currents in the atmosphere (usually in upper troposphere) that meander too. Jets streams play a key role in determining the weather because they usually separate and push colder and warmer air. Jet streams that commonly occur in India are –

1.Subtropical westerly jet streams are most prominent in winter season

2.Easterly jet stream which are most dominant in monsoonal season.

This proves a previous research that found out that iron in the outer core is moving faster in the northern hemisphere, mostly under Alaska and Siberia.

Swarm Satellites

ESA’s Swarm satellites measure and track the different magnetic fields caused by the Earth’s core, crust, oceans, mantle, the ionosphere and the magnetosphere. By monitoring magnetic fields, the satellites give scientists a way to figure out how the core’s layers move.

DEAD ZONE IN BAY OF BENGAL

The Bay of Bengal hosts a ‘dead zone’ of an estimated 60,000 square kilometres – Scientists have uncovered evidence that this area is showing signs of one of nature’s most lethal marine features. It can be a reminder of the rising artificial eutrophication and steps that needs to be taken to make the coastal communities eco-friendly.

CHIKUNGUNYA VACCINE

US researchers have developed a vaccine for chikungunya made from an insect-specific virus Eilat virus since it only infects insects and has no impact on people, making the vaccine safe and effective. There is currently no commercial chikungunya vaccine. Traditionally, vaccine development involves trade offs between how quickly the vaccine works and safety. It is still unable to prove effectiveness in humans. The virus is transmitted by the bites of infected female mosquitoes, commonly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. It is characterized by fever and severe joint pain in hands and feet, and may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling or rash. The disease shares some clinical signs with dengue, and can be misdiagnosed. There is no cure for the disease. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms. This is the first vaccine treatment which may become a viable treatment in future.

MITOCHONDRIAL GENE THERAPY

Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA) of United Kingdom has allowed the first mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) by allowing creation of a “three-parent baby” — a child in which a  the vast majority of DNA comes from the mother and father and a small amount of DNA comes from a female donor. The procedure was done through the Pronuclear transfer technique. The benefit of MRT is that it helps in preventing mitochondrial diseases which can be passed on from the affected mother to the offspring. The process can be done by two methodshe Pronuclear transfer and Spindle transfer. In Pronuclear transfer a bit of cytoplasm is usually transferred along with the pronuclei. That means that unacceptably high numbers of disease carrying mitochondria may also get transferred. There are no clinical trials still to conclusively prove its efficacy. It could mark the push to create “Designer babies” which may commoditize mankind etc. Countries like India, USA etc. still have a ban on this technique. Proper Clinical trials is the need of the hour for data to be collected on the safety and efficacy of the technique being used.

LEAP SECOND TO BE ADDED TO FINAL MINUTE OF 2016

This year will last a second longer as a “leap second” will be added to the world’s clocks on New Year’s Eve by timekeepers around the world. Presently the world uses precision atomic clocks in many applications like satellites, where time is kept by measuring the movements of electrons in cesium atoms. Consequently, atomic time is constant, but the Earth’s rotation slows by about two thousandths of a second per day. For example – At the time of the dinosaurs, Earth completed one rotation in 23 hours and it has gained 1 hour since then.

So leap seconds are essential to ensuring atomic time does not move away from time based on the Earth’s spin.

INDIA’S FIRST PRIVATE MOON MISSION

Team Indus, a Bengaluru-based private aerospace company will be sending a spacecraft to the Moon on December 28, 2017 aboard an ISRO rocket. Except for the launch vehicles, all the technology to be used under the mission has been developed in-house by the company. It is one of the four international teams running for the Google Lunar XPRIZE, a $30 million competition to encourage private companies to take up space missions. ISRO’s PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) would launch the spacecraft in a three-day window after completing a rotation around the earth. The space craft would land on Mare Imbrium, a region in the North western hemisphere of the moon.

REMOTE SENSING SATELLITE RESOURCESAT-2A LAUNCHED

In its 38th flight PSLV-C36 successfully launched RESOURCESAT-2A satellite from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota. This is the thirty-seventh consecutive successful mission of PSLV.

