UPSC Current Affairs December – 2019 LOGOHERE

UNIQUE IAS ACADEMY No.5/45 NVN Layout, New Siddhapudur, Gandhipuram, Coimbatore - 44

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS DECEMBER 2019

S.NO INDEX PAGE NO

GS PAPER – I

1 EK BHARAT SHRESHTA BHARAT 1 2 HORNBILL FESTIVAL 1 3 NEW MUSEUM OF ANTIQUITIES 2 4 SATTRIYA ON CENTRE-STAGE 2 5 SANTHALI IN RAJYA SABHA 3 6 ZONAL CULTURAL CENTERS 3 7 UNEXPLORED CAVES OF ADIVASIS 4 8 WORLD’S OLDEST CAVE ART 4 9 SAHITYAAKADEMIAWARDS 4 10 LOSAR FESTIVAL 5 11 SWAMI SHRADDHANAND AND ARYA SAMAJ 5 12 BELUM CAVES FESTIVAL 6 13 NATIONAL ANTHEM 6 14 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR MAHAPARINIRVAN DIWAS 6 15 PANDIT MADAN MOHAN MALAVIYA 7 16 PAIKA MEMORIAL 8 17 SUBRAMANIA BHARATHI 9 18 LAWS IN PLACE TO TACKLE ILLEGAL NON-CITIZENS 9 19 INNER LINE PERMIT 10 20 NPR: HOUSE-TO-HOUSE VERIFICATION PLANNED 11 21 CITIZENSHIP AMENDMENT BILL 2019 13 22 WHITE ISLAND 15 23 TYPHOON PHANFONE 15 24 MAHADAYI DISPUTE 15 25 NATIONAL FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE AWARDS 16

GS PAPER – II

1 ANTIBIOTIC PRESCRIPTION 17 2 EDUCATION, ENGINEERING, ENFORCEMENT AND EMERGENCY CARE 17 3 ROTAVAC5D® 18 4 ‘INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES’ 18 5 WORLD MALARIA REPORT: 2019 18 6 MEASLES 19 7 RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE 20 8 JALSATHI 21 9 INDIA STATE LEVEL DISEASE BURDEN 21 10 HARD AND SOFT SCHOOLS 22 11 PURPLE BOOK AND NETSCOFAN 22 12 HIGHER EDUCATION QUALITY IMPOVEMENT PROGRAMME 23 13 7 YOUNG INNOVATORS’ PROGRAM (YIP) 24 14 INDIA CORRUPTION SURVEY 2019 24 15 POLITICAL PARTIESREGISTRATION TRACKING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 25 16 MAINTENANCE AND WELFARE OF PARENTS AND SENIOR CITIZENS BILL, 2019 25 17 ONLINE SALE OF MEDICINES 26 18 ELECTION EXPENDITURE 27 19 RESERVATIONS OF ANGLO-INDIANS 28 20 DESTRUCTION OF PUBLIC PROPERTY 28 21 SC/ST CREAMY LAYER QUOTA 29 22 SECTION 144, A VESTIGE OF COLONIAL RULE 30 23 SUPREME COURT CASES RELATED TO PREAMBLE: 30 24 ACCESSION DAY 31 25 NAGPUR RESOLUTION 31 26 DILRMP 32 27 GOOD GOVERNANCE INDEX 33 28 ANDHRA’S CONCEPT OF THREE CAPITALS 33 29 INSTEX 34 30 SAUDI ARABIA - G20 PRESIDENCY 34 31 BRICS REMOTE SENSING SATELLITE CONSTELLATION 35 32 NATIONAL INVESTMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE FUND 35 33 WORLD DESIGN ORGANISATION 36 34 INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGICAL CONGRESS 36 35 INDIA-US 2+2 MINISTERIAL DIALOGUE 37 36 INDIA-JAPAN 2+2 DIALOGUE 37 37 IMPEACHEMENT OF DONALD TRUMP 38 38 EXEMPTION FROM SANCTIONS 39 39 POWER OF SIBERIA GAS PIPELINE 40 40 A NEW COUNTRY 40 41 THE NEHRU-LIAQUAT AGREEMENT OF 1950 41 42 JOINT RIVER COMMISSION 41 43 INDIAN PHARMACOPOEIA 42 44 INDIA, CHINA - BOUNDARY SETTLEMENT 43 45 EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION 44 46 JOINT NAVAL EXERCISE OF IRAN, RUSSIA AND CHINA 44 47 AVANGARD OF RUSSIA 45

GS PAPER – III

1 NATIONAL STARTUP AWARDS 2020 45 2 ONE NATION ONE TAG 46 3 ECONOMIC REVIVAL KEY TO BANKS’ HEALTH 46 4 TIME-BOUND RESOLUTION IN OIL & GAS SECTOR 47 5 eBKRAY 47 6 NATIONAL ECONOMIC OFFENCE RECORDS 48 7 INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR’S DATABANK 48 8 BHARAT BOND EXCHANGE TRADED FUND 49 9 UNIFIED AUTHORITY 50 10 PARTIAL CREDIT GUARANTEE SCHEME 51 11 DIGITAL UPSKILLING 52 12 MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS 52 13 FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND (FIDF) 54 14 SATAT SCHEME 54 15 100 YEARS OF ASSOCHAM 54 16 ORGANISATIONAL RESTRUCTURING OF INDIAN RAILWAYS 55 17 LOKTAK INLAND WATERWAYS PROJECT IN MANIPUR 55 18 RCS- UDAN 56 19 DRAFT NATIONAL LOGISTIC POLICY 56 20 NATIONAL BROADBAND MISSION (NBM) 57 21 PRADHAN MANTRI GRAM SADAK YOJANA (PMGSY) 58 22 SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE 58 23 UDAY SCHEME 59 24 KALISHWARAM LIFE IRRIGATION PROJECT 59 25 SILVER LINE PROJECT 60 26 ATAL TUNNEL 60 27 WESTERN DEDICATED FREIGHT CORRIDOR 61 28 INDIA’S FIRST WATER AERODROMES 62 29 NATIONAL COMPANY LAW APPELLATE TRIBUNAL BENCH 62 30 RATNA STATUS TO CPSES 63 31 RAPO RATE 63 32 OPERATION TWIST 64 33 ANNUAL FDI COMPLIANCE REPORT 65 34 MAHILA KISAN SASHAKTIKARAN PARIYOJANA (MKSP) 66 35 PM-AASHA SCHEME 66 36 FUGITIVE ECONOMIC OFFENDER 67 37 UN DEVELOPMENT INDEX 69 38 GLOBAL GENDER GAP INDEX 2019 70 39 ECONOMIC CENSUS 71 40 INDIA'S FY20 GROWTH PROJECTION - 4.9% 71 41 EASE OF DOING BUSINESS REPORT 2020 71 42 DATA BANK OF FARMERS 73 43 AVARTANSHEEL KHETI 73 44 HYDROPONIC FARMING 74 45 SIGNIFICANT SLOWDOWN: IMF 75 46 FINANCIAL SYSTEM STABLE DESPITE SLOWDOWN 75 47 INDIA - THE FOURTH-LARGEST ECONOMY IN 2026 76 48 WORLD ECONOMY IS SLOWING DOWN 76 49 RENEWABLE ENERGY CERTIFICATES 77 50 PREPAID PAYMENT INSTRUMENT 78 51 OPERATION ‘CLEAN ART’ 78 52 TIPESHWAR TIGER RESEVE TO DNYANGANGA SANCTUARY 79 53 TIGER CORRIDORS IN COUNTRY 80 54 MINOR FOREST PRODUCE (MFP) 81 55 STUBBLE BURNING 82 56 CLIMATE EMERGENCY COP 25 82 57 PLATFORM LINKING OCEANS AND CLIMATE 83 58 CARBON MARKETS 83 59 NO DEAL IN MADRID 84 60 ASIAN ELEPHANT SPECIALIST GROUP 85 61 OCEAN DEOXYGENATION 86 62 TYRE PYROLYSIS 86 63 GREEN GOOD DEEDS 87 64 HEAVY METALS IN INDIA’S RIVERS 88 65 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CELL 88 66 NATIONAL CENTRE FOR SUSTAINABLE COASTAL MANAGEMENT 89 67 GANGA COUNCIL OF NAMAMI GANGE 90 68 MAHANADI BIRD POPULATION 90 69 POLLUTION FIGHT 91 70 GLOBAL ALLIANCE ON HEALTH AND POLLUTION 92 71 RHINOS RE-INTRODUCTION 92 72 CARBON DOTS 93 73 LOCUST INVASION 94 74 TIBETAN GAZELLES 95 75 INDIA STATE OF FOREST REPORT 2019 95 76 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS INDEX 96 77 MADHYA PRADESH GETS ITS FIRST ELEPHANT COLONY 97 78 AGNI-III MISSILE 97 79 METEOR MISSILES 98 80 WHITE DWARF STAR 98 81 ISRO’S SPACE TECHNOLOGY CELLS - RESPOND 99 82 WI-FI CALLING 99 83 GIMS 99 84 HYDROGEN FUEL CELL 100 85 ANNULAR SOLAR ECLIPSE 101 86 RISAT 2BR1 102 87 NAVIC AS ALLIED SYSTEM 102 88 THIRD ROCKET LAUNCHPAD 103 89 BRAHMOS MISSILES 103 90 PINAKA MISSILE 104 91 QUICK REACTION SURFACE TO AIR MISSILE 104 92 EXERCISE MITRA SHAKTI -VII: 2019 104 93 HAND-IN-HAND-2019 104 94 EXERCISE SURYA KIRAN – XIV 105 95 EXERCISE INDRA 2019 105 96 EXERCISE 'APHARAN' 105 97 ARMED FORCES FLAG DAY 106 98 VIJAY DIWAS 106 99 BLUE WATER FORCE 106 100 DEFEXPO 2020 MOBILE APP 107 101 THE SPECIAL PROTECTION GROUP (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2019 107 102 PARLIAMENT PASSES THE ARMS (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2019 107 103 THE BENGAL EASTERN FRONTIER REGULATIONS 108 104 'STRANDHOGG' 109

UNIQUE IAS ACADEMY UPSC Current Affairs December – 2019 LOGOHERE

GS PAPER - 01 ART AND CULTURE - Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. EK BHARAT SHRESHTA BHARAT

Context :  The Union Minister of State (PP), inaugurates conference on ‗Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat‘ with focus on Jal Shakti and Disaster Management in Jammu.

Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) initiative:  This initiative was launched in October 2016 to promote engagement amongst the people of different States/UTs so as to enhance mutual understanding and bonding between people of diverse cultures, thereby securing stronger unity and integrity of India. Objectives  To celebrate the Unity in Diversity of our nation and to maintain and strengthen the fabric of traditionally existing emotional bonds between the people of our country  To promote the spirit of national integration through a deep and structured engagement between all Indian States and Union Territories through a year-long planned engagement between States  To showcase the rich heritage and culture, customs and traditions of either State for enabling people to understand and appreciate the diversity that is India, thus fostering a sense of common identity  To establish long-term engagements and  To create an environment that promotes learning between States by sharing best practices and experiences. Source :- PIB HORNBILL FESTIVAL Context :

 The 20th Edition of Hornbill Festival has started in the state of Nagaland. Hornbill festival:  The Hornbill Festival is a celebration held every year in Nagaland.

 The festival is also called the ‗Festival of Festivals‘.  The festival is organized by the Nagaland State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments.  The festival aims to encourage inter-tribal interaction and to promote culture through colourful

performances, crafts, sports, food fairs, games and ceremonies.  The festival is named after the Great Indian hornbill,the large and colourful forest bird which is displayed in the folklore of most of the state‘s tribes.

 The festival was established in 1963 and was inaugurated by the then President Dr. S Radhakrishnan.  The festival was held for the first time in 2000.

Great Indian Hornbill:  The Great Indian Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) also known as the great pied hornbill is one of the larger members of the hornbill family.  The bird is the state bird of Kerala and Arunachal Pradesh.But it is not a state bird of Nagaland.  The bird is listed as vulnerable species in the International Union for Conservation of Nature‘s (IUCN) Red List.  The bird is predominantly fruit eating but is an opportunist and preys on small mammals, reptiles

and birds.  The impressive size and colour of the bird have made it important in many tribal cultures and rituals.

Source :- AIR

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NEW MUSEUM OF ANTIQUITIES

Context :  The Government/Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will set up another museum to house objects excavated from across India which have been lying in the Central Antiquities Collection (CAC) at Purana Quila. More in the news :

 The proposed museum will open in April 2020.  The museum will be housed in the arched cells of Purana Quila.  The objective to open a new museum is to display antiquities such as tools, potteries, terracotta, beads of

semi-precious stones, sculptures, architectural fragments, etc. for the general public, students and research scholars.  The objects to be displayed date from the pre-historic period to the medieval era such as Harappan seals,

pre-historic animal and human figurines, coins and pottery from the Mughal period among several others.  This is the third such museum at the Purana Qila.

Central Antiquities Collection (CAC):  The Central Antiquity Collection Section is a centre for housing the collection of antiquities

explored and excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India.  The CAC is under the ASI and the artifacts stored here are accessible only to researchers.  The Collection includes samples of pottery and artifacts of different periods from all major sites from across the country.  Over 2 lakh excavated antiquities are stored in the CAC. Out of this, about 1000 artifacts will be displayed in the new museum.

Purana Qila:

 Purana Qila is one of the oldest forts belonging to the Mughal era.  The massive gateway and walls of the Qila were built by Mughal ruler Humayun and the foundation was laid for the new capital, Dinpanah.  The construction was taken forward by Sher Shah Suri, who displaced Humayun.  Excavations have revealed that the Purana Quila stands at the site of Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandavas.  Excavations near one of the walls of the fort show that the site had been occupied since 1000 B.C.  The PGW (Painted Gray Ware Pottery) recovered from the site date back to around 1000 B.C. Source :- PIB

SATTRIYA ON CENTRE-STAGE Context :  Dance historian Dr. Sunil Kothari has recently been bestowed with the Madhabdev Award by the Government of Assam for popularising Sattriya dance. Sattriya dance :

 Sattriya originated in Sattra, monastery, as a part of neo-Vaishnavite movement started bySrimanta Sankardev in Assam, in the 15th Century. 2

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 He propagated the ―ek sharan naama dharma‖ (chanting the name of one God devotedly).  Sattriya was given the status of a classical dance in the year 2000 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. Source :- The Hindu SANTHALI IN RAJYA SABHA Context :

 Recently, Santhali language has been spoken for the first time in the Rajya Sabha. Santali language :  Santhali is the language from the North Mundari group of the Austro Asiatic Munda family.

 Santhali is written in Ol Chiki script which was created by Pt. Raghunath Murmu in 1925.  The language is primarily spoken in India (Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Assam), Bangladesh and Nepal.

 By 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003, Santhali along with Bodo, Maithili and Dogri were added to the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.  In August 2018,Santhali language got its own Wikipedia edition in its own script.

Santhal Tribe :  Santhals forms the third largest tribal group in India. They call themselves Hor ko(Man) or

Horhopon ko(sons of Man).  Santhals follow the Sarna religion.  Their God and Goddess are Marangburu, Jaheraera, and Manjh.  Sohrai is the principal festival of Santal community.Besides that Baha, Karam, Dansai, Sakrat, Mahmore, Rundo and Magsim are important festivals.  Chadar Badar,a form of puppetry known also as Santal puppetry is a folk show involving wooden puppets placed in a small cage which acts as the stage. Source :- The Hindu

ZONAL CULTURAL CENTERS Context :  The Government of India has set up seven Zonal Cultural Centers to promote inter-state cultural development programmes. More in the news :  The mandate of the Ministry of Culture is to protect, preserve and promote various forms of folk art and culture throughout the country.  To meet this objective, the Government of India has set up seven Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) with headquarters at Patiala, Nagpur, Udaipur, Prayagraj, Kolkata, Dimapur and Thanjavur.  These ZCCs engage cultural troupes from different States to participate in the major festivals under the National Cultural Exchange Programme (NCEP).  They also organize various cultural festivals and programmes on a regular basis in all the States/UTs of India.

 All the ZCCs along with other organizations under the Ministry of Culture have participated in the Kumbh Mela, 2019 at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The 7 Zonal Cultural Centres :

Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre – Kolkata, , North East Zone Cultural Centre – Dimapur, North Zone Cultural Centre – Patiala, North Central Zone Cultural Centre- Prayagraj, South Central Zone Cultural Centre – Nagpur, South Zone Cultural Centre – Thanjavur, West Zone Cultural Centre – Udaipur.

Source :- PIB

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UNEXPLORED CAVES OF ADIVASIS Context :  The Jangubai Cave Temple and the Kaplai Caves are considered as a pilgrimage site by aboriginal tribes like Gond, Pradhan and Kolam.  These caves are located at Maharashtra -Telangana border. Kolam Tribe:Maharashtra, .Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.  They have a language of their own (Kolami) which belongs, like Gondi, to the intermediate group of Dravidian languages.  Recently in 2018, the Government has identified Katkaria (Kathodia), Kolam and Maria Gond as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).  The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is administering the scheme ―Development of PVTGs‖ for the overall development of PVTGs. This scheme is flexible and enables the States to focus on areas that they consider is relevant to PVTGs and their socio-cultural environment. Gond Tribe:

 The Gonds tribe is spread over Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, and West Bengal.  Their main concentration is in forest and hilly areas between the Vidhyans and Satpura.

Pardhan Tribe:  The Pardhan is a subgroup of the tribal Gond people who live in central India.  The large majority of the Pardhan live in the Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

 The primary language of the Pardhan people is their own Pardhan language. Some Pardhan also speak Hindi, Marathi and Gondi.  The traditional occupation of the Pardhan is that of being singers and musicians at festivals and important

life ceremonies. Source :- The Hindu

GS PAPER - 01 ART AND CULTURE - Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. WORLD‟S OLDEST CAVE ART Context :  According to a study published in the journal ―Nature‖, the oldest animal drawing has been found in

Indonesia. Key Findings :  The painting has been discovered in a cave called Leang Bulu‘Sipong 4 in the south of Sulawesi, Indonesia. It has been found to be 44,000 years old.  It shows eight therianthropes, or humans with animal characteristics, appearing to chase and kill six animals such as the warty pigs native to the island, using what seem to be spears and ropes.  Until now, the oldest rock art showing a character with the characteristics of an animal had been an ivory sculpture found in a cave in Germany. Thought to be dating back 40,000 years, it depicts a human body attached to a feline-like head.  The Indonesian cave painting also provided some of the earliest evidence of human spirituality Source :- Times of India

SAHITYAAKADEMIAWARDS Context :  Sahitya Akademi announced its annual Sahitya Akademi Awards in 24 languages.

More in the news :  seven books of poetry, four novels, six short stories, three non-fiction books and three essays have won the award this year.

 MP Shashi Tharoor is among the awardees this year. He won the prize for his English non-fiction ―An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India‖. 4

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Sahitya Akademi Awards:  The Sahitya Akademi Award is a literary honour given by the Sahitya Akademi, India‘s National Academy of Letters.  It is conferred annually on writers of the most outstanding books of literary merit published in any of

the major Indian languages (24 languages including English plus the 22 listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution).  The awards were first given in 1955.  Currently, the award includes a plaque and a cash prize of Rs.1,00,000.  The award‘s purpose is to recognize and promote excellence in Indian writing and also acknowledge new trends.  The annual process of selecting the awardees runs for the preceding twelve months.  Apart from the 22 scheduled languages, the two others included in the awards are English and

Rajasthani.

Source :- PIB

LOSAR FESTIVAL Context :  Union Territory of Ladakh is celebrating Losar Festival on 27 December 2019. Losar Festival :  Losar is Tibetan word for new year.Losar festival is celebrated to mark the Ladakhi or Tibetan New Year.  The festival is held annually on the 1st Day of the Eleventh Month of Tibetan Calendar correlating to a date in the Gregorian calendar.  During the festival,Ladakhi Buddhists make religious offering before their deities in the domestic shrines or in the Gompas.  The festival also organises various cultural events, ancient rituals and also traditional performances. Source :- PIB

SWAMI SHRADDHANAND AND ARYA SAMAJ Context :  On December 23, 1926, Arya Samaj missionary Swami Shraddhanand was assassinated by a man called Abdul Rashid. Swami Shraddhanand :  Swami Shraddhanand was born on February 22,1856 at village Talwan in Jalandhar district in Punjab province.  In the early 1880s, he came into contact with Swami Dayanand, the founder of the Arya Samaj. Shraddhanand also wrote a book called Hindu Sangathan.

 By 1923, he focussed primarily on the shuddhi movement(reconversion to Hinduism).  Shuddhi Movement was started by Arya Samaj to bring back the people who had converted to Islam and Christianity from Hinduism.Swami Dayanand Sarawati played a prominent role in the shuddhi

movement.  In 1923, he also became the president of Bharatiya Hindu Shuddhi Sabha created with an aim of reconverting Muslims specifically Malkani Rajputs in the western United Province.

 He was also against the then prevailing social inequality in Indian society particularly untouchability which he termed as a curse and a blot on the reputation of the Hindus. Arya Samaj:

 Arya Samaj is a Hindu reform movement that was founded by Dayanand Saraswati in 1875 in Bombay.  The movement believes in the infallible authority of the Vedas.  The central objectives of Arya Samaj is to eradicate Ignorance (Agyan), Indigence or Poverty (Abhav)

and Injustice (Anayay) from this earth. Source :- Indian Express 5

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BELUM CAVES FESTIVAL Context :  Andhra Pradesh Government will be hosting the Belum Caves festival in January 2020 to popularise the Belum caves. Belum Caves :

 Belum Caves, also known as Belum Guhalu in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh is the second-longest cave in the Indian subcontinent open to the public.

