Current Affairs Summary-January 2017
POLITY AND CONSTITUTION 1.1. PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE
RBI governor Urjit Patel appeared before the committee to brief it on the impact of demonetization. A controversy also arose over whether the PAC can summon the Prime Minster.
About Parliamentary Accounts Committee
It has been in existence from 1921 and was formed under the Government of India Act, 1919. It is constituted by the Parliament each year for parliamentary oversight over finances of the government. It is a joint committee consisting of 15 members from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha who are elected according to principle of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. Since 1967, its chairman by convention is selected from the Opposition parties. The committee is empowered to call witnesses to give evidence and produce documents required by the committees. All the deliberations of the committee are confidential. The government submits an Action Taken Report on the recommendations of the PAC which is then laid before the parliament.
Primary Functions of the Committee
It scrutinizes the Appropriation Accounts and the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor-General
It considers the justification for spending more or less than the amount originally sanctioned.
The Committee examines cases involving under-assessments, tax-evasion, non-levy of duties, misclassifications etc., identifies the loopholes in the taxation laws and procedures and makes recommendations in order to check leakage of revenue
Secrecy: The meetings of the committee are closed door meetings. In contrast, in USA statements made before committees are telecast live while in UK, meetings of committee are open to public.
The members of the committee lack technical expertise required to go into intricacies of accounting and administrative principles.
The work of the committee is more in the nature of a post-mortem exercise and is not effective in preventing losses.
Towards Openness and Transparency
In 2016, a committee of the Delhi Vidhan Sabha looking at irregularities in sports administration bodies of cricket and hockey allowed the press to view its proceedings.
In 2008, the Goa Vidhan Sabha had also opened up its committee meetings to both the public and press.
In the 13th Lok Sabha, the chairman of the joint committee examining the Stock Market Scam briefed the press at the end of each committee meeting.
While other Department Related Standing Committees can adopt reports with dissent notes by some members, the PAC must adopt all reports by consensus. This is unique about the PAC, and helps it maintain neutrality
It does not have suo motu powers of investigations.
SECTION-19 OF PREVENTION OF CORRUPTION ACT
Previous Sanction under Sec 19 (1) PC Act
It is given by Union government if Union government has power to remove the official.
It is given by State government if State government has power to remove the official.
In case of other public servants, it is given by competent authority.
Recently Supreme Court upheld a past judgement that a court initiated investigation against a public servant would require previous sanction of government.
Section 19 of the PC Act puts a bar on the court to take cognizance of an offence by a public servant except with the previous sanction of government. The bar is against the court to take cognizance for the purposes of trial. But as per Sec 19, there is no prohibition to start an investigation by lodging an FIR or through a court-initiated investigation under Section 156(3) CrPC.
The objective of Sec 19 of PC Act is
Obligating the government to Protect honest officers and those acting in good faith towards their duty from frivolous complaints.
Letting the public servants take decisions for good governance without fear or harassment.
Previous sanction protects the corrupt public servants, which goes against transparency and accountability.
SC decisions have created confusion over the status of Sec 19 in PC Act and previous sanction. This can be a potential harm to the delivery of good governance.
Such judgement may also erode trust of the public over the public administration and judiciary.
Prevention of Corruption Amendment Bill 2016- Contentious provisions on prior sanction
Complaints regarding corruption on decisions taken or recommendations made by public servants on official duty shall not be investigated without the prior approval of the Lokpal or Lokayuktas, as the case maybe. The prior approval will be extended to the retired officials too.
1.3. SECTION 123(3) OF REPRESENATION OF PEOPLE ACT, 1951
A seven-judge Supreme Court bench ruled by a 4-3 majority that “religion, race, caste, community or language would not be allowed to play any role in the electoral process” It also said that election of a candidate would be declared null and void if an appeal is made to seek votes on these considerations.
Criticism
It is difficult to define what kind of an appeal is religious appeal.
This interpretation violates the right to freedom of speech under Article 19.
RPA already has provisions to curb hate speech or speech that spreads enmity.
A broad interpretation “outlaws” parties like Akali Dal whose very name violates this interpretation.
PRE-CENSORSHIP TO REGULATE MEDIA
The Supreme Court rejected a PIL for pre-broadcast or pre-publication censorship of the media by the court. It said that role of a court or a statutory body will come only after a complaint is made when the content is published.
Hindutva Case
In 1995, a three-judge bench ruled that seeking votes in the name of Hindutva was not a corrupt practice as Hindutva was not a religion but a “a way of life”
Press Council of India: It is a statutory body to regulate newspapers, journals, magazines and other forms of print media but it cannot penalize them for violation of its guidelines.
Central Board of Film Certification: For controlling content of movies and television shows etc.
Radio channels have to follow the same Programme and Advertisement Code as followed by All India Radio.
Program and Advertisement Codes for regulating content broadcast on the television, are issued under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has also drawn up guidelines on content of advertisements.
Current scenario of Regulatory Mechanism
The electronic media in India is mostly self-regulated.
A lot of private channels by themselves have set up the News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) of India which issues standards in the nature of guidelines.
The NBSA is empowered to warn, admonish, censure, express disapproval and fine the broadcaster a sum upto Rs. 1 lakh for violation of the Code.
If something goes wrong, the Government also may step in and punish the channels e.g. by taking them off the air for a day or so.
Problem with current regulatory regime
Media regulation in India is not unified, and has a multiplicity of bodies.
Regulatory bodies like NBSA, ASCI lack force of law thus are not very effective.
There is no regulatory body for social media.
SUPREME COURT ON ORDINANCES
Article 123 and Article 213 confers power to promulgate ordinance on the President and the Governor respectively. Under the Constitution, an Ordinance can be promulgated only when
- Legislature or either house of legislature is not in session.
- Circumstances exists which require immediate action.
- The Supreme Court had already declared in 1986, in D.C. Wadhwa case, that repeated re-promulgation of ordinances was unconstitutional.
Why frequent resorting to Ordinance Route?
Reluctance to face the legislature on particular issues.
Lack of majority in the Upper House.
Repeated and willful disruption by opposition parties.
Article 371A: No Act of Parliament in respect of Religious or social practices of the Nagas, Naga customary law and procedure, Administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law. Ownership and transfer of land and its resources. Shall apply to the Nagaland unless it’s Legislative Assembly by a resolution so decides
Provisions of 74th amendment related to women reservation
Article 243T (3) – Not less than 33% of the total seats by rotation are reserved for women in direct municipal elections.
Article 243T (4) – Reservation of women for offices of Chairperson of municipalities would be decided by law by the State Legislative Assembly.
NAGALAND WOMEN DEMAND ULB RESERVATION
Nagaland women are demanding 33% constitutional reservation for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Nagaland.
There appears to be a conflict between Article 243T (reservation of seats for women) and Article 371A of the Constitution. Nagaland’s urban areas are facing a lack of governance in provision of basic services because of its refusal to hold elections to ULBs since 2011. There is a conflict between women demanding political representation and the customary law which allows only the men to run the institutions of governance.
74th constitutional amendment (CA) was passed in 1993, providing reservation for women in ULBs. Nagaland adopted this provision by Nagaland Municipal (First Amendment) Act of 2006. Nagaland has not witnessed any ULB election since 2011 due to the conflict between 74th CA and Article 371A principles. In April 2016, the Supreme Court (SC) ordered the state government to hold municipal elections. Nagaland has a high female literacy rate of 76.11%. Yet, there has only ever been one Naga woman elected to the Parliament. Arguments given in support of women reservation Joint Action Committee on Women reservation contends that denying reservation to women in ULBs is a constitutional violation. Tribals have no objection to 25% women reservation in village development boards as per Nagaland Village and Area Council Act, 1978. Hence, the opposition to women’s election to ULBs is illogical.
Nagaland government has agreed to hold ULB elections with 33% reservation for women.
Indian Medical Council Act 1956
The Act provides for the constitution of the Medical Council of India (MCI).
DRAFT INDIAN MEDICAL COUNCIL BILL 2016
Ministry of Health and family welfare introduced Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill to amend the IMC Act 1956. The provisions of the Bill are based on reforms suggested by Arvind Panagariya committee to address concerns over quality of medical education.
Provisions of the Bill
A uniform exit test (National Exit Test or NEXT) to be conducted for all medical educational institutions at undergraduate (UG) level.
NEXT would help MBBS graduates to qualify for medical practice or for a Post graduate (PG) course.
Introduce admission counseling to medical educational institutions at the UG and PG level.
Government Medical Officers, who served at least 3 years in remote and difficult areas, would get up to 50% reservation by the States/UTs in PG courses of Government Colleges.
After the PG Degree, the Medical Officers can be mandated to serve for 3 years in remote or difficult areas by the States/UTs concerned.
MCI will frame regulations on manner of conduct of NEXT and authority to conduct it.
It is aimed to provide a level-playing field to both government and private college students.
It increases transparency in the license permissions for medical practices.
It will add to the quality of the medical skilled workforce in India.
TRAI
It is a statutory body under TRAI Act 1997. It regulates telecom services, including fixation of tariffs for telecom services.
It provides a fair and transparent policy that facilitates fair competition.
TRAI Act was amended in 2000 to establish a Telecommunications Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) to hear appeals on disputes over TRAI’s decisions.
Cabinet approved the creation of ISDS in 2015 for the Training Directorate of MSDE.
With the current notification it will now become a formal service.
INDIAN SKILL DEVELOPMENT SERVICE
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has issued a notification to set up Indian Skill Development Services (ISDS). Skill India Mission has the aim to raise a 500 million skilled workforce by 2022. A unit of skilled administrators under ISDS would promote this goal. ISDS will ensure more government control in a sector that was largely private-led till 2014. India has the largest youth population and one of the lowest skill proficiency. This move will tackle both – tapping our demographic dividend and improving skills in the workforce.
ISDS will be a Group ‘A’ service where induction will take place through Indian Engineering Service Examination conducted by UPSC.
ISDS will have 263 all India posts.
National Institute of Skill Development will train the administrators under ISDS.
TRAI CONSULTATION PAPER ON NET NEUTRALITY
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released a consultation paper on Net neutrality (NN) for comments. A.K. Bhargava Committee on Net Neutrality was setup by DoT in 2015 In 2016, TRAI released a pre-consultation paper on Net neutrality. There are concerns relating to discriminatory treatment of Internet traffic by access providers. At present there is no single standard accepted definition of NN. Unclear regulatory structure on NN – In India, issues of licensing and spectrum allocation are dealt by DoT while regulatory aspects are dealt by TRAI. There is a need for preserving customer privacy and national security along with regulating NN. Provisions of the paper related to Net Neutrality. On Internet Traffic Management Practices (TMPs). It recognizes a need for a balance between non- discriminatory TMP by the service providers (SPs) and independence to manage traffic to them.
The term net neutrality was first coined by Tim Wu. It means to treat all content, sites and platforms equally on a public information network. It is an important part of a free and open internet. It enables access, choice and transparency of Internet to every user. It recommends two policy approaches to manage Internet traffic:
Broad approach – Defining what would constitute “reasonable” TMPs.
Narrow approach – Define a negative list of non-reasonable TMPs.
It also recognizes certain exceptions needed for prioritizing emergency services. Eg. Government Notified content. It also examines whether certain services like Internet of Things (IOT), Virtual Private Network (VPN) etc. should be treated under the scope of TMPs or not.
Content – Right to create content and access it without restrictions
Devices – Freedom to connect non-harmful devices to the network.
Legal recognition of NPOs
The Indian context, a non-profit entity can be incorporated under:
- The Societies Registration Act, 1860
- The Indian Trusts Act, 1882
- The Co-operative Societies Act, 1904
- The Trade Union Act, 1926
- Section 8 of Indian Companies Act, 2013
A great amount of political will is needed to finalize the intricate aspects of NN. Independence of regulation by TRAI without any interference is a sin qua non for having NN.
TRAI’s consultation paper is a welcome step towards deciding the NN framework in India. The success of the paper will depend on the future planning and implementation framework set by the government.
ODISHA REJECTS PANEL ON MAHANADI RIVER DISPUTE
Odisha government has rejected the Centre’s negotiation committee on Mahanadi river water dispute with Chhattisgarh and instead demanded constitution of a Tribunal for adjudication.
River dispute
The 858 km long Mahanadi River is almost equally divided between Chhattisgarh (53.9 per cent) and Odisha (45.73 per cent). River Mahanadi, with Hirakud dam on it, is lifeline of Odisha state and critical for development of the region
Dispute is majorly about six water storage structures/ barrages, being constructed by Chhattisgarh government, on Mahanadi River. These barrages might leave insufficient water to the Hirakud dam.
NON-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS IN INDIA
According to a CBI report submitted at Supreme Court there are more than 31 lakh NGOs existing in India, while only 8% – 10% of those file annual financial statement. Supreme Court demanded a clear data bank about existing NGOs. There is a need to provide institutional and legal framework to NGOs. A comprehensive, clear legal and institutional framework for NPOs is demanded since 1985; various efforts have been made by planning commission to formulate a policy document for NPOs. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) termed these as “Social Capital: A Shared Destiny.” It argued that such organizations are valuable for society but institutional and legal framework is needed.
INTERNATIONAL/INDIA AND WORLD 2.1. INDIA-UAE
Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, crown Prince and deputy supreme commander of the armed forces of Abu Dhabi was the chief guest for the Republic Day. UAE’s Importance for India. UAE is a significant contributor to India’s energy security and was the fifth largest supplier of crude oil in 2015-16. Important trading Partner: UAE is an important trading partner for India in the Gulf region with bilateral trade last year at $50 billion. It has $4 billion in investments in areas ranging from smart cities to real estate. Indians make up 30% of the population, 2.6 million — the single largest expatriate community in the UAE. India receives around 52% of its remittances from its Gulf expatriates. UAE is member of Gulf cooperation council – close cooperation is essential for maintaining stable relations in Gulf region and for counter radicalization.
The East African Community (EAC), comprising Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan, has emerged as one of the most successful of Africa’s Regional Economic Communities. Having established a customs union, it is building a single market and wants to set up a monetary union. EAC is market of 168 million consumers and have a combined GDP of $161 billion.