RESOURCESAT-2A

It is a remote sensing satellite which will provide information on water bodies, farm lands, crop extent, forests, mineral deposits, and coasts, rural and urban spreads for the next five years. The satellite was launched into the Sun Synchronous Orbit at 825 km height. Much like its predecessors RESOURCESAT 1 and 2, RESOURCESAT-2A also has a three tier imaging system.

It is equipped with an Advanced White Field Sensor (AWiFS) that provides images of 56 metre resolution, (LISS-3) Linear Imaging Self-scanning Sensor and LISS-4 provides image of 23.5m and 5.6m resolution respectively.

SUPERCONDUCTIVITY FOUND IN BISMUTH

A team of researchers at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research have discovered superconductivity in bismuth at a fraction of degree above absolute zero (-273.16° Celsius). Scientists have been trying to discover superconductivity in bismuth for decades but in vain. Scientists in the past have found superconductivity in bismuth in amorphous or crystalline forms. The current theory of superconductivity says that superconducting material must be abundant in free flowing mobile electrons. However, Bismuth has only one mobile electron for every 100,000 atoms. As one electron is shared by 100,000 atoms, the carrier density of bismuth is very small. It invalidates the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer Theory of Superconductivity. According to which, bismuth can only achieve superconductivity at a much lower temperature. With this discovery, bismuth has broken a 50 year old record of strontium titanate of being the lowest carrier density superconductor. This discovery will inspire more research and theoretical work on how low density superconductors work.

ISRO SIGNS DEAL FOR FIRST PRIVATELY BUILT SATELLITE

ISRO for the first time has signed an agreement with a consortium of six companies to deliver India’s first industry-built satellite by 2017. The deal has been signed between ISAC (ISRO Satellite Center) and six private companies. ISAC assembles India’s satellites for communication, remote sensing and navigation. This is the first time ISRO outsourced the construction of an entire satellite.

Bismuth is a high-density, silvery, pink-tinged metal. Bismuth metal is brittle and so it is usually mixed with other metals to make it useful. Its alloys with tin or cadmium have low melting points and are used in fire detectors and extinguishers, electric fuses and solders.

CURBING THE GROWTH OF MALARIA PARASITE

Scientists are using chirality of molecules to cheat the malaria parasite from causing infection in humans. Biomolecules are symmetrical in nature. This property is called chirality. In case of a chiral structure, the carbon atom is central to the molecule while all other elements can be arranged in left handed or right handed way. The constituents of proteins i.e amino acids have a chiral structure and all naturally occurring proteins are made up of L-amino acids. Chiral properties of the L-amino acids are being used to curb the life cycle of Plasmodium Falciparum Plasmodium Falciparum is one of the malaria parasites that causes particularly virulent form of the disease. This parasite has a complex life cycle and one of the important steps is the invasion of red blood cells by this parasite. During the invasion of RBCs, two proteins (AMA1 and RON2) form a junction known as apical membrane. It is at this juncture chiral property of biomolecules can be used by cheating the malarial parasite. Chemically synthesized mirror image of the protein is replaced with the L-amino acid rendering the protein dysfunctional for forming the junction. This technique can prove to be an important breakthrough in the prevention of malaria.

Biomarker: A biologic feature that can be used to measure the presence or progress of disease or the effects of treatment.

Antibody is a protein produced by immune system to fight outside invaders. Since the enemy substance triggers the production of antibodies, such substances are called antigens-anti- being short for antibody, and- gen meaning “producer”. (Similarly, an allergen produces an allergy, and a pathogen produces a pathology or disease.)

BHIM APP

PM Narendra Modi launched a digital payments app known as BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) App on 30th Decemeber 2016. The app has been named after Dr. Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar. BHIM is a UPI-based digital payments app developed by the National Payments Corporation of India. It is one of the major steps towards moving to cashless economy. The app can be used both on Smartphones and feature phones. The app will let you send money to othe UPI accounts or addresses. You can also send money via IFSC (Indian Financial System Code) and MMI (Mobile Indetofier Code) to users that do not have UPI. You can also generate a QR code for a specific amount. A merchant can deduct the said amount by scanning this QR code. Contrary to popular conception, it is not a mobile wallet like PayTM or Mobikwik.It a UPI-based app which is directly linked to your bank account. This app is supported by most banks that already have a UPI based app. The BHIM app will support Aadhaar-based payments in future where transactions will be possible with just a fingerprint impression. If your account is UPI activated then all you need is the Virtual Payment Address (VPA) of the payee. Once you put in the VPA, the app will verify the user. If the payee does not have a UPI account then you can transfer money through IFSC code. You can send up to Rs. 10, 000 per transaction and Rs. 20,000 in any 24 hours.