 The longest natural cave in the Indian subcontinent is Krem Liat Prah caves in Meghalaya.  The cave is more than a thousand year old, and was formed by the constant flow of underground water over a period of time.

 Geographical Features:  These caves are renowned for their speleothem structures (Speleothems are secondary mineral deposits formed in a cave), such as stalactite and stalagmite formations.  Historical Background:  The caves were occupied by Jain and Buddhist monks many centuries ago. The presence of 4500 years old vessels from the pre-Buddhism era ensures the same. Source :- The Hindu NATIONAL ANTHEM

Context :  On December 27, 1911, the National Anthem was first sung at the Calcutta session of the Congress. National Anthem:

 Jana Gana Mana was adopted as the country‘s National Anthem by the Constituent Assembly of India on January 24,1950.  Jana Gana Mana is the first stanza of the Bengali hymn ‗Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata written by Nobel

Laureate Rabindranath Tagore.  It was first published under the title ―Bharat Vidhata‖ in TattvaBodhini Patrika in January,1912.  The song was translated into English in 1919 with the title ―Morning Song of India‖.

 A slightly varied version of the song was adopted by Subhash Chandra Bose‘s Indian National Army in 1941 as the national anthem, called ‗Shubh Sukh Chain‘.  The respect to the National Anthem is a Fundamental duty in India. According to Article 51A (a) of the

Constitution ―It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem‖. Source :- Indian Express

GS PAPER - 01 HISTORY - Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues

DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR MAHAPARINIRVAN DIWAS Context :

 64th Mahaparinirvan Diwas of Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was observed. More in the news :  The 6th of December is observed as Dr. Ambedkar Mahaparinirvan Diwas.

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 Three days after completing his final manuscript ‗The Buddha and His Dhamma‘, Ambedkar died in his sleep on 6 December 1956 at his home in Delhi.

Dr. B R Ambedkar :

 Ambedkar was born in Mhow in the Central Provinces (modern-day Madhya Pradesh) on 14 April 1891 to Subedar Ramji Maloji Sakpal and and Bhimabai Sakpal.  Ambedkar belonged to the Mahar caste which was considered ‗untouchable‘ then. In school, he

faced discrimination.  In 1907, he became the first untouchable to pass his matriculation from the school and be admitted to the Elphinstone College.  He obtained his MA in economics and presented two theses ‗Ancient Indian Commerce‘ and ‗National Dividend of India — A Historic and Analytical Study‘. In 1927, he received his doctoral degree in economics for his third thesis. He presented his paper ‘Castes in India: Their Mechanism, Genesis and Development’ in New York in May 1916 at an anthropological seminar by Alexander Goldenweiser.

 After that he went to London where he studied both law and economics. But he had to return to India without completing his course since his scholarship had expired.  Ambedkar was opposed to caste-based discrimination of any kind and also rejected the Aryan

Invasion Theory.  He established the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha aimed at promoting education among the untouchables as a means to uplift them. He also started journals like Mook Nayak, Equality Janta and Bahishkrit Bharatin which he advanced Dalit rights.  Ambedkar signed the historic Poona Pact with Mahatma Gandhi where they came to an agreement on how to go about having separate electorates for the Depressed Classes.  He founded a political party the Independent Labour Party in 1936. It contested and won seats to the Central Legislative Assembly in 1937.  In his book, ‘The Annihilation of Caste’, Ambedkar vehemently criticised Hindu religious leaders and the caste system. He also rebuked Gandhi in it.  He had also served as Minister for Labour in the Viceroy‘s Executive Council.

 His party transformed into the Scheduled Castes Federation.  Country‘s first Law Minister and the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly, whose mandate it was to draft a new constitution for India.

 Ambedkar was successful in winning the assembly‘s support for reservation of jobs in the civil service, and in schools and colleges.  He was opposed to Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu & Kashmir.  He also recommended the adoption of a Uniform Civil Code.  As an economics, he was pro-industrialization and also stressed on the need for investment in agriculture for growth in that sector. He established the Finance Commission of India in 1951.  In 1955, Ambedkar founded the Bharatiya Bauddha Mahasabha. On 14 October 1956, he converted to Buddhism in a public ceremony in Nagpur. This was followed by mass conversions

by Dalits to Buddhism.

Source :- PIB PANDIT MADAN MOHAN MALAVIYA Context :  The Prime Minister of India paid tribute to Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya on his 158th birth anniversary (25th December, 2019). Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya :  Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya(1861 – 1946) was an Indian educationist and a Freedom Fighter.  He was also addressed as Mahamana.

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Role in Indian Freedom movement:  As a member of the Imperial Legislative Council, he participated in the important debates most notable being the prohibition of recruitment of Indian indentured labour to the British colonies.  He was a moderate leader and opposed the separate electorates for Muslims under the Lucknow Pact of 1916.  He had also attended the Second Round Table Conference in the year 1931.  He popularized the term ‗Satyamev Jayate‘.  However, the phrase originally belongs to the Mundaka Upanishad.  The term now is the national motto of India.  In protest against the Communal Award which sought to provide separate electorates for minorities, Malaviya along with Madhav Shrihari Aney left the Congress and started the Congress Nationalist Party.

Contributions and organisations :  He started composing poetry at the age of fifteen with the pen name ‗Makarand‘.  He founded ―Prayaga Hindu Samaj‖, and wrote several articles on the Contemporary issues and problems

of the country.  In 1887, he established ―Bharat Dharma Mahamandal‖ to propagate Sanatan Dharma and Hindu culture.  He also founded the Banaras Hindu University(BHU) at Varanasi in 1916 which was created under the

B.H.U. Act, 1915.  He also founded the Hindu Mahasabha in 1906 to oppose not the just claims of the Muslim community but the ―divide and rule‖ policy of the British Government.

 He also started the ‗Abhyudaya‘ as a Hindi weekly in 1907 and made it a daily in 1915.He also started the ‗Maryada‘ a Hindi monthly in 1910 and ‗Leader‘ an English daily in 1909. Source :- The Hindu

GS PAPER - 01 HISTORY - The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country. PAIKA MEMORIAL Context :  President Ram Nath Kovind laid the foundation stone of the Paika Vidroh Memorial at Barunei foothills.  The foundation stone for a memorial to mark 200 years of the Paika Rebellion, an uprising against colonial rule that predates the rebellion of the sepoys in 1857, and is sometimes described as the first war of independence. Paikas:

 The Paikas were a class of military retainers had been recruited since the 16th century by kings in Odisha from a variety of social groups to render martial services in return for hereditary rent-free land (nish-kar jagirs) and titles.

Historical Background:  Till 1803 Odisha was under the Maratha rule.  However, after the second Anglo-Maratha War, the Marathas were forced to cede most of their territory

in Odisha to the British East India Company.  The advent of the British and establishment of colonial rule brought new land revenue settlements, which led to the Paikas losing their estates.

 After entering Odisha, the British introduced new revenue settlements due to which many Paika proprietors ended up losing their lands to absentee Bengali landlords.  The changes in the currency and revenue systems meant the Paikas had to pay taxes in silver which was

more expensive for them.  The British control over salt — which had pre-1803-4 origins, but was extended to coastal Orissa in 1814 — also meant increased hardship for the people in the hills.  This resulted in further marginalisation and oppression of the Paikas.

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Paika Rebellion:

 The Paik Rebellion was an armed rebellion against the British East India Company‘s rule in 1817.

 In 1817,Several Kondhs descended from the Ghumusar area to rise in revolt against the British.

 Bakshi Jagabandhu, the hereditary chief of the militia army of the Gajapati King of Khurda led an army of Paikas to join the uprising of the Kondh.  The Paikas set fire the government buildings in Banapur and killed several British officials.

 Over the next few months,the Paikas fought bloody battles at several places, but the British army gradually crushed the revolt.  Bakshi Jagabandhu escaped to the jungles and stayed out of reach of the British until 1825, when he finally surrendered under negotiated terms. Significance of Paika Rebellion :  The Paika Rebellion is one among the peasant rebellions that took place in India when the British EIC was expanding its military enterprise.  Since these uprisings violently clashed with European colonialists and missionaries, their resistance is

sometimes seen as the first war of Independence against colonial rule.Therefore,it is also considered to be nationalist in nature.

Source :- PIB SUBRAMANIA BHARATHI Context :  Prime Minister, has remembered Subramania Bharathi on his birth anniversary. Subramania Bharathi :  Subramania Bharathi was a Tamil poet and a symbol of patriotism, social reform and freedom.  He is also known as ‗Mahakavi Bharathiar‘.  He was also an advocate of women‘s rights and wrote against the caste system.  As a poet, his theme ranged from patriotism to nature, from romance to philosophy, from devotion to self- respect.  He was arrested many times on account of his writings, which was anti-colonial rule.  His songs on nationalism and freedom of India helped to rally the masses to support the Indian Independence Movement in Tamil Nadu.  ―Kannan Pattu‖, ―Panchali Sabatam‖ ―Kuyil Pattu‖are examples of Bharathi‘s great poetic output.  He published the sensational ―Sudesa Geethangal‖ in 1908  In order to proclaim its revolutionary ardour, Bharathi had the weekly newspaper named ‗India‘ printed in red paper. It was the first paper in Tamil Nadu to publish political cartoons. He also published and edited a few other journals like “Vijaya”.  He attended the annual sessions of Indian National Congress and discussed national issues with extremist leaders like Bipin Chandra Pal, B.G. Tilak and V.V.S. Iyer.  His participation and activities in Benaras Session (1905) and Surat Session (1907) of the Indian National Congress impressed many national leaders for his patriotic fervour.

 In 1949, he became the first poet whose works were nationalised by the state government. Source :- PIB GS PAPER - 01 SOCIAL ISSUES - population and associated issues

ILLEGAL NON-CITIZENS Context :  Recently, the Home Minister informed in the Rajya Sabha that the National Register of Citizens (NRC)

will be implemented across India, and repeated again in Assam. Existing Legal Framework : The clause for the expulsion of foreigners:

 Foreigners Act, 1864

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 It was the first enactment made for dealing with foreigners that provided for the expulsion of foreigners.  It also allowed arrest, detention, and for a ban on foreigners entry into India after detention. Introduction of Passport:  The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920

 The act empowered the government to make rules requiring persons entering India to be in possession of passports.  It also granted the government the power to remove from India any person who entered without a

passport. Concept of „burden of proof‟ lies with the person, and not with the authorities:  Foreigners Act, 1940

 It was enacted during the Second World War, under which the concept of ―burden of proof‖ was introduced.  This meant that whenever a question arose with regard to the nationality of a person, the onus of proving that he was not a foreigner lay upon the person.  Foreigners Act, 1946  It replaced the Foreigners Act, 1940 conferring wide powers to deal with all foreigners.  The act empowered the government to take such steps as are necessary to prevent illegal migrants including the use of force.  The concept of ‗burden of proof‘ lies with the person, and not with the authorities given by this act is still applicable in all States and Union Territories. This concept has been upheld by a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court.

 The act empowered the government to establish tribunals which would have powers similar to those of a civil court.  Recent amendments (2019) to the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1964 empowered even district

magistrates in all States and Union Territories to set up tribunals to decide whether a person staying illegally in India is a foreigner or not. Increased burden of migrants because of absence of the “ burden of a proof ” clause:  Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act, 1983  The absence of any provision related to the ‗burden of proof‘ in the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act, 1983 put a very heavy burden upon the authorities to establish whether a person is an illegal migrant.  Moreover, a number of non-Indians who may have entered Assam after March 25, 1971, without possession of valid documents, continued to reside in Assam.  The act was struck down by the Supreme Court in Sarbananda Sonowal v. Union of India (2005).The Supreme Court also closed all tribunals in Assam functioning under the Act.

 The Supreme Court, then, transferred all pending cases at the IMDT tribunals to the Foreigners Tribunals constituted under the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1964. Source :- The Hindu

INNER LINE PERMIT Context :  The Nagaland government extended the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system to Dimapur, the commercial hub

of the State. More in the news :  This step was taken to exempt the entire district from the purview of the Citizenship Amendment Bill

(CAB).  Recently Manipur has also been brought under the purview of ILP System. Thus, the entire northeast India has been exempted from CAB except for Sikkim and non-tribal areas in Assam and

Tripura.The extension of ILP to Dimapur has been issued under section 2 of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 by the governor of Nagaland. 10

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 The extension of the ILP regime makes it mandatory for ―every non-indigenous person‖ who entered the district after November 21, 1979, to obtain an ILP within 90 days.  Exemptions:  Any non-indigenous persons living in Dimapur prior to November 21, 1979, with a certificate from the Deputy Commissioner.  Any non-indigenous person passing through Dimapur to other states as a transit passenger with a valid document. Citizenship Amendment Bill,2019 and North-East India :

 Protected by the ILP System:Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Mizoram have been exempted from the provisions of the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), 2019.  Sixth Schedule Areas: The whole of Meghalaya (except a part of Shillong), Mizoram and the tribal areas

of Tripura and Assam are also exempted from the CAB.  The Sixth Schedule contains special provisions for the administration of tribal areas in the four north-eastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.

Inner Line Permit :  Inner Line Permit is an official travel document issued by the Government of India to allow inward travel of an Indian citizen into a protected/restricted area for a limited period.  It is a special permit required by ―outsiders‖ from other regions of the country to enter the notified states.  It is based on the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act (BEFR), 1873.  This act was enacted during the British era to protect the British interests from the hill tribals who used to invade the British subjects.  An imaginary line known as the inner-line was created to divide between the two

communities so that neither party could go beyond the line without a permit from the appropriate authorities.

Source :- The Hindu NATIONAL POPULATION REGISTER Context :  The NPR exercise has become controversial because the Citizenship Rules 2003 link the Population Register to the creation of a National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC) or National Register of Citizens. Background:  A pan-India NRC has already been initiated — it started 16 years ago, when the Citizenship Act 1955 was amended in 2003 to include the term ―illegal migrant‖.

 Thereafter, the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003, was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which included the legal procedure for roll out of a pan- India NRC, except Assam.

 The 2003 Rules also included the National Population Register (NPR), its implementation and how it would form the basis of NRC. The NPR, which began in 2003, would help identify ‗doubtful citizens‘, who would then have to prove their citizenship before the NRC authorities.

Can a state block the process of NRC?

 State are mandated to implement NRC because citizenship, as a subject, falls under the Union list.  However, in its rollout, the central government will need the help of state-level authorities such as district- and taluka-level officers and the district registrar of citizen registration.  A state, citing law and order problems, can refuse to appoint these officers and, therefore, halt the NRC process. Law and order is a state subject. What was the 2003 amendment to Citizenship Act 1955 all about?  The Citizenship Act 1955 has undergone multiple amendments starting from 1986. It was amended thereafter in 1992, 2003, 2005, 2015 and 2019.

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 In 2003, the then Atal Bihari Vajpayee government had included the term ―illegal migrant” in the 1955 Act by amending Section 2 of the primary Act.  The amendment stated that any foreigner who has entered India without valid documents, such as passport, or overstays in the country beyond the stipulated time will be declared an ―illegal immigrant‖.  To check who the illegal immigrants are and to establish a process therein, the Ministry of Home Affairs then issued a set of Rules on 10 December 2003 — this was the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003, which set the ball rolling on NRC. So how is NRC defined in 2003 Rules?

 A proper definition in the 2003 Rules, it states that the National Register of Indian Citizens means the ―register containing details of Indian Citizens living in India and outside India‖.  For this purpose, the Rules also attempt to appoint a Registrar General of Citizen Registration

who will be entrusted to maintain such a database.  NRC will be divided into sub-parts consisting of the  ―State Register of Indian Citizens,

 The District Register of Indian Citizens,  The Sub-district Register of Indian Citizens and  The Local Register of Indian Citizens and shall contain such details as the Central Government may, by order, in consultation with the Registrar General of Citizen Registration, specify‖.

How is nationwide NRC different from NPR?  The NPR or the population register as under the 2003 Rules is a register containing details of persons usually residing in a village/town/ward/or urban area.  NPR is formed by the house-to-house enumeration of data akin to a census conducted by the Government of India.  There are bodies at the state, district, and taluka levels mandated under the Rules who will be entrusted with the duty to populate such a register.

 However, NRC will only consider the citizens of the country and those living abroad and not everybody who is residing within the territorial boundaries of India. So, is the NRC based on NPR?

 The Rules under the head of ‗NRC‘ explicitly state that ―during the verification process, particulars of such individuals, whose citizenship is doubtful, shall be entered by the Local Registrar with appropriate remark in the Population Register for further inquiry and in case of doubtful Citizenship, the individual or the family shall be informed in a specified proforma immediately after the verification process is over‖.  This means that the NRC will be based on the NPR, and once the NPR establishes the list of ‗doubtful citizens‘, they will have to go through a process of claims and objections before being entered into the NRC. The ones who fail to prove they are not doubtful will be excluded. How does Citizenship Amendment Act of 2019 play a role here?  The NPR list — including the ‗doubtful citizens‘ category — is religion-agnostic and could include all communities. This is where the amended citizenship Act comes into play.  The 2019 Act specifies that persecuted members of six communities — Hindus, Buddhists, Parsis, Sikh, Jains and Christians — from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will be given citizenship. It does not specify the Muslim community. Are NPR and population census the same thing?

 Population census in India is under the Census Act of 1948 while the NPR is under the Citizenship Act 1955.  So, the two exercises are under completely different legislations and, therefore, there is no way

they can culminate into becoming the same exercise.  In fact, though, the census data will be available in the public domain, NPR will not as it will form the basis of NRC, which is not a public document.

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Is there any similarity between Assam NRC and pan-India NRC?  Section 4A in The Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003, etches out the exception for the state of Assam.  Clause 2 of this section states that the Assam NRC was after ―inviting applications from all the residents, for collection of specified particulars relating to each family and individual, residing in a local area in the State including the citizenship status based on the National Register of Citizens 1951 and the electoral rolls prior to the year 1971‖.  However, pan-India NRC will be based on the population register.

 The Local Register of Indian citizens shall contain details of persons after due verification made from the Population Register‖, which inevitably proves how NRC is based on NPR and since NPR is based on house-to-house enumeration of data by the government, there is no similarity

between the Assam NRC and the one that‘s going to take place across the country.  While Assam NRC had 1971 as the cut-off date, citizenship under the NRC will be based on dates in the 1955 Act.  For example, under the citizenship by birth according to the 1955 Act, every person born on or after January 26 1950 but before July 1 1987 will be considered citizens.  Next, born after July 1 1987 and before the 2003 amendment Act with either of parents as Indian citizens will also be citizenship by birth.  Lastly, if one is born after 2003, then the citizenship by birth will be granted if both parents are Indian citizens or either of parents are Indian citizen and one is an illegal migrant. What are the details that NRC will contain?

● According to the Rules, the NRC document will contain with respect to every Indian citizen: (i) Name; (ii) Father‘s name; (iii) Mother‘s name; (iv) Sex; (v) Date of birth; (vi) Place of birth; (vii) Residential address (present and permanent); (viii) Marital status ñ if ever married, name of the spouse; (ix) Visible

identification mark; (x) Date of registration of Citizen; (xi) Serial number of registration; and the (xii) National Identity Number.  National Identity Numbers would be a ―unique identity number allotted to every Indian Citizen by the Registrar General of Citizen Registration‖, and this too has been defined in the 2003 Rules. Source :- The Hindu; Indian Express

GS PAPER - 01 SOCIAL ISSUES - issues arising out of their design and implementation.

CITIZENSHIP AMENDMENT BILL 2019 Context :  The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 received President's nod and hence became an Act.

 The bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament earlier this week with a clear majority. Background :  In India, citizenship is regulated by the Citizenship Act, 1955. The Act specifies that citizenship may be

acquired in India through five methods – by birth in India, by descent, through registration, by naturalisation (extended residence in India), and by incorporation of territory into India.  However, illegal migrants cannot become Indian citizens. Under the Act, an illegal migrant is a foreigner

who:  enters the country without valid travel documents like a passport and visa, or enters with valid documents, but stays beyond the permitted time period.  Illegal migrants may be put in jail or deported under the Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920.  In 2015 and 2016, the government exempted specified groups of illegal migrants from provisions of the 1946 and 1920 Acts. They were Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, who reached India on or before December 31, 2014.

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 This meant that these particular categories of illegal migrants would not be deported or jailed for being in India without valid documents.  The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was introduced in Parliament to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, so that these people could be made eligible for citizenship of India.  The Bill lapsed with the dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha. Subsequently, the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha in December 2019. Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019:  The Bill amends the Citizenship Act, 1955, and seeks to make foreign illegal migrants of certain religious communities coming from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan eligible for Indian citizenship.  It basically intends to make it easier for non-Muslim immigrants from India‘s three Muslim-majority neighbours to become citizens of India.

Key Features :  Citizenship on the basis of religion: The Bill amends the Citizenship Act, 1955, and for the first time, will grant citizenship on the basis of religion to non-Muslim communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and

Pakistan, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.  Non - Muslim Communities Included: Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian. This implies that migrants, who identify themselves with any group or community other than those mentioned here,

from the above mentioned countries won't be eligible for citizenship.  Exceptions: The provisions on citizenship for illegal migrants will not apply to two categories - states protected by the „Inner Line‟, and areas covered under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.  Citizenship by Naturalization  Under The Citizenship Act, 1955, one of the requirements for citizenship by naturalisation is that the applicant must have resided in India during the last 12 months, as well as for 11 of the previous 14 years.  The amendment relaxes the second requirement from 11 years to 5 years as a specific condition for applicants belonging to the specified six religions, and the above mentioned three countries.