Issue of Terrorism
Recognizing the importance of the Central role of UN in combating terrorism, the two leaders exhorted the international community to effectively implement the measures enumerated by the 1267 UN Sanctions Committee. The joint statement said both sides called for strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism in a spirit of ‘zero tolerance’, underlining that States should not support any terror entity including ‘non-state actors’ on any grounds. Importance of Portugal for India
INDIA-KENYA
Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC): MCC is a US agency providing eligible countries with grants to fund country-led solutions for reducing poverty through sustainable economic growth.
INDIA-USA (Millenium Challenge Corporation)
India and the US have signed a MoU to collaborate in the fields of developmental activities and aid in third world countries. The MoU has been signed between the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and Development Partnership Administration (DPA) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India.
Details about MoU
India and US share a vision of reducing poverty globally through sustainable economic growth. Based on this shared vision, they intend to cooperate with the goal of advancing their mutual interests to strengthen regional integration and connectivity, particularly in the areas of energy, trade, and investment.
The two countries would collaborate on exchange of information and experience in sectors or issues pertaining to project development or implementation in partner countries.
India and US might also provide advisory or technical assistance to third countries regarding sector policy reform, project and sector management, project implementation, and economic growth promotion strategies in relevant sectors.
The MoU also facilitates officials of two countries to site visits to cross-border or other relevant projects, and capacity building of partner countries.
RAISINA DIALOGUE
The second edition of the Raisina Dialogue tackled the theme of ‘The New Normal: Multilateralism with Multipolarity’. The conference was attended by delegates from 65 countries. “Neighbourhood first”: vision for a “peaceful and harmonious” South Asia, putting the “neighbourhood first”. India alone cannot walk the path of peace. It also has to be Pakistan’s journey to make. Pakistan must walk away from terror if it wants to walk towards dialogue with India. Challenges to globalization: growing “sentiment against trade and migration and rising parochial and protectionist attitudes” were putting globalisation’s gains at a risk.
About Raisina Dialogue: It is envisioned as India’s flagship conference of geopolitics and geo-economics. It was held jointly by Ministry of External Affairs and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), an independent think tank. The first edition of the conference was held in March 2016 with the theme “Asian Connectivity”.
14TH EDITION OF PRAVASI BHARATIYA DIVAS-2017
About Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
It has traditionally been held on January 9 to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi as ‘Pravasi’ from South Africa over a century ago (1915). Launched in 2003, it is an annual event to step up India’s engagement with its diaspora and NRIs and Persons of India origins, the govt. decided to make PBD a biennial event last year.
The annual global convention for the Indian diaspora, 14th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2017 was held in Bengaluru from January 7 to 9 with a record participation since its inception. The theme of 2017 PBD was “Redefined Engagement with Indian Diaspora”.
The PM urged the diaspora community to switch from their PIO cards to OCI cards. Annual remittance from overseas Indians stood at over $69 billion with India receiving more expat cash than any other country in the world.
Donald J. Trump took oath as the 45th President of the U.S. He issued many executive orders that will have major global ramifications. Following are the list of his executive orders:
TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP (TPP) TRADE DEAL The US president has signed an executive order formally withdrawing the country from TPP trade deal. US would pursue bilateral arrangements with the TPP signatories to find terms more favourable to the US.
Its signatories are Australia, Vietnam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the US and Brunei. They together represent 40 percent of the world economy.
Withdrawal from TPP will be a significant step in the slide towards a more protectionist world.
In the Asia-Pacific, the US’s exit has triggered different responses — from calls to re-focus on the RCEP to revive the TPP with China as its new member.
China is hoping to galvanize two regional trade proposals the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Free-Trade Agreement of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP). While this may not directly affect India, it could have ramifications on trade pacts being negotiated by the country such as the RCEP.
Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanism
The ISDS mechanism has become contentious as it permits companies to drag governments to international arbitration without exhausting the local remedies. It also allows companies to claim huge amounts as compensation citing losses they suffered due to reasons, including policy changes.India’s position is that International arbitration tribunals can only be used when all local options have been exhausted for settling disputes between a corporate and a government. It also held that such provisions (ISDS mechanism) could be a part of bilateral agreements but they can’t be allowed in a multilateral agreement.
CHAGOS ARCHIPELAGO DISPUTE
The British Foreign Secretary has sought Indian assistance in resolving current tensions between UK, US and Mauritius over the future of the US military base Diego Garcia, and the Indian Ocean Chagos Archipelago. The Chagos Islands- referred to by the British as the British Indian Ocean Territory, but which is not recognised as such by Mauritius- is home to the US military base Diego Garcia. In the 1960s and 1970s, inhabitants were removed from the islands. Mauritius has repeatedly asserted that the Chagos Archipelago is part of its territory and that the UK claim is a violation of UN resolutions banning the dismemberment of colonial territories before independence.
In 2015, the Permanent Court of Arbitration unanimously held that the marine protected area (MPA) which UK declared around the Chagos Archipelago in April 2010 was created in violation of international law. The British believe that ensuring the future of Diego Garcia would be in India’s security interest in the region too.
India’s Position
India made it clear that it has a long-standing and principled position on this subject. India conveyed that it is for Britain and Mauritius to reach an amicable solution on this matter bilaterally. The approach by the U.K. is seen by the Indian side as a positive move, signalling Britain’s eagerness to partner with India on security matters in the region.
GENDER RESPONSIVE BUDGETING/GENDER BUDGETING
This year, India ratified the Paris Agreement. Gender equality is one of the 17 goals under Sustainable Development Goals. Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) refers to the practice of policy formulation (fiscal policy) and resource allocation in such a way that it furthers the gender agenda and benefits women as much as it benefits men. Women and girl children in India are confronted with gender based disadvantages which may translate into lesser benefits being enjoyed by them. Without gender analysis, schemes may reinforce patriarchal mindset due to faulty design or implementation. Women lag behind men on many social indicators like health, education, economic opportunities etc. India was ranked 87 in terms of gender equality in health, education, economy and political representation by World Economic Forum’s annual Global Gender Gap Report in 2016. Although policy formulation has been central to the issues concerning the masses, it has failed to benefit women as much as men. Gender Responsive Budgeting was institutionalized in India in 2005. The annual budget issues a gender budget statement which has two parts. Part A (first part) has “women specific schemes” i.e schemes that have 100% fund allocation for women. Part B (second part) has “Pro women schemes” i.e schemes that have minimum 30% fund allocation for women. Apart from being prevalent at the national level, it has been adopted by 16 states. Women’s declining labour participation, under-representation in Parliament, skewed child sex ratio and prevalent gender based violence. Lack of ground level knowledge of needs of women. The proportion of gender budget as a proportion of Union budget has either been stagnant or declined. Rather than just focusing on women centric schemes, gender-analysis must be carried out for all schemes.
ROSE VALLEY CASE
Two MPs from All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) party have been arrested by CBI in Rose valley case. It is a chit fund scam where two entities – Rose Valley Real Estates and Constructions and Rose Valley Hotels and Entertainment, garnered Rs 18000 crores from investors as installments for property purchases promising extraordinary returns of 21%.
One of the biggest problems is the multiplicity of regulations: Centre and State regulate chit funds whereas SEBI regulates other collective investment schemes.
Steps taken by the government
Collective Investment Schemes regulation gives SEBI sweeping powers to oversee all such schemes that pool investor money. RBI has advised banks to carry out quick reviews of accounts opened in the names such as market agencies and retail traders.
GREEN BONDS
India’s Position on Green Bonds
Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd has issued bonds to finance renewable energy without the tag of green bonds. In 2015, EXIM bank launched India’s first dollar denominated green bond of $500 million. India has become the seventh largest green bond market in the world. In January 2016, SEBI also released first Green Bond guidelines relating to listings, norms for raising money etc. Banks have also been permitted to issue green masala bonds. The upcoming year will witness the first ‘blue bond’ issuance in India. As per Smart cities initiative, municipal bond market will be refueled for water supply projects (a category of Blue Blonds) in cities like Pune and Hyderabad.
Significance of Green Bonds
India has a target of building 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022. This requires $200 billion in funding. India’s INDC for Paris deal obligates India to achieve its emission intensity targets. Budget allocations are insufficient with most of it allocated to the coal sector. Higher interest rates in India raise renewable energy costs by about 25 per cent. Green bonds carry a lower interest rate than the loans offered by the commercial banks. Investor suffers low risk because the risk of the project stays with the issuer rather than investor. It will promote a faster and a sustainable growth as per the 12th FYP.
Challenges in success of Green Bonds in India
Concerns on projects targeted under green bond. Eg. French utility GDF Suez’s $3.4 billion green bond issue funded a dam project hurting the Amazon rainforests. Most green bonds in India have a shorter tenor period of about 10 years (compared to international issuances). A typical loan is for minimum 13 years. Many target buyers may not invest in any bonds that are rated lower than the AAA-.
There is a lack of viable and bankable projects owing to pricing issues. There is inadequate infrastructure (such as inefficient metering in water infrastructure) to implement green projects. There is a limited reliability and creditworthiness of urban local bodies in India. Presently, Indian corporates tap overseas market due to greater awareness and dedicated investors. Standalone green projects such as rooftop solar still are unattractive to investors due to the small scale and vast geographical spread.
What is Climate Bonds Initiative?
The Climate Bonds Initiative is an international, investor-focused not-for-profit organization. It’s the only organization working to mobilize $100 trillion bond market for climate change solutions. Its objective is to develop a large and liquid Green and Climate Bonds Market in developed and emerging markets.
Green Bonds
The capital for green bond is raised to fund ‘green’ projects like renewable energy, emission reductions etc. First Green Bond was issued by World Bank in 2007. There is no standard definition of green bonds as of now.
BLUE BONDS
It is a type of green bond which specifically invests in climate resilient water management and water infrastructure. There is a need for developing a formal definition of ‘green’ to ensure understanding across sectors. Innovative mechanisms such as aggregation and securitisation could be used to provide mainstream debt to small-scale green projects. Collective participation of regulators, policymakers, corporate and financial institutions is going to be crucial in pushing green bonds further to address climate change
NEW HOUSING SCHEMES FOR THE POOR
Government announced two new housing schemes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, to help the middle class and the poor buy or build homes.
Main Features
- The number of houses being built for the poor, in rural areas, is being increased by 33 per cent.
- Subsidized loans will be made available for building or expanding homes in rural India and to urban poor.
- Interest subvention of 4% on loans of up to 9 lakh rupees and 3% on loans of up to 12 lakh rupees.
- Under the new scheme of housing for all 2022, the central assistance per house for EWS has been planned to increase to 1.5 lakh rupees from 70,000 rupees.
24X7 POWER FOR ALL
Tamil Nadu Govt. has signed a MoU with Ministry of Power, GOI for Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana. The state has also signed up for the “24X7 Power for All” initiative. “24X7 PFA” aims to provide 24X7 power access in the country anywhere any time by 2019. With TN signing the MoU, roadmap for all states except UP have been finalized and under implementation. Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan were the first states to sign up to provide 24X7 power. Rigorous analysis showed that the states lacked financial viability to provide power for all. This led to the formation of UDAY, to replenish loss-making DISCOMs (distribution companies).
Apart from UDAY, the government has also launched several other initiatives in the past two years to achieve 24X7 PFA such as UJALA (distribution of LED light bulbs), DDUGJY and IPDS.
Allocations for DDUGJY (Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojna) and IPDS (Integrated Power Development Scheme) have been increased by 25% in budget 2017-18 to achieve 24X7 PFA.
UDAY is expected to clear the debt burden of discoms so that they are able to buy more units without adding to losses and achieve 24X7 PFA. It will also give the discoms an opportunity to start afresh.
According to a paper published in the International Journal of Central Banking in 2014, RBI was listed as the least independent among 89 central banks considered under the study. The study took four factors into account. Government intervention in appointing central bank’s head Government intervention in policy decisions. Price stability being the sole or primary goal of the monetary policy. Limits on the ability of the government to borrow from the central bank.
RBI and its Functions
It was established in 1935 under the provisions of RBI Act, 1934.
RBI has seven major functions:
Print Notes: RBI has the sole autonomy to print notes. GoI has the sole authority to mint coins and one rupee notes.
Banker to the Government: It manages government’s deposit accounts. It also represents govt. as a member of the IMF and World Bank.
Custodian of Commercial Bank Deposits
Custodian to Country’s Foreign Currency Reserves
Lender of Last Resort: Commercial banks come to RBI for their monetary needs in case of emergency.
Central Clearance and Accounts Settlement: As RBI keeps cash reserves from commercial banks therefore it rediscounts their bills of exchange easily.
Credit Control: It controls supply of money in the economy through its monetary policy.
The power to appoint RBI Governor solely rest with the Central Govt. and he holds office at the pleasure of Central Government (tenure not exceeding 5 years).
During the previous government, a Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission was formed which made various recommendations to cut down RBI’s powers.
In 2013, a financial sector monitoring body, called Financial Stability Development Council was established which was to be chaired by the Finance Minister.
In essence the RBI Act does not empower RBI absolute autonomy. However, it does enjoy some independence when it comes to performing its regulatory and monetary functions.
MODIFIED SPECIAL INCENTIVE PACKAGE SCHEME
The cabinet recently approved amendments to the Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS) in a bid to achieve net zero imports in the electronics sector by 2020. The M-SIPS policy was launched in July 2012 for a three year period by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The policy encourages companies to produce domestically by providing them 20-25% subsidy on capital expenditure.
PROMOTING DIGITAL PAYMENTS THROUGH LUCKY DRAWS
The center has awarded Rs. 60.9 crores as prize money under under its two lucky draw schemes launched post demonetization- Lucky Grahak Yojana and Digi Dhan Vyapar Yojana.
Lucky Grahak Yojana and Digi Dhan Vyapar Yojana
The two schemes were launched post demonetizations to incentivize people to use digital method as a means of payment (cashless transaction). The schemes opened on 25 December, 2016 and will remain open till 14 April, 2017. The main focus of these two schemes has been to bring the poor, middle class individuals and small merchants under the purview of cashless economy.
DISINVESTMENT
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved divesting 25% of stake in five general insurance companies. The five general insurance companies are Oriental Insurance, National Insurance, New India Assurance, United India Insurance and General Insurance Corporation of India.