You can only use one bank account through one mobile number. In other words you will have to reset the entire app if you want to use another bank account registered with the same mobile number.

EBOLA VACCINE

A new Ebola vaccine has been proved to give 100 percent protections in its final test results. The vaccine called rVSV-ZEBOV was developed over a decade ago by the Public Health Agency of Canada and United States Army. It will be highly effective in preventing the disease from spreading in case of a future outbreak.

About Janani Suraksha Yojana

The scheme was launched in 2005. It is the world’s biggest conditional cash-transfer scheme, aimed to promote institutional delivery instead of delivering babies at home. It aims to improve India’s infant and maternal mortality rates. Under the scheme pregnant women choosing to deliver at the hospital and Accredited Social Health Activist who motivated her to take the decision get cash incentives — Rs.1,400 for the woman and Rs.600 for the ASHA in rural areas and Rs.1,000 and Rs.200 respectively in urban areas.

INDIA SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2016

The Council of Social Development recently released India Social Development Report 2016. The theme of the report is ” Disability Rights Perspective ” addressing the fundamental elements of non-derogable rights of the differently abled people.

100 MILLION FOR 100 MILLION CAMPAIGN

President launched a ‘100 Million for 100 Million’ Campaign organized by the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation. The theme of Universal Children’s Day 2016 on 20th November was – “Stop Violence Against Children”. The Campaign aims to mobilise 100 million youth for 100 million underprivileged children across the world, to end child labour, child slavery, violence against children and promote the right of every child to be safe, free, and educated, over the next 5 years. The campaign would use social media for the purpose of sensitising people, building awareness, petitioning, creating demands on governments and international community and asking corporates to ensure no child labour, child slave or trafficked youth is involved in their supply and production chains.

NITI Aayog launched the index on “Performance of Health Outcomes”.

Index is developed with technical assistance from World Bank. It will help rank the states on the basis of their performance on measurable health parameters.

Rationale behind this Index

India has committed to SDG 2030 which also include Goal 3 related to ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well- being for all at all ages. Even National Development Agenda 2015 identified Health (others areas were Education, Nutrition, Women and Children) as priority sector. To achieve the agenda it was imperative to take rapid steps. Though it is a shared responsibility of both Centre and State, Health being a state subject, its implementation largely lies with the state. So, in order to motivate states to take corrective measures by providing true picture of ground reality and to improve health outcomes in India, NITI Aayog came up with this index. It comprises of a set of indicators grouped into relevant domains and sub-domains such as Health outcomes, Governance & Information and Key inputs/processes. The maximum weightage is awarded to measurable Health outcomes. Indicators have been selected based on their continuous availability of the data. It will rank various States on the basis of their performance on measurable health indicators like infant mortality rate, sex ratio at birth and functional 24×7 public health centres. Indicators have been selected based on their periodic availability through existing data sources like SRS etc. Data will be entered and results published on a dynamic web portal hosted by NITI Aayog.

SWASTHYA RAKSHA PROGRAMME

AYUSH ministry has launched Swasthya Raksha Yojana recently to promote health and health education in rural villages. It has been launched on the lines of Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan but with a focus on traditional healthcare services. Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) and Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS) are implementing agencies.

 With promotion of health education and giving AYUSH facilities on scientific lines to the citizens of the nation, the government has taken a welcome step to lower the preventable deaths due to lack of hygiene.

INTEGRATED SCHOOLS

Two years have passed since Rajasthan government had started integrated schools by merging primary and secondary schools in the same compound which are called “Adarsh” schools. These schools provide students access to one institution that offers education from Classes I to XII.

REVAMPED BONDED LABOUR SCHEME, 2016

Government has revamped the Central Sponsored Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourers known as “Central Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourers, 2016”. As per Article 23 of Indian Constitution specific provision declaring traffic in human beings, begar and similar forms of forced labour is made a punishable offence.