 Additional Ground for Cancelling Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Registration i.e. violation of any law notified by the central government.  However, the Bill does not provide any guidance on the nature of laws which the central

government may notify. The Supreme Court has noted that this guidance is necessary to set limits on the authority‘s powers and to avoid any arbitrariness in exercise of powers. Arguments against the Bill :  The fundamental criticism of the Bill has been that it specifically targets Muslims. Critics argue that it is violative of Article 14 of the Constitution (which guarantees the right to equality) and the principle of secularism.  citizenship can't be given on the basis of religion.  India has several other refugees that include Tamils from Sri Lanka and Hindu Rohingya from Myanmar. They are not covered under the Act.  Despite exemption granted to some regions in the Northeastern states, the prospect of citizenship for massive numbers of illegal Bangladeshi migrants has triggered deep anxieties in the states.  It will be difficult for the government to differentiate between illegal migrants and those persecuted.  Permanent settlement of illegal immigrants will disturb the region's demography and further burden resources and decrease employment opportunities for indigenous people. Source :- The Hindu

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GS PAPER - 01 GEOGRAPHY - Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., WHITE ISLAND

Context :  A volcano off the New Zealand coast erupted with a towering blast of ash and scalding steam as dozens of tourists were exploring the moon-like surface.

White Island:

 White Island has been classified as New Zealand‘s most active volcano since 1976.  The Island is also called as Whakaari.  The island is located in the Bay of Plenty, about 48km (29 miles) from the east coast of New Zealand‘s North Island.  About 70% of the volcano is underwater.After including it‘s underwater base,White Island is the largest volcanic structure in New Zealand.

 The Island is privately owned and a tourist destination with frequent day tours and scenic flights. Source :- The Hindu TYPHOON PHANFONE Context :

 The Philippines was hit by typhoon Phanfone on 25th December 2019. Typhoon Phanfone :  Typhoon Phanfone is known as Ursula in the local language in the Philippines.

 It is the second typhoon after typhoon Kammuri which hit the Philippines recently.  Phanfone is following a similar path as Super Typhoon Haiyan, which had hit the country in 2013.  Typhoon is a region-specific name of the Tropical Cyclone (swirling system of clouds and

thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical oceans).  The Philippines is the first major landmass facing the Pacific cyclone belt. It is hit by about 20 storms and typhoons each year. Source :- The Hindu

GS PAPER - 01 GEOGRAPHY - geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

MAHADAYI DISPUTE Context :  Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change‘s stand that environment clearance (EC) is

not required for Karnataka‟s Kalsa-Bhanduri drinking water project on the Mahadayi River.

Background :  The sharing of the waters of Mahadayi river is a cause of dispute between the governments of Karnataka

and Goa. The Karnataka government proposes to divert some water from the Mahadayi river to the Malaprabha River basin as part of the Kalasa-Banduri Nala project. Goa has been opposing the Kalsa- Bhanduri project.

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 Mahadayi Water Tribunal under Interstate River Water Disputes Act had been constituted to decide the sharing of the river waters by the riparian states.  In August 2018, Mahadayi Water Tribunal verdict permitted Goa to use 24 tmcft, Karnataka to use 5.4 tmcft (including 3.9 tmcft for export outside the basin) and Maharashtra to use 1.33 tmcft for consumptive purposes.  The tribunal also directed the Centre to set up the Mahadayi Water Management Authority to implement its report and final decision.

 Karnataka approached the Supreme Court challenging the Water tribunal‘s allocation of water to the states. Karnata ka Argument :  To resolve the severe water crisis in its northern districts of Bagalkot, Gadag, Dharwad and Belagavi,

Karnataka had been planning to divert water from the Mahadayi to dams and barrages since the 1970s.  Karnataka believes that surplus water from Mahadayi drains into the Arabian sea and, therefore, it should be better utilised by diverting it into the deficit basin in Malaprabha to meet the basic water needs of the

people. Goa Argument :  Goa is worried that the proposed inter-basin water transfer would harm the sensitive ecology of the

Western Ghats.  Goa argues that its population is dependent on the river‘s natural path and any move to divert it would affect its fragile ecosystem.

 The Mahadayi holds a special significance for Goa because it is one of the few sweet-water sources in the state and the proposed move would affect water supply for drinking and irrigation. Source :- The Hindu GS PAPER - 01 AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS NATIONAL FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE AWARDS Context :  The President of India, presented the National Florence Nightingale Awards to nursing personnel on the occasion of International Nurses Day. More in the news :  The World Health Organisation has announced 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and Mid-wife.  2020 will also mark the 200th birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale.  Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, was born on May 12, 1820 and hence this day is celebrated as International Nurses Day all over the world.

National Florence Nightingale Awards:  The Government of India instituted these awards in 1973.  They are named after Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, and the very

icon of selfless care.  The award carries Rs 50000 cash, a certificate, a citation certificate and a medal.

Source :- PIB

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GS PAPER – 2

GS PAPER - 02 GOVERNANCE - Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/S ervices relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

ANTIBIOTIC PRESCRIPTION Context :  According to a study by the researchers of Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), antibiotic prescription rate is high in the private sector.  This study is the first ever estimate of outpatient antibiotic prescription rates and patterns in the private sector.  It has been published with the title — ―Outpatient antibiotic prescription rate and pattern in the private sector in India‖. Key highlights :  The private sector has clocked high levels of antibiotic prescription rates (412 per 1,000 persons per year).

 Of the 519 million antibiotic prescriptions, the majority were dispensed for the diseases of the respiratory system(55%).  The highest rate was seen among children aged 0–4 years (636 per 1,000 persons) and the lowest in the

age group 10–19 years (280 per 1,000 persons).  The study noted that the per-capita antibiotic consumption in the retail sector has increased by around 22% in five years from 2012 to 2016.

Concern :  Though clinical guidelines on judicious antibiotic use explicitly mention that they should not be prescribed for the common cold, non-specific upper respiratory tract infection (URI), acute cough illness and acute bronchitis, the study shows a high rate of prescriptions for respiratory infections in primary care. Way Forward :  There is a need to target antimicrobial stewardship programmes to specific constituencies and stakeholders to raise awareness on antibiotics and prevent its misuse. Source :- The Hindu

EDUCATION, ENGINEERING, ENFORCEMENT AND EMERGENCY CARE

Context :  The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has formulated a multi-pronged strategy to address the issue of road safety based on Education, Engineering (both of roads and vehicles), Enforcement and Emergency

Care. Steps taken by government :  The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has constituted a Parliamentary Constituency Committee on

Road Safety in each district of the country to promote awareness amongst road users under the chairmanship of the MPs.  The National Road Safety Policy outlines various policy measures such as promoting awareness, establishing road safety information database, encouraging safer road infrastructure including the application of intelligent transport, enforcement of safety laws with regard to road safety.  The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 focuses on road safety and includes, among other things, stiff hike in penalties for traffic violations and electronic monitoring of the same, enhanced penalties for juvenile driving, computerization/automation of vehicle fitness and driving, tests, recall of defective vehicles, extending the scope of third party liability and payment of increased compensation for hit and run cases, etc.  Some of the other initiatives of the Government:  Advocacy/Publicity campaign on road safety through the electronic media and print media to create awareness. 17

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 Issue of Guidelines for the protection of Good Samaritans. Read more about the Good Samaritan Law  Setting up of model driving training Institutes in States.  Launch of mobile app for highway users i.e. ―Sukhad Yatra 1033‖ which enables highways users to report potholes and other safety hazards on National Highways including accidents.

 Observance of Road Safety Week every calendar year for spreading awareness and strengthening road safety.  Safety standards for automobiles have been improved.

 High priority has been accorded to identification and rectification of black spots (accident-prone spots) on national highways. Source :- PIB ROTAVAC5D® Context :  Vice President launched the new rotavirus vaccine – ROTAVAC5D®. More in the news :  ROTAVAC5D® was designed and developed by Bharat Biotech.  The vaccine would be a great help in tackling the spread of Rotavirus that causes nearly 8,72,000 hospitalizations, over 32 lakh outpatient visits and an estimated 78 thousand deaths annually in India. Rotavirus:  Rotavirus is a virus that is the most widespread reason for severe vomiting and diarrhea in infants

and young children.  A genus of double-stranded RNA virus in the Reoviridae family, it has affected virtually every child in the world at least on one occasion before the child attains five years of age.  In the case of the rotavirus, the affected person develops immunity with every infection, so that subsequent infections are always less in severity.  Adults are hardly ever affected by the virus.

Source :- PIB „INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES‟ Context :

 The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today said that‗International Day of Persons with Disabilities‘ must be renamed as „International Day of Persons with Special Abilities‟.  To reflect the enormous potential and capabilities that differently-abled people posses and to

dispel the stigma that society attaches to disability. International Day of Persons with Disabilities :  3rd December is observed as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities every year.

 This annual observance was initiated by the UN in 1992.  It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.  2019 Theme: Promoting the participation of persons with disabilities and their leadership: taking action on the 2030 Development Agenda.  This year it focuses on the empowerment of persons with disabilities for inclusive, equitable and sustainable development as anticipated in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which pledges to ‗leave no one behind‘ and recognizes disability as a cross-cutting issues, to be considered in the implementation of its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Source :- PIB

WORLD MALARIA REPORT: 2019 Context :  The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released the World Malaria Report, 2019. 18

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 While Africa and India saw the maximum dip in malaria cases between 2017 and 2018, they still accounted for 85 per cent deaths. Key Highlights :  Globally 228 million malaria cases were reported in 2018, which is marginally lower than the number of cases in 2017 (231 million), as per the World Malaria Report 2019.

 Nigeria accounted for almost 24 per cent of all malaria deaths, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (11 per cent), the United Republic of Tanzania (5 per cent), and Angola, Mozambique and Niger (4 per cent each).

 India, Indonesia and Myanmar accounted for 58 per cent, 21 per cent and 12 per cent of the total reported deaths in the region, respectively.  The biggest region of concern for the WHO is the African region as it contributes 93 per cent cases to the

global burden. This region also accounted for 94 per cent of all malarial deaths. In 2018, there were an estimated 405,000 deaths from malaria globally as compared with 416,000 estimated deaths in 2017.  As per this report, except for South Africa, all other countries—Eritrea, Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia

and Comoros—are not in line to reduce the burden by 40 per cent by 2020 as compared to 2015 levels. India Specific Findings :  India's progress means the country no longer has the world's fourth highest malaria burden, though it still

is the only non-African country among the top 11 countries with the most malaria globally.  India registered a fall of 2.6 million malarial cases in 2018 as compared to previous year. The country also has one of the lowest funding per person at risk of being inflicted with malaria at just US$0.2.  However, 7 states (Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh) account for about 90% of the burden of malaria cases in India.  Overall number of deaths due to malaria in India have reduced.

Steps Taken By Indian Government to eliminate Malaria :  National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (NSPME) (2017-22)  The Strategic Plan gives year wise elimination targets in various parts of the country depending upon the endemicity of malaria in the next 5 years.  It is based on the National Framework for Malaria Elimination 2016 which is in line with WHO‘s Global Technical Strategy for Malaria, 2016-2030.  Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has established ‗Malaria Elimination Research Alliance-India (MERA-India) which is a conglomeration of partners working on malaria control.

Source :- Indian Express

MEASLES Context :  According to new estimates released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) on behalf of the Measles and Rubella Initiative, says India has the second highest number of children(2.3 million) who are not vaccinated against measles.

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Measles :

 Measles virus is an enveloped, ribonucleic acid virus of the genus Morbillivirus.

 Measles is highly contagious, and an infected person often transmits the virus to over 90% of

unprotected close contacts.  The virus infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body. Measles is a human disease and is not known to occur in animals.

 Measles can be entirely prevented through a two-dose vaccine and had been officially eliminated in many countries with advanced healthcare systems.  The first dose of measles vaccine was introduced in the 1990s in India.  India introduced the second dose from 2010 onwards. India was one of the last countries to add a second dose of measles vaccine.  India introduced the second dose from 2010 onwards. India was one of the last countries to add a second dose of measles vaccine.

Key Highlights :

 In 2018, measles caused an estimated 10 million cases and 1,42,000 deaths globally, according to a report published.  Children under the age of five accounts for most of the deaths from measles in 2018.

 In 2017, 2.9 million children in India under one year of age had not been vaccinated with the first dose, according to UNICEF.  In 2018, the number of unvaccinated children in India had reduced from 2.9 million to 2.3 million.  With 2.4 million, Nigeria has the most number of unvaccinated children.  The corresponding reduction in the case of Nigeria has been much more — from nearly 4 million unvaccinated children in 2017 to 2.4 million in 2018.  The other four countries with the most number of unvaccinated children are Pakistan (1.4 million), Ethiopia (1.3 million), Indonesia (1.2 million) and the Philippines (0.7 million).

Steps taken by India :

 India initiated one of the world‘s largest measles-rubella campaigns to eliminate measles and control rubella in the country.  By November 2019, more than 324 million children and adolescents between 9 months to 15 years of age have been vaccinated with one dose of MR vaccine in India.  In India, the first dose of measles vaccine is given at nine-12 months of age and the second dose is given at 16-24 months of age through the national immunisation programme.  India was one of the last countries to add a second dose of measles vaccine as recommended by the WHO.  The first mass immunisation campaigns for the second dose of measles vaccine were launched in 2010 in 14 States where the coverage for the first dose was below 80%.

Source :- The Hindu

RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE

Context :  According to a recent analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), an array of packaged snacks and fast foods breach safe limits of salt and fat content.

 The organisation relied on the concept of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA).

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) :  RDA is a daily ceiling on the amount of salt, fat, carbohydrates and trans fats.

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 It is based on scientific consensus and has been agreed upon by expert bodies such as the World

Health Organisation and the National Institute of Nutrition in India.

 According to RDA, ideally an adult should not consume more than 5 gm of salt, 60 gm of fat, 300

gm carbohydrate and 2.2 gm of trans fat on every day basis.

Source :- The Hindu

JALSATHI Context :

 Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the 'Jalsathi' programme which will ensure supply of safe drinking water to all households in the state. Jalsathi programme:

 The JalSathi programme aims to ensure the supply of clean drinking water to consumers through piped water connections.  The Odisha government has roped in women volunteers to serve the people as ‗Jalasathis‘. This will help

boost the economic empowerment of women in the state.  Under the programme, over 5,000 women will be engaged in Odisha to supply safe drinking water.  The Jalsathis will be responsible for testing of water quality, facilitating new water connections and

regularizing connections, reassessing of demands, reading of meter, bill generation and delivery, collection of water charges and facilitating complaints redressal.  The programme will be initially implemented in eight wards of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation

under the 5T initiative of the Housing and Urban Development. Source :- Business Standard INDIA STATE LEVEL DISEASE BURDEN Context :  India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative has released the first report on disease burden attributable to mental health from 1990. Key highlights :

 The study finds that roughly one in seven Indians or 197 million people suffered from mental disorders of varying severity in 2017.Among these, depression and anxiety disorders are the commonest mental disorders in India.

 The contribution of mental disorders to the total disease burden in India in terms of disability adjusted life years (DALYs) increased from 2.5% in 1990 to 4.7% in 2017.One DALY is at least one lost year of ‗healthy‘ life.

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 The prevalence of mental disorders is increasing and is relatively higher in the southern states and in females.  The Southern states namely Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh accounted for a higher prevalence of mental disorders. State wise :  the study divides different States into three categories on the basis of their socio-demographic index(SDI) namely low, medium and high SDI States.

 The SDI is a composite measure of per-capita income, mean education, and fertility rate in women younger than 25 years and is calculated on a scale of one.  The prevalence of depressive disorders was highest in Tamil Nadu (loss of 836 years per 1 lakh population ) in the high SDI State group and Andhra Pradesh (loss of 793 years) in the middle SDI State

group.  Anxiety disorders were found to be more common in Kerala (loss of 383 years per 1 lakh population) in the high SDI State group and Andhra Pradesh (loss of 328 years) in the middle SDI State group.

Source :- The Hindu HARD AND SOFT SCHOOLS Context :

 Arunachal Pradesh has launched Teachers‟ Transfer & Posting Policy, 2020, for ensuring need-based distribution of teachers to protect the academic interest of students and optimise job satisfaction among the teachers in a free and transparent manner. Need :  Teacher absenteeism has been a major issue across government schools in Arunachal Pradesh. The student-teacher ratio has consequently been skewed in favour of urban centres with better connectivity.  The state has been facing difficulties in posting teachers in remote areas where schools have adequate students, but hardly anyone to teach them. Teachers „ Transfer and Posting Policy 2020 :

 Arunachal Pradesh will soon have schools marked ‗hard‘, ‗soft‘ and ‗medium‘. Geography, lack of infrastructure and reluctance of teachers to work beyond their comfort zones are the reasons for this categorisation  The new policy, all government schools will be divided into three categories — hard, medium and soft — based on topography, accessibility and degrees of difficulty in staying at the place of posting.  The policy also entails the transfer of teachers through online requests.  Hard Schools:  It includes areas with difficult accessibility and topography.  All new recruits will be given a hard posting for a mandatory three years, inclusive of their probation period.  Medium Schools:

 It includes areas with medium accessibility, connectivity and topography.  After completing hard schools phase the new teachers will be spending the next five years in schools with levels of medium difficulty.

 Soft Schools:  It includes areas with easy accessibility and connectivity majorly urban areas.  After completing hard and medium schools phase the teachers will be allotted soft schools. Source :- The Hindu PURPLE BOOK AND NETSCOFAN Context :  The Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare inaugurates the 2nd Edition of the ―Eat Right Mela‖.  On the sidelines of the event The Union Minister launched  ‗The PURPLE Book‘ a handbook on diets for diseases.

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 NetSCoFAN (Network for Scientific Co-operation for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition) Eat Right Mela :  The Mela was first held in 2018 in Delhi.  Eat Right Melas have been envisioned for massive outreach to build awareness on safe food and healthy diets through an interactive and informative model.

 In addition to showcasing street foods from all over the country, it consists of entertaining yet informative activities such as food quizzes, talks by dieticians and nutritionists, live cooking demonstrations by chefs, discussions by leading food experts and exhibits on healthy eating along with a host of cultural

performances such as street theatre, dances and so on. PURPLE Book :  The book provides general guidelines for hospitals on suitable diets for common medical conditions such

as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, gut disorders and so on in a simple format and has been developed and vetted by experts in the field of food and nutrition.  This book is available for free download on www.fssai.gov.in.

Network for Scientific Co-operation for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (NetSCoFAN) was also launched.  It is a network of research & academic institutions working in the area of food & nutrition along with the NetSCoFAN directory, covering detailed information of various heads/Directors and lead scientists of lead and associated partnering institutions. Source :- PIB HIGHER EDUCATION QUALITY IMPOVEMENT PROGRAMME Context :

 The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has adopted the Higher Education Quality Improvement Programme Mandate to improve the quality in higher educational institutions. Quality Mandate :

 The Quality Mandate was developed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) which contains 5 documents covering the 5 verticals of Quality Mandate- Five Documents on 5 verticals of Quality Mandate :

 Evaluation reforms:  Under this, the report „Evaluation Reforms in Higher Educational Institutions in India‟ has been published in order to make student assessment more meaningful, effective and linked to

‗Learning Outcomes‘.  Eco-friendly and Sustainable University Campuses:  The SATAT - Framework for Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Campus development in Higher Educational Institutions encourages universities to adopt reflective policies and practices to enhance the environmental quality of the campus and to adopt sustainable and green methods in its future.  Human Values & Professional Ethics:  A policy framework „MulyaPravah – Guidelines for Inculcation of Human Values and Professional Ethics in Higher Educational Institutions‟ has been developed to discuss and streamline the process that helps to infuse the culture of human values and ethics in educational institutions.

 Faculty Induction:  The guidelines for Guru-Dakshta – A guide to Faculty Induction Programme (FIP) will fulfill its main objective to sensitise and motivate the faculty to adopt learner centred approaches,

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) integrated learning and new pedagogic approaches to teaching-learning, assessment tools in higher education.  Academic Research Integrity:

 UGC is putting up efforts for setting up a Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics (UGC- CARE) to continuously monitor and identify quality journals across disciplines. 23

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 It will be useful to create more awareness and help the cause of promoting academic integrity and ethical publishing. Source :- PIB ; The Hindu 7 YOUNG INNOVATORS‟ PROGRAM (YIP) Context :

 Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology(CCMB) has launched its 7 Young Innovators‘ Program (YIP). Young Innovators‟ Program(YIP):

 The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology(CCMB) Young Innovators is a program for school children.  The program aims to emphasize that creativity, keen interest and enthusiasm are the main components of

success in science by giving access to active research labs via this program.  It identifies talented young students of grades VIII to X and encourages them to appreciate scientific methodologies through this program.

 The selected students carry out experiments such as preparation and analysis of their own DNA, preparation and examination of nanoparticles, grow bacteria and count them.  Apart from this, they also interact with various scientists and discuss their work during the program. On successful completion of the program, students are awarded with a certificate.

Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology(CCMB) :  The Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology(CCMB) is a premier research organization in frontier areas of modern biology.  The objectives of the Centre are to conduct high quality basic research and training in frontier areas of modern biology and promote centralized national facilities for new and modern techniques in the interdisciplinary areas of biology.

Source :- The Hindu

GS PAPER - 02 GOVERNANCE - Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability

INDIA CORRUPTION SURVEY 2019 Context :  India Corruption Survey 2019 has been released by the Local Circles, a social media firm and the Transparency International India. Key highlights of the Survey :  Rajasthan tops corruption chart in India. As per Survey, 78% of people in Rajasthan, participating in the survey admitted to paying a bribe to get work done.  Bihar follows Rajasthan and was placed at second spot. In Bihar, 75 % of citizens admitted to paying a bribe to get their work done.  Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand were ranked third in the list with 74 % of citizens admitted to paying a bribe to get their work done.

 In South India, Telangana has topped with 67% of citizens admitted to paying a bribe to get their work done.  On the other hand, Kerala was ranked as the least corrupt states where only 10% of people admitted to

paying a bribe to get their work done.  Besides Kerala, Goa, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, Haryana and Delhi were among the least corrupt states.