SMALL FINANCE BANK
Recently micro lenders, Suryoday and Utkarsh, have started the small finance banks (SFBs). They are offering interest rates of more than 6% in order to compete with commercial lenders for savings bank deposits. Most of the commercial banks offer 4% on savings accounts. Small finance banks were key recommendations of the committee on financial inclusion chaired by Nachiket Mor. The RBI estimates that close to 90 per cent of small businesses today have no links with formal financial institutions.
Taking into account of the above it was concluded that small finance banks can play an important role in the supply of credit to micro and small enterprises, agriculture and banking services in unbanked and under-banked regions in the country.
What are Small Finance Banks?
Small finance banks are niche banks (banks that focuses and serves the needs of a certain demographic segment of the population) with main function to perform lending activities among weaker section. The SGBs are essentially scaled down versions of commercial banks, with both deposit-taking and loan-making functions.
Characteristics of SFBs:
Resident individuals/professionals carrying 10 years of experience in banking and finance and companies and societies owned and controlled by residents will be eligible to set up small finance banks.
National Investment Fund (NIF)
SFBs have a minimum paid up capital of Rs.100 crore.
SFBs are mainly for the growth of agriculture and Micro, Small and Medium industries.
SFBs can sell forex, mutual funds, insurance, pensions and can also convert into a full-fledged bank.
DRAFT NATIONAL STEEL POLICY
The Indian Ministry of Steel has released draft National Steel Policy (NSP), 2017.
Steel companies are plagued with huge debts.
Lack of domestic demand.
Quality of metallurgical coke is not good enough. Coke is the raw material used in blast furnace iron making. It is made through carbonization of coal.
High input costs.
Cheap imports from China, Korea and other countries are also a matter of concern for domestic producers.
Reforms Proposed By the Draft National Steel Policy
The aim of the draft NSP is to develop a self-sufficient steel industry that is globally competitive.
The policy proposes setting up Greenfield Steel Plants along the Indian coastline under the Sagarmala Project.
This has been proposed in order to tap cheap imported raw materials such as coking coal and export the output without incurring huge cost burden.
The policy has also proposed the idea of gas-based steel plants and use of electric furnaces in order to bring down the use of coking coal in blast furnaces.
The policy targets to achieve production of 300 million tonnes by 2030-31.
BANKING CASH TRANSACTION TAX
The Committee of Chief Ministers on Digital Payments has recommended bringing back BCTT (Banking Cash Transaction Tax) in order to promote digital payments.
BCTT (Banking Cash Transaction Tax): BCTT is a type of tax that was levied on cash transactions above a specified limit by an individual or HUF from any non-saving account of a scheduled bank in a single day.
It was not applicable in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Cash transactions were taxed at 0.1%.
The tax was first introduced in 2005 under the Finance Act, 2005. It was later rolled back from 1 April, 2009.
The tax was introduced to track unaccounted money and trace its source and destination.
Tax Administration Committee headed by Parthasarathi Shome had also recommended reinstating the BCTT in 2014.
Other Recommendations by the Committee of Chief Minister on Digital Payments
Provision of tax refund to consumer using digital payments up to a certain proportion of annual income.
No retrospective taxes for merchants engaging in digital payments
HUF (Hindu Undivided Family)
It is a separate entity created by members of a family for taxation purposes.
It cannot be created by individuals. Members of the HUF are lineal ascendants or descendants.
Every member has equal share in the HUF.
Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs can open HUFs.
HUF gets a separate PAN and is taxed separately.
It can only be funded through gifts from relatives or through inheritance under the gift tax laws.
Importance
India is the third largest producer of finished steel in the world coming after China and Japan. The steel sector in India is valued at over 100 billion dollars and contributes 2 percent to the GDP. The sector employs 6.5 lakh people directly and 13 lakh people indirectly. India has been importing finished steel since 2007-08 with the exception of 2013. Until two years ago, India was also the third largest consumer of steel. Despite the global economic slowdown, India was the only economy that showed positive growth in steel sector in 2015. Ceiling on cash usage on all types of large-sized transactions. Ministry of Electronics has been recommended to provide a subsidy of Rs. 1000 for smartphones for small merchants and those outside the income tax bracket. 50 percent subsidy for biometric sensors (iris and fingerprint scanners).
PROPOSAL TO AMEND PLANTATION LABOUR ACT
The Centre is planning to amend the Plantation Labour Act (PLA), 1951 to exclude ‘in kind’ components that are regarded as wages.
To correct human right violation in tea gardens as reported by NHRC.
The tea industry does not pay statutory minimum wages, saying that the monetized value of the facilities under PLA 1951 compensates for wages. By the amended PLA, the government wants to share the cost of social sector schemes in the tea estates with the plantation industry.
Significance of proposed amendments: Article 43 of the Constitution directs the State to secure, by law, a living wage, a decent standard of life and full enjoyment of leisure and socio-cultural opportunities to all workers. A minimum wage for all workers will fulfil government’s proposal of a Minimum Wage Code as a part of its labour reforms. The tea industry, which is the largest among the plantation sectors, will benefit many workers from this move.
TRADE RECEIVABLES DISCOUNTING SYSTEM (TREDS)
It is an institutional mechanism to facilitate the financing of trade receivables of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from corporate buyers through multiple financiers. Need of TReDS Recent CRISIL report says that demonetization by the government has impacted liquidity of MSMEs. Every third MSME is facing delays in receivables from corporate and the government itself.
What are trade receivables: The total value of trade receivables for a business at any time represents the amount of sales which have not yet been paid for by customers. Importance of MSME
INDIAN RAILWAYS LAUNCH NON-FARE REVENUE POLICIES
Railway Ministry has unveiled the Railways’ first non-fare revenue policy including out-of-home advertising policy, train branding policy, content-on-demand, rail radio policy and an ATM policy.
Indian railways earned less than five per cent of revenues from non-tariff sources. In Japan, 25-30 per cent of revenue comes from non-fare sources. Railways should aim to reach that level in seven to eight years.
PROVIDENT FUND CONTRIBUTION VIA PRIVATE BANKS
Labour Ministry has allowed employers to make provident fund (PF) contributions to Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) through scheduled banks (SCBs) in India including private sector banks.
Need of the proposal
At present, contribution to EPFO can be made only through nationalised banks and payment portal PayGov.
EPFO receives nearly 25 per cent of the payments through private banks.
Not allowing all scheduled commercial banks caused a delay in depositing money with the EPFO.
No transaction through SCBs also caused transaction charges to EPFO.
What is EPFO?
It is a statutory body under Employees Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1952.
It administers
The Employees Provident Fund scheme
The Employees’ Pension Scheme
The Employees Deposit linked Insurance scheme for the workforce engaged in the organized sector in India.
It is administered by a Board known as Central Board of Trustees (headed by Labour Minister).
It has representation from government, employers and employees.
It is under the administrative control of Ministry of Labour and Employment.
SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 2322
Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution aimed at enhancing and fortifying judicial cooperation worldwide in countering terrorism. Resolution 2322 aims to enhance the efficacy of international legal and judicial systems in their fight against terrorism through operational collaboration.
The resolution suggests that States make financing of terrorism as a serious criminal offence and also to deny safe haven to terror financiers.
The response to threat posed by terrorism should be at global level.
ISSUES OF PARAMILITARY FORCES
Assam rifles: It came into existence in 1835. It has functions of counter insurgency and border security operations along Myanmar border.
Border Security force: It came into existence after 1965 India-Pakistan war. It is the primary border security force of India manning western borders of India.
Central Industrial Security Force: It was set up in 1969. It is the largest such force in the world. Its job is to provide security to various PSUs and commercial places.
Central Reserve Police Force: It was set up in 1939. It is the largest central armed police force in India. It looks after internal security in India like naxal operations. It also helps with UN peacekeeping missions.
Indo-Tibetan Border Police: It was formed after India-China war in 1962. It guards the China border. It is also trained in disaster management, UN peacekeeping etc.
National Security Guard: It combats terrorist activities and also internal disturbances in States.
Sashastra Seema Bal: It was established in 1963 and guards Nepal and Bhutan borders. It also helps control anti-national activities at these borders.
What is Cold Start Doctrine? CSD aims to retaliate Pakistan’s attack with a significant harm before any international community interferes. It is to be done in such a way that Pakistan is not provoked for a nuclear attack. Its main elements include – Enhancing the offensive operations capability of defensive or ‘PIVOT’ corps to launch offensive from a “cold start”. Moving Strike Corps cantonments closer to the border. A number of “integrated battle groups” to be formed to launch limited offensive operations to capture Pakistani territory. The captured territory would act as a bargaining chip to force Pakistan to wind down its institutional support to terroristsservation of 33% women at the constable rank in CRPF and CISF.
COLD START DOCTRINE
In an interview, the chief of army staff has acknowledged the existence of Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) which India has not acknowledged officially yet.
Background
India from 1984 till 2004 followed Sundarji Doctrine (SD) on possible war with Pakistan.
As per SD, seven holding corps at the Pakistan border and three strike corps in Central India would be deployed. The holding crops would hold offensive strike of Pakistan till the strike corps, having offensive potency give punitive response to Pakistan. After Parliamentary terrorist attack of 2001, SD was used under Operation Parakaram. It took about 3 weeks to mobilize soldiers due to the long distance. By then international pressure prevented India from taking action.
CSD was developed after the failure of SD. Whereas SD adopts a strategy of defensive offense, the CSD adopts a strategy of Offensive Defense. In 2001, Operation Vijayee Bhava and Operation Sudarshanshakti successfully reduced the mobilisation time drastically to 48 hours as per CSD.
QUANTUM CRYPTOGRAPHY
Russian Quantum Center (RCQ) said that it is ready to offer “quantum cryptography” that could propel India to the forefront of hack proof communication in sectors such as banking and national and homeland security. Until the 1990s, cryptography was based on algorithms – a mathematical process or procedure. These algorithms are used in conjunction with a key which is a collection of bits (usually numbers). Without the proper key, it’s virtually impossible to decipher an encoded message, even if one knows what algorithm to use.
What is Quantum Cryptography?
Quantum cryptography uses quantum physics and not mathematics. In this, key is generated using polarized photons. Since, it uses polarized photons, i.e. spin of photons as key, there’s little chance it can be cracked using mathematics.
About RCQ
RQC conducts scientific research that could lead to a new class of technologies. These include developing ‘unbreakable cryptography’ for the banks and the government organisations.
INS KHANDERI
INS Khanderi, second of the Scorpene class submarine, was launched in Mumbai at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
Project 75
Under Project-75, French Company DCNS will provide design and technology to public sector Mazagon Docks to make six Scorpene diesel submarines by 2022.
Khanderi is second of the six submarines of Project 75 of Indian Navy. The first was Kalvari.
PINAKA ROCKET
Recently, DRDO conducted the second successful flight test of the Guided PINAKA rocket from Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha.
Guided PINAKA Mark-II is an improved version of Mark-I with increased range of 70 km (earlier 40 km) and better accuracy of 50m (earlier 500m).
PINAKA Mark-II is converted into guided version by equipping it with navigation, guidance and control kit developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad. PINAKA Mark-I was unguided.
It is jointly developed by Pune based Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), RCI and Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad.
PINAKA II like PINAKA I is fired using multi-barrel rocket launcher which can fire 12 Rockets loaded with explosives within 44 seconds and destroy a target area of 4 sq km at a time.
Successful test show the country’s capability of converting unguided weapon into precision weapon.
MAKE IN INDIA IN DEFENCE
Many projects under the ‘Make in India’ programme in the defence sector are pending due to not finalizing the strategic partnership (SP) model to choose private Indian companies for indigenous defence manufacturing. Construction of submarines for urgent replacements in the Navy’s submarine fleet under project P 75I Manufacturing of a fighter aircraft to supplement the 36 Rafale fighters in the medium weight category. Three foreign companies, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Saab, wants to make their fighters — F-16, F-18 and Gripen – in India but are awaiting the finalization of the SP model. Construction of the Naval Utility Helicopters also awaits a decision on the Indian manufacturer. Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) issued in March 2016 did not list down the criteria for selecting the private Indian defence companies under the SP model. The SP model was first envisaged by the Dhirendra Singh Committee in which it proposed assured contracts for all requirements of a particular military platform to be given to a particular chosen private firm.
It means that one company could get all the contracts for making submarines in India while another, could make all the planes in India for the next 20 years.
Reasons for Delay in Finalization of SP Model
The acquisition wing of the ministry wants two or more companies to be selected as strategic partners for each platform to allow for price discovery through competitive bidding. While Department of Defence is in favour of the SP model and the price is determined on a cost-plus model. The proposed cost-plus model has been done away with by even defence public sector units, which was seen as a reason for highly inflated costs for indigenously-produced equipment.
The total quantum of assured deals would exceed Rs. 1000 crore which is beyond the powers of the ministry and would have to go for approval to the Cabinet Committee on Security, which can insist on competitive bidding. The SP model may also face legal challenges from losing companies.
The indigenization of the sector is crucial for the self-sufficiency of the country with 3rd largest armed force. Also, the sector has the potential to boost manufacturing and add one million direct and indirect jobs.
NEW POST OF MILITARY ADVISER
Lt General D B Shekatkar Panel has recommended creation of a new post of military adviser who will be of four-star rank, i.e. equivalent in rank to the current chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The report says that the new post which may be called either the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) or Permanent Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (PC-COSC), is essential for smooth functioning of the armed forces in the prevailing security environment. India’s armed forces have to defend the nation and stabilize the neighbourhood, and their main priority, the report argues, is “to degrade the combat endurance, combat capability, combat potential and combat capacity” of Pakistan.
ENVIRONMENT 5.1. KYOTO PROTOCOL
Recently the Union Cabinet had approved the ratification of the second commitment period (2013-2020) of the Kyoto Protocol on containing the emission of greenhouse gases.
About Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in Kyoto, Japan, on 11 December 1997 and entered into force on 16 February 2005.
The detailed rules for the implementation of the Protocol were adopted at COP 7 in Marrakesh, Morocco, in 2001, and are referred to as the “Marrakesh Accords.” Its first commitment period started in 2008 and ended in 2012. The protocol was developed under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change-UNFCCC.