BONDED LABOUR definition as per ILO convention, 1954 (Article 2): All work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the said person has not offered himself voluntarily. As per Global slavery Index 2016 by Walk free foundation of Australia, India has the highest number of modern slavery in the world in absolute numbers totaling 18.35 million.

There should be judicious blend of English and mother tongue for a child which not only will help him/her grab the subjects but also prepare him/her to face hostile world outside one’s comfort zone.

NAYI ROSHNI SCHEME

The Nai Roshni scheme is a leadership development programme launched by the Ministry of Minority Affairs in 2012-13. The scheme has been implemented through NGOs, civil societies and government institutions. The scheme also includes Educational Programmes, Health and Hygiene, Swacch Bharat, Financial Literacy, Life Skills, Legal Rights of Women, Digital Literacy, Advocacy for social and behavioural change. Minority women can apply for training online as well. Data on training modules is available for public domain. The scheme provides for the selection of 25% non-minority women.

UNIVERSAL EDUCATION GOALS OF INDIA

In its Global Monitoring Report, 2016, UNESCO claimed that India will achieve

 Universal primary education by 2050.

 Universal lower secondary education (grades 6-8 in case of India) by 2060

 Universal upper secondary education (grades 9-12 in case of India) by 2085.

 UNESCO also informed that these projections have been made on past trends in education in India and that it has not involved the HRD ministry in this exercise.

This has been achieved through the implementation of Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 and the centrally sponsored scheme of Sarva Shikshya Abhiyan.

The national average of Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) has also increased over the years.

Current Status: As per UDISE 2014-15

The Gross Enrolment Ratio at primary and upper primary level is 100.08% and 91.24% respectively.

The Gross Enrolment Ratio at secondary and higher secondary level is 78.51% and 54.21% respectively.

Also 97% and 96.6% habitations have been covered with primary and under primary schools.

Meaning of Universal Access to Education

Universal access to education refers to the opportunity for an individual to attend school despite his caste, gender, and ethnicity.

SWACCH SWASTH SARVATRA

It is a joint initiative between the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The objective of this programme is to build on and manifest the achievements of two different schemes

Swacch Bharat Mission by Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation

Kayakalp of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Another joint initiative Swasth Bacche Swasth Bharat was also launched at the same event.

The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has declared over 700 blocks as Open Defecation Free (ODF). Community Health Centres (CHCs) in ODF blocks of the country will get Rs 10 lakhs to focus on sanitation and hygiene

Under Kayakalp, one Primary Health Centre (PHCs) in each district is awarded for meeting quality standards including sanitation and hygiene.

The Gram Panchayat under which PHC is awarded will be noted and special focus will be given to make it ODF under SBM.

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SKILLS

PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Indian Institute of Skills in Kanpur in December 2016. The institute was conceptualised after Narendra Modi’s visit top Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education.  The institute is first of a kind in the country and is opened by the Ministry of Skill in joint partnership with Institute of Technical Education, Singapore. PM Narendra Modi also launched a number of skill development initiatives including Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras and Drivers’ Training Institute. The Indian Institute of Skills is expected to be an effective platform for the youth to make themselves employable and self-sustainable.

MAHILA POLICE VOLUNTEER

Haryana became the first state to adopt the Mahila Police Volunteer Initiative by launching the scheme in Karnal and Mahendragarh districts.

The state has inducted the first batch of 1000 Mahila Police volunteers.

Mahila Police Volunteer Initiative is a joint initiative between Ministry of Women & Child Development and Union Ministry of Home Affairs. This initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Women & Child Development is to create a safe and enabling environment for women.

The primary job of these women volunteers is to keep an eye on situations where women in the village are harassed or their rights and entitlements are denied or their development is prevented.

One Mahila Police Volunteer per Gram Panchayat is to be assigned under this scheme.

MPV will be chosen through a laid out procedure from among the empowered, responsible, socially aware women who will facilitate police outreach in cases of gender concerns. It will create a link between the police authorities and local communities at the village level through women volunteers.

SHILP GURU AWARDS AND NATIONAL AWARDS

President presented Shilp Guru Awards and National Awards to master craftpersons for the year 2015.