Corruption Perceptions Index 2018:  India has been ranked at 78th place out of 180 countries in ‗Corruption Perception Index(CPI),2018.  The index is released by the Transparency International. It ranks countries by their perceived levels of public sector corruption according to experts and business people.

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 It uses a scale of 0 to 100 where 0 is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean.

 Denmark has topped the index followed by New Zealand and Finland. On the other hand, Somalia

has been ranked last in the index.

Transparency International:  Transparency International is an international non-governmental organization. It was founded in 1993 based in Berlin, Germany.  Its purpose is to take action to combat corruption and prevent criminal activities arising from

corruption.  It publishes various reports such as the Global Corruption Barometer and the Corruption Perceptions Index.

Source :- Times Of India

POLITICAL PARTIESREGISTRATION TRACKING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Context :  Election Commission of India to implement ―Political Parties Registration Tracking Management System” (PPRTMS). Political Parties Registration Tracking Management System (PPRTMS) :  PPRTMS will be implemented from January 2020.  Accordingly, the ―Political Parties Registration Tracking Management System‖ (PPRTMS) will be implemented through an online portal, to facilitate tracking of status of application by applicants.  The salient feature in the Political Parties Registration Tracking Management System is that the applicant (who is applying for party registration from 1st January, 2020 onwards) will be able to track the progress of his / her application and will get status update through SMS and email. Registration of political parties:

 The Registration of Political Parties is governed by the provisions of section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.  A party seeking registration under the said section with the Commission has to submit an application to

the Commission within a period of 30 days following the date of its formation in the prescribed format. Source :- PIB

GS PAPER - 02 GOVERNANCE - mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

MAINTENANCE AND WELFARE OF PARENTS AND SENIOR CITIZENS BILL, 2019 Context :  The Union Cabinet has approved the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens

(Amendment) Bill,2019. Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (Amendment) Bill,2019 :  The bill seeks to amend the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizen Act, 2007.

 The aim of the Bill is to provide for maintenance and welfare of parents and senior citizens, and ensure their rights are recognised under the Constitution. Key Features :

 The Bill expands the definition of children which currently refers to only biological children and grandchildren to include daughter-in-law and son-in-law.  It extends the definition of maintenance beyond provision of food, clothing, housing, health care to

include safety and security of the parent.  It proposes to remove the ceiling of ₹10,000 as maintenance towards welfare of parents. It proposes to make this amount variable as people who earn more can afford to shell out a higher amount for the upkeep of their parents.

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 It also proposes registration of senior citizens care homes/homecare service agencies along with maintaining minimum standards for senior citizen care homes.  It also includes the appointment of Nodal Police Officers for Senior Citizens in every Police Station and District level Special Police Unit for Senior Citizens.  State governments were to set up maintenance tribunals in every subdivision to decide the level of maintenance. Appellate tribunals were to be established at the district level.  The Senior citizens who are unable to maintain themselves can approach the maintenance tribunal seeking a monthly allowance from their children or heirs.  The punishment for not paying the required monthly allowance was fixed at Rs 5,000 or up to three months in prison or both. Conclusion :

 As a signatory to Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA), India has the responsibility to formulate and implement public policy on population ageing.

 Issues of poverty, migration, urbanisation, ruralisation and feminisation compound the complexity of this emerging phenomenon. Public policy must respond to this bourgeoning need and mainstream action into developmental planning.

 Gender and social concerns of elderly, particularly elderly women, must be integrated at the policy level.  The elderly, especially women, should be represented in decision making.  Increasing social/widow pension and its universalisation is critical for expanding the extent and reach of benefits.

 Renewed efforts should be made for raising widespread awareness and access to social security schemes such as National Old Age Pension and Widow Pension Scheme. Provisions in terms of special incentives for elderly women, disabled, widowed should also be considered.

Source :- The Hindu GS PAPER - 02 GOVERNANCE - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

ONLINE SALE OF MEDICINES Context :  Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has directed all states and Union territories to prohibit the sale

of medicines through unlicensed online platforms as per the Delhi High Court order. Background :  In its Zaheer Ahmed case (2018), the Delhi High Court had said that online sale of medicines should be

prohibited until draft rules to regulate e-pharmacies are finalized and put in place. Online Sale of medicines :  Online sale of prescription medicines is a relatively recent phenomenon in India and laws are yet to be

framed to regulate the industry. Issues with Online sale of Medicines :  The PIL filed in the court observed that the online illegal sale of medicines would lead to a drug epidemic, drug abuse and misuse of habit forming and addictive drugs.  The PIL also said that since there was no mechanism to control the sale of medicines online, this puts health and lives of people at a high risk and affects their right to a safe and healthy life under Article 21 of the Constitution.  In response, E-pharmacies told the Court that they do not require a license for online sale of drugs and prescription medicines as they do not sell them, instead they are only delivering the medications akin to food-delivery app Swiggy.  Supply of fake and illegal drugs, Abuse on account of fake or forged or no prescriptions, Lack of verification of the ultimate user, Unhealthy competition, Abuse of critical health data generated online, Mishandling during transport.

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Draft - sale of drugs by E-Pharmacies :  Ministry of health and family welfare, in September 2018, issued a draft notification on the sale of drugs by E-Pharmacies. It sought to amend the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules to enable registration of the e pharmacies and monitoring of their functioning. Key Highlights of the Draft :

 All the e-pharmacies have to be registered compulsorily with the Central Drugs Standard control organisation.  Psychotropic substances, habit-forming medicines like cough syrup and sleeping pills, schedule x

drugs will not be sold online.  Apart from registration, the e pharmacies have to obtain a license from the State government to sell the medicines online.

 The application of registration of e-pharmacy will have to be accompanied by a sum of Rs 50,000 while asserting that an e-pharmacy registration holder will have to comply with provisions of Information Technology Act, 2000 (21 of 2000).

 The details of patient shall be kept confidential and shall not be disclosed to any person other than the central government or the state government concerned, as the case may be.  The supply of any drug shall be made against a cash or credit memo generated through the e-pharmacy

portal and such memos shall be maintained by the e-pharmacy registration holder as record.  Both state and central drug authorities will be monitoring the data of sales and transactions of e pharmacies. Any violation of rules the registration of e-pharmacies will be suspended, and it can be cancelled too.  The premises from which e-pharmacy is operated regular inspections will be conducted every two years by the central licencing authority. Source :- Livemint

GS PAPER - 02 POLITY - Salient features of the Representation of People's Act.

ELECTION EXPENDITURE

Context :  The Rajya Sabha discussed private members‘ Bills to do away with the cap on election spending by candidates.

More about Proposed Bill :  The Bill has been introduced on the ground that the ceiling on election expenses ends up being counterproductive and encourages candidates to under-report their expenditure.

 Also, the ceiling currently prescribed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) is meant for legitimate expenditure. A lot of money in elections is being spent for illegitimate purposes. Current Scenario :

 At present, under Rule 90 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, a candidate contesting Lok Sabha polls can spend up to Rs 70 lakh and up to Rs 28 lakh in an assembly election depending on the state in which s/he is contesting polls.  Under Section 77 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, every candidate shall keep a separate and correct account of all expenditure incurred between the date on which he has been nominated and the date of declaration of the result.  All candidates are required to submit their expenditure statement to the ECI within 30 days of the completion of the elections.  An incorrect account or expenditure beyond the cap can lead to disqualification of the candidate by the ECI for up to three years, under Section 10A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.  It can be noted that there is no cap on a political party‘s expenditure, which is often exploited by candidates of the party. However, all registered political parties have to submit a statement of their election expenditure to the ECI within 90 days of the completion of the elections. Source :- The Hindu

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GS PAPER - 02 POLITY - Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. RESERVATIONS OF ANGLO-INDIANS

Context :  The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to extend reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for 10 years.  But doubts prevail over whether it has extended reservation for two seats in the Lok Sabha for the Anglo-Indian community.  The reservation for these categories in the Lok Sabha and the assemblies was to expire on January 25, 2020. Constitutional Provisions :  Provisions for reservations for SCs/STs and Anglo- Indians are extended under Article 334 of the Constitution.  Two members of the Anglo Indian community have been nominated in the Lok Sabha since the adoption of the Constitution, under article 334(b).  The Article has been amended from time to time, with the last changed being done through the 95th amendment in 2009.

Source :- The Hindu

DESTRUCTION OF PUBLIC PROPERTY Context :  Recently, the Supreme Court has expressed displeasure over rioting and destruction of public property while hearing petitions on alleged police excesses on students in Jamia Millia Islamia. Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984 :  The Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act,1984 punishes anyone who commits mischief by doing any act in respect of any public property with a jail term of up to five years and a fine or both.  Public property under this Act includes any property used in connection with the production, distribution or supply of water, light, power or energy or any means of public transportation or of telecommunications or other property used in connection therewith.  However, despite a law against the destruction of property, incidents of rioting, vandalism, and arson

have been common during protests across the country.  This is because the identification of protesters remains difficult, especially in cases where there is no leader who gave the call to protest.

SC Guidelines :  In 2007, the court took suo motu cognizance of ―various instances where there was large scale destruction of public and private properties in the name of agitations, bandhs, hartals and the like‖, and set up two

Committees headed by former apex court judge Justice K T Thomas and senior advocate Fali Nariman to suggest changes to the law.  In 2009, in the case of In Re: Destruction of Public & Private Properties v State of AP and Ors, the

Supreme Court issued guidelines based on the recommendations of the two expert Committees.  Thomas Committee:  The Thomas Committee had recommended reversing the burden of proof against protesters.  The apex court accepted the recommendation and said that the law must be amended to give the court the power to draw a presumption that the accused is guilty of destroying public property and it would then be open to the accused to rebut such presumption.  Nariman Committee:  The Nariman Committee recommendations were with respect to extracting damages for destruction.  The court accepted the recommendations and said that the rioters would be made strictly liable for the damage and compensation should be collected to make good the damage.

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 In 2017,the Punjab and Haryana High Court had ruled to recover the damages from the Dera whose followers were involved in vandalism of Public property. Concern :  Like the law, the guidelines too, have had a limited impact. This is because the identification of protesters remains difficult, especially in cases where there is no leader who gave the call to protest.

 Even if a person has been identified, he/she could not be held liable for loss of property unless there is evidence of him/her calling for violence. Source :- Indian Express

GS PAPER - 02 POLITY - Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels

and challenges therein.

SC/ST CREAMY LAYER QUOTA Context :  The Centre urged the Supreme Court to refer its last year's verdict excluding the creamy layer within the SC/ST community from reservation benefits to a 7-judge bench for a review. What‟s all about :  In Jarnail Singh vs Lachhmi Narain Gupta (2018), the court dealt with a batch of appeals relating to two reference orders, first by a two-judge Bench and then by a three-judge Bench, on the correctness of the Supreme Court‘s judgment in M Nagaraj & Others vs Union of India (2006).  The Nagaraj case, in turn, had arisen out of a challenge to the validity of four Constitution amendments, which the court eventually upheld. What were these amendments?

 77th Amendment Act,1995:  It introduced Clause 4A to the Constitution empowering the state to make provisions for reservation in matters of promotion to SC/ST employees if the state feels they are not adequately

represented.  81st Amendment Act,2000:  It introduced Clause 4B, which says unfilled SC/ST quota of a particular year, when carried

forward to the next year, will be treated separately and not clubbed with the regular vacancies of that year to find out whether the total quota has breached the 50% limit set by the Supreme Court.  82nd Amendment Act,2000:

 It inserted a proviso at the end of Article 335 to enable the state to make any provision for SC/STs for relaxation in qualifying marks in any examination or lowering the standards of evaluation for reservation in matters of promotion to any class or classes of services or posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or of a State.  85th Amendment Act,2001:  It said reservation in promotion can be applied with consequential seniority for the SC/ST employees. Background:  Last year, a five-judge Constitution Bench refused to refer the Nagaraj verdict to a larger bench.  However, it held as ―invalid‖ the requirement laid down by the Nagaraj verdict that states should collect quantifiable data on the backwardness of SCs and STs in granting quota in promotions,

but said they will have to back it with data to show their inadequate representation in the cadre.  It said that the creamy layer principle — of excluding the affluent among these communities from availing the benefit —will apply.

 The whole object of reservation is to see that backward classes of citizens move forward so that they may march hand in hand with other citizens of India on an equal basis. This will not be possible if only the creamy layer within that class bag all the coveted jobs in the public sector and

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perpetuate themselves, leaving the rest of the class as backward as they always were,‖ the Bench said. Source :- Indian Express

GS PAPER - 02 POLITY - Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

SECTION 144 Context :  As protesters against the Citizenship Amendment Act hit the streets in large numbers in several states on Thursday (December 19), state governments sought to tamp down on the demonstrations by issuing prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code Of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973. S ection 144:  Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code(CrPC) of 1973 authorizes the Executive Magistrate of any state or territory to issue an order to prohibit the assembly of four or more people in an area.  It is imposed in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger of some event that has the potential to cause trouble or damage to human life or property. Powers under Section 144:  The magistrate can direct any person to abstain from a certain act or to take a certain order with respect to certain property in his possession or under his management.

 The Section also restricts carrying any sort of weapon in that area where it has been imposed and people can be detained for violating it. The maximum punishment for such an act is three years.  Moreover, obstructing law enforcement agencies from dispersing an unlawful assembly is a punishable

offence. Section 144 also empowers the authorities to block the internet access.  However, this section can also be used to restrict even a single individual. Such an order is passed when the magistrate considers that it is likely to prevent obstruction, annoyance or injury to any person among

others. D uration of Section 144 order :  No order under Section 144 shall remain in force for more than two months but the state government can

extend the validity for two months and a maximum of up to six months.  However, it can be withdrawn at any point of time if the situation becomes normal. Court rule on Section 144 :

 In Ram Manohar Lohia case in 1967, the Supreme Court held that no democracy can exist if public order is freely allowed to be disturbed by a section of the citizens.  In Madhu Limaye vs Sub-Divisional Magistrate case 1970,the court had said that law may be abused. But it is not a reason to strike it down.  It further ruled that the restrictions imposed through Section 144 cannot be held to be violative of the right to freedom of speech and expression. The imposition of Section 144 falls under the reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) of the Constitution.  In 2012,the Supreme Court criticized the government for imposing Section 144 against a sleeping crowd in Ramlila Maidan. The court held that such a provision can be used only in grave circumstances for maintenance of public peace. Source :- The Hindu; Indian Express

PREAMBLE

Berubari Union case,1960:  The Supreme Court said that the Preamble shows the general purposes behind the several provisions in the Constitution.

 However, it held that the Preamble is not a part of the Constitution. It is also not the source to prohibit the power which is given explicitly in the Constitution. Further, the Preamble is also not enforceable in a Court of Law.

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Kesavananda Bharaticase,1973:  The Supreme Court rejected the earlier opinion (in the Berubari Case) and held that the Preamble is a part of the Constitution.  It has observed that Preamble is subject to the amending power of the Parliament as are any other provisions of the Constitution, provided the basic structure of the Constitution is not destroyed. Source :- Indian Express

ACCESSION DAY Context :  From 2020, people in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will have a public holiday on October

26 for the first time.  The day, which will be observed as Accession Day, marks the signing of the Instrument of Accession by the last Dogra ruler of J&K, Maharaja Hari Singh, with the then Governor-General of India, Lord

Mountbatten. Background :  According to the Indian Independence Act,1947,British India was divided into India and Pakistan and the

roughly 580 princely states that had signed subsidiary alliances with the British had their sovereignty restored to them.  In essence, these princely states were given the option to remain independent or to join the Dominion of

India or Pakistan.  According to Section 6(a) of the Act, before joining India or Pakistan, these states had to sign an Instrument of Accession, in which they would specify the terms on which they were becoming part of the new dominions. Instrument of Accession for J&K:  The Instrument of Accession(IoA) is a legal document executed by Maharaja Hari Singh, the then ruler of the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir, on October 26, 1947.  The accession declared that the state accedes to India. It gave India‘s Parliament the power to legislate in respect of J&K only on the matters of defence, external affairs and communications.  Apart from defence, communications and external affairs, the IoA mentions ancillary subjects that include elections to the dominion legislature. Source :- Indian Express GS PAPER - 02 GOVERNANCE - Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential

NAGPUR RESOLUTION Context :

 The ‗Nagpur Resolution – A holistic approach for empowering citizens‘ was adopted during the valedictory session of the two-day Regional Conference on ‗Improving Public Service Delivery – Role of Governments‘, in Nagpur, Maharashtra. More in the news :

 The conference was organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra and the Maharashtra State Commission for Right to Public Services.

 On earlier occasions, the Shillong Declaration and the Jammu Resolution have been adopted for good governance. Nagpur resolution :

 The Resolution adopted states that the GOI, the Government of Maharashtra and other participating States shall collaborate to:  To empower the citizens by policy interventions for better service delivery through timely updation of citizens charters, implementation of enactments and benchmarking standards for continuous improvement; 31

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 To empower citizens by adopting a bottom-up approach to bring massive improvements in quality of grievance redressal and reduction in timelines of grievance redressal;  To adopt a holistic approach of systemic public grievance reforms through improved mapping, formulation of monitoring matrix, data collection and evaluation in quality of grievance redressal;  To provide an enabling environment for States and Ministries/Departments of the Government of

India for creating web portals and to adopt a holistic approach for improved service delivery through digital platforms;  To focus on dynamic policy-making and strategic decisions, monitoring of implementation,

appointment of key personnel, coordination and evaluation;  To achieve a sense of common identity by exchange of technical expertise in the areas of Improved Service Delivery between the paired States under the Ek Bharat – Shreshth Bharat Program;  To work towards long-term engagements in the areas of Improved Service Delivery for Empowering Citizens through greater cooperation between the DARPG and the participating States and,  To ensure timely publication of Good Governance Index to identify the quality of governance in

10 sectors especially those pertaining to welfare and infrastructure at the Union, State and District levels. Source :- PIB

DILRMP Context :  According to the Ministry of Rural development, around 90% of the land of Indian villages have been computerised under Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme(DILRMP). More in the news :  About 53 per cent of cadastral maps showing the boundaries and ownership of land parcels have been

digitised  Along with some States in the North East, Kerala (43.24 per cent) and Jammu and Kashmir (9.32 per cent) are lagging behind in the computerisation of land records.

 Karnataka was the first State to computerise land records under the ‗Bhoomi Project‘, followed by Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Digital india Land Records Modernisation Programme(DILRMP):  The Digital India Land Record Modernization Programme (DILRMP), previously known as the

National Land Record Modernization Programme (NLRMP) was launched in 2008.  The purpose of the programme is to digitize and modernize land records and develop a centralised land record management system.

 The programme is the amalgamation of two projects namely Computerisation of Land Records(CLR) and Strengthening of Revenue Administration and Updating of Land Records(SRA & ULR). Components of the programme:  computerisation of all existing land records including mutations (or transfers);  digitization of maps, and integration of textual and spatial data;  survey/ resurvey and updating of all survey and settlement records including creation of original cadastral records (record of the area, ownership and value of land) wherever necessary;  computerisation of registration and its integration with the land records maintenance system and  development of core Geospatial Information System (GIS) and capacity building.

Source :- Hindu Business Line

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GOOD GOVERNANCE INDEX Context :  Minister of State for Public Grievances and Pensions has launched Good Governance Index on the occasion of Good Governance Day.

Good Governance Index ;  The Good Governance Index is a uniform tool to assess the status of governance and impact of various interventions taken up by State governments and Union Territories.

 The index was launched by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances and the Centre for Good Governance.  The States are assessed on performance in 10 sectors namely

 agriculture and allied sectors, commerce and industries, human resource development, public health, public infrastructure and utilities, economic governance, social welfare and development, judicial and public security, environment and citizen-centric governance.

Key Highlights :  The index has divided States and UTs into three groups namely  Big States,  North-East and Hill States and  Union Territories.

 Big States:  Tamil Nadu has topped the Good Governance Index among the Big states,  It was followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh.

 Jharkhand and UP were among the low performers.  North East and Hill States:  Himachal Pradesh was ranked first followed by Uttarakhand, Tripura, Mizoram and Sikkim.

 The worst performers in this group are Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh coming last.  Union Territories:  Puducherry is the best governed Union Territory followed by Chandigarh and Delhi. Lakshadweep is the worst performing UT. Source :- PIB GS PAPER - 02 GOVERNANCE - State Legislatures - structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

ANDHRA‟S CONCEPT OF THREE CAPITALS

Context :  The Andhra Pradesh cabinet has deferred taking a decision on relocating the state capital to three separate locations. Background :  The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister had announced that Andhra Pradesh could have three decentralized capitals on the lines of South Africa.  The new capital being developed at Amaravati could become the Legislative Capital. The port city Visakhapatnam as the Executive Capital and Kurnool as the Judicial Capital. South Africa‟s Model :  In South Africa, there are three cities that serve as the capitals of the country– Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative) and Bloemfontein (judicial).  This arrangement was a result of the Second Boer War (1899-1902) in which Britain annexed the two Afrikaner speaking states -– the Orange Free State and the South African Republic (also called Transvaal Republic).