The participating countries have ratified the Kyoto Protocol and committed to cutting the emissions of the Green House Gases such as Methane (CH4), Nitrous oxide (N2O), Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and carbon dioxide (CO2).
Classification of Parties to the Kyoto protocol
Annex I: Parties to the UNFCCC listed in Annex I of the Convention. These are the industrialized (developed) countries and “economies in transition” (EITs). EITs are the former centrally-planned (Soviet) economies of Russia and Eastern Europe. The European Union-15 (EU-15) is also an Annex I Party.
Annex II: Parties to the UNFCCC listed in Annex II of the Convention. Annex II Parties are made up of members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Annex II Parties are required to provide financial resources to enable developing countries in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions (climate change mitigation) and manage the impacts of climate change (climate change adaptation).
Annex B: Parties listed in Annex B of the Kyoto Protocol are Annex I Parties with first or second round Kyoto greenhouse gas emissions targets.
Non-Annex I: Parties to the UNFCCC not listed in Annex I of the Convention are mostly low-income developing countries. Developing countries may volunteer to become Annex I countries when they are sufficiently developed.
Least-developed countries (LDCs): 49 Parties are LDCs, and are given special status under the treaty in view of their limited capacity to adapt to the effects of climate change.
Mechanisms to stimulate green investment
Emission Trading: Emissions Trading‐mechanism allows parties to the Kyoto Protocol to buy ‘Kyoto units’ (emission permits for greenhouse gas) from other countries to help meet their domestic emission reduction targets.
Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): Countries can meet their domestic emission reduction targets by buying greenhouse gas reduction units from (projects in) non Annex I countries to the Kyoto protocol.
Joint Implementation: Any Annex I country can invest in emission reduction projects (referred to as “Joint Implementation Projects”) in any other Annex I country as an alternative to reducing emissions domestically.
Initiatives by India to Counter Climate Change
National action plan on climate change (NAPCC): Government of India has launched eight Missions as part of NAPCC in specific areas which include assessment of the impact of climate change and actions needed to address climate change.
National Solar Mission
National Action Programme to Combat Desertification: It is proposed to initiate activities such as assessment and mapping of land degradation, drought monitoring and early warning system, drought preparedness plans, and on-farm research activities for development of indigenous technology etc.
OLIVE RIDLEY
Carcasses of Olive Ridley turtles were found on the Shore of Hope Island, off the coast of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh) in last one month indicating that their breeding season has been severely affected this year.
Why there population declining?
Rampant and irresponsible use of mechanized fishing boat under which turtles are stuck and crushed. Despite being exhorted by fisheries department, boat owners are still unwilling to use Turtle Excluder Device (TED) to help turtles pass through the net probably because of lack of awareness. Direct harvest of Adults and Eggs contribute to dwindling population. Yet another reason is unavailability of TED in the open market.
About Olive Ridley Turtles
They are smallest and most abundant of all the sea turtle species. They are Omnivores. Gets their name from olive green colouration of its heart shaped shell. They are found only in warmer waters, including the southern Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.
They are known for their arribadas (synchronised mass nesting) during which time tens of thousands of female turtles come ashore to nest in the span of a few days. Gahirmatha located in the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha houses the world largest mass nesting site of these turtles. Past few years, Sandy stretches of Hope Island of the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh have also emerged as a breeding ground for these turtles. Their breeding season is from October to February where female can lays 100-150 eggs at one time.
Despite high population, their numbers have declined significantly in past few year. They have been categorized as Vulnerable in IUCN Red list and Listed as Schedule I species in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, thereby being offered maximum protection. 5.3. DEER ANTLERS
Kerala has sought permission from Union government to allow the use of Antlers of Spotted and Sambhar deer in Ayurvedic medicines by amending Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Antlers are extension of Deer’s skull and all the three species of deer found in Kerala Spotted deer, Sambhar deer and Barking deer shed their antlers annually which regrow again.
State governments and other wildlife authorities have huge quantity of antlers in their custody as their sale and use are banned in India under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Though proposal only includes collection of antlers already shed, it may trigger the reckless hunting of deer.
The Act of 1972, has included antler in the definition of wildlife trophy which is defined as the “whole or any part of any captive animal or wild animal”. Trophy hunting is the shooting animals for pleasure where trophy is the animal (or its head, skin, antler or any other body part) that the hunter keeps as a souvenir. Wildlife and wildlife trophies are considered as owned by the government. The Act prescribes imprisonment up to 3 years and fine of Rs. 25,000 for offences involving wildlife trophies. Antlers have medicinal values to invigorate spleen, strengthen bones/muscles, boost blood flow, etc.
Sloth Bears
Indian Sloth bears are a species of bear found only in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. It is nocturnal animal, locally known as KARADI, lives in open scrub forests having outcrop of rocks, boulders and caves as shelter. They have poor vision and hearing but good sense of smell. Daroji sanctuary established in 1994 is biggest sloth bear sanctuary in Asia. Current status: IUCN RED list – Vulnerable, in CITES included in Appendix I and Schedule I of wildlife protection act, 1972.
HAKKI HABBA
It is a three day bird festival which was held at Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary near world famous Hampi in Ballari district, Karnataka. It was the 3rd edition jointly organized by State’s Forest Department and Eco Tourism Board in association with the local birdwatchers’ association.
The first two editions were held in Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Mandya district and Kali Tiger Reserves, Uttara Kannada district. The objective of the festival is to create awareness among the people about conservation of birds. Birds like Great Indian Bustard, Bar-headed geese, Partridges, Painted Sand grouses, Yellow throated bulbul, Great horned Owl, Black Storks were sighted along the bank of River Tungabhadra in Hampi.
ZINGIBER PSEUDOSQUARROSUM
It is a new species of ginger recently discovered by botanists of The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It belongs to Genus Zingiber and used for its medicinal values by the local Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of the Andamans. Like other Ginger it is also edible and its pseudo stem is red in colour. Its monocotyledonous flowers are lotus shaped with reddish tinge, fruits are pot shaped while Inflorescence buds are like pitcher. This particular species have tuberous roots and the buds have no smell. The juice of its fleshy tuberous roots is used to treat abdominal pain and anti-helminthic troubles. Its rhizomes are widely used as a spice or a traditional medicine. The odd shape of this species of ginger makes it distinct from the many others in the genus Zingiber. Most common species of Ginger, Zingiber Officinale, known for aromatic smell is grown widely across India.
IDUKKI WILDLIFE SANTUARY
Recently there was a birds and butterfly survey at the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala). About Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
The Forest type:
West Coast Tropical Evergreen forests,
Semi Evergreen forests,
Moist Deciduous Forests,
Hill shoals and Grass Lands.
Average rainfall is 3800mm and the highest peak is Vanjur Medu (1272m).
Biodiversity: common animals found are – Elephant, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse deer, Bonnet macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Malabar giant squirrel.
Birds: Osprey (fish eagle), listed in the IUCN red category, Great Indian Hornbill, Grey-headed Bulbul, etc.
It is also notorious for illegal cultivation of marijuana – world renowned “Idukki Gold” or “Kerela Gold”
The highlights of the survey
Newly spotted birds in the sanctuary – Scally Thrush, Booted Warbler, Paddyfield Warbler, Blue Rockhill, etc. The rarely sighted newly spotted butterfly species – Malabar Hedge Hopper, Malabar Tree Nymph, etc. It is becoming a favored destination for migratory birds as it is closely located to Idukki Arc Dam.
The Idukki Arch Dam is the Asia’s biggest Arch Dam of 555 feet high.
5.7. CHINA BANS IVORY TRADE China has announced to ban all ivory trade and processing activities by the end of 2017, a move described by wildlife conservationists as a “potential game changer” for African Elephants. As per the new rule, owner of ivory products can either keep them or give them as gifts or sell them at supervised auctions with official approval. The move follows a resolution at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in South Africa last October to close domestic ivory markets. Though ivory trade is ban in international market since 1989, legal domestic markets have continued in many countries around the world.
As per Great Elephant Census, 2016 population of African elephants have declined by 30% in past 7 years primarily because of poaching with just 415,000 left in the wild. China has the biggest ivory market in the world – some estimates suggest 70% of the world’s trade ends up there where it is seen as a status symbol and prices can reach as high as $1100 per kg. Conservationists estimate that more than 20,000-30,000 elephants were killed for their ivory last year, with similar tolls in previous years.
Impact
Setting such an aggressive timeline to close- once and for all-the largest domestic ivory market in the world is globally significant and will immensely boost conservation efforts. It will make it harder for Ivory traffickers to sell their illegal stocks. Such ban will pressurize countries like Britain, Japan and especially neighbouring Honkong (world biggest legal retail market for elephant ivory) to close their ivory markets.
LARSEN C ICE SHELF POISED TO CALVE
Larsen C ice shelf, located on Antarctic Peninsula witnessed an enormous rift, which has disproportionately grown in past few months, now extending upto 175 Km long. British researchers monitoring the rift as a part of Project MIDAS says that only 12 miles (19 km) now connect the chunk of ice to its parent iceshelf. If the rift fully extends, the resulting iceberg would be approximately 5000 sq km and will be one of the biggest icebergs ever recorded. Though there is lack of credible evidence to directly correlate calving of iceberg with global warming but it indeed show climate change has caused the thinning of the ice shelf. Impact If iceberg separates, Larsen C Ice shelf will be at its most retreated position ever recorded, fundamentally changing the landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula.
New configuration will be less stable than prior to the rift and might meet the same fate as its neighbours Larsen A (collapsed in 1995) and Larsen B (collapsed in 2002). Land ice that have been blocked by the breaking iceberg, will drop into the ocean and eventually would raise the sea level.
Ice shelf
It is a floating extension of land-based glaciers which flow into the ocean.
As they already float in the ocean, their melting does not directly contribute to sea-level rise.
The breaking of ice shelves is a natural process but global warming is thought to have accelerated this process.
In recent decades many major ice shelves have disintegrated or lost substantial volume like Prince Gustav channel, Larsen Inlet, Wordie, Muller, Jones Channel, Wilkins, Larsen A, Larsen B, etc.
5.9. BAN ON IMPORT OF EXOTIC ANIMALS SKIN
Director General of Foreign Trade has prohibited the import of skins of animals like reptiles and furs of minks, foxes and chinchillas.
India’s import policy allows import of raw hides, skin, leather, fur, skins of reptiles, mink, fox etc.
But they are subjected to regulation under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 allows the slaughter of animals only for subsistence but this too is regulated to minimize the pain and suffering of animals.
Various nations are switching to cruelty-free alternatives like fake snake, mock croc, faux fur etc. so that animals don’t have to be slaughtered for their skin feeding fur, skin and leather industries.
About CITES (Came in force in 1975, Also called Washington Convention)
It is an international agreement between governments aiming to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. It is a legally binding treaty where different species are categorized into groups called Appendices.
Appendix I: Includes species threatened with extinction, trade only in exceptional situation; Appendix II: Includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, trade strictly regulated; Appendix III: species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade.
POLACHIRA WETLANDS
Recently the 27th annual waterfowl census was conducted in the Polachira Wetlands, in Kollam, Kerala This year 15 Eurasian spoonbills were sighted at Polachira. They are migratory birds breeding from the UK and Spain in the west through to Japan in the East.
What are Wetlands?
Wetlands are areas where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and the associated plant and animal life.
Director General of Foreign Trade:
It is an attached office of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
It is responsible for formulating and implementing the Foreign Trade Policy with the main objective of promoting India’s exports.
It plays a role in developing trading relations with other nations. These areas have the soil covered by water or are present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year, including during the growing season.
Wetlands, natural and manmade, freshwater or brackish, provide numerous ecological services. The density of birds in a particular area of wetland can be indication of the ecological health of a wetland.
About Polachira Wetlands
The wetlands are the breeding ground for the Migratory Birds from all around the world. Some of the birds sighted during the census are Comb ducks, Black headed ibis, Painted storks, Glossy Ibis, Indian moorhen, Eurasian coot, Pheasant-tailed jacana, Grey heron, large cormorant and large egret.
Significance of Wetlands
It helps to maintain sedimentation and balance of soil, helpful in water, carbon and nutrient cycles. It helps to regulate the amount of water as excess water from rainfall and floods gets absorbed and can be used in times of need. It is source of livelihood through fishing and rice farming to travel, tourism and water provision.
Wetlands host a large variety of life, protect our coastlines, provide natural sponges against river flooding and store carbon dioxide to regulate climate change.
They provide habitat for wildlife and migratory birds and help in conservation of environment.
In December 2016, 23 workers got trapped under debris at the Lalmatia open-cast coal mine in Jharkhand’s Godda district. Digging up more coal has become a national priority for India to meet its electricity needs. Alongside ship-breaking, mining is the most dangerous profession in India.
Ramsar Convention
It is international treaty for conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It is named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the convention was signed in 1971. There are 26 Ramsar Sites in India designated as Wetlands of International importance. Chilika Lake (Odisha), Point Cailmere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu), Sambhar Lake(Rajasthan) and Upper Ganga River(Uttar Pradesh) are a few noted ones.
Significance
It will provide a permanent, sustainable model for epidemic vaccine development through sharing of risk and benefits of vaccine development.
It will help in building regional capabilities of various stakeholders in the long run.
It will shorten the time it takes to make vaccines to protect against virus epidemics, which can emerge suddenly as global public health threats.
- SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 6.1. COALITION FOR EPIDEMIC PREPAREDNESS INNOVATIONS (CEPI)
Why in news
It was officially launched in Jan 2017 at World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos with an initial investment of $460 million from the Germany, Japan and Norway including Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
What is CEPI?
It is a Global alliance of governments, intergovernmental institutions like WHO, health specialists, and philanthropists to finance and coordinate the development of new vaccine to prevent and contain infectious disease epidemics. CEPI has signed a MoU with WHO. It is using WHO’s priority list to choose which diseases to pursue. CEPI has finalized three diseases to start developing vaccines for: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Lassa fever and Nipah.
Infectious disease epidemics cost the world $60 billion each year endangering lives, disrupting societies and damaging economies esp. of low and middle income countries.
Recent cases like Ebola outbreak in West Africa and Zika in the America have exposed serious flaws in the world’s capacity to prepare for and respond to infectious disease outbreaks.
KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE BACTERIA
A US woman died from an infection that was resistant to all 26 available antibiotics, raising new concerns about rise of dangerous superbugs. The bacterium found was Klebsiella pneumonia that contained the enzyme called as New Delhi metallo-beta- lactamase (NDM-1) in its gene.
Bacteria can carry genes that allow them to survive exposure to the antibiotics we currently have. These are called superbugs or antibiotic resistant.
There are two reasons for emergence of resistance: Spontaneous mutation of bacterium’s DNA
Transfer of ABR genes from one bacteria to another
Major reason for increasing number of superbugs’ emergence is the misuse or overuse of antibiotics. How can we stop the spread of superbugs? There is a lot we can do as individuals and as a community, through our governments, to improve the situation and reduce the risk of being infected with a superbug. Reducing individual risk Maintain good personal care and hygiene Limit the antibiotics you receive
Use in this in animals to be avoided: Worldwide, about 80% of all antibiotics are used in food animals but many a times antibiotics provide no or marginal benefit. Renew our focus on safe water- NDM-1 is found in New Delhi’s chlorinated water supply. Research and development can only be the long term solution for the problem Awareness among the individuals regarding the spread of superbugs and International cooperation. Way Forward
Indian Red Line Campaign is a good move in the direction of awareness and further steps should be taken such as putting various antibiotics in Schedule X (medicine not to be sold without prescription).
WASTE TO ENERGY PLANT
Waste to energy plant can have two types of municipal solid waste (MSW). One, which burns all the municipal waste and the other, Which burns Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF).
SCIENTIFIC SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Prime Minister advocated scientific social responsibility (SSR) on the lines of corporate social responsibility (CSR) at the 104th Indian Science Congress.
LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS
It is natural gas converted into a liquid by cooling it to -260°F (-162°C). LNG is 85 to 95% methane, along with few percent ethane, even less propane and butane, and trace nitrogen.It is odorless, colourless, non-corrosive and non-toxic liquid. The volume of gas is contracted by 600 times during liquefaction, making it easier and safer to store and ship. In liquid state, it does not ignite.
What is Scientific Social Responsibility?
It is analogous to CSR. CSR includes initiatives that benefit society. Similarly, SSR shall include encouraging innovation and applying scientific models for the benefit of society. SSR also includes promoting greener options/ climate friendly innovations and research models. SSR would promote scientific excellence in all stakeholders including educational institutions.
FLOATING LIQUIFIED NATURAL GAS (LNG) PLANT
Recently a Chinese company has developed its own version of system for floating LNG plant. Each plant, as single unit will have all features like loading and storage facilities for LNG, Regasification and Power generation. Smallest floating plant will have a capacity to generate 10 MW while largest will generate 800 MW of electricity. It provides a clean alternative to coal based power plant with far less environment footprint because of less carbon emissions. Investment friendly and cost effective as it minimizes land acquisition process and also involves less civil works.
EXOPLANET: WOLF1061C
Recently astronomers have studied an Exoplanet called Wolf 1061c and found that this celestial body could be habitable in the future as it in within habitable zone (goldilocks zone) of its star. Wolf 1061c is a rocky planet more than 4 times the mass of earth, and part of Wolf 1061 system.
Wolf 1061c might have a chaotic climate because it changes orbit at much faster rate than earth which have slower variations in its orbit around sun. It could cause freezing or heating of the planet quite frequently.
Exoplanet (Also known as Extrasolar planet)
It is any planet that orbits a star other than the Sun, they can orbit their stars at any distance.
Some of them orbit just at the right distance from star that they are in “habitable zone”, which means they have the right temperature to have liquid water at their surface.
Wolf 1061 system
It is an M class red dwarf star located 14 light years away in constellation Ophiuchus. It has 3 planets called Wolf1061 b, Wolf 1061c and Wolf 1061d.
All there planets are super earths (Super-Earth is an exoplanet with a mass between 1 and 10 times that of Earth. The super-Earth classification refers only to the mass, and not surface conditions or habitability).
6.7. G-PROTEIN COUPLED RECEPTORS (GPCR)
Researchers from IIT Kanpur have found that regulation of GPCRs by the drug molecules can be far simpler than earlier thought by simply engaging with end (tail) of receptor.
Presently, for any drug to be effective it has to bind at two sites of receptors – at the tail, outside the cell and at the core, present inside the cell.
However researchers were able to prove drug could be equally effective by just binding at one of the site i.e. at the tail of receptor. They through specific engineering, made the other site i.e. core of the receptor ineffective.
How GPCRs works?
Receptors are found on the cell surface with a part of it embedded in the cell membrane and other part protrudes outside membrane and inside of the cell.
These Receptors reacts to external stimuli by changing their shape which brings a corresponding change in the shape of receptors inside the cell. This change in shape inside the cell allows the receptor to bind to a particular protein called G-Protein triggering a specific change in the cell which brings physiological changes in our body.(G- Proteins are a family of proteins, which act like a switch mechanism inside cell and is activated by GPCRs).
These external stimuli can be brought about by any hormones, drugs, photons, neurotransmitters, growth factors or glycoproteins.
In a person with high blood pressure, a prescribed drug binds to receptor and activates corresponding protein inside cell arrestins (effector proteins of these particular GPCRs). As a result arrestin pulls the receptor inside the cell (Process called receptor endocytosis). This prevents the angiotensin (hormone responsible for increasing blood pressure) from binding to the receptor even if it is present in blood and thus interrupts signaling process, thereby helping in controlling the blood pressure.
Significance
This research will help in designing simple, cheaper and more efficient drugs and thus provide better healthcare service.
Gives a ray of hope to researchers to provide effective cure to non-communicable disease like high BP, diabetes, heart failure, obesity, cancer and many other diseases that target GPCRs.
It can give a boost Indian to Indian Biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector
GRAVITATIONAL WAVE TELESCOPE: NGARI
China has started the construction of two-phase Ngari wave observatory in Ngari territory of Tibet close to Indian border, which will house world’s highest altitude Gravitational Wave Telescope. The main aim of this project is to find more about the Big Bang theory which is about the birth and configuration of the cosmos.
Highlights of the Project
Phase 1 of the project consists of a telescope located at 5250m above sea level and expected to be operational by 2021. It will be able to detect and gather data on gravitational waves in northern hemisphere. Phase 2 consists of series of telescopes to be constructed at 6000m above sea level and will expand the observation frequency band to improve accuracy. Ngari is one of the world’s best spot because of high altitude, clear skies and minimum human activity.
HELIOSTAT: It is an apparatus containing a movable or driven mirror, used to reflect sunlight in a fixed direction. As the sun moves across the sky, a heliostat makes small adjustments to the position of a mirror in order to keep reflected light on a target. The larger the mirror, the more energy and light is delivered to the target.
NASA MISSION TO EXPLORE ASTEROIDS
NASA has announced launch of two missions to explore asteroids in search of clues about early solar system.
The first mission named Lucy, scheduled to launch in 2021, will explore Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids while second named Psyche, to be launched in 2023, will explore a giant metal asteroid known as 16 Psyche. Lucy is slated to arrive at its first destination, a main belt asteroid, in 2025. From 2027 to 2033, Lucy will explore six Jupiter Trojan asteroids.
About 16 Psyche Asteroid
It is massive asteroid in the primary asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
Its distance from the sun is three times the distance of the earth from the sun. It measures 130 miles (210 km) in diameter.
It is made of mostly iron and nickel, not ice and rock like other asteroids.
Some researchers think that it may be the exposed core of early planet that lost its rocky exterior during a series of violent collisions not long after it was formed.
Significance
This mission will help in gaining more information about our earth core like how it separated into layers of crusts, mantle and core.
It will also help in understanding how the sun and its family of planets formed, changed over time, and became places where life could develop and be sustained and what the future may hold.
ASHALIM PROJECT
Israel is building its largest solar power station in Negev desert called Ashalim Project.
Ashalim solar Tower will be encircled with 55000 projecting mirrors called Heliostat
It will house world tallest solar tower standing at 250 m (820 feet).
The project will generate 310 MW of power enough for 130,000 households.
It will use Solar-thermal method where these mirrors will focus sun’s rays to heat the boiler creating steam to spin turbine and generate electricity.
INDIA BECOMES AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF CERN
India became an associate member of CERN, after govt. completed approval procedures on the agreement it signed last year. India and CERN signed a Cooperation Agreement in 1991, setting priorities for scientific cooperation. India’s involvement with CERN began in the 1960s with Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, participating in CERN experiments. In the 1990s, scientists of Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology, Indore built accelerator components for CERN. India was inducted as an observer in CERN in 2004.
India’s contribution to CERN
Many Indians have made contributed to the construction of the LHC accelerator, ALICE and CMS experiments at CERN. Indian scientist’s role in LHC helped in the discovery of Higgs Boson. In the field of large-scale computing, India has designed, developed and deployed software for the Worldwide Large Hadron Collider Grid (WLCG).
Significance of Associate member status
It will enhance participation of young scientists and engineers in various CERN projects.
This will also help bring back the knowledge gained in CERN to the domestic programmes.
Indian industry will be entitled to bid for CERN contracts directly, opening opportunities for in areas of advanced technology.
India can take part in meetings of the CERN Council and its committees (Finance Committee and Scientific Policy Committee).
Indian scientists will become eligible for staff appointments.
Associate membership will cost about Rs 80 crores annually. Also India would not enjoy any voting rights like the members. But this membership is surely a step in the right direction to advance the scientific research in India and improve India’s stature at the global arena.
CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research)
CERN is the world’s largest nuclear and particle physics laboratory,
At CERN, scientists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the Universe.
CERN is based in Geneva.
Presently CERN has 22 member states, four associate member states, and seven observers including four states and three International Organizations.
Projects at CERN ○Large Hadron Collider – The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator. It aims to study the fundamentals of universe. ○Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) – It is a general-purpose detector at the LHC. Its studies the Standard Model (including the Higgs boson) It is also searching for extra dimensions and particles that make up dark matter. ○ALICE is the acronym for A Large Ion Collider Experiment. It researches in the physics of matter at an infinitely small scale. Eg. Research on quarks which make protons and neutrons.
E-CIGARETTES
A study by University of California says that E-cigarettes are attracting a new population of adolescents who might not otherwise have smoked tobacco products.
Supreme Court has banned orally ingested tobacco products recently.
Government has put high taxes on cigarettes.
The above steps seem to have pushed the sale of e-cigarettes.
E-cigarette is a type of Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).
It is a battery-powered device using electricity to vaporise a nicotine containing fluid.
These do not have tar like conventional cigarettes.
It resembles a cigarette by having a red LED to simulate the tip of a real cigarette.
It also produces a bluish vapour that resembles cigarette smoke.
It can be an Electronic non-nicotine delivery system (ENNDS) too where the liquid is not nicotine.
The liquid here is dissolved into propylene glycol or/and glycerine to create an aerosol.
WHO has termed both ENDS and ENNDS as ‘vaping’ — a ‘tobacco-free’ version of the cigarette in which a liquid is inhaled through a vaporiser.
Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act 2003
WHO FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON TOBACCO CONTROL (FCTC) 2003 WHO FCTC is the first global public health treaty in response to the globalization of the tobacco epidemic. It is legally binding to its members. India has also ratified it. It recommends demand side measures of tobacco control like Price and tax measures to reduce the demand for tobacco. Non-price measures like Packaging and labelling of tobacco products; public awareness and Tobacco advertising etc. It also gives some supply measures of tobacco control like preventing illicit tobacco trade; control sales to minors etc.
SUMIT BOSE PANEL SUBMITS REPORT ON SECC
An Expert group headed by Sumit Bose on Socio Economic and Caste census (SECC) recently presented its report to Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD)
Sumit bose panel was set up to
Study the criteria for allocation of resources to states as per SECC.
Identification of beneficiaries under various pro-poor programmes using SECC data.
SECC data on rural areas was released in 2015. The committee was needed for the better use of the data in the government schemes and target beneficiaries.
Socio Economic and Caste Census (2011)
SECC was conducted both in urban and rural areas in the country, to collect socio-economic and caste data of households. It was conducted by MoRD, Ministry of Urban Development, Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner and the State Governments.
It used different committee methodologies in urban and rural areas:
NC Saxena committee (for rural areas) – It was established to suggest design of new BPL census. It recommended a three-fold classification of households (HHs) –
Excluded – These HHs would be identified by assets and income and would be excluded from welfare benefits of the Government.
Automatically included – It would include HHs with extreme social destitution and would be automatically included for government benefits.
Others – They would be ranked on the basis of multiple deprivation indicators and would be eligible for graded benefits. Eg. Presence of an able and literate adult etc.
SR Hashim committee (for urban areas)
It also followed a three step approach like NC Saxena.
Only difference is that both committees used different parameters for classification.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) – Presently, resource allocation is based on 75% weight to SECC housing deprivation data and 25% to the head count ratio of poverty.
CARA
It is a statutory body of Ministry of Women & Child Development under Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. It is a nodal body for adoption of Indian children. It deals in orphan, abandoned or surrendered children. It deals with inter-country adoptions according to the Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption, 1993.
Central Adoption Resource Information Guidance System (CARINGS)
It is an e-governance measure to facilitate child adoption.
It will be a centralized data bank of adoptable children and PAPs.
All DCPUs will be connected online to CARINGS
Section 68 of the Juvenile Justice Act 2015 makes CARA responsible to
Promote in-country and interstate adoptions.
Frame regulations on adoptions.
ADOPTION REGULATIONS 2017
Government recently notified Adoption regulations 2017 framed by Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) to replace the 2015 adoption guidelines. Earlier legal adoption was available only to the Hindu community under Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act 1956.
Other communities could only act as legal guardians under the Guardians and Wards Act 1890.
Juvenile Justice Act (JJ Act) promoted uniform code for adoption for all communities.
India has the largest population of children in the world. Adoption is a solution for both childless couples and the homeless children. It can be an alternative option to surrogacy which is considered to be exploitative. While the 2015 guidelines had no legal powers, the 2017 regulations will have enforcement powers. The regulations will lay timelines for stakeholders to clear the adoption procedure, application of birth certificates, passports, petitions etc. Intercountry and intra-country adoption procedures have been defined clearly.