9 Shilp Gurus and 19 National Awardees received the awards for the year 2015.

The Shilp Guru Awards have been given for the following crafts: Kalamkari Painting, Calligraphy in Wood Carving, Sandal Wood Carving, Ajrakh Hand Block Printing, Bidri Craft, Thewa Craft, Stone Carving, Silver & Gold Jewellery and Cane and Bamboo.

The National Awards have been given in the following crafts: Mithila Painting, Terracotta, Miniature Painting, Metal Embossing, Papier Machie, Wood Carving, Palmleaf Engraving & Painting, Natural Fiber Craft, Block Printing, Miniature Painting, Silver Engraving, Silver Filigree, Metal Craft,

Bone Craving, Gulabi Meenakari, Black Pottery, Copper Engraving.

Kalamkari Painting: Kalamkari literally means, Kalam – pen & kari – work, i.e., art work done using a pen.

It is an ancient style of hand painting done on cotton or silk fabric with a tamarind pen using natural dyes. This colourful art dates back to more than 3000 B.C. The traditional style of Kalamkari flourished in Kalahasti (80 miles north of Chennai) and Masulipatnam (200 miles east of Hyderabad). The paintings at that time used to depict Hindu Deities and scenes from Hindu mythology.

Bidri Craft: It is a metal handicraft from Bidar district of Karnataka. The craft originated in Persia and came to India in the 14th century. It flourished under the Bahamani dynasty.

In Bidri work, zinc is the primary metal used. Bidriware is characterised by its black shine which comes from the special soil used. This is black soil found in Bidri.

Thewa Craft: Thewa is a unique art of jewellery making which involves embossing of intricately worked-out sheet of gold. It originated about 400 years ago in the Pratapgarh district of Rajasthan.

Mithila Painting: Also known as Madhubani painting, it is characterized by line drawing filled in with bright colours. Painting is done with fingers, twigs, brushes, nib-pens and matchsticks. Geometrical patterns are a characteristic feature. The painting is done with mineral pigments. Originally this painting was done on freshly plastered or mud wall.

For commercial purposes, it is now done on paper, cloth and canvas.

YOGA-INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF HUMANITY

Yoga has been listed as an element in the UNESCOs list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of humanity at the 11th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Yoga has become the 13th intangible cultural heritage that has been listed from India so far.

About UNESCOs list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of humanity

It was created by UNESCO to protect and build awareness of the important intangible cultural heritages throughout the world.

The Committee meets annually to evaluate nominations proposed various countries.

Earlier listed cultural heritage from India

Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru.

PUNJAB: Sankirtana – Ritual singing, drumming and dancing.

MANIPUR: Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh – Recitation of sacred Buddhist texts in the trans-Himalayan Ladakh region.

J&K: Kalbelia folk songs and dances.

RAJASTHAN: Chhau dance.

EASTERN INDIA: Mudiyettu – Ritual theatre and dance drama.

KERALA: Ramman – Religious festival and ritual.

UTTARAKHAND: Nowruz – March 21 marks the start of the year.

INDIA: Ramlila – The traditional performance of the Ramayana.

NORTH INDIA: Tradition of Vedic chanting.

Kutiyattam – Sanskrit theatre.

KERALA: STEP WELLS

The Delhi government’s calendar for 2017 celebrates the history of Baolis in Delhi. As per the ASI, there are 16 baolis in the Delhi and most of them are in a very poor state. Step wells are wells or ponds in which the water may be reached by descending a set of steps. All forms of step wells are examples of many types of storage and irrigation tanks that were developed to cope with seasonal fluctuations in water availability. They are most common in western India and are found in the other more arid regions of South Asia, extending into Pakistan. A basic difference between step wells and tanks and wells was to make it easier for people to reach the ground water, and to maintain and manage the wells better.

Step wells can be traced back in the sites of Indus Valley Civilization such as Dholavira and Mohenjo-daro. Mohenjo-daro has cylindrical brick lined wells which may be the predecessors of the step well. The first rock-cut step wells in India date from 200-400 AD. The earliest example of bath-like pond reached by steps is found at Uperkot caves in Junagadh. The step wells at Dhank in Rajkot district are dated to 550-625 AD. The stepped ponds at Bhinmal (Rajasthan) are dated to 850-950 AD.

 The Mughal rulers did not disrupt in the culture that was practiced in these step wells and encouraged the building of step wells. The authorities during the British Raj found the hygiene of the step wells less than desirable and had installed pipe and pump systems to replace their purpose.