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 The Cape of Good Hope then remained in the British Empire, becoming self-governing in 1872 and uniting with three other colonies to form the Union of South Africa in 1910. Other examples of multiple capital cities:  In Sri Lanka,Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the official capital and seat of national legislature while Colombo is the de facto seat of national executive and judicial bodies.  Malaysia has its official and royal capital and seat of national legislature at Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya is the administrative centre and seat of national judiciary. In Indian States :

 Among Indian states, Maharashtra has two capitals namely Mumbai and Nagpur (which holds the winter session of the state assembly).  Himachal Pradesh has capitals at Shimla and Dharamshala (winter).The former state of Jammu &

Kashmir had Srinagar and Jammu (winter) as capitals. Source :-The Indian Express GS PAPER - 02 GOVERNANCE – INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

INSTEX Context :  Recently, six European countries have joined the barter mechanism called INSTEX which is designed

to circumvent US sanctions against trade with Iran by avoiding the use of dollars. Background :  In 2018, the U.S. withdrew from the international agreement governing Iran‘s nuclear programme and reinstated heavy sanctions against Tehran. INSTEX:  The Instrument In Support Of Trade Exchanges(INSTEX) is a payment mechanism set up by the governments of France, Germany and Britain to secure trade with Iran and circumvent US sanctions.  This mechanism was established after the US had pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal and reinstated sanctions on Iran.  It is registered at Paris, France with an initial 3,000 Euros in the capital and a supervisory board with members from France and Germany and chaired by the UK.  The mechanism is expected to receive the formal endorsement of all 28 EU members. Working of INSTEX :  The new entity acts as a sort of euro-denominated clearing house for Iran to conduct trade with European companies.  In effect, the new trading mechanism works as a barter arrangement operating outside of the US- dominated global financial system.  However, initially it will be used for non-sanctionable trade including humanitarian goods such as medicine, food and medical devices. Significance :

 This mechanism is the first concrete step by the EU to counter Trump‘s unilateral decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal.  The backing of France, Germany and Britain to this mechanism could help reduce the likelihood of

further U.S. sanctions. It may also encourage the private companies to join the mechanism. Source :- The Hindu SAUDI ARABIA - G20 PRESIDENCY

Context :  Saudi Arabia has became the first Arab nation to take over the G20 Presidency on December 1,2019. G20 Summit,2020:  Saudi Arabia will host the G20 Summit in its capital, Riyadh on November 21,2020.  The theme of Summit- ―Realising Opportunities of the 21st Century for All‖.  Objectives :

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 Empowering People by creating the conditions in which all people mainly women and youth can live, work and thrive.  Safeguarding the Planet by fostering collective efforts to protect our global common-pool resources.  Shaping New Frontiers by adopting long-term and bold strategies to share the benefits of

innovation and technological advancement.

G20:  G20 is an international group initially founded in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis as a forum for finance ministers and central bank governors of 19 countries and the European Union.  In 2008, in the midst of the global financial crisis, the US President had invited the leaders of the G20 members to coordinate actions in order to respond to the crisis giving the start to the actual G20 Leaders Summit.  Since 2010 the meeting is held annually and the host country changes every year.  The G20 have no permanent staff of its own and its chairmanship rotates annually between nations

divided into regional groupings.  The G20 brings together the leaders of both developed and developing countries from every continent.  The group accounts for 85% of world GDP and two-thirds of the population.

Source :- Indian Express BRICS REMOTE SENSING SATELLITE CONSTELLATION Context :  The space agencies of BRICS nations have been negotiating a Framework Agreement to formalize the cooperation on building a „virtual constellation of remote sensing satellites‟, made up of satellites contributed by BRICS space agencies. „virtual constellation of remote sensing satellites‟ :  The plan was first mooted by China to improve co-operation around natural disasters.

 But it took shape later when BRICS space agencies agreed to build a ―virtual constellation of remote sensing satellites‖.  The Indian space Ministry has indicated major progress in terms of establishing a BRICS satellite for

various applications including natural resources management and disaster management.  The purpose of the proposed virtual constellation is to get access to satellite remote sensing data, which could be used by the individual BRICS nations for various applications including natural

resources management and disaster management.  Currently, only Brazil, Russia, India and China have remote-sensing satellites in the sun-synchronous orbit, and they will provide data to South Africa, which does not have a satellite of its own.

Source :- PIB NATIONAL INVESTMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Context :  New Development Bank (NDB), earlier known as the BRICS Development Bank, has committed $100 million to India‘s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund‘s (NIIF) Fund of Funds New Development Bank(NDB) :  The New Development Bank(NDB) formerly referred to as the BRICS Development Bank is a multilateral development bank established by the BRICS states (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).  The bank was founded in 2014 but was was launched in 2015 with an initial authorized capital of $100 billion. The bank is headquartered in Shanghai, China.  The bank aims to contribute to development plans established nationally through projects that are socially, environmentally and economically sustainable.

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Membership :  The bank functions on a consultative mechanism among the BRICS members with all the BRICS member countries possessing equal rights.  The bank‘s agreement specifies that all members of the United Nations could be members of the bank. However, the share of the BRICS nations can never be less than 55% of the voting power.

National Investment and Infrastructure Fund(NIIF) :  NIIF is India‘s first sovereign wealth fund set up by the government of India in 2015.

 It is a fund manager that invests in infrastructure and related sectors in India.  It was created with the objective to maximise economic impact especially by infrastructure investment in commercially viable projects.  The Indian government has a 49% stake in NIIF with the rest held by foreign and domestic investors.  NIIF currently manages three funds each with its distinctive investment mandate.  The funds are registered as Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

Source :- Livemint WORLD DESIGN ORGANISATION Context :  The World Design Organization is all set to launch its new global programme World Design Protopolis in Bengaluru. World Design Protopolis:  It is aimed at implementing holistic progress in mega cities across the world and thus making them sustainable.  The project also aims to measure progress of city, attract investments and solve problems so that the city becomes a better place for citizens.  The project will be of a five year duration.It will measure what they did in the city and how the city benefited and who benefited over a period of five years.

World Design Organisation:  The World Design Organization (WDO) was founded in 1957.  It was formerly known as the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design.  It is an international non-governmental organization that promotes the profession of industrial design and its ability to generate better products, systems and ultimately a better environment and society.  Currently, it has over 140 member organizations from 40 nations, engaging them in collaborative efforts and providing them with the opportunity to be heard internationally.

 World Design Organization(WDO) has also a United Nations Special Consultative Status.

Source :- Business Standard INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGICAL CONGRESS Context :  India is gearing up to host the 36th International Geological Congress (IGC) in the capital during the first week of March, 2020. International Geological Congress:  Popularly described as the Olympics of Geosciences, the IGCs are a prestigious global geoscientific events held once in four years and participated by around 5000-6000 geoscientists from all across the world.  The theme of the forthcoming conference is „Geosciences: The Basic Science for a Sustainable Development‟. More in the news :  India is the only Asian country to host the event twice. 36

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 In 1964, India had hosted it for the first time, which was the 22nd IGC. The event was inaugurated by the then President of India Dr.Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.  The IGC is making a comeback to the Indian soil after 56 long years much to the enthusiasm of the entire geoscientific community.  The event is being funded by the Ministry of Mines (MoM) and Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) with the support of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and the national Science Academies of Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

 Geological Survey of India is the nodal agency for organizing the event. Source :- PIB INDIA -US 2+2 MINISTERIAL DIALOGUE Context :

 Second annual India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue is the highest-level institutional mechanism between the two countries and provides for a review of the security, defence and strategic partnership between India and the United States.

More in The news :  Military Cooperation :  At the Dialogue, both sides also committed to further deepen military-to-military cooperation, including between the Indian Navy and the US Navy Fleets under US Indo-Pacific Command, Central Command, and Africa Command.  They also intend to expand similar cooperation between their respective Armies and Air Forces.  A number of other initiatives to enhance military-to-military cooperation were also agreed upon.  Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) programme:  Priority initiatives have been identified for execution under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) programme.  The two sides also concluded a standard operating procedure for this process.

 These measures are expected to provide momentum to collaboration between the private defence industries of both India and the US.  The two sides also agreed to move forward in their engagement in the area of defence innovation.

Source :- PIB INDIA-JAPAN 2+2 DIALOGUE Context :  Defence Minister of India and External Affairs Minister of India met Foreign Affairs Minister and Minister of Defense of Japan in New Delhi for the first India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting. India -Japan 2+2 Dialogue:  The 2+2 meeting between India and Japan would provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the status of and exchange further views on strengthening defence and security cooperation.  The two sides will also exchange views on the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and their respective efforts under India‘s ‗Act East Policy‘ and Japan‘s ‗Free and Open Indo-Pacific Vision‘ for achieving their shared objectives of peace, prosperity and progress in the region.

2+2 Dialogue:  The 2+2 is a format of dialogue where the defense and foreign ministers or secretaries meet with their counterparts from another country.  India and Japan had started the 2+2 dialogue at the level of officials in 2010.But they decided to upgrade it to the ministerial level during their summit in October,2018.  Currently, India has a 2+2 ministerial mechanism with the US and 2+2 official level mechanism

between India and Australia.  Hence with this, India has 2+2 mechanism with all the Quad countries.

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Quad group:

 Quadrilateral Security Dialogue(QSD) is the strategic dialogue between four countries viz. India,

United States, Japan and Australia.

 It was originally initiated in 2007 but later disbanded with withdrawal of Australia. It has later revived in 2017.  The Quad is viewed as a group of four democracies with a shared objective to ensure and support a

free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.  The foundation of Quad is also based on collective effort and shared commitment on counter- terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, maritime security cooperation, development finance and cyber security. More in the news :  The Ministers welcomed the significant progress made in the negotiations of Acquisition and Cross-

Servicing Agreement (ACSA) since the announcement to commence the negotiations in October 2018.  Acquisition and cross-servicing agreement (ACSA), will allow the Indian military and the Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF) to use each other‘s bases for logistical support.

 It will enhance the strategic depth of bilateral security and defence cooperation.  The ACSA would permit the Indian Navy (IN) access to a Japanese base in Djibouti, while the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) would be permitted to use India‘s military

installations on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands located in the Indian Ocean, which lie near the Malacca Straits, next to other naval facilities.  Acknowledging the importance of ensuring maritime safety in achieving a free, open, inclusive and rules- based Indo-Pacific, the Ministers expressed their intention to further promote cooperation in the field of capacity building in maritime security and Maritime Domain Awareness including through cooperation with other countries. Source :- PIB

IMPEACHEMENT OF DONALD TRUMP Context :  Donald Trump has become the third President in US history to be impeached as the House of Representatives formally charged him with abuse of power and obstructing the Congress. More in the news :  The Democratic-led House‘s passage of two articles of impeachment sets the stage for a trial in the Republican-controlled Senate on whether or not to convict and remove him from office.  Trump, 73, is accused of abusing his power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden, a leading contender for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, as well as a discredited theory that Democrats conspired with Ukraine to meddle in the 2016 election. Also,

for withholding $391 million in military aid.  The second article accused Mr. Trump of obstruction of Congress by directing administration officials and agencies not to comply with lawful House subpoenas (witness summons) for testimony and documents.  No President in the 243-year history of the U.S. has been removed from office by impeachment. That would require a two-thirds majority in the 100-member Senate, meaning at least 20 Republicans would have to join the Democrats in voting against Mr. Trump.  It‘s also about bad legacy for Mr. Trump. He‘s gone down in history as the third President to be impeached in the U.S. — the first was Andrew Johnson in 1868 after a showdown with Congress over his dismissal of the Secretary of War and the second was Bill Clinton in 1998-99 over the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Both were acquitted in the Senate.  Former President Richard Nixon, embroiled in the Watergate scandal, resigned in 1974 before the impeachment proceedings could begin. Source :- The Hindu

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EXEMPTION FROM SANCTIONS Context :  The US has provided a rare exemption to India from sanctions on the Chabahar port in Iran as it recognises that the strategic project is a lifeline for war-torn Afghanistan to get humanitarian supplies from India. Reasons for exempting India from sanctions:  Afghanistan is a landlocked country which depends on Pakistan for trade. All its trade goes largely through the Pakistani ports.  However, Pakistan denies transit to India for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia.  Hence, the Chabahar project is a lifeline for war-torn Afghanistan to get humanitarian supplies from India.

 The project also fits in line with the U.S.A‘s overall policy to give India an important role in Afghanistan.  Further, the US also does not want to close all options with Iran. The US is looking forward to negotiating new terms and conditions with Iran.

 But there is a concern that commercial viability of the project can get impacted if there will be no movement of energy supplies through it.

Chabahar port:

 Chabahar port is a seaport in Chabahar in South-Eastern Iran. Its location lies in the Gulf of Oman. It is the only Iranian port with direct access to the ocean.  The Chabahar Agreement was signed in June 2015 and approved by Iran‘s Guardian Council in November 2016.  The port is seen as a gateway for trade by India, Iran and Afghanistan with Central Asian countries. Significance of chabahar port :  The most important significance of Chabahar port is the fact that India can bypass Pakistan in transporting goods to Afghanistan.

 The port is also beneficial to India in countering Chinese presence in the Arabian Sea which China is trying to ensure by helping Pakistan develop the Gwadar port.  The Chabahar port is also seen as a feeder port to the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that has sea, rail and road routes between India, Russia, Iran, Europe, and Central Asia.

 Chabahar port also fosters closer ties between India and Iran and allows India to secure cheaper energy imports from Iran.

Source :- The Hindu

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POWER OF SIBERIA GAS PIPELINE Context :

 Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin inaugurated the ―Power of

Siberia‖ gas pipeline. Siberia Gas - Pipeline :  Power of Serbia is the first cross-border gas pipeline between Russia and China.

 The central aim of this gas pipeline is to pump natural gas to China and Russia‘s far-east regions.  Under this pipeline project, Russia will deliver 1 trillion cubic meters of natural gas to China over the next 30 years.  From Siberia to China‘s Yangtze River delta in Shanghai, the massive pipeline will cover 8,000 km with 5,111 km inside China passing through nine provinces and municipalities.

Significance :  The new gas production centers in eastern Russia is expected to provide additional opportunities for the acceleration of socio-economic development in eastern regions primarily through gas grid expansion.  For China, the significance of the pipeline project is that it will feed its industries which are mostly situated in the north.  The project will also allow China to move away from coal to cleaner alternatives as the pipeline supply

will help secure its demand for energy security. Source :- The Hindu

A NEW COUNTRY Context :  Across the world, various territories are agitating for independence — Catalonia in Spain, Kurdistan in Iraq, Tibet in China. New countries are suddenly in high demand.  Recently, Bougainville, an island in the Pacific, is holding a referendum to decide if it wants to remain a part of Papua New Guinea or become an independent country.  Nithyananda, India‘s fugitive godman, has reportedly founded his own country somewhere in the Pacific. How does a territory become a new country?  A region‘s quest for nationhood mainly depends on how many countries and international organisations it

manages to convince to recognise it as a country.  The biggest sanction of nationhood is the United Nations recognising a territory as a country. Who can declare itself a country ?

 There is no law barring regions from declaring independence. Somaliland in Somalia has been calling itself a country since 1991 but no one else recognises it.  Similarly, Kosovo in Serbia had also declared independence in 2008 and only a few other countries

recognise it.  In 1945,the right of self-determination was included in the UN charter. This means that a population has the right to decide how and by whom it wants to be governed.

 However, another widely accepted international rules is that of countries respecting each other‘s territorial integrity. Hence, there is a conflict between Self-determination versus territorial integrity. 40

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Criteria for declaring itself as a new country:  According to the 1933 Montevideo Convention, a region must meet four requirements to become a state which are  permanent population  defined territory

 government and  ability to form relations with other nation states.  Other conditions must be met including clear evidence that a majority of people have freely chosen

independence that minorities are welcome and respected.  A state must also be able to agree divorce terms mutually with the country it breaks away from. UN recognition :

 The Individual countries can recognise each other but there is a huge significance in recognition as a state

by the United Nations.  Often, UN member states recognise a country, but not the UN as a body.  This puts a country in the grey area with respect to protection against parent country‘s aggression, and international trade.  The benefits of recognition by UN are  protection of international law  access to loans from the World Bank and the IMF  control over borders and  greater access to economic networks and mechanisms.  Further, the countries currency will also be recognised which allows it to trade. Source :- Indian Express

GS PAPER - 02 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS - India and its neighborhood- relations.

THE NEHRU-LIAQUAT AGREEMENT OF 1950 Context :  Recently, the Home minister has referred to the Nehru-Liaquat Pact during the debate on the Citizenship Amendment Bill(CAB),2019. Nehru-Liaquat Pact:  The Nehru-Liaquat Pact also known as the Delhi Pact, was a bilateral agreement signed between India and Pakistan in 1950.  The pact was signed in order to provide a framework for the treatment of minorities in the two countries.  The need for such a pact was felt by the minorities in both countries following Partition which was accompanied by massive communal riots. KeY Features :  Under the Nehru-Liaquat pact, the two countries agreed upon:  That the minorities throughout its territory will have complete equality of citizenship, irrespective of religion.

 Members of the minorities shall have equal opportunity with members of the majority community to participate in the public life of their country.  Minority commissions will also be set up in both the countries

 refugees will be allowed to return to dispose of their property, abducted women and looted property were to be returned, forced conversions were unrecognized. Source :- Indian Express

JOINT RIVER COMMISSION Context :  Bangladesh has not sent a delegation for the Joint River Commission (JRC) meeting with India that was

scheduled to be held in New Delhi. This has also delayed the agreement on sharing of the waters of Feni river. 41

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More in the news :  This has cast a shadow over the agreement to share the waters of the Feni river, that was taken up during the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India.  A joint statement issued after Ms. Hasina‘s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid down the agenda of the JRC, declaring that the technical-level committee of the JRC was to firm up the draft framework agreement of the interim sharing of the Feni river‘s waters with Tripura.  Bangladesh had agreed to let India withdraw 1.82 cusecs from the river to supply the border town of Sabroom in the northeastern State.

 That apart, the meeting cancellation is expected to delay the preparation of the draft framework for the Interim Sharing Agreements regarding the Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gomati, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers that were also mentioned in the Joint Statement.

 It is believed that the cancellations indicate Dhaka‘s displeasure over repeated reference by India‘s political leadership to the alleged persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh.

Joint River Commission(JRC):  The Joint River Commission came into existence as a result of the Indo-Bangladesh Treaty of Friendship,1972.  It is among the oldest bilateral mechanisms of India that helps in harnessing the waters of the rivers that both countries share.

 It was established with a view to maintain liaison in order to ensure the most effective joint efforts in maximizing the benefits from common river systems.  The JRC is headed by the Water Resources Ministers of both the countries.

 India and Bangladesh share at least 54 rivers.  Hence, the JRC is crucial to avoid any disputes arising out of these common water resources.

Feni River dispute:  The Feni river, which forms part of the India-Bangladesh border,

 The Feni River originates in the South Tripura district, passes through Sabroom town on the Indian side, and meets the Bay of Bengal after it flows into Bangladesh.  The dispute over the sharing of the Feni River between India and Bangladesh has been long-standing.  The dispute was first taken up between India and Pakistan (before the independence of Bangladesh) in 1958 during a Secretary-level meeting in New Delhi.  In August 2019,India and Bangladesh held a water secretary-level meeting where it was agreed to collect data and prepare water-sharing agreements for seven rivers Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla, Dudhkumar and Feni. Source :- The Hindu

INDIAN PHARMACOPOEIA Context :  The Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) has been recognised formally by the National Department of Regulation

of Medicines and Health Products of the Ministry of Public Health of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) :  IP is an officially recognized book of standards as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules 1945

there under.  The IP specifies the standards of drugs manufactured and marketed in India in terms of their identity, purity and strength.

 In order to ensure the quality of medicinal products, the legal and scientific standards are provided by Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) in the form of Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP).  As per, the Second Schedule of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, IP is designated as the official book of standards for drugs imported and/or manufactured for sale, stock or exhibition for sale or distribution in India. 42

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IP commission :  The IP Commission‘s mission is to promote public and animal health in India by bringing out authoritative and officially accepted standards for quality of drugs including active pharmaceutical ingredients, excipients and dosage forms, used by health professionals, patients and consumers.  This is achieved by developing the standards for medicines and supporting their implementation.  In addition, IPC also develops IP Reference Substances (IPRS) that act as fingerprint for identification of an article under test and its purity as prescribed in the IP monographs.

 Standards prescribed in the IP are authoritative in nature and are enforced by the regulatory authorities for quality control of medicines in India. Source :- PIB

INDIA, CHINA - BOUNDARY SETTLEMENT

Context :  India and China agreed to intensify efforts to achieve a ―fair‖, ―reasonable‖ and mutually acceptable solution to the vexed boundary issue, resolving that its early settlement will serve the fundamental

interests of both countries. More in the news :  The Special Representatives resolved to intensify their efforts to achieve a fair, reasonable and mutually

acceptable solution to the India-China boundary question.  The two sides would actively advance boundary negotiations in line with the Agreement on the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the India-China Boundary Question.

 Both sides agree that it is important to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas for the ―overall bilateral relationship‖ to flourish.  The two countries are planning 70 events to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2020.

India-China Border:

 The border between India and China is not clearly demarcated throughout. Along certain stretches of its 3,488-km length, there is no mutually agreed Line of Actual Control (LAC).  India after the Independence had believed that it had inherited firm boundaries from the British but

this was contrary to China‘s view.  However, China felt the British had left behind a disputed legacy on the boundary between the two newly formed republics.

 The India-China border is divided into three sectors namely  Western (Ladakh, Kashmir),  middle (Uttarakhand, Himachal) and  eastern (Sikkim, Arunachal). Western Sector:  The boundary dispute in the Western Sector pertains to the Johnson Line proposed by the British in the 1860s that extended up to the Kunlun Mountains and put Aksai Chin in the then princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.  India used the Johnson Line and claimed Aksai Chin as its own. China initially did not raised objections when India said so in the early 1950‘s.  However, in the years that followed it reversed its position and stated that it had never acceded to the Johnson Line and therefore did not see why it should cede Aksai Chin to India. Middle Sector:  China has accepted Sikkim as a part of India and this region is less contested. Eastern Sector:  The disputed boundary in the Eastern Sector of the India-China border is over the McMahon Line. It was formerly referred to as the North East Frontier Agency and is now called Arunachal Pradesh.