CARA will report and facilitate all adoptions under the JJ Act, 2015 through CARINGS.
For safeguards, CARA would maintain adoption records and ensure post-adoption follow up.
Currently only biological parents or adoptive parents are recognized leaving out the step parent of any legal responsibility. The regulation
Defines the step parent legally
Allows birth certificate of the adopted child to have their name in it.
District Child protection Unit (DCPU) will maintain a panel of professionally qualified or trained social workers. Couples with more than three children shall not be eligible for adoption except in special needs.
National Policy of Children 2013
It recognizes a child to be a person below the age of 18 yrs.
It recognizes that children are not a homogenous group and require different responses.
It aims to give a social safety net to family to help nurture child.
It says that every child has universal, inalienable and indivisible human rights.
It has four priority areas:
Survival, health and nutrition
Education and development
Child Protection
Child Participation
NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR CHILDREN, 2016
National Action Plan for Children, 2016 (NAPC) was launched by Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) to celebrate the National Girl Child Day.
NPAC puts focus on emerging concerns for children such as online child abuse, children affected by disasters and climate change etc.
According to the 2013 Policy, NPAC will form a National Co-ordination and Action Group (NCAG) under the Ministry of WCD. It will coordinate, implement and monitor the plan. 7.4. FOOD REGULATIONS
Food Fortification
It is the addition of vitamins and minerals such as iron, iodine, zinc, Vitamin A, D to staple foods such as rice, milk and salt to improve their nutritional content. These nutrients may or may not have been originally present in the food before processing.
It helps overcome micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) deficiency.
It neither changes existing food patterns, habits nor individual compliance.
FSSAI
It is a statutory body as per Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.
It comes under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Its aim is to establish a single reference point for all matters relating to food safety and standards.
Bio-fortification
Biofortification improves nutritional quality of food crops through agronomic practices, conventional plant breeding, or modern biotechnology.
Biofortification increases nutrient levels in crops during plant growth rather than through manual means during crop processing as in conventional fortification.
DRAFT REGULATIONS ON FORTIFICATION OF FOODS
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued draft regulations to allow food fortification in foods for public health benefit. Global Nutrition Reports have repeatedly alarmed India over its stagnant malnutrition problems. To avoid malnutrition, one of the viable solutions is food fortification.
In 2017, FSSAI also released the comprehensive draft regulations on food fortification. It is still not mandatory to fortify food and is limited to only voluntary initiatives.
There are no fortification standards to enhance the efficacy of the fortified food.
These regulations prescribe standards for fortification of salt, oil, milk, vanaspati, atta, maida and rice.
FSSAI may make fortification of food mandatory on Government of India (GOI) orders based on extent and severity of public health.
It defines both the minimum and the maximum threshold of micronutrients to be added in food.
For quality assurance, the following steps are proposed –
Certification required from a food laboratory notified by FSSAI.
Record keeping including the source of fortificant being procured.
Random testing of fortified food.
Regular audit of the processing stages.
All fortified foods whether mandated or voluntary should bear the fortification logo and details of fortificant on its package. FSSAI shall be responsible to encourage the production, manufacture, distribution, sale and consumption of fortified food in ways like – Advising about fortified food in Government-funded programmes. Organizing public awareness, education and advocacy campaigns on fortified food. Conducting technical assistance programmes for small manufacturers in fortification. Encourage governments to give financial incentives like subsidies and loans for manufacturers and packers for food fortification.
A fortification initiative will combat high malnutrition, promote food processing industry and also improve customer satisfaction. Therefore the government must reform its institutional structure and its overall implementation to mainstream this key initiative.
7.4.2. LAW COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION ON FOOD LAWS
Why in news?
The Law Commission of India in its 264th report has recommended life imprisonment for traders, businessmen and shopkeepers found guilty of the death of their customers by intentionally selling them adulterated or “noxious” food and drink.
Why Food Legislation is necessary?
Increasing daily need and fast growing lifestyle have led to ever growing food and food products markets providing an opportunity for greedy people to make quick money by food adulteration.
Most of the food adulterants are very harmful and toxic driving the citizens to health hazards that ultimately result in various ailments and even premature deaths.
Food legislations are enacted to ensure that the acceptable minimum level of food safety is ensured; and the standards that secure such safety are strictly enforced.
The Present Legal Framework and its Criticisms
Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (Food Act) was brought in to consolidate all previous existing food laws thus creating a single reference point for all matters relating to food safety and standards.
Food Adulteration under the IPC
Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC) under sections 272 and 273 also provides for penal provisions with food adulteration.
States like Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have brought in legislations to amend IPC to enhance the punishment to imprisonment for life and also the fine.
OXFAM REPORT ON INCOME DISPARITY 2017
International NGO Oxfam released a report ‘An Economy for the 99%’ recently. It is a part of annual series of reports launched just before World Economic Forum Davos meet.
Inequality is rising over time. For Eg. Thomas Piketty’s Capital in the 21st Century, says that income growth of the bottom 50% has been zero compared to 300% growth of the top 1%. Income Inequality is increasing despite an increase in the world population which will further add to the vicious cycle.
This is a failure of Trickle Down theory: It shows that market isn’t always right and government’s welfaristic role is the need of the hour.
India’s richest 1% holds 58% of the country’s total wealth – higher than the global figure of about 50 per cent.
CEO of India’s top information firms earns 416 times the salary of a typical employee in his company.
Reasons of the rising income disparity
Tax avoidance and Tax evasion to gain windfall profits without having to pay taxes for the benefit of society. It is supplemented by secrecy of tax havens.
Wage discrimination across race, gender, caste, religion etc.
Existence of Parallel economy because of black money also boosts inflation and increases inequality.
Large population concentrated in the low pay sectors like subsistence agriculture.
Presence of crony capitalism. For eg. Oxfam in its 2016 report ‘An Economy for the 1%’, showed corporations using their power and influence to shape government policies.
Consequences of income inequality
Lower wages decrease the consumption levels of individuals thus lowering demand and slowing down growth.
Lower tax collection causes a deficit of spending in welfare schemes like MNREGA which further affects employment.
Socio-economic backwardness continues due to not enough opportunities for backward to change their status.
Materialistic and consumeristic behavior gets promoted leading to loss of emotional connectedness in humanity.
Environment is exploited by the rising inequality. Eg. Affluence promotes Climate Change by wastage of resources.
It increases crime and insecurity in the society.
Democratic principles of equality, fairness and justice are undervalued with the monetary influence in political scenario. Eg. Inequality is a reason of rise of Right parties.
Indian Government steps
Government is pursuing land reforms like land leasing to make the agriculture profitable to all. It has also fixed a target to double farmer income by 2022.
Support to MSME industries is being given in the form of direct subsidy and exemptions of duty.
Poverty Alleviation programs like MNREGA, National Social Assistance Program etc. are also being implemented.
To curb regional economic special area programs like Drought Prone Area Development are being implemented.
India has also revised its Double Tax Avoidance Agreement to curb tax avoidance.
Government is even planning to introduce Universal Basic Income for all.
Steps needed to curb inequality
Oxfam recommends it is time to build a human economy that benefits everyone. It recommends the richest persons to do something constructive with their wealth.
There is a need to promote Corporate Social Responsibility worldwide.
Behavioral change is needed to stop any discrimination.
There needs to be better implementation of welfare schemes.
Increase collaboration on sharing tax information and collating intelligence is needed.
SEX RATIO IN HARYANA
Haryana for the first time in past 2 decades has crossed 900-mark in Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB). SRB in December 2016 was recorded at 914. The SRB refers to the number of girls born per 1000 boys.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign launched in Panipat in January 2015 by central government provided initial flip and motivation to improve the pathetic sex ratio in the state.
State Government ensured strict implementation of Pre-conception and Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994 and Medical Terminal of Pregnancy (MTP) Act.
Recent state government schemes like “Aapki beti hamari beti”, “Haryana kanya kosh” proved to be step in the right direction.
Aapki beti hamari beti scheme:
It is launched to combat the problem of declining child sex ratio in the state. As per the scheme, first girl child born on or after January 22, 2015, in SC family and BPL families will be eligible to receive Rs 21,000 Similarly, all second girl child born on or after January 22, 2015 of all families will get Rs 21,000. Families, where twin girls or multiple girls are born, will get Rs 21,000 per girl child. They will be provided fund from Haryana Kanya Kosh. . Even it recorded the lowest child sex ratio (0-6 years) of 834 among all the states compared to national average of 919.
MILLETS: FUTURE OF FOOD AND FARMING
Smart Food (SF) initiative, which focuses on popularising millets and sorghum (jowar), has been selected as one of the winning innovations of 2017 by LAUNCH Food programme. They are group of small-grained cereal grasses. Millets are categorized as major (Sorghum and pearl millet) and minor based on grain size. Off late, the classification is also an indication of the area under these crops. Though small millets are grown in almost every state/region, the distribution of individual millet is not uniform.
Advantages of millets
They are climate change compliant crops as it can withstand more heated regime, erratic rainfall. For example Millets can easily withstand climate change while wheat is thermal sensitive.
They are astonishingly low water consuming crop. For example rainfall needed for Sorghum, Pearl Millet(bajra) and Finger Millet(ragi) is less than 25% of sugarcane and banana and 30% that of rice. In future, where water and food crisis stares us in the face, millets can truly ensure the food security.
They provide tons of benefit to human body like:
Provides protection against cardiac disease, diabetes.
Lowers bad cholesterol level.
As it is alkaline and it digests easily
Prevents onset of breast cancer.
Detoxify body and effective in lowering blood pressure.
Easily solves the problems like constipation, excess gas, bloating, and cramping.
Helps to optimize kidney, liver and immune health system.
Most Millets can be grown on poorest of soils. Some in acidic soils, some on saline soils. For example in Rajasthan, pearl millets are grown in sandy soils. Finger millets grow well in saline soils.
Way Forward
Millets can be made a part of Public Distribution System and Midday Meal Scheme as it will provide poor people and children with nutritious food at economical price and raise their nutritional standards.
Multipronged strategy must be used to bring more cropping area under millet cultivation like providing Subsidy, making it more remunerative for farmers by providing the provision of Minimum support Price (MSP).
Sensitizing consumers about its nutritional benefits.
INDIRA GANDHI MATRITVA SAHYOG YOJANA
Every pregnant woman would get Rs. 6000 for hospital stay, vaccination and nutrition. This benefit advanced to pregnant woman falls under Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY) which was started by the UPA government in 2010. The National Food Security Act of 2013 made its universal coverage compulsory. Section 4(b) of the National Food Security Act states that every pregnant and lactating women is entitled to maternity benefits of not less than Rs. 6000
IGMSY originally provided a benefit of Rs. 4000 which was increased to Rs. 6000 with National Food Security Act, 2013. This cash transfer scheme is applicable to pregnant and lactating women of age 19 and above for up to 2 living children. All pregnant women are eligible unless they have already received paid leave or maternity benefits from their employers in the private or government sector.
The Women and Child Development Minstry has formulated a plan and will be distributing the Rs. 6000 benefits in 3 installments for the first two live births.
States will bear 40% of the cost while the Centre will provide the rest.
Difference between Scheduled, Nomadic and Semi-nomadic Tribes
The term “Scheduled Tribe” appeared first in the Constitution of India. Article 366 (25) defined them as “such tribes or tribal communities as are deemed under Article 342 to be Scheduled Tribes for the purpose of this Constitution.”
They are called Scheduled because they are included in one of the Schedule of the Constitution.
Nomadic Tribes and Denotified Tribes both are the ones that were regarded as criminal tribes under CTA.
They are basically people who lived in tribal areas (mainly forest).
DENOTIFIED, NOMADIC AND SEMI-NOMADIC TRIBES
During the British colonial rule, if the local government had reason to believe that a gang or a tribe had “addicted to systemtic commission of non-bailable offences” then it was registered as criminal tribe under the Criminbal Tribes Act, 1871. Restrictions were imposed on their movement and adult male members of the community had to report to the police on regular intervals. Next came the Criminal Tribes Act, 1924. Under this act, the local government may establish reformatory schools and separate criminal tribe children from their parents and guardians and place them in such schools.
The Ananthsayanam Ayyangar Committee (1949-50) gave a comprehensive report on how CTA worked throughout India. It listed 116 tribes in British territories and 200 in Princely States.
It also recommended that the CTA be repealed and a central legislation be established that was applicable to habitual offenders without distinction based on caste, creed and race.
The CTA was repealed in 1949 and was replaced by the Habitual Offenders Act, 1951. In 2002, Justice Venkatchaliah Commission recommended for strengthening the programmes for economic and educational development of DNTs. It also recommended constituting a special commission to look into the needs and grievances of the DNTs.
Consequently, a National Commission for Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes was constituted in 2005.
Most of their traditional occupations such as snake charming, street acrobatics and performing with animals have been notified as criminal activity making it difficult for them to earn a livelihood.
They do not come under any reserved category therefore they do not enjoy reservation offered by the government in educational institutions or government jobs.
The community needs to be included in SCs/STs and OBCs so that they can enjoy much needed reservation.
Grievance redressal committees need to be setup at the state level in order to identify the problems of this community and provide the required aid.
UNIVERSAL IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME
It was first launched 1985 in a phased manner.UIP includes preventive medications that every child born in India is entitled to.
As of now, the UIP basket includes 10 vaccines which are: tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis (whopping cough), tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, Hepatitis B, Diarrhoea, Japanese Encephalitis and Pneumonia.
The GoI is set to introduce two new vaccines: measles-rubella (MR) vaccine and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). Also, rotavirus vaccine is being included under UIP in five new states.
Measles-Rubella Vaccine
Measles is a viral infection which mainly affects children and is responsible for child deaths worldwide. Measles vaccine has been known to be quite successful in curbing its spread world over.
Rubella on the other hand is also a viral infection that is characterised by red rashes. Rubella also known as German measles is known to affect approximately 25000 children born in India every year. Symptoms include cataract and deafness. It can also affect the heart and brain.
The measles-rubella vaccine would be introduced in February 2017 in five states and UTs namely Goa, Karnataka, Lakshwadeep, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. Once the MR vaccine is introduced, the monovalent measles vaccine (presently part of UIP) will be discontinued.
Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV)
PCV is a mix of several bacteria of pneumococcal family. Pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria is one of the most common types. Estimates say that pneumonia is responsible for 20 percent of under-5 mortality in India. PCV will be introduced in Himachal Pradesh, parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar from March 2017. Three doses will be administered at one and a half months, three and a half months and nine months.
Rotavirus Vaccine
Rotavirus vaccine was first included in UIP in April 2006.
Rotavirus infections are the most common cause of diarrhoea.
The vaccine is currently being administered in HP, Haryana, Odisha and AP. From February, it will be part of UIP in Assam, Tripura, Rajasthan, MP and TN
VARISHTHA PENSION BIMA YOJANA (VPBY)
The cabinet approved the Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana and the scheme will be launched by the Life Insurance Corporation of India from 1 April 2017. Post demonetisation, banks slashed interest rates on fixed deposits, therefore the government has launched VPBY to safeguard the interests of the senior citizens. The scheme has been announced with a guaranteed interest rate of 8 percent for 10 years.
The difference between the return generated by LIC and the guaranteed 8 percent interest would be compensated through the subsidy given to LIC. The scheme will be open for subscription for one year from the date of launch. The subscriber can opt for pension on a monthly, quarterly, half yearly and annual basis. Senior citizen can invest up to 7.5 lakhs.
Geological Survey of India
It is an attached office to the Ministry of Mines. It was set up in 1851 primarily to find coal deposits for the Railways. Its main function is creation and updation of national geoscientific information and mineral resource assessment. Its headquarter is in Kolkata.
BUDDHAVANAM PROJECT
Recently Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, Queen Mother of Bhutan visited the Buddhavanam Project in Nagarjunasagar dam region of Nalgonda district (Telangana). It is a Buddhist heritage theme park of the Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC) which was conceptualized in 2005. As per the history, it was a place where Acharya Nagarjuna established a university and was the main centre for the propagation of Buddhism in other countries. It is first of its kind project in the country having many thematic segments depicting the major events from the life of Buddha.
About Acharya Nagarjuna (Also known as Second Buddha/ Medicine buddha) He was a philosopher and founder of Madhyamaka (Middle Path) school of Mahayana Buddhism. He was the most influential Buddhist thinker after Buddha himself. He is considered to be one the ancient scholars and teachers of Ayurveda.
HAKKA PIKKI
Karnataka govt. decided to permanently rehabilitate the members of Hakki-Pikki community. Around 150 persons of the community, majority of them women and children were earlier forcefully evicted from govt. land at Mogerahalli in Srirangapatna following opposition from members of another community.
This tribe is mainly found in the southern part of India and is semi nomadic in nature.
It is said that the tribal community has relations with the king Rana Pratap and are from the Kshatriya clan. These tribes follow rules of Matriarchy and Endogamy is strictly prohibited. Their main occupation is Hunting but they are showing more interest in agriculture and floral decoration. They are well conversant in their local dialect Vahgri, Kannada, Tamil and Hindi and some also speak Malayalam and Telugu. They celebrate various festivals like Diwali, shivaratri, Ugadi, Ganesh chaturthi and practice animal sacrifice.
KARAI KOLAKKANATHAM
Geological Survey of India has advised the state government to protect fossil deposits of Karai – Kolakkanatham, Perambalur district, Karnataka. This is the only site in the world where entire geological succession is preserved indicating that site remained submerged for prolonged period. Fossils found here are about 110 million years old. These fossils are found in pyramid like structures and entire shape of animals and other marine species have been preserved in full shape. In November 2016, State Tourism Department, on recommendations of GSI, had declared the entire area as “Geological Heritage Site”.
Geological Heritage Site (GHS)
GSI declares Geological Heritage Sites/National Geological Monuments for conservation, protection and maintenance. GSI or the respective State governments take necessary measures to protect these sites.
KEMPE GOWDA ERA MANTAPA
Recently a historic relic, believed to be from Kempe Gowda era, called Mantapa was unearthed during de- silting work in Hosakerehalli Lake in Bengaluru. It is made up of greyish-black granite.
Mantapa
It is a four-pillared structure holding together the roof and floor, which are essentially stone slabs. It is adorned by floral carvings while the rooftop with a depression appears like a cradle.
It is locally known as Gangammana Thottilu (the cradle of Ganga).
Who was Kempe Gowda?
He was a chieftain under vijaynagar empire who ruled most part of Karnataka during 16th century. He is considered as the founder of Bengaluru city. As per a legend, he built Hosakerehalli lake in 16th century.
SAVITRIBAI PHULE
Recently Google paid tribute to social reformer Savitribai Phule on the occasion of her 186th birth anniversary in the form of doodle.
About Savitribai Phule
She was born in Naigaon, Maharashtra on January 3, 1831 in wealthy and influential farmer family. Though she was married to Jyotirao Phule at the age of just 9, she was determined to study and was one of the very few indigenous literate women in her era. Couple founded India’s first school for girls in Pune in 1848 when female education was considered as taboo in the then society. Couple also opened a care center called “Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha” for pregnant rape victims. She fought against prevalent social evils like child marriages, child widows, Sati practice, discrimination, unfair treatment and humiliation faced by Untouchables etc. She opened a clinic in Pune in 1897 for the victims of bubonic plague however she succumbed to the disease in same year. Two books of her poems were published posthumously – Kavya Phule and Bavan Kashi Subodh Ratnakar
TANGALIA WEAVING
Govt. of India will help Tangalia weavers purchasing looms by providing them financial assistance amounting to 90% of the price of looms. It is a 700-year-old indigenous craft which uses a unique weaving technique comprising themes made up of ‘danas’ or beads ranging from a few dots to a more elaborate arrangement by using cotton or wool yarn. It is only practiced by the Dangasia community in Surendranagar district of Gujarat. Tangalia textiles are usually worn as a shawl and wraparound skirt by the women of the Bharwad shepherd community. Tangalia shawl was given Geographical Indications recognition by the Central government in 2009.
Dangasia community
The word Dangasia has been derived from the word Dang, meaning stick in the vernacular language, signifying the stick used by shepherds to herd their sheep. The Dangasias follow Hinduism. They are believers in Chamunda Devi, a form of the goddess Parvati and celebrate Navratri. They celebrate all major Hindu festivals like Holi, Diwali, Uttarayan and Janmashtami besides actively participating in other local festivals and fairs. They share a symbiotic relation with the Bharwads, where the latter provides wool and the former wove garments for them.
SC warned the temple managements of Kerala with criminal prosecution, if captive elephants were tortured. Karnataka coastal districts are demanding to lift the ban on 1000 year old traditional sport of Kambala – the buffalo racing. Karnataka had banned it after Supreme Court order on Jallikattu.
ANIMAL RIGHTS VS TRADITIONS
Supreme Court (SC) stayed Andhra Pradesh High Court’s order allowing joint police and district administration teams to seize roosters primed for traditional fights.
The fights are conducted by farmers as part of the Pongal/Sankranti celebrations in Andhra Pradesh
- IMP: JALLIKATTU ISSUE
Union Home Ministry gave its approval to draft ordinance proposed by the Tamil Nadu government to lift ban on Jallikattu which got presidential assent. Under the Constitution, the Governor can promulgate ordinances only on those subjects on which the state legislature is competent to make laws. Prevention of cruelty to animals is in Concurrent List and the Parliament has enacted Prevention to Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 under this item. The proposed ordinance sought to amend this Act, that’s why it needed approval of the President.
NORTH EAST TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (NETDC)
Union Government has formed the NETDC in Public Private Partnership Mode under the Ministry of Development of North East Region. First time such tourism agency has been formed exclusively devoted to particular region of country. It will act as a common institutional platform facilitating development of tourism industry through effective participation of all stakeholders. Few others recent initiative with regard to North east are:
Setting up of “Venture Fund” as initial capital assistance for any young entrepreneur or start-up who wishes to launch an establishment or venture in the North-Eastern region.
Setting up of “Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research & Analysis” at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Shillong. This Centre will facilitate research and analysis for states of North-east region.
CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX (CPI)
Recently in a report published by Transparency International placed India at 79th / 168 countries. In CPI 2015-India was placed at 76th position out of 168 countries with a score of 38/100 improving from its position of 85 and 94 in 2014. Presently India is places at 79th position in 2016 with a score of 40. Denmark, New Zealand and Finland top the rankings of least corrupt. Somalia, Sudan and North Korea are the worst performing countries.
Corruption Perception Index is being published since 1995 by Transparency International.
The parameters for the index ranking are functioning of public institutions like police and judiciary, press freedom, access to information about public expenditure, stronger standards of integrity for public official.
PLACES OF WORSHIP ON PUBLIC LAND
The Supreme Court has decided to deal with the question whether it is right for a secular government to grant public land for construction of religious places of worship. In this context, the SC ordered to hear all pending cases related to grant of public lands for the construction of religious places of worship, be it temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras, synagogues, etc. together. Constitutional Provisions and Supreme Court Judgements
The Preamble declares that India is a secular state.
Article 25-28 grant freedom of religion and form the basis for a secular state.
The SC in 2009 had placed a ban on construction of places of worship at public places till the time SC gives its final verdict on the issue.
The Supreme Court in S R Bommai case held secularism as a basic feature of the Constitution of India.
In this case, the SC held that these constitutional provisions by implication prohibit the establishment of a theocratic State and prevent the State either identifying itself with or favouring any particular religion or religious sect or denomination.
EIGHTH SCHEDULE OF CONSTITUTION
A group of Hindi Professors has written to the Prime Minster to not add dialects of Hindi like Bhojpuri and Rajasthani to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
About Eighth Schedule
Eighth Schedule of the Constitution contains 22 languages. 14 languages were initially in the Constitution. At present, there is demand for at least 38 more languages in the Eighth Schedule. There is “no established set of criteria” for inclusion of languages in the Eighth schedule. Sitakant Mohapatra Committee was set up to evolve a set of objective criteria for inclusion of more languages in the Eighth Schedule which submitted its report in 2004.
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR POWERS IN UT
UTs and its Administration
Every UT is administered by the President through an “Administrator” appointed by him.
The “Administrator” of the UT has powers similar to that of the Governor but he is just a representative of the President and not the constitutional head of the state like the Governor.
The administrator may be designated as Lieutenant Governor, Chief Commissioner or Administrator.
The powers and functions of the Administrator of a UT are defined under Article 239 and 239AA of the Indian Constitution.
The UTs of Delhi and Puducherry have been provided with a legislative assembly and Council of Ministers. Therefore the Administrators of these two UTs are meant to act upon the aid and advice of the Chief Minister and his Council of Ministers.
The UT of Puducherry is guided by the Union Territories Act, 1963.
The UT of Delhi is governed by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 and the Transaction of Business of the Government of National Capital of Delhi Rules, 1993.
TAX EXEMPTION FOR POLITICAL PARTIES
The Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking to lift “100 percent tax exemption” given to political parties. A political party registered under with the Election Commission under Section 29 of Representation of the People Act, 1951 is exempted from taxation as long as it files its income tax returns every year. According to the Section 13A of the I-T Act, 1961, a political party must maintain records of all its earnings including voluntary contributions to be eligible for this exemption. A writ petition was filed by advocate M N Sharma challenging the constitutionality of Section 13A of I-T Act of 1961 and Section 29 of Representation of People Act, 1951. The petition sought an answer as to why ordinary persons have to pay tax while political parties don’t. Supreme Court has dismissed the petition saying that political parties need funds to function. The matter came to light when political parties were exempted from taxation on deposit of demonetized notes in their respective bank accounts.
NEWS BROADCAST BY PRIVATE FM RADIOS: SS
A PIL filed before the SC accuses the government of retaining sole control over dissemination of news though radio broadcasting was thrown open to the private sector in 1999.
The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to file its response in four weeks on whether the private FM radio stations and community radio services can broadcast their own news.
Presently FM and community radio stations can only re-transmit unedited AIR news. Policy Guidelines and the Grant of Permission Agreements (GOPA) prohibit private FM radio stations and community radio stations from broadcasting their own news and current affairs programmes.
Prasar Bharati Corporation
It is the public service broadcaster of India established as an autonomous organization through an Act of the Parliament. It functions through its two arms- Doordarshan and AIR. There is monopoly of the Prasar Bharati Corporation, which owns and operates All India Radio, over news broadcasting and current affairs programmes.
These guidelines violate the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19(1) (a) of the Constitution. The government has permitted private television channels to broadcast news but have barred FM radio and community radio services from airing news and current affairs programmes. The difference between the two is arbitrary.
Arguments for Prohibition
Given the diversity and internal security concerns of India, allowing the private radio stations to broadcast news and current affairs programs has a “lot of security implications”
Radio has a different audience and different kind of reach.
COMMITTEE FOR NATIONAL SPORTS CODE
With Supreme Court pressurizing the BCCI to adopt the recommendations of the Lodha Committee, the demand for revision of National Sports Code for other sport bodies is picking up. Sports bodies in India are largely run by political strongmen rather than former athletes unlike other sports bodies around the world. They are inefficient as sports federations and marred with charges of corruption. The GoI has constituted a nine-member committee in January 2017 headed by Sports Secretary to draft National Sports Code which will be applicable across all disciplines. The committee is required to submit the report within one month.
TARGET OLYMPIC PODIUM SCHEME
The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has reconstituted TOP committee to identify and support potential medal prospects for 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games.
TOP (Target Olympic Podium) Scheme
The earlier scheme was formulated within overall ambit of National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) with the objective of identifying and supporting potential medal prospects for 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games. Under the scheme the selected athletes are provided financial assistance for their customized training at Institutes having world class facilities and other necessary support. Benchmark for selection of athletes under the scheme is in relation to international standards. Committee will decide its procedures and can invite subject experts when required. The Initial tenure of the committee will be one year from the date of notification.
OVERSEAS CITIZENSHIP OF INDIA CARD
The GoI has issued directives for procuring an OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) card.
According to the directives issued by the GoI, a foreign national can apply for an OCI card if
who was a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after 26th January,1950; or
who was eligible to become a citizen of India on 26th January, 1950; or
who belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15th August, 1947; or
who is a child or a grandchild or great grandchild of such a citizen; or
who is a minor child of such persons mentioned above; or
who is a minor child whose both parents are citizen of India or one parent is citizen of India.