KUCHIPUDI DANCE

Kuchipudi has earned a place in Guinness book of world records when 6117 dancers from all over the world performed together in a single show in Vijaywada district. Grand group dance (maha brunda natyam) was organized as part of 5th international kuchipudi dance convention organized by state department of language and culture. This dance originated in Kuchipudi village, Krishna district of modern state of Andhra Pradesh. It was conceived in 17th century by Vaishnava poet Siddhendra Yogi. It is a dance drama performance art with its root in ancient Sanskrit text of Natya Shastra. It begins with an invocation to Lord Ganesha followed by Nritta (non-narrative pure dancing), Nritya (narrative dancing) and Natya. The dance is performed on Carnatic music where singer is accompanied by musical instruments like mridangam, violin, flute and tambura.

HORNBILL FESTIVAL

10-day annual revelry of Nagaland known as Hornbill festival was recently celebrated in early December. The Hornbill festival is organized by the State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments of Nagaland.

The festival is known to be a collaborative celebration of all Naga tribes at one place. The festival is a tribute to the “Hornbill” which is the most admired and revered bird of Nagaland. The festival celebrates the cultural uniqueness of Nagaland in all its grandeur. The festival also coincides with the Statehood Day of Nagaland.

THIRUVALLUVAR

Uttarakhand CM recently unveiled the statue of Tamil poet and philosopher Thirivalluvar in Haridwar. Also called Valluvar/Tiruvalluvar was a Tamil poet-saint. He is known for his work Tirukkural (Sacred Couplets), a well-known ethical work in Tamil literature.

He is claimed to be one of their own both by Jains and Shaivites.

RAJAJI-C. RAJAGOPALACHARI

On the occasion of birth anniversary of Rajaji, a booklet containing the profile of Rajaji was brought out in English and Hindi by the Lok Sabha Secretariat. Rajaji was the last Governor-General of India. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954. Rajaji replicated and led the dandi march at Vedaranyam, near Nagapattinam in the then Madras Presidency Vedaranya in 1930. Rajaji was also the editor of Mahatma Gandhi’s newspaper, Young India. As Premier of Madras Presidency, he dismantled wartime food controls in 1952 and also opposed gold control in 1963 on the ground that thousands of artisans would be ruined by such controls. He founded Swatantra party in 1959. It remained one of the main opposition parties against Congress across the country till Rajaji died in 1972.

GAYA PRASAD KATIYAR

Department of posts under Ministry of communication has released special stamp on freedom fighter Gaya Prasad Katiyar who was born in jagdishpur (UP). Regarded as one of the most dedicated soldiers of India’s freedom struggle, he joined Hindustan Socialist Republican Association in 1925 and got connected with Chandra Shekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh. He participated on Lahore Conspiracy Case and was arrested from Saharanpur in 1929 and joined hunger strike at Lahore jail with his co prisoners. He was repatriated in 1937 but again arrested and transported to cellular jail in Andaman from where he was released in 1946.

INDOLOGIST AWARD: PROF. YU LONG YU

He was bestowed with 2nd Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) “Distinguished Indologist” award by President of India. It is an annual ‘Distinguished Indologist’ Award instituted by ICCR. It is given to eminent indologist working abroad who have made outstanding contribution to the study/research/teaching of india’s history, philosophy, thought, art, culture, literature, languages, civilization, society, etc.

First award was presented to Prof. Heinrich Freiherr Von Stietencron of Germany last year.

ICCR is an autonomous organisation of the Govt. involved in external cultural relations, through cultural exchange with other countries and their peoples.

It was founded on 9 April 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Education Minister of independent India.

URGYEN TRINLEY DORJE

GoI allowed Urgyen Trinley Dorje, the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, to address public gathering in Arunachal Pradesh.

Karma Kagyu School

The Gyalwang Karmapa is the head of the Karma Kagyu school, one of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It is the 2nd largest and certainly the most widely practiced lineage within the Kagyu school. This school belongs to the Vajrayana branch of Mahayana Buddhism. Central teaching of the Karma Kagyu is the doctrine of Mahamudra, also known as the “Great Seal”.

This doctrine focuses on 4 principal stages of meditative practice namely:

The development of single-pointedness of mind.