 It is the largest disputed area covering around 90000 sq. km. It was occupied by China during the

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1962 war but later withdrew beyond the International boundary represented by Mcmahon line.

Source :- The Hindu

EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION Context :  Russia is hopeful of India concluding a new Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union(EAEU). More in the news :  Russian ambassador said that both countries would move forward on military and technical cooperation based on commitments, with Russia seeking de-escalation of the domestic challenges that arose after the adoption of the new citizenship law in India.

 ―In 2020 we are hopeful of an early conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement between the EAEU and India and the next round of the Russian-Indian Strategic Economic Dialogue with the focus on transport, agriculture, small and medium enterprises,‖ he said.

 The envoy said both Moscow and Delhi were going to reach a new level of security partnership by increasing oil and natural gas supplies through ―long-term arrangements‖.

Eurasian Economic Union(EAEU):  The Eurasian Economic Union is an international organization for regional economic integration.  It was established in 2015 by the Treaty of the Eurasian Economic Union.  The EAEU provides for free movement of goods, services, capital and labor, pursues coordinated, harmonized and single policy in the sectors determined by the Treaty and international agreements

within the Union.  The Member-States of the Eurasian Economic Union are the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation.

 The Union is being created to comprehensively upgrade, raise the competitiveness of and cooperation between the national economies, and to promote stable development in order to raise the living standards of the nations of the Member-States. Bodies under EAEU:  Supreme Council is the Union‘s supreme authority. The Heads of the Member-States form the Supreme Council.  Intergovernmental Council is a Union‘s body consisting of the Heads of the Member-States Governments.  Eurasian Economic Commission is a permanent supranational regulatory body of the Union. The core tasks of the Commission are fostering the conditions to support the operation and development of the Union, and drafting proposals in the field of economic integration within the Union.

 Court of the Eurasian Economic Union is the court of justice of the Eurasian Economic Union, which ensures the uniform application of the EAEU Treaty and other Union treaties by the Union Member- States and bodies.

Source :- The Hindu

JOINT NAVAL EXERCISE OF IRAN, RUSSIA AND CHINA Context :  Iran, China and Russia began a joint naval exercise in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman

Naval Exercise:  The aim of this exercise is to bolster security of international maritime commerce, combatting piracy and terrorism and sharing information and experience.

 The exercise began in the port city of Chabahar in southeastern Iran and are due to continue in northern parts of the Indian Ocean.

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 The exercise comes at a time of heightened tensions between the US and Iran after the United States had withdrawn from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran in May,2018. Significance :  The Gulf of Oman where the exercise is being held is a critical waterway as it connects the Arabian Sea to the Strait of Hormuz.  It is located between energy producers countries namely Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman (the exclave of Musandam), and the United Arab Emirates(UAE).

 A fifth of the world‘s oil passes through this waterway — around 30% of all sea-borne crude oil globally.  Since 2019, the region around the Gulf of Oman has been a focal point of global tensions.  In June 2019,two tankers were attacked in the Gulf of Oman. The ship were carrying oil and other transporting a cargo of chemicals near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The US has

blamed Iran for the attack but Iran had denied the allegations. Source :- Indian Express AVANGARD OF RUSSIA

Context :  Russia‘s military has deployed a new intercontinental weapon called the Avangard hypersonic missile system. Avangard Hypersonic missile system:  The Avangard hypersonic missile system is a reentry body carried atop an existing ballistic missile which has the capability to manoeuvre.  It‘s manoeuvring capability makes it difficult to predict its trajectory and gives it the ability to protect itself from the air and ballistic missile defences by delivering nuclear warheads to targets.  The missiles have a range of over 6,000 km, weigh approximately 2,000 kg and can withstand temperatures of over 2000 degree celsius.  The missiles can travel more than 20 times the speed of sound and put Russia ahead of other nations. Significance :  Hypersonic weapons strikes at a tremendous speed and prohibits the defender to get his defences to react to such a threat in time.  They can fly lower than the traditional ballistic missiles, thus they tend to avoid radar detection. Hence, they are difficult to be detected by the US missile defense satellites and radars.  The payloads gliding at speeds in excess of Mach 5 and more are so manoeuvrable due to their non- ballistic trajectories that they can change their targets at any point. Source :- Indian Express

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GS PAPER – 3

GS PAPER - 03 ECONOMY- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

NATIONAL STARTUP AWARDS 2020 Context :  The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has announced the institution of the first-ever National Startup Awards. National Startup Awards 2020 :  The National Startup Awards seek to recognize and reward outstanding startups and ecosystem enablers that are building innovative products or solutions and scalable enterprises, with high potential of employment generation or wealth creation, demonstrating measurable social impact.  The measure of success will not only be the financial gains for the investors but also the contribution to the social good. 45

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 The Awards will recognize exceptional startups across various categories that are  Providing innovative solutions to solve real problems and challenges for India,  Developing innovative technologies, products and solutions from India to the world,  Building businesses that are scalable, sustainable and responsible and delivering measurable developmental gains.

 The National Startup Awards will also reward exceptional Incubators and Accelerators as key building blocks of a robust startup ecosystem.  The awards for startups will be given in 35 areas, classified into 12 broad sectors like agriculture,

education, enterprise technology, energy, finance, food, health, Industry 4.0, space, security, tourism, and urban services.  In addition, there are three special awards for startups from educational institutions, making an impact in

rural areas and women entrepreneurs. Source :- PIB ONE NATION ONE TAG Context :  Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has decided to postpone the date of compulsory implementation of FASTags on National Highway Toll Plazas to 15th of December, 2019.  The scheme was earlier to launched from the 1st of December, 2019. FASTag :  FASTag is device that employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making toll payments directly from prepaid or savings account linked to it.  It is affixed on the windscreen of the vehicle and enables the commuter to drive through toll plazas, without stopping for cash transactions. Benefits :  These measures will eventually help NHAI cater to its commitment of providing a safe, smooth and seamless journey to commuters on National Highways.  The enhanced adoption of FASTag program will increase user convenience by offering seamless toll-fee payments at Plazas and thus help save time, money and fuel.

 The online payments will improve the transparency of toll transactions, reduce revenue leakages, and improve overall efficiency and commercial competitiveness.  Indian Highways Management Company Ltd. (IHMCL) is also striving for the vision of One Nation –

One Tag by aligning with various State Authorities/SPV to ensure that FASTag becomes the preferred digital payment instrument at State/Municipal Plazas. Source :- PIB ECONOMIC REVIVAL KEY TO BANKS‟ HEALTH Context :  The Reserve Bank of India has released a report titled Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2018-19. Key highlights of the Report :  The Indian banking sector‘s financial parameters such as bad loans and capital adequacy have shown an improvement in recent times.  In 2018-19, the asset quality of scheduled commercial banks turned around after a gap of seven years with the overhang of stressed assets declining and fresh slippages arrested.  Besides, recapitalization had helped public sector banks in shoring up their capital ratios.  Hence, as a result of declining provisioning requirement, the banking sector returned to profitability in the first half of 2019-20. Concern :  Link with Economic growth:  The report, however, also notes that the overall health of the banking sector will depend on revival in economic growth.  The health of the banking sector hinges around a turnaround in macroeconomic conditions. 46

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 The growth slowdown of the country intensified with GDP growth for the second quarter of the current financial year dipping to a six-year low of 4.5%.  Risk-averse Nature:  Despite the improvement in some of the important parameters, the risk-averse nature among lenders was worrisome.

 The waning of banks‘ confidence in extending loans is worrisome, the Reserve Bank says in its report.  Credit slowdown:

 The slowdown of credit flow to the commercial sector in the first half of 2019-20 was evidence of the aversion to risk.  Impeding the recovery in financial sectors:

 This waning of confidence leading to credit slowdown is weighing on the overall economic activity. This is worrisome as it is taking hold at a time when the recent improvements in asset quality and profitability of the banking sector are at a nascent stage and capital ratios of public sector banks (PSBs) are shored up due to recapitalization by the government. Way Forward :  The capital infusion by the government in public sector banks is just not enough to meet the regulatory minimum. Hence, the banks might require more recapitalization.  The financial health of PSBs should also be assessed by their ability to access capital markets rather than looking to the government as a recapitalizer of the first and last resort. Source :- The Hindu TIME-BOUND RESOLUTION IN OIL & GAS SECTOR

Context :  Government has constituted a Committee of External Eminent Persons/Experts for time-bound resolution of disputes in Oil and gas sector. Former Secretary of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas G C

Chaturvedi, former Chairman and Managing Director of OIL and ONGC Bikash C Bora, and former MD of Hindalco Industries Satish Pai. More about the committee :

 The committee will consist of three members. It will help the oil and gas sector get rid of disputes without having to resort to tardy judicial process.  The committee will have a tenure of three years and the resolution will be attempted to be arrived at

within three months.  The panel will arbitrate on a dispute between partners in a contract or with the government over commercial or production issues for oil and gas.  It shall exercise all powers and discharge all the functions necessary for carrying out conciliation and mediation proceedings as per the provisions of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act,1996.  Once a resolution has been referred to the panel, the parties cannot resort to arbitration or court case to resolve it. Significance :  The country‘s oil and gas sector has been plagued by disputes from cost recovery to production targets and companies as well as the government have resorted to lengthy and costly arbitration followed by judicial review, a process that takes years to resolve differences.  Hence, this decision may lift overall business sentiment, especially in the oil and gas sector which in return will help the sector get rid of disputes choking investment in it. Source :- Business Standard

eBKRAY Context :  The Union Finance Minister has launched an eBkray which is a common e-auction platform.

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eBkrayplatform:  The eBkray platform enables the online auction of the attached assets transparently and cleanly for the improved realization of value by the Public Sector banks(PSBs).  The platform is equipped with property search features and navigational links to all PSB e-auction sites.  It also provides single-window access to information on properties up for e-auction as well as facility for comparison of similar properties.  It enhances user experience through seamless access to information by search based on the type and location of property put up for e-auction by banks in India.  The e-auction platform has also now been linked to the Indian Banks Auctions Mortgaged Properties Information(IBAPI) portal and guidelines have been made available. Source :- Livemint

NATIONAL ECONOMIC OFFENCE RECORDS Context :  The Central Government is preparing a comprehensive database of economic offenders called the National Economic Offence Records(NEOR). National Economic Offence Records(NEOR) :  The National Economic Offence Records(NEOR) will be a web portal that will disseminate information to grassroots level officers of enforcement and investigating agencies.  The database will help in coordinated actions by multiple agencies against corrupt officials and corporate houses indulging in financial frauds and money laundering.

 The database is being prepared by the Central Economic Intelligence Bureau (CEIB),an arm of the finance ministry along with National Informatics Centre(NIC). Agencies included in the database :

 All agencies including CBI, Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax, Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence have been asked to regularly update the portal from their nationwide offices.  In addition to central agencies, the economic offences wing of state police and other agencies will also

have to participate in the NEOR.  The individual database of these agencies will be automatically incorporated into the NEOR through specific software application.

Present Mechanism :  Currently, the Central Economic Intelligence Bureau (CEIB) runs a captive database called Secured Information Exchange Network(SIEN).

 The SEIN operates on intranet (not available online) and information on economic offenders are shared with headquarters of 13 select central agencies.

Economic Offences :  Economic offences relate to fraud, counterfeiting, money-laundering, and tax evasion, among others.

Fugitive Economic Offender :  A fugitive economic offender is an individual who has committed some specified offence(s) involving an amount of one hundred crore rupees or more and has absconded from India or refused to come back to India to avoid or face criminal prosecution in India.

Source :- Economic Times INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR‟S DATABANK

Context :  The Ministry of Corporate Affairs, launched the Independent Directors Data Bank in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules made there under.

Independent Directors Data Bank :  Objective :  To strengthen the institution of Independent Directors under the Companies Act.

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 Data Bank Portal :  The Databank portal which has been developed and will be maintained by the Indian Institute for Corporate Affairs (IICA), is a first of its kind initiative from the Ministry.  The databank can be accessed at the official website of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.  IT is a pioneering initiative of the Ministry to provide an easy to access & navigate platform for

the registration of existing Independent Directors as well as individuals aspiring to become independent directors.  It provides for a wide array of e-learning courses on various topics including the Companies Act,

Securities laws, basic accountancy, board practices, board ethics and board effectiveness.  Powered by an Integrated Learning Management System, the various e-learning capsules and videos available in the system will enable individual users to easily acquire knowledge from diverse resources, develop distinct skills and assess their understanding of company operations, regulations and compliances.  Companies also may register themselves with the databank to search, select and connect with individuals who possess the right skills and attitude for being considered for appointment as Independent Directors as the Databank is expected to become a comprehensive repository of both existing independent directors as well as individuals eligible and willing to be appointed as Independent Directors. Source :- PIB GS PAPER - 03 ECONOMY - Government policies and interventions for development in various

sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

BHARAT BOND EXCHANGE TRADED FUND Context :  The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairshas given its approval for creation and launch of Bharat

Bond Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) to create an additional source of funding for government organisations. Bharat Bond Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) :  Bharat Bond ETF would be the first corporate Bond ETF in the country.  The government is coming up with a fresh tranche of Bharat 22 ETF for individual investors.  It is a part of the government‘s divestment programme.  The ETF, which will be managed by ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company, intends to raise up to 2,000 crores with an option to retain oversubscription.  An open-ended ETF, the fund allows investors to invest in a basket of government-owned and private sector entities.  Bharat 22 ETF invests in the 22 companies that comprise the S&P BSE Bharat 22 index. Features :  ETF will be a basket of bonds issued by CPSE/CPSU/CPFI/any other Government organization Bonds (Initially, all AAA rated bonds)  Bharat Bond ETF will be a basket of bonds issued by central public sector enterprises/undertakings or any other government organization bonds. (Initially, all AAA-rated bonds.)

 It will invest in a portfolio of bonds of state-run companies and other government entities.  Bharat Bond ETF will have a fixed maturity of three and ten years and will trade on the stock exchanges. As of now, Bharat Bond ETF will have two maturity series – 3 and 10 years. Each

series will have a separate index of the same maturity series.  Bharat ETF will track an underlying index on risk replication basis, matching credit quality and average maturity of the index. The index will be constructed by an independent index provider, National Stock Exchange.

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 Bond ETFs will provide tax efficiency as compared to bonds, as coupons (interest) from the bonds are taxed depending on the investor‘s tax slab, the govt said. Bond ETFs are taxed with the benefit of indexation which significantly reduces the tax on capital gains for investor. Benefits of Bharat Bond ETF to investors:  Bond ETF will provide safety (underlying bonds are issued by CPSEs and other Government-owned

entities), liquidity (ability to trade on exchange) and predictable tax-efficient returns (target maturity structure).  It will also provide access to retail investors to invest in bonds with a smaller amount (as low as Rs.

1,000) thereby providing easy and low-cost access to bond markets.  This will increase the participation of retail investors who are currently not participating in bond markets due to liquidity and accessibility constraints.

 Tax efficiency compared to Bonds as coupons from the Bonds are taxed at marginal rates. Bond ETFs are taxed with the benefit of indexation which significantly reduces the tax on capital gains for investor. Benefits for CPSEs:

 Bond ETF would offer CPSEs, CPSUs, CPFIs and other Government organizations an additional source of meeting their borrowing requirements apart from bank financing.  It will expand their investor base through retail and HNI participation which can increase demand for

their bonds. With an increase in demand for their bonds, these issuers may be able to borrow at reduced cost thereby reducing their cost of borrowing over a period of time.  Further, Bond ETF trading on the exchange will help in better price discovery of the underlying bonds.  Since a broad debt calendar to assess the borrowing needs of the CPSEs would be prepared and approved each year, it would inculcate borrowing discipline in the CPSEs at least to the extent of this investment. Source :- PIB UNIFIED AUTHORITY Context :  The Lok Sabha passed a bill International Financial Services Centres Authority Bill, 2019 - to set up a unified authority for regulating all financial activities in international financial services centres (IFSCs) in the country.

International Financial Services Centres Authority Bill, 2019 :  The Bill provides for the establishment of an Authority to develop and regulate the financial services market in the International Financial Services Centres in India.

Key Features :  Coverage :  The Bill will be applicable to all International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) set up under the

Special Economic Zones Act, 2005.  The first IFSC in India has been set up at the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) in Gandhinagar.  International Financial Services Centres Authority:  The Bill sets up the International Financial Services Centres Authority. It will consist of nine members, appointed by the central government.  Members of the Authority will include: (i) the Chairperson, (ii) one member each to be nominated from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), and the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), (iii) two members from among officials of the Ministry of Finance, and (iv) two members to be appointed on the recommendation of a Search

Committee.  Members will have a term of three years, subject to reappointment.

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 Functions of the Authority:  The Authority will regulate financial products (such as securities, deposits or contracts of insurance), financial services, and financial institutions which have been previously approved by any appropriate regulator (such as RBI or SEBI), in an IFSC.  It will follow all processes which are applicable to such financial products, financial services, and

financial institutions under their respective laws.  The appropriate regulators are listed in a Schedule to the Bill, and includes the RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, and PFRDA.

 The central government may amend this schedule through a notification.  regulating any other financial products, financial services, or financial institutions in an IFSC, which may be notified by the central government, and  recommending any other financial products, financial services, or financial institutions to the central government, which may be permitted in an IFSC.  International Financial Services Centres Authority Fund:  The Bill sets up the International Financial Services Centres Authority Fund.  The following items will be credited to the Fund: (i) all grants, fees and charges received by the Authority, and (ii) all sums received by the Authority from various sources, as decided by the central government.  The Fund will be used for: (i) salaries, allowances and other remuneration of members and

employees of the Authority, and (ii) expenses incurred by the Authority.  Further, the central government may provide grants to the Authority for the regulation of IFSCs.  Performance Review Committee:

 The Authority will constitute a Performance Review Committee to review its functioning.  The Review Committee will consist of at least two members of the Authority. It will review whether: (i) the Authority has adhered to the provisions of the applicable laws while exercising

powers or performing functions, (ii) the regulations made by the Authority promote transparency and best practices of governance, and (iii) the Authority is managing risks to its functioning in a reasonable manner.  The Committee must submit a report of its findings to the Authority at least once every year.  Transaction in foreign currency:  As per the Bill, all transactions of financial services in IFSCs will be in such foreign currency as specified by the Authority, in consultation with the central government. Source :- Business Standard

PARTIAL CREDIT GUARANTEE SCHEME

Context :  Cabinet approves ―Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme‖ for purchase of high-rated pooled assets from financially sound NBFCs/HFCs by PSBs.

More in the news :  PSBs can purchase high-rated pooled assets from financially sound NBFCs/Housing Finance Companies (HFCs), with the amount of overall guarantee provided by government till the first loss of up to 10 per cent of fair value of assets being purchased by banks or Rs 10,000 crore, whichever is lower.  The scheme would cover NBFCs / HFCs that may have slipped into SMA-0 category during the one year period prior to 1.8.2018, and asset pools rated ―BBB+‖ or higher.

Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme :  ―Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme‖ is to be offered by the Government of India (Gol) to Public Sector Banks (PSBs) for purchasing high-rated pooled assets from financially sound Non- Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)/Housing Finance Companies (HFCs).

 This proposal will allow public sector banks (PSBs) to buy pooled assets from financially sound

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entities.

 The scheme was first launched in August 2019, in which the government said it will provide one

time six months‘ partial credit guarantee to public sector banks for first loss up to 10 per cent.

 The credit guarantee scheme will continue till 30th June 2020.  The Finance Minister can extend the scheme by another three months.  The scheme will not cover the NBFCs that were in stress before the IL&FS crisis.

 The guarantee scheme covers bonds of up to Rs.1 trillion.  The scheme would cover NBFCs/HFCs that may have slipped into SMA-0 category during the one year period prior to August 1, 2018, and asset pools rated ―BBB+‖ or higher.  SMA-0 accounts are the special mention accounts (SMA) against which the principal or interest or any other amount wholly or partially is overdue between 1-30 days. Significance :  The proposed Government Guarantee support and resultant pool buyouts will help address NBFCs/HFCs resolve their temporary liquidity or cash flow mismatch issues, and enable them to

continue contributing to credit creation and providing last mile lending to borrowers, thereby spurring economic growth.

Source :- The Hindu DIGITAL UPSKILLING Context :  The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has approved Rs 436 crore over a period of three years for Future Skills PRIME, a joint venture between the government and National Association of Software and Services Companies. Future Skills PRIME programme :

 Future Skills Programme was launched in 2018 jointly by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and industry body NASSCOM.  The programme aims to reskill 2 million professionals and potential employees & students in the industry

in eight emerging technologies over a period of 5 years.  The emerging technologies include artificial intelligence, virtual reality, robotic process automation, internet of things, big data analytics, 3D printing, cloud computing, social and mobile

 To do this, Future Skills portal uses the technology of the future, to create a space where a learner can access content on all the skills of the future.  A learner can seamlessly access free and paid content, assessments, virtual labs and get certified on the

skills of their choice.  This PRIME is the next phase of the Future Skills platform and is open to professionals from outside the IT industry as well, who want to skill themselves in ten emerging technologies.

Significance :  This initiative from NASSCOM will help India accelerates the journey of skilling and achieve its goal of becoming the global talent hub.

 It will also facilitate the skilling by inspiring learners to explore, discover and learn. Source :- Business Standard ; Livemint

MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS Context :  Several initiatives taken by Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to address the priorities like Energy Access, Energy Efficiency, Energy Sustainability and Energy Security. Key Initiatives undertaken :  PRADHAN MANTRI UJJWALA YOJANA (PMUY) :  Government launched Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) in May 2016, with an initial target of 5 crore.

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 It was further revised to providing 8 crore connections to an adult woman of poor households by March, 2020  Pahal :  The Government has introduced a well-targeted system of subsidy delivery to LPG consumers through PAHAL.