Apart from the above clauses, spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or an OCI cardholder whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for not less than two years immediately preceding the presentation of application is eligible for an OCI card.
Also, no person whose parents, grandparents or great grandparents is or has been the citizen or Pakistan Bangladesh or any other country as the government may notify is eligible for the OCI card.
OCI card is not a citizenship card and does not offer dual citizenship/nationality.
An OCI card holder does not have voting rights in India, nor can contest any elections or hold any constitutional office.
He cannot buy agricultural land, however, he can inherit ancestral property.
OCI facilitates visa-free travel, rights of residency and hassle free participation in business and educational activities.
The OCI scheme was launched in 2005 and was merged with PIO (Person of Indian Origin) scheme in 2015.
PASSPORT SEVA KENDRA: UNIQUE INITIATIVE
MEA has collaborated with Department of Posts to open 650 Post Office PSKs at district level across the country to meet the growing demand for passports.
How It Works
Applicants can now schedule an appointment online and then visit the designated POPSK to complete the formalities (Head Post Office to work as POPSK). It will help in meeting the great demand for passports (around 2 cr/year and 3rd largest in world after China and USA). There are only 89 PSKs in country operating under 37 regional passport offices. The first two POPSK will be opened at Mysuru in Karnataka and at Dahod in Gujarat on pilot basis
The Indian passport has been ranked 78 in a global ranking of the world’s most powerful passports with visa-free score of 46.
PLACE OF EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT (POEM)
Recently the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) (Ministry of Finance) released the final guidelines for determination of Place of Effective Management (POEM) for business in India.
The Guidelines provide a two-step approval process in which the tax officer must seek the prior approval from a senior tax officer and approval of a three-senior officer board.
About POEM
Place of Effective Management is broadly defined as the place where the management decisions are taken rather than the place where these decisions are implemented.
The new guidelines, which will be effective from beginning of financial year 2016-17, shall not apply to companies having turnover or gross receipts of Rs 50 crore or less in a financial year and are aimed at reining in tax evasion by shell companies. The guidelines are not intended to cover foreign companies or to tax their global income, merely on the ground of presence of permanent establishment or business connection in India.
Impact of POEM guidelines: It will help as an anti-avoidance measure and is thought to bring the passive income of foreign subsidiaries of domestic companies and Indian subsidiaries of foreign companies under tax net.
HOUSEHOLD ASSETS AND INDEBTEDNESS
NSSO’s 70th Round Survey on Household Assets and Indebtedness released in December 2016 throws light on growing credit uptake and increasing household debt.
An analysis of NSSO data from 2002-12 shows a phenomenal growth in credit uptake and resultant debt burden.
The amount of debt (AOD) has increased from Rs 7,539 for rural areas and Rs 11,771 for urban areas in 2003 to Rs 1.03 lakh and Rs 3.78 lakh respectively.
The data also highlights how credit uptake as a percentage of assets has increased both in rural and urban households and was highest among Scheduled castes in urban areas.
Increased credit uptake by the SC and ST community shows that they are catching up with other communities when it comes to consumption and maintaining a particular standard of living.
The analysis shows that the bulk of the money borrowed was spent on meeting household expenses – 60% in rural areas and 81% in urban areas.
However, overall increase in credit uptake for meeting household expenditure is a worrying aspect. Economists relate high levels of household debt (measured as a ratio of household debt to GDP) to lower economic growth.
A large part of economic output would be due to consumption (when more money is spent on meeting household needs) which may lead to increase in imports thereby putting pressure on current account deficit.
NSSO (National Sample Survey Organisation)
It is the focal agency of the government for collection of statistical data in diverse fields on All India Basis.
It conducts large-scale sample surveys on various socio-economic subjects.
The body was established as National Sample Survey Directorate in 1950 under the Ministry of Finance.
It is headed by a Director General and currently under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
PROJECT DISHA
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is using social media platform WhatsApp to issue directives to airports for improving customer service.
What is Project Disha?
AAI unveiled Project DISHA – Driving Improvement in Service and Hospitality at Airports – last year to improve customer service.
It was aimed at –
Improving customer convenience
Improving airport facilities such as toilets,
Improving navigation
Offering best and affordable food and beverages.
The project is being implemented at 10 airports – Kolkata, Chennai, Lucknow, Varanasi, Bhubaneswar, Pune, Goa, Guwahati, Coimbatore and Thiruvananthapuram.
Significance of the project
Project Disha will reduce queuing time and simplify procedures.
It will increase the competitiveness among the different transport sectors like air and rail.
It would eventually lead to a better public transport.
It is also an innovative use of social media which will help improve e-governance.
It also improves the customer satisfaction in line with our recent Civil Aviation Policy.
ROUNDWATER IN TAMIL NADU: A CASE STUDY
Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) recently warned Tamil Nadu of imminent water crises in state unless remedial measures are taken immediately.
Central Ground Water Board
Established in 1970, it is a subordinate office of the Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India.
Being a national apex agency it is responsible for providing scientific inputs for management, exploration, monitoring, assessment, augmentation and regulation of ground water resources of the country.
FARMER SUICIDES DATA
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows that more than 72% of farmers who committed suicide in 2015 had less than two hectares of land (small farmers). The same report shows that marginal farmers made up 27.4% of suicides. The picture gets grimmer because the no. of farmer suicides are increasing on a shrinking farmer base i.e. total farmer count has been falling. Some of the worst affected states are Maharashtra, MP, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Punjab. According to one estimate, close to three lakh farmers have committed suicide since 1995. The actual number may be higher if we disregard the definition of farmer considered here.
JEEVAN REKHA: E-HEALTH PROJECT
Recently Kerala government launched the World Bank aided e-health project called JEEVAN REKHA. This is first of its kind initiative in the country. It has two components –public health component and hospital automation module.
Main aim of the project is to create integrated healthcare cloud that will contain the health records of all its citizens in electronic form.
Public health component envisage the development of Electronic health records (EHR) of the population while hospital automation module envisage the digitization of all government hospitals.
System will automatically provide a unique identification number for any person who will access the healthcare system and also store his health record in electronic form (EHR) in central server.
It has a privacy clause to ensure that patient health records are not leaked in public domain
INDIA’S FIRST INTERNATIONAL STOCK EXCHANGE
India’s first international exchange – India INX at the International Financial Service Centre (IFSC) of GIFT (Gujarat International Financial Tech) City was recently inaugurated Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017.
India INX – a subsidiary of Bombay Stock Exchange is touted to be the world’s most advanced technology platforms having an order response time of 4 micro seconds.
This international exchange will operate 22 hours allowing international investors and NRIs to trade conveniently from anywhere across the world.
INX will initially trade in equity derivatives, currency derivatives and commodity derivatives which will include index and stocks. It will offer depository receipts and bonds later.
AROGYA RAKSHA FOR ALL
Andhra Pradesh government has launched a new health scheme called “Arogya Raksha scheme”.
It will provide medical insurance to people who are not covered under any of the existing health schemes of the state government.
A.P. can now claim to be the first State in true sense to fulfill the health for all vision of WHO.
It is a Universal Health Coverage scheme that will be provided to Above Poverty Level families.
Every individual in the family will be able to get the medical insurance coverage for a premium as low as 1200 per year. The health insurance cover is offered up to 2 lakh.
Several government and private hospitals are roped in to provide treatment for 1044 diseases under secondary and tertiary care deploying end to end cashless system.
Students of medicine, psychology, nursing and home sciences will have to visit villages as part of Swasthya Vidya Vahini scheme and prepare a disease profile of each individual so that hospital can treat them better.
“PINK” INITIATIVES IN KERELA
Inspired by Pink taxis driven by women in Kerala’s cities, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will roll out Pink-Coloured Buses exclusively for women in Thiruvanantpuram. Both the Bus drivers and Conductors of these buses will be women. Aim is to provide safe and comfortable public transportation to women especially during peak hours when buses are overcrowded. Earlier, state government had launched the “She Taxi” service in 2013 under the Gender Park initiative to provide safe journey to women through cabs driven by women.
Gender Park Initiative
Located in Kozhikhode, it is an innovative initiative of the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala. Being first of its kind in the world it aims to become the premier convergence point for gender related activities in the region.
Apart from She taxi service other initiative taken under Gender Park are:
The International Institute for Gender and Development (IIGD): It is dedicated to carry out high quality research, design effective capacity development program and provide innovative, practical recommendation to policymakers and public to foster gender equality.
International Conference on Gender Equality (ICGE): Park hosts a biennial conference bringing scholars, practitioners, policy makers and professionals from around the world to a common platform to explore obstacles to gender-just development.
Last year Kerala introduced Pink Police Patrol (also known as Pink Beat Patrol) team for enhancing the safety for women and children in public places. It includes specially trained women police personnel only.
Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has introduced unique and modern electronic toilets (e-toilets) for women called “She toilets”. These have smart and eco-friendly lighting and flushing systems.
NEW HUMAN ORGAN FOUND: MESENTERY
A new human organ has been classified by Ireland scientists, known as the Mesentery. It’s a double fold of peritoneum – the lining of the abdominal cavity – that attaches our intestine to the wall of our abdomen, and keeps everything locked in place. This new organ is found in our digestive systems, and earlier thought to be made up of fragmented, separate structures. But recent research has shown that it’s actually a one continuous organ. It carries blood and lymphatic fluid between the intestine and the rest of the body. It also maintains the position of the intestine so that it’s connected with the abdominal wall without being in direct contact. Its reclassification will help in better understanding about what kind of role does it play in abdominal and digestive diseases which could further lead to less invasive surgeries, fewer complications, faster patient recovery and lower overall costs.
THE GREAT RED SPOT
NASA has released a new view of a crescent Jupiter which shows the iconic Great Red Spot, along with a series of storms shaped oval known as the ‘string of pearls’.
What is Great Red Spot?
The Great Red Spot is a giant, spinning and persistent storm in Jupiter’s atmosphere. It is like a hurricane on Earth, and is more than twice the size of our planet and is observed since 400 years. These are found in southern hemisphere of Jupiter.
String of Pearls
These are massive counterclockwise rotating storms that appear as white ovals in Jupiter’s southern hemisphere. Since 1986, these white ovals have varied in number from six to nine. There are currently eight white ovals visible.
JUNO
Juno is a NASA space probe orbiting Jupiter to measure its composition, gravity field, magnetic field.
LAUNCH OF AGNI IV MISSILE
India successfully conducted the test firing of its indigenous strategic ballistic missile, Agni IV from Dr. Abdul Kalam Island formerly known as Wheeler Island off Odisha coast.
About Agni IV
This nuclear capable missile has a strike range of 4000 Km. It is two stage, surface to surface missile with both stage powered by solid propellants. The missile has the capacity to carry a one-tonne nuclear warhead. It is equipped with Ring Laser Gyro-based Inertial navigation system and has features to correct and guide itself for in-flight disturbances Before this Agni-IV has undergone five successful flight tests over the course of five years.
HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA
Researchers from IIT Kharagpur developed a technology that uses thumbprint to detect Hyperbilirubinemia. Hyperbilirubinemia is a condition when there is too much bilirubin in the blood and turns sclera of eye, urine and even skin yellow. It is commonly seen in people and newborns suffering with jaundice when the bilirubin concentration in the blood typically exceeds 12 ppm in adults and 50 ppm in a newborn. Researchers have used Luminescence property of Gold Nanoclusters which are extremely sensitive to presence of molecules in the environment.
When a person has jaundice, bilirubin gets deposited on the surface of skin. So when she presses the thumb on gold nanocluster coated membrane having copper deposited on its surface, bilirubin forms a complex with copper and restores the luminescence curtailed by copper.
MARS ICE HOME
NASA scientists have suggested an ingenious concept of constructing a sustainable habitation on red planet for astronauts using planet’s own water ice called Mars Ice Home. It will be large inflatable torus, a shape similar to an inner tube that will be surrounded by a shell of ice. To control temperature inside the Ice home, layer of carbon dioxide gas, also available on Mars, would be used to provide insulation between the living space and ice layer.
This concept balances the need to provide protection from radiation, without the drawbacks of an underground habitat that would require heavy robotic equipment to be transported from earth.
COASTAL ZONE REGULATION
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has upheld the cancellation of CRZ clearance given by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF & CC) to Rajakkamangalam Thurai Fishing Harbour Pvt Ltd.
Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)
MoEF issued a notification in 1991, under the EPA, 1986 for regulation of activities in the coastal area.
The notification defined the “high tide line”, “coastal regulation zone” and also listed the activities restricted under this area. According to the notification, coastal land up to 500m from the high tide line and and a stage of 100m along banks of creeks, estuaries, backwater and rivers subject to tidal fluctuations will be called CRZ. The CRZ was divided into four categories CRZ (1-4) as per permitted use of land.
CHENNAI METRO BIKE RENTAL SCHEME
Chennai Metro Rail has started renting out bicycles in its stations and hopes to eventually join the global movement to get enough wheels on the road to reduce traffic congestion.
The project though earlier started in Bangalore and Delhi was not very successful but this rental scheme is very successful in cities like Paris, Shanghai, London, Huangzhou, etc.
If successful can be implemented in other metro cities of India which can help in bringing last mile connectivity and decreasing carbon footprint along with health benefits to individuals.
BAN ON MANJA THREADS
Supreme Court has refused to lift the ban on “manja threads” imposed by NGT in 2016. NGT banned “manja threads” up till Feb 2016 after a petition was filed by the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The ban applied to nylon, cotton and Chinese manja coated with glass. PETA in its petition had said that manja is a threat to environment as it harms birds, animals and humans. Manja threads are threads used in kite flying. They are made sharp by coating threads with glass powder, metallic powder.
ORPHAN DRUG
Delhi High Court directed the Delhi government to provide free enzyme therapy to a six year old child suffering from Gaucher’s diseases at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in 2013. Orphan Drugs are specialized drugs developed to treat rare diseases.
SERVICE CHARGE OPTIONAL
Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) has recently announced that Service charges in Hotels/Restaurants are voluntary and consumer dissatisfied with the service can have it waived off.