The transcendence of all conceptual elaboration.

The cultivation of the perspective that all phenomena are of a “single taste”.

The fruition of the path, which is beyond any contrived acts of meditation.

Four main school of Tibet Buddhism:

Kagyupa: This is an oral tradition concerned with the meditation based on experience.

Sakyapa: It means “Grey Earth”. It follows the traditions of old times.

Gelugpa: It means “Path of virtue”. Was originally a reformist movement and is known for its emphasis on logic and debate.

MANUAL SCAVENGING

Caste based discrimination is deeply entrenched in the Indian society even today. The discrimination subjugates the lower castes of their right to better opportunities. Manual scavenging has been the job of the lower caste i.e. Dalits.

The Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993 sets imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of Rs 2000 rupees for pushing a person to manual scavenging. The law was re-enacted as The Prohibition of Employment As Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act in 2013. In March 2014, Supreme Court ruled that for death caused by entering a sewer even in an emergency situation, a compensation of Rs. 10 lakhs must be given to the family of the deceased.

Amendments to the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 2016 made it a criminal offence to make a Dalit/ Adivasi do manual scavenging.

A monetary compensation of Rs. 1 lakh is to be paid to the victim upon registration of a FIR.

According to the socio-economic caste census data of 2015, there are as many as 1, 80,675 households that are engaged in manual scavenging.

NPCI

• Founded in 2008, it is a non-profit organization registered under section 25 of Companies act.
• It is an umbrella organization for all retail payment systems in India charged with a responsibility of guiding India towards being a cashless society.
• It is promoted by RBI.

LUCKY GRAHAK YOJANA AND DIGI DHAN VYAPAR YOJANA

GOI launched Lucky Grahak Yojana for consumers and Digi Dhan Vyapar Yojana for merchants to encourage them to move towards significantly higher usage of digital transaction though an offer of incentives. Focuses on bringing poor, lower middle class and small businesses into the digital payment fold.

NPCI will be the implementing agency.

To focus the scheme on small transactions, incentives restricted to transactions in the range of Rs 50 – 3000.

Only those transactions that take place through RuPay Cards, USSD, UPI and AEPS are eligible.

Constitutional provisions w.r.t. Pardoning power

Pardoning power of President under Article 72 is different than that of Governor under article 161.

President is the only sole authority to pardon a death sentence.

Both President and Governor have concurrent powers in case of suspension, remission and commutation of death sentence.

President also enjoys the power to grant pardon, reprieve, respite, suspension, remission or commutation in respect to punishment or sentence by military court.

DISABILITY BILL PASSED

The Parliament passed The Rights of Persons with Disability Bill, 2016 which will replace Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995. India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The Bill makes Disability Law of 1995 compliant with the UNCRPD provisions. The Parliament is imposing legal and financial obligations on states and municipalities with regard to disability, which is a State List subject.

The Bill allows discrimination if it is a proportionate means of achieving a “legitimate aim”. This makes it open to subjective interpretation. Provision for a Chief Commissioner of Disabilities, instead of National Commission as proposed in 2014, which has only recommending powers and lack of provision to ensure that he/she is also disabled person.

NOTES WITHDRAWAL IMPACT ON RBI BALANCE SHEET

There has been speculation that the old currency notes (Rs 500 and Rs 1,000) which do not come back would mean no liability to pay for these and would be knocked out from the liability side of RBI’s account books. As a consequence, the asset would turn into profit, which could be transferred as a dividend to the government as 100 per cent owner of the central bank. Governor Urjit Patel has asserted there would be no impact on balance sheet of RBI nor would be any dividends to government.

Rs.11.55 lakh crore had been deposited in banks following the note ban. The total value of the Rs. 1,000 and Rs.500 notes prior to the withdrawal was Rs. 15.44 lakh crore. This nearly 3 lakh crore rupees could be used by for solving:

The NPA problem of banks. This would improve the credit availability in markets, increase investments and boost growth.

PM Modi has also toyed with the idea of depositing such kind of money in Jan Dhan Accounts. This may be an electoral appeasement. But it will boost the rural demand for spending, which is very much needed.