 This initiative of the Government was aimed at rationalizing subsidies, based on an approach to cut subsidy leakages, but not subsidies themselves.  It was launched in 2014 for providing the direct benefits transfer of LPG subsidy to the bank

account of the LPG consumers.  PAHAL Scheme has been designed to ensure that the benefit meant for the genuine domestic customer reaches them directly and is not diverted.  The scheme has helped in identifying ‗ghost‘ connections, multiple connections and inactive connections which in turn has resulted in curbing diversion of subsidized LPG to commercial purposes.  Reforms in Exploration and Licensing Policy :  The Government notified ‗Reforms in Exploration and Licensing Policy‘ for enhancing domestic exploration and production of oil and gas.  This was aimed at intensifying exploration activities, attracting foreign and domestic investment and enhancing domestic production.

 The reforms included, among others, a cutting down on the required government approvals, speedy dispute resolution mechanism, and a single-window electronic approval mechanism.  Petroleum Exploration Licenses :

 The Central Government has already granted Petroleum Exploration Licenses (PELs) for all the offshore blocks and also recommended to all the concerned State Governments to grant PELs for all on-land blocks allocated under Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP)

regime.  National Seismic Programme (NSP)  This was launched to trace hydrocarbon resources like oil and natural gas in the Mahanadi basin (initially – as the first roll-out of the scheme).  NSP aims to undertake a fresh appraisal in all sedimentary basins across India in order to have a better understanding of the hydrocarbon potential of the country.  National Data Repository (NDR)  The NDR was established by the Government to assimilate, preserve and upkeep the vast amount of data which could be organised and regulated for use in future exploration and development, besides use by R&D and other educational institutions.

 Auto Fuel Vision and Policy  BS-IV Auto Fuels have been implemented in the entire country with effect from 2017.  It has also been decided that the country will leapfrog directly from BS-IV to BS-VI fuel standards and BS-VI standards will be implemented in the entire country from April 2020.

 Liberalization of Norms of Private Sector Participation in the Retail Sector  National Gas Grid  The government has identified the development of an additional 15000 km of gas pipeline and

various pipeline sections to complete the gas grid.  Promotion of LNG/CNG in Vehicles  The Government is meeting 100% of the gas requirement of PNG (Domestic) and CNG

(Transport) segment of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks across the country.  Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme  The Government of India launched this programme in 2003 for undertaking blending of ethanol in petrol to address the environmental concerns due to fossil fuel burning, provide remuneration to farmers, subsidize crude imports and achieve forex savings. 53

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 Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan- Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran) Yojana  In order to encourage setting up of second-generation bio-fuels plants, the Government has launched this scheme for providing financial support to integrated bio-ethanol projects, using lignocellulosic biomass and other renewable feedstock. Source :- The Hindu

FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND (FIDF) Context :  The first tripartite Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the department of Fisheries Government of India, NARBARD and the Government of Tamil Nadu for the implementation of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Fund (FIDF). More about tripartite Agreement :

 Objective :  From the FIDF, entrepreneurs, fishermen and cooperatives will get loans at subsidised interest rate.

 The credit from the fund will help attract investment in fisheries development and boost fish production by 67% in next four years from current level of 12 million tonnes to 20 million tonnes by 2022-23.

 The project proposals of Government of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh for development of fishing harbours in their respective States form the major part of these recommended projects.  Nodal Loaning entities :  The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NARBARD), National Cooperatives Development Corporation (NCDC) and all scheduled banks Source :- PIB SATAT SCHEME

Context :  Asian Development bank aided 2 Million $ to SATAT scheme.  Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has organized a new revolution in transportation fuel 'Road Show' on 'Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation'(SATAT)

SATAT scheme :  The initiative is aimed at providing a Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) as a developmental effort that would benefit both vehicle-users as well as farmers and

entrepreneurs.  Compressed Bio-Gas plants are proposed to be set up mainly through independent entrepreneurs.  CBG produced at these plants will be transported through cascades of cylinders to the fuel station

networks of OMCs for marketing as a green transport fuel alternative.  The entrepreneurs would be able to separately market the other by-products from these plants, including bio-manure, carbon-dioxide, etc., to enhance returns on investment.

 It is planned to roll out 5,000 Compressed Bio-Gas plants across India in a phased manner.  This initiative is expected to generate direct employment for 75,000 people and produce 50 million tonnes of bio-manure for crops. SATAT has following four objectives:  Utilising more than 62 million metric tonnes of waste generated every year in India,  Cutting down import dependence,  Supplementing job creation in the country, and  Reducing vehicular emissions and pollution from burning of agricultural / organic waste.

Source :- PIB

100 YEARS OF ASSOCHAM

Context :  Prime Minister Addresses the Inaugural session of 100 Years of ASSOCHAM. 54

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ASSOCHAM:  The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India is one of the apex trade associations of India.  It was established in 1920.  The organisation represents the interests of trade and commerce in India, and acts as an interface between issues and initiatives.  The goal of the organization is to promote domestic and international trade. Source :- PIB

ORGANISATIONAL RESTRUCTURING OF INDIAN RAILWAYS Context :  The Union Cabinet has approved a transformational organisational restructuring of the Indian Railways.

 This historic reform will go a long way in achieving Government‘s vision of making Indian Railways the growth engine of India's vikas yatra. Background :

 These measures were first recommended 25 years ago.  Since then, various committees, including the Prakash Tandon Committee in 1994, Rakesh Mohan Committee (2001), Sam Pitroda Committee (2012) and Bibek Debroy Committee (2015). Reforms :  The Union Cabinet has also approved the merger of the different cadres into a central service called the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS).  The modalities and unification of the services will be worked out by the Ministry of Railways in consultation with the Department of Personnel and Training.  Re-organisation of Railway Board  The Railway Board—the apex decision making body of the Indian Railways—will be headed by a chairman, who will be the chief executive officer (CEO).  There will be four other members, in charge of infrastructure, rolling stock, finance and operations, and business development.

 The existing service of Indian Railway Medical Service (IRMS) to be consequently renamed as Indian Railway Health Service (IRHS) Significance :  These reforms are aimed at ending departmentalisation of the mammoth organization that employees

nearly 1.3 million people, second only to the strength of the Armed Forces.  The Unification of services is aimed at ending departmentalism, promote smooth working of Railways, expedite decision making, create a coherent vision for organisation and promote rational decision making.

Source :- PIB

GS PAPER - 03 ECONOMY - Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. LOKTAK INLAND WATERWAYS PROJECT IN MANIPUR

Context :  The Ministry of Shipping have given approval for the development of Loktak Inland Waterways improvement project in Manipur.

More about the project :  The project will develop the Inland water transport connectivity in North East States and give a boost to the tourism sector.

 The project is approved under the Central Sector Scheme(CSS).  The project will be implemented under the Ministry of Shipping.

Loktak lake:  Loktak lake is the largest freshwater lake in North east located at Moirang in Manipur.  The lake is famous for its phumdis floating over it which are formed naturally.

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 Phumdis are the floating mass of entangled vegetation formed by the accumulation of organic debris

and biomass with soil.

 Keibul Lamjao National Park which is the only floating National Park in the world is located on the

Loktak Lake.  The sangai deer which is an endemic and endangered subspecies of brow-antlered deer is found only in the Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur.

 The species is listed as Endangered(EN) in IUCN Red list.

Source :- PIB

RCS- UDAN Context :  Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched the 4th round of Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) UDAN 4.0  The focus of UDAN 4.0 is on priority areas like North East Region, Hilly States, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Islands.

Key Features :  Revision of (Viability Gap Funding) VGF cap – The provision of VGF for Category 2 / 3 aircraft (more than 20 seaters) has been enhanced for the operation of RCS flights in the priority areas.

 Promoting short-haul routes – The provision of VGF would be restricted for routes with stage length up to 600 km. Beyond it, no monetary support would be provided.  Well defined Prioritization framework – Airports that have already been developed by AAI would be

given higher priority for the award of VGF under the Scheme.  Flexibility to change the frequency of flight operation – The Selected Airline Operator (SAO) would be allowed to change the frequency of flight operation, during the tenure of flight operation of the given

route.  Inclusion of helicopter and seaplane operation: The operation of helicopter and seaplane would be allowed under this round.

UDAN Scheme:

 The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme was launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The scheme is a component of the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), 2016.

 The scheme would be in operation for a period of 10 years.  Aim: To develop a regional aviation market. It seeks to connect under-served and unserved airports in India through the revival of existing airstrips and airports.  Under the scheme, airlines have to cap airfares for 50% of the total seats at Rs. 2,500 per hour of flight.  The losses for the price cap is compensated by a mechanism called Viability Gap Funding– A government grant provided to the airlines to bridge the gap between the cost of operations and expected revenue.

Objective :  Create affordable yet economically viable and profitable flights on regional routes.  Development of remote areas and enhancing trade and commerce and tourism expansion.

 Employment creation in the aviation sector

Source :- PIB

DRAFT NATIONAL LOGISTIC POLICY Context :

 The draft National Logistics Policy has been prepared in consultation with the Ministries of Railways, Road Transport and Highways, Shipping and Civil Aviation. 56

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Key Highlights :  Vision :  to drive economic growth and business competitiveness of the country through an integrated, seamless, efficient, reliable, green, sustainable and cost effective logistics network leveraging the best in technology, processes and skilled manpower.

 In order to simplify documentation for exports and imports through digitization, Department of Revenue, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) have taken several initiatives like:  SWIFT (Single Window Interface For Trade).

 Adoption of Digital Signature.  24×7 Customs Clearance – for ‗facilitated‘ Bills of Entry and factory stuffed containers and goods exported under free Shipping Bills at select ports.

 Import Data Processing and Management System (IDPMS) – jointly launched with RBI to facilitate efficient data processing for payment of imports and effective monitoring  E-Sanchit: it is the system introduced by the Government of India for Import Cargo to reduce physical interface between Customs and clearing agents (presently carrying bunch of documents in person) and significantly reduce import clearance time by uploading digitally signed documents.  Two new IT Modules ICEDASH i.e (Ease of doing business monitoring dashboard) and ATITHI app for electronic filing by passengers for baggage

 PCS 1X which is a platform for port related processes developed by Indian Ports Association. Source :- PIB

NATIONAL BROADBAND MISSION (NBM)

Context :  The Union Minister for Communications, Law & Justice and Electronics and Information Technology launched the National Broadband Mission.

National Broadband Mission :  The vision of the NBM is to fast-track growth of digital communications infrastructure, bridge the digital divide, facilitate digital empowerment and inclusion and provide affordable and universal access to

broadband for all.  A key objective of the Mission is to provide broadband to all villages by 2022. Objectives :  Facilitate universal and equitable access to broadband services across the country and especially in rural and remote areas.  Laying of incremental 30 lakhs route km of Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) and increase in tower density from 0.42 to 1.0 tower per thousand of population by 2024.  Significantly improve quality of services for mobile and internet.  Develop innovative implementation models for Right of Way (RoW) and to work with States/UTs for having consistent policies pertaining to expansion of digital infrastructure including for RoW approvals required for laying of OFC.  Develop a Broadband Readiness Index (BRI) to measure the availability of digital communications infrastructure and conducive policy ecosystem within a State/UT.  Creation of a digital fiber map of the digital communications network and infrastructure, including Optical Fiber Cables and towers across the country.  Investment from stakeholders of USD 100 billion (Rs 7 Lakh Crore) including Rs 70,000 crore from Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).  Address policy and regulatory changes required to accelerate the expansion and creation of digital infrastructure and services.

 Work with all stakeholders including the concerned ministries/departments/agencies and the Ministry of Finance for enabling investments for the Mission. Source :- PIB 57

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PRADHAN MANTRI GRAM SADAK YOJANA (PMGSY) Context :  The Union Minister for Rural Development inaugurated the third phase of the PMGSY.

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) :  This scheme was launched by the Government of India to provide connectivity to unconnected habitations as part of a poverty reduction strategy.  The Ministry of Rural Development, along with state governments, is responsible for the

implementation of PMGSY.  Rural road connectivity is a key component of rural development and poverty alleviation.  The main objective of the scheme is to provide good all-weather road connectivity.  The idea behind this is that road connectivity would increase access to social and economic services in rural areas.

Phase -3 of PMGSY :

 It will be implemented from 2019-20 to 2024-25. The phase-3 proposes to consolidate roads measuring 1.25 lakh km in length

 It will also strengthen through routes and major rural links which connect habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), higher secondary schools and hospitals.  Construction of bridges of up to 150m in plain areas and 200 m in Himalayan and northeastern states

 The funding pattern will be 90:10 between Centre and NE and Himalayan States and 60:40 between Centre and other States. Source :- PIB SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE Context :  The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has notified the setting up of the first ever Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Tripura.  It will be a Sector Specific Economic Zone for Agro-Based Food Processing. Special Economic Zone (SEZ) :  A Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a specifically delineated duty-free enclave and shall be deemed to be foreign territory for the purposes of trade operations and duties and tariffs in India.

 It is an area within a country where there are different trade and business laws from the remaining regions of the country.  SEZs are created to attract more investment, generate employment and also to better administer these

areas.  With a view to overcome the shortcomings experienced on account of the multiplicity of controls and clearances; absence of world-class infrastructure, and an unstable fiscal regime and with a view to attract

larger foreign investments in India, the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Policy was announced in April 2000.  The Special Economic Zones Act, 2005, was passed by Parliament in 2005.

 After extensive consultations, the SEZ Act, 2005, supported by SEZ Rules, came into effect in 2006. Objective of SEZ :  Generation of additional economic activity

 Promotion of exports of goods and services  Promotion of investment from domestic and foreign sources  Creation of employment opportunities

 Development of infrastructure facilities

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Key features :  Duty-free import/domestic procurement of goods for development, operation and maintenance of SEZ units.  100% Income tax exemption on export income for SEZ units under the Income Tax Act for first 5 years, 50% for next 5 years thereafter and 50% of the ploughed back export profit for next 5 years. (Sunset Clause for Units will become effective from 2020).  Exemption from Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT).

 Exemption from Central Sales Tax, Exemption from Service Tax and Exemption from State sales tax. These have now subsumed into GST and supplies to SEZs are zero-rated under the IGST Act, 2017.  Single window clearance for Central and State level approvals. Source :- PIB

UDAY SCHEME Context :  According to the data, Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY) which was launched to revive the

electricity distribution companies(discoms) has severe shortcomings. Key Highlights :  The distribution companies (Discom) losses which had progressively reduced in the first couple of years

since the rollout of UDAY scheme in 2015 have rebounded in the financial year 2019.  The discoms have also missed the year 2019 UDAY target to bring down their Aggregate Technical and Commercial(AT&C) losses to 15%.  The Book losses of discoms has reduced from Rs 51,000 crore in the financial year 2016 to Rs 15,132 crore in 2018.However, the losses in 2019 have increased to Rs 28,036 crore vis-a-vis 2018.  This points that discoms are lagging behind in eliminating the ACS-ARR gap (the gap between Average Cost of Supply and Average Revenue Realised).  The primary reasons for the losses is (a)failure of discoms to collect the full cost that they pay for power and (b)delayed tariff hikes by the states.

UDAY Scheme:

 The Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana(UDAY) was launched by the Ministry of Power in 2015 to help turn around the poor financial situation of state discoms. Objective :

 Financial Turnaround of Discoms  Operational improvement of Discoms  Reduction of cost of generation of power  Development of Renewable Energy  Energy efficiency & conservation. Components :  Takeover of 75% of discom debt by state governments.  DISCOMs to issue bonds for the remaining 25% of their debt.

 Reduction in Aggregate Technical and Commercial(AT&C) losses.  Timely tariff revisions and elimination of the gap between the Average Cost of Supply (ACS) and Average Revenue Realised (ARR) by the financial year 2019.

Source :-The Indian Express

KALISHWARAM LIFE IRRIGATION PROJECT Context :  Telangana State government has requested the Central Government to treat Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project(KLIP) as a National Project.

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Need of KLIP as a National project :  The Centre under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 is mandated to support programmes for the development of backward areas in the successor States including expansion of physical and social infrastructure.  The designation of National Project will also lead to a Central grant of 90% of the estimated cost for their completion in a time bound manner.  Further, the Telangana government is also running the Mission Bhagiratha and Mission Kakatiya to meet the aspirations of people.

Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project:  Kaleshwaram Multipurpose Lift Irrigation Project of Telanagna was initiated in 2016 on the Godavari River.  It is touted as the world‘s largest multi-stage, multi-purpose lift irrigation project.

 The project will support crop cultivation on 45 lakh acres of land.It will also meet the drinking water requirement of 70% of the state and also cater to the needs of the industry.  The total length of Kaleshwaram project is approximately 1,832 kms.

 It has 20 reservoirs spread across 13 districts with a total capacity to store 145 TMC.

Source :- The Hindu SILVER LINE PROJECT Context :  The Ministry of Railways granted in-principle approval for the ‗Silver Line‟ project, a proposal of the Kerala government. Silver Line project :

 The Silver line project aims to connect major districts and towns with semi high-speed trains that will run on their own tracks.

 It involves laying of semi high-speed trains between the two corners of the state of Kerala.  The corridor will be 532-km long. It will be built away from the existing line between Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur.

 The Kerala Rail Development Corporation (K-Rail), a joint venture between the Ministry of Railways and the Kerala government to execute projects on a cost-sharing basis, will be the nodal agency. Source :- Indian Express ATAL TUNNEL Context :  The Union Cabinet has decided to name the Rohtang Tunnel under Rohtang Pass after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in a tribute to him on his 95th birth anniversary. Atal Tunnel :  which will connect Manali in Himachal Pradesh with Leh, Ladakh, and Jammu Kashmir  It is the 8.8 km-long tunnel will be the world‘s longest highway tunnel at an altitude of above 10,000 feet (3,000 metres).

 The tunnel is present on the Pir Panjal Range of Himalayas. The tunnel project is being carried out by the Border Roads Organisation(BRO). 60

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 The tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to remote border areas of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh which otherwise remained cut off from the rest of the country for about six months during winters.

Rohtang Pass:  Rohtang Pass (elevation 3,978 m) is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh.  It is present on the Pir Panjal Range of Himalayas.  It connects the Kullu Valley with Lahaul and Spiti Valleys of Himachal Pradesh.  The Ravi river rises west of the Rohtang pass in the Kullu hills of Himachal Pradesh.

Source :- Indian Express WESTERN DEDICATED FREIGHT CORRIDOR Context :  Opening of a section of the western freight corridor for commercial trial runs. Western Dedicated Freight Corridor :

 The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd. (DFCCIL) opened the more than the 300-km section between Rewari, Haryana to Madar, Rajasthan, for commercial trial runs.  This is the first section to be opened on the under-construction 1,500-km western freight corridor. Significance :  The opening of this stretch will benefit various industries in the surrounding areas leading to Industrial development and the subsequent economic development of the area. Such an approach will also help envisage a more distributed model of growth.  Once the section is opened for commercial operations, about 80% of the freight train movements will be shifted to the dedicated corridor, resulting in a much faster movement of goods trains, vacating track

space for passenger trains.  This will result in immediate relief for both freight and passenger movements via Indian Railways. 61

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 With a dedicated corridor and advanced wagons, one train will be able to carry a load of about 13,000 tonnes, which is equal to what 1,300 trucks would carry. Goods movement will be faster and cheaper. Source :- The Hindu INDIA‟S FIRST WATER AERODROMES Context :

 Airports Authority of India(AAI) is in the process of seeking environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for water aerodromes in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Water Aerodromes:

 A water aerodrome is an area of open water that can be used by seaplanes as well as amphibious aircraft to land and take off.  Such aircraft are expected to take people across water faster and more safely than local boats

 Moreover, depending on the volume of traffic, water aerodrome may have a terminal building on the shore or on a jetty where planes can dock, and bays where they can be parked.  The water drones are present in some island nations especially in the richer ones like the British Virgin

Islands.  Also, there are few in Canada, including Yellowknife on the Great Slave Lake, Tofino on Vancouver Island and Whitehorse on Schwatka Lake.

Guidelines for setting up water Aerodromes:  The water aerodrome could be set up near locations of tourist and religious importance.  The water aerodrome cannot be used for scheduled air transport services without licence.

 An entity seeking to set up a water aerodrome has to take approvals from various authorities including the Ministries of Defence, Home, Environment and Forests and Shipping. Significance :  The water Aerodromes will promote tourism as well as connect places of religious importance.  It will enhance air connectivity in the country by allowing amphibian planes which can operate in both land and water.  It will create employment in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Source :- Livemint ; Financial Express

GS PAPER - 03 ECONOMY - Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies Government

policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

NATIONAL COMPANY LAW APPELLATE TRIBUNAL BENCH Context :

 In pursuance of judgment of Hon‘ble Supreme Court, the Government has decided to set up a bench of National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) at Chennai. National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) :

 National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) was constituted under Section 410 of the Companies Act, 2013. Functions :  It hears appeals against the orders of National Company Law Tribunal(s) (NCLT), with effect from 1st June, 2016.  It is the Appellate Tribunal for hearing appeals against the orders passed by NCLT(s) under Section 61 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC).  It is the Appellate Tribunal for hearing appeals against the orders passed by Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India under Section 202 and Section 211 of IBC.  It is the Appellate Tribunal to hear and dispose of appeals against any direction issued or decision made or order passed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).

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Composition :  The President of the Tribunal and the chairperson and Judicial Members of the Appellate Tribunal shall be appointed after consultation with the Chief Justice of India.  The Members of the Tribunal and the Technical Members of the Appellate Tribunal shall be appointed on the recommendation of a Selection Committee consisting of:  Chief Justice of India or his nominee—Chairperson.  A senior Judge of the Supreme Court or a Chief Justice of High Court— Member.  Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs—Member.

 Secretary in the Ministry of Law and Justice—Member.  Secretary in the Department of Financial Services in the Ministry of Finance— Member. Source :- PIB

RATNA STATUS TO CPSES Context :  The criteria laid down by the Government for grant of Maharatna, Navratna and Miniratna status to Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) Criteria for grant of Maharatna status to CPSEs:  Having Navratna status

 Listed on Indian stock exchange with minimum prescribed public shareholding under SEBI regulations  An average annual turnover of more than Rs. 25,000 crore during the last 3 years

 An average annual net worth of more than Rs. 15,000 crore during the last 3 years  An average annual net profit after tax of more than Rs. 5,000 crore during the last 3 years  Should have significant global presence/international operations. Criteria for grant of Navratna status to CPSEs:  The CPSEs which are Miniratna I, Schedule ‗A‘ and have obtained ‗excellent‘ or ‗very good‘ MOU rating in three of the last five years and having composite score of 60 or above in following six selected performance indicators are eligible to be considered for grant of Navratna status.

 Net Profit to Net worth: 25  Manpower Cost to total Cost of Production or Cost of Services: 15  PBDIT to Capital employed: 15

 PBIT to Turnover: 15  Earning Per Share: 10  Inter Sectoral Performance: 20 Criteria for grant of Miniratna status to CPSEs:  Miniratna Category-I status: – The CPSEs which have made profit in the last three years continuously, pre-tax profit is Rs.30 crores or more in at least one of the three years and have a positive net worth are eligible to be considered for grant of Miniratna-I status.  Miniratna Category-II status: – The CPSEs which have made profit for the last three years continuously and have a positive net worth are eligible to be considered for grant of Miniratna-II status. Source :- PIB

RAPO RATE

Context :  The six-member monetary policy committee (MPC), headed by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, voted unanimously to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.15 per cent in its fifth bi-monthly monetary

policy statement. Challenge before the RBI  The RBI‘s most important mandate is to maintain price stability which means RBI is required by law to

maintain retail inflation based on Consumer Price Index(CPI) at the 4% level (with a band of variation of 2 percentage points).  However, another key concern for the RBI is the overall economic growth in the economy.

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 Usually, retail inflation and economic growth tends to rise and fall at the same time because higher growth implies higher demand for goods and as such a spike in prices.  However, at the current juncture in the Indian economy, economic growth has decelerated sharply even as inflation has sped up.  Hence, the challenge before the RBI was to balance the concerns of boosting growth while making sure that inflation does not spiral out of control RBI‟s forecast for economic growth and inflation :  The RBI, however, revised its outlook for growth and inflation. The central bank revised down its 2019- 20 growth forecast to 5 per cent from 6.1 per cent in the October policy review.  The inflation forecast for the second half of 2019-20 was revised up from 3.5-3.7 per cent to 5.1-4.7 per cent.

 Gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the second quarter came in at 4.5 per cent, the lowest since March 2012-13 Why didn‟t the RBI cut rates when growth is faltering?

 Firstly, the RBI is worried about the rise in inflation which is the primary issue that the RBI is mandated to control.  Secondly, the RBI has already cut repo rates by 135 bps.But only about 44 bps have been passed on to the

consumers of new loans. Hence, the RBI believes that with more time, the monetary transmission will deepen.  Thirdly, the RBI has pointed towards the forthcoming Union Budget for fiscal efforts to boost growth.

Source :- The Hindu

OPERATION TWIST Context :

 The Reserve Bank of India has announced that it will carry out US-style ‗Operation Twist‘ to bring down interest rates. Operation Twist:

 Operation Twist is when the central bank uses the proceeds from the sale of short-term securities to buy long-term government debt papers, leading to easing of interest rates on the long term papers.  Under Operation Twist, RBI will conduct simultaneous purchase and sale of government securities under

Open Market Operations (OMO) for ₹10,000 crore each.  It will purchase the longer-term maturities which are government bonds maturing in 2029 and simultaneously sell the shorter duration ones which are short-term bonds maturing in 2020.

 This simultaneous purchase and sale will bring down interest on long term loans which can lead to increase in economic spending.  It may also become a driving factor for long-term economic activity and the addition of new investment stock.

Open Market operations:  Open market operations is the sale and purchase of government securities and treasury bills by RBI or the central bank of the country.  The objective of OMO is to regulate the money supply in the economy.  The central bank carries out the OMO through commercial banks and does not directly deal with the public.  When the RBI wants to increase the money supply in the economy, it purchases the government securities from the market and it sells government securities to out liquidity from the system. Source :- Livemint

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ANNUAL FDI COMPLIANCE REPORT Context :  The government has issued new rules that makes it compulsory for e-commerce companies with foreign investments to submit an audit report every year. New Rules :  The rules will be applicable on E-commerce companies with foreign investments such as Amazon, Flipkart among others.  These companies have to submit a report prepared by statutory auditors, by September 30 every year.  They have to show that they have been in compliance with the foreign direct investment(FDI) rules for the e-commerce sector.  Until now, it was only a norm specified by the Centre. This has now been formalised and included in the amended Foreign Exchange Management (Non-Debt Instruments) Rules, 2019  Section 15 of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) deals with e-commerce entities. FDI Rules for E-commerce companies:

 In 2018,Government of India had announced the FDI rules for ecommerce companies which were:  If an entity is owned by an e-commerce marketplace(ECM),it cannot sell its products on the platform run by the same ECM

 A single vendor can‘t account for more than 25% of sales in an ECM or platform and  The rules puts curbs on exclusive partnerships with brands or providing favorable services to a few vendors.

Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) :  The legal framework for the administration of foreign exchange transactions in India is provided by the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.  It replaces the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA).  FEMA, which came into force with effect from 1st June 2000,  Under FEMA all transactions involving foreign exchange have been classified either as capital

or current account transactions.  This act seeks to take care of the offences related to the foreign exchange of civil offences.  It enables new foreign exchange management regime consistent with emerging framework of

World Trade Organisation (WTO). Key Features :  It is constant with full current account convertibility and contains provisions for the progressive liberalization of the capital account transactions.  It is extra transparent in its application as it lays down the areas necessitating specific permissions of the Reserve Bank and Government of India on acquisition or holding of foreign exchange.  Under FEMA, foreign exchange transactions are divided into two categories, they are capital account and current account transactions.  It gives power to the Reserve Bank of India for specializing in consultation with the Central Government, the classes of the capital account limits and transactions to which the exchange is

acceptable for such kind of transactions.  It gives full freedom to an individual who is resident in India, who was previously resident outside India, to hold or own or transfer any foreign security or immovable property situated

outside India and attained when she was resident.  This FEMA Act is a civil law and any kind of contraventions of the Act provide for arrest only in the exceptional cases.

Source :- The Hindu ; Economic Times

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GS PAPER - 03 ECONOMY - Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes

MAHILA KISAN SASHAKTIKARAN PARIYOJANA(MKSP)

Context :  Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers has informed Lok Sabha about the Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana(MKSP).

 Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) is a sub component of the National Rural Livelihood Mission(NRLM).  The primary objective of the scheme is to empower women in agriculture by making systematic

investments to enhance their participation and productivity, as also create and sustain agriculture based livelihoods of rural women.  The Department of Rural Development, Ministry of Rural Development is implementing the scheme.

Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana(MKSP) : Objective :  To enhance the productive participation of women in agriculture;

 To create sustainable agricultural livelihood opportunities for women in agriculture;  To improve the skills and capabilities of women in agriculture to support farm and non-farm-based activities;

 To ensure food and nutrition security at the household and the community level;  To enable women to have better access to inputs and services of the government and other agencies;  To enhance the managerial capacities of women in agriculture for better management of biodiversity;

 To improve the capacities of women in agriculture to access the resources of other institutions and schemes within a convergence framework. Source :- PIB

GS PAPER - 03 ECONOMY -Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; issues of buffer stocks and food security ;

PM-AASHA SCHEME Context :

 According to the Agricultural ministry data,less than 3% of this season‘s sanctioned amount of pulses and oilseeds have actually been procured under the PM-AASHA scheme. Issue :  A total of 37.59 lakh metric tonnes of procurement had been sanctioned under the Centrally-funded scheme.  However, only 1.08 lakh tonnes have been procured so far.  Of the eleven States that opted for the scheme this season, procurement has not even started in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.

Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) scheme:  The scheme aims to provide Minimum Support Price (MSP) to farmers. It ensures remunerative prices to

the farmers for their produce as announced in the Union Budget for 2018.  The increase in MSP can improve farmer‘s income by strengthening procurement mechanism in coordination with the State Governments. Components of the scheme: The scheme comprises of three sub-schemes which are:  Price Support Scheme(PSS):  Under PSS, the physical procurement of pulses, oilseeds and Copra will be done by Central Nodal Agencies in collaboration with state governments.  The Food Corporation of India(FCI) and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing

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Federation of India(NAFED) will help implement the scheme.

 The Central Government will bear the procurement expenditure and losses due to procurement.

 Price Deficiency Payment Scheme(PDPS):  Under PDPS,it is proposes to cover all the oilseeds for which MSP is notified.  The state will provide direct payment of the difference between the MSP and the selling price to pre-registered farmers selling their produce in the notified market yard.

 The aim of the scheme is to provide compensation to farmers for agriculture products whenever its price falls below the announced Minimum support price(MSP) and thereby protecting them from losses suffered on account of distress sale.

 All payments will be done directly into registered bank accounts of the farmers.There will be no physical procurement of crops.  The scheme has been framed on the lines of Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana, Madhya Pradesh government‘s scheme to protect the interests of oilseed farmers in the state.  Pilot of Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme(PPPS):  Under this scheme, the participation of the private sector in procurement operations will be piloted.  The States have the option to roll out the scheme on a pilot basis in selected districts/APMCs involving private stockists.

Source :- The Hindu

GS PAPER - 03 ECONOMY - money-laundering and its prevention.

FUGITIVE ECONOMIC OFFENDER Context :

 A special court Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) declared diamond businessman Nirav Modi, the key accused in the $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, a fugitive economic offender, on a plea of the Enforcement Directorate.

More in the news :  Nirav Modi was arrested in London in March this year and his extradition process is pending.  In July 2018, the central agency filed an application under the newly-promulgated FEO Act to declare

him a fugitive economic offender.  Nirav modi is the second businessman, after liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya, to be declared a fugitive economic offender under provisions of the Fugitive Economic Offenders (FEO) Act, which came into

existence in August last year.

Fugitive Economic Offender (FEO) :  An FEO is defined by The Fugitive Economic Offenders (FEO) Act, 2018 as  any individual against whom an arrest warrant has been issued against him for any specified offences where the value involved is over Rs 100 crore, and  he has left the country and refuses to return to face prosecution.  The FEO Act aims ―to provide for measures to deter fugitive economic offenders from evading the

process of law in India by staying outside the jurisdiction of Indian courts, to preserve the sanctity of the rule of law in India and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto‖.

Fugitive Economic Offenders Act,2018:  Indian Parliament had passed the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act in 2018.  The act seeks to confiscate properties and assets of economic offenders that evade prosecution by remaining outside the jurisdiction of Indian courts.  The act defines FEO as an individual (a)who has committed offences involving an amount of 100

crore rupees or more and (b)has run away from India to avoid criminal prosecution.

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 A special court has been established under the Prevention of Money laundering Act,2002 to declare

a person as a Fugitive Economic Offender.

 The Special courts can direct the Central government to seize assets of fugitive economic offender

including those that are proceeds of the crime.  Further, the appeals against the orders of the special court will lie before the High Court.

Money laundering:  Money laundering is the process of making large amounts of money generated by criminal activity,

such as drug trafficking or terrorist funding, appear to have come from a legitimate source.  Criminal activities like illegal arms sales, smuggling, drug trafficking and prostitution rings, insider trading, bribery and computer fraud schemes produce large profits.

 Thereby it creates the incentive for money launderer to "legitimize" the ill-gotten gains through money laundering.  The money so generated is called 'dirty money' and money laundering is the process of conversion of 'dirty money', to make it appear as 'legitimate' money.  Some common methods of Money Laundering :  Bulk Cash Smuggling, Cash Intensive Businesses, Trade-based laundering, Shell companies and trusts, Round-tripping, Bank Capture, Gambling, Real Estate, Black Salaries, Fictional Loans, Hawala, False invoicing. legal framework in India to deal with Money Laundering :  In India, the specific legislation dealing with money laundering is the Prevention of Money- Laundering Act((PMLA), 2002

The law was enacted to combat money laundering in India and has three main objectives :

 To prevent and control money laundering.

 To provide for confiscation and seizure of property obtained from laundered money.  To deal with any other issue connected with money-laundering in India.  Under the PMLA Act, the Enforcement Directorate is empowered to conduct a Money Laundering investigation.  The provisions of this act are applicable to all financial institutions like banks, mutual funds, insurance companies, and their financial intermediaries.  The act was amended thrice, first in 2005, then in 2009 and 2012. PMLA(Amendment)

Act, 2012 has enlarged the definition of money laundering by including activities such as concealment, acquisition, possession and use of proceeds of crime as criminal activities.  Apart from the provisions of PMLA, there are other specialised provisions such as

RBI/SEBI/IRDA anti-money laundering regulations.

Source :- Economic Times

GS PAPER - 03 ECONOMY - Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

UN DEVELOPMENT INDEX Context :  India has been ranked 129 out of 189 countries on the 2019 Human Development Index (HDI) — up one slot from the 130th position in 2018 — according to the Human Development Report (HDR) released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Key Highlights of the Report :  Norway, Switzerland and Ireland occupied the top three positions in that order. Germany is placed fourth along with Hong Kong, and Australia secured the fifth rank on the global ranking.

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 Among India‘s neighbours, Sri Lanka (71) and China (85) are higher up the rank scale while Bhutan (134), Bangladesh (135), Myanmar (145), Nepal (147), Pakistan (152) and Afghanistan (170) were ranked lower on the list.  As per the report, South Asia was the fastest-growing region in human development progress witnessing a 46% growth over 1990-2018, followed by East Asia and the Pacific at 43%.  India‘s HDI value increased by 50% (from 0.431 to 0.647), which places it above the average for other South Asian countries (0.642).  In the Gender Inequality Index (GII), neighbours China (39), Sri Lanka (86), Bhutan (99) and Myanmar (106) were placed above India.  The report notes that the world is not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030 as per the UN‘s Sustainable Development Goals.  It forecasts that it may take 202 years to close the gender gap in economic opportunity — one of the three indicators of the GII.

 The report presents a new index indicating how prejudices and social beliefs obstruct gender equality, which shows that only 14% of women and 10% of men worldwide have no gender bias.  The report notes that this indicates a backlash to women‘s empowerment as these biases have shown a

growth especially in areas where more power is involved, including in India.  The report also highlights that new forms of inequalities will manifest in the future through climate change and technological transformation which have the potential to deepen existing social and economic

fault lines. India Specific Findings :  India has been ranked 129 out of 189 countries on the 2019 Human Development Index (HDI) — up one

slot from the 130th position in 2018.  However, for inequality-adjusted HDI (IHDI), India‘s position drops by one position to 130, losing nearly half the progress (.647 to .477) made in the past 30 years. The IHDI indicates percentage loss in HDI due to inequalities.  The report notes that group-based inequalities persist, especially affecting women and girls, and no place in the world has gender equality. In the Gender Inequality Index (GII), India is at 122 out of 162 countries.  Over the years, India‘s HDI rank has improved steadily due to reduction in absolute poverty, along with gains in life expectancy, education, and access to health care.  India, which had shown great success in reducing absolute poverty.  India, between 1990 and 2018, life expectancy at birth increased by 11.6 years, mean years of schooling increased by 3.5 years and expected years of schooling increased by 4.7 years. Per capita incomes rose by over 250 per cent, according to the report.  As the gap in basic standards is narrowing, with an unprecedented number of people escaping poverty, hunger and disease, the necessities to thrive have evolved.

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Human Development Index:  The Human Development Index (HDI) is a statistical tool used to measure a country‘s overall achievement in its social and economic dimensions.  The social and economic dimensions of a country are based on the health of people, their level of

educational attainment and their standard of living.  The HDI measures average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development — life expectancy, education and per capita income.

 HDI measures average achievement of a country in three basic dimensions of human development: 1. A long and healthy life.

2. Access to knowledge. 3. A decent standard of living.

Source :- The Hindu GLOBAL GENDER GAP INDEX 2019 Context :  World Economic Forum(WEF) has released the Global Gender Gap Index Report 2019. Global Gender Gap Index Report 2019 :  Iceland was ranked first as the most appropriate country for women representation followed by Norway, Finland and Sweden.  Apart from that, China ranked 106th, Bangladesh at 50th, Brazil at 92nd, Nepal at 101st, Indonesia at 85th and Sri Lanka at 102nd.  The report highlights that as per the present scenario, workplace inequality will not be erased until the year 2276.  The report also said that it will take 95 years to close the political gender gap as women hold 25.2% of parliamentary seats worldwide.

India Specific Findings :  India has been ranked at 112th in the Global gender gap Index 2019. In 2018,India was on the 108th position.

 India‘s rank has worsened due to widening disparity in terms of women‘s health and survival and economic participation.  India has slipped to 150th place on health and survival, 112th on educational attainment and 149th in

economic participation.  The report has said that there are very few economic opportunities for women in India. It is 34.5% in India, 32.7% in Pakistan, 27.3%in Yemen and 22.7% in Iraq.

 It also highlights that India has a very low (13.8 percent) women representation on company boards.

Global gender gap Index:

 The Global gender gap Index is published annually by the World Economic Forum(WEF) since 2006.  The report ranks 153 countries on their progress towards gender parity in four dimensions namely  Economic Participation and Opportunity,  Educational Attainment  Health and Survival and  Political Empowerment.  In addition, this year‘s report examines gender gap prospects in the professions of the future.

Source :- Business Standard

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ECONOMIC CENSUS Context :  The Seventh Economic Census was launched in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. National Economic Survey:  National Economic Survey is conducted every five years and is very crucial for framing of policies and planning for the government and other organisations.  The process of Economic Census was first held in 1978.  This is the Seventh Census which will provide dis-aggregated information on various operational and structural aspects of all establishments in the country. Source :- PIB

INDIA'S FY20 GROWTH PROJECTION - 4.9% Context :

 Moody‘s Investors Service has lowered its 2019 GDP growth forecast for India to 5.6%. More in the news :  Moody‘s Investors Service has lowered its 2019 GDP growth forecast for India to 5.6% which is lower than the 7.4% growth in 2018.  The agency noted that India‘s economic growth has decelerated since mid-2018, with real GDP growth slipping from nearly 8% to 5% in the second quarter (April-June) of 2019 and further slipping to 4.5% in July-September quarter.  Moody‘s Investors Service expects economic growth to pick up in 2020 and 2021 to 6.6% and 6.7%, respectively, but sees the pace of growth remaining lower than in the past. Reasons for Slowdown :  weakening economic growth were rural financial stress, low job creation and liquidity constraints.  Consumption demand has decreased notably, with slow employment growth weighing on consumption. This has led to a weak demand side in the economy. Concern :

 Moody‘s has stated that the fiscal measures undertaken by the government, such as corporate tax rate cuts, bank recapitalization, infrastructure spending plans, support for the auto sector and others, do not directly address widespread weakness in consumption demand, which has been the chief driver of the

economy. Source :- The Hindu ; Business Standard EASE OF DOING BUSINESS REPORT 2020

Context :  India among top 10 improvers in EODB; India ranks 63rd among 190 countries. World Bank‟s Ease of Doing Business Report 2020:  India ranks 63rd among 190 countries improving by 14 ranks from its rank of 77 in 2019.  India has improved its rank in 7 out of 10 indicators and has moved closer to international best practices.  India is one of the top 10 improvers, the third time in a row, with an improvement of 67 ranks in 3 years. It is also the highest jump by any large country since 2011. Startup India:

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 A total of 21,778 startups are now recognised under the Startup India Initiative, of which 2,912 startups have been recognised since 1st June 2019. Global Innovation Index (GII):

 In the past 4 years, India‘s rank in the GII has improved from 81st rank in 2015 to the present 52nd rank in the GII 2019 report.  India became the first developing country to launch the Global Innovation Index (GII) in association with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Steps taken to promote innovation :  Final Patent (Amendment) Rules, 2019: This amendment to the Patents Rules, 2003 has led to significant simplification of rules, especially for startups and MSMEs.  The Patent (Second Amendment) Rules, 2019: This reduced the fees for small entities/MSMEs for the processing of patent applications under various sections of the Patents Act, 1970. This is expected to incentivise MSMEs to file for more patents. Steps taken to promote export the Department of Commerce has undertaken various measures:  NIRVIK: A new export credit insurance scheme ‗NIRVIK‘ has been introduced. Read more on NIRVIK in PIB dated 16th Sep 2019 under the headline ‗Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) introduces

Nirvik‘.  An online portal for filing applications under ‗Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA)‘ scheme for Specified Agriculture Products has been launched.

 A database has been prepared by the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) for all pending claims, and online access on status of claims has been provided. This will be a critical tool for providing information access to exporters.

 The online ―Origin Management System‖ gives single access point for all exporters, for all Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) and for all agencies.  In order to provide extra support to exports to emerging and challenging markets like Africa, CIS, Latin

America and Asian countries, fresh capital has been infused into the ECGC. Ensuring level playing field for domestic industry and farmers:

 The average number of days taken for the initiation of anti-dumping investigations has come down to 32 days in 2019 as against 259 days in 2016.  The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) for the first time ever initiated 2 cases of bilateral safeguards to protect the domestic industry from injury.

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 There has been a significant drop in the number of days taken to initiate two cases of Global Safeguards. In 2019, the average number of days taken was just 61, as compared to the standard 75 days.  In order to ensure the interests of the Indian industry and farmers in FTAs, India successfully laid out its stand in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Special Economic