NATIONAL NEWSPAPER FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

Ministry for Social Justice and Empowerment released the first issue of a National Newspaper dedicated to Senior Citizen called ‘Saanjhi Saanjh’.

It will be a bilingual newspaper – Hindi and English

 It will be published by Harikrit which is an NGO for the elderly.

National programme for Health care of Elderly (NPHCE) 2010

It was started in XI plan.

It is an articulation of the National Policy on Older Persons 1999

It aims for providing promotional, preventive, curative and rehabilitative services. For this the programme aims to set up Department of geriatric care at regional medical centres.

APKE NIKAT PROGRAMME

Nidhi Aapke Nikat is a public outreach programme of the Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). The EPFO rechristened Bhavishya Nidhi Adalat as Nidhi Aapke Nikat. The programme is held on the 10th of every month in all the 122 field offices of EPFO. The programme aims to bring all the different stakeholders (employers/employees) on the same platform. The various new initiatives in the interest of the employees/employers taken up by the organisation are explained during this programme.

 Apart from dealing with grievances, the organisation invites feedback and suggestion through this programme.

INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S PEACE PRIZE

UAE based teenage activist Kehkashan Basu has been awarded The International Children’s Peace Prize 2016 for campaigning to protect the environment. This organisation runs waste collection, beach cleaning and awareness campaigns in 10 countries. The prize is awarded annually to a child, anywhere in the world for his/her work promoting child’s rights.

ENVIRONMENT TAX IN CHINA

China passed a new law to tax polluters especially heavy industries and it will enter into force on 1st January, 2018. Carbon dioxide, one of the major contributors to global warming, is not included in the levying list. The law followed nearly week-long red alert due to heavy smog over Beijing and 23 other cities. China is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, due to its heavy reliance on coal to provide electricity to its population of 1.37 billion.

IMPORTANT ACHIEVEMENTS OF INDIANS IN THE FIELD OF MODERN S&T

PHYSICS:

CV RAMAN: He won Nobel Prize of Physics in 1930 for his discovery of Raman Effect which says that when light traverses a transparent medium a small part of the scattered light changes wavelength. It has applications in drug discovery, mineralogy, life sciences, semiconductors production etc.

Jagdish Chandra Bose: He is a noted scientist who invented microwave components like waveguides, horn antennas etc.

Employee Provident Fund Organisation

The EPFO is a under the control of Ministry of Labour and Employment. It assists the Central Board of Trustees, a statutory body formed by the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. The aim of the body is to provide widespread and quality reach of pension schemes.

S Chandrashekhar: He was awarded the 1983 Nobel Prize for Physics for his mathematical theory of black holes and on the basis of this Chandrashekhar Limit was defined.

S.N Bose: His work on ‘Bosons’ have helped revolutionize formation of Standard model of physics. He also partnered with Einstein to for Bose-Einstein statistics that has applications in information retrieval in present times.

Tessy Thomas: She is also called the missile woman of India who spearheaded the programme on the Agni IV missile.

CHEMISTRY:

Praffula Chandra Ray – He was a noted chemist who set up the first chemical factory of India – Bengal Chemical and Pharmaceutical Works Ltd.in 1901

Har Gobind Khurana – He was an Indian American who shared the Nobel Prize of Medicine of 1968 for the research on cell’s synthesis of proteins.

MATHS:

1. Ramanujam: Without formal training, he was the second Indian to become Fellow of Royal Society of London. December 22 is celebrated as National Mathematics Day after him.

NUCLEAR SCIENCES:

Homi J. Bhabha: He was the first person to become the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India and was the brain behind our three stage nuclear programme.

SPACE SCIENCES:

Meghnad Saha: Saha Equation. This equation is one of the basic tools for interpretation of the spectra of stars in astrophysics and space sciences.

Vikram Sarabhai: He was instrumental in setting up of ISRO. Apart from that he also helped set up IIMs. For his contribution he was also given Padma Vibhushan.

GOTTHARD BASE TUNNEL

Regular rail service through the world’s longest tunnel has begun in Switzerland. The 57km (35 mile) twin bore Gotthard base tunnel connects the northern and southern Europe from under the Swiss Alps through a high-speed rail link. The tunnel was inaugurated in June 2016 but it began regular service only recently. The Swiss-funded tunnel was largely made possible by technical advances in tunnel-boring machines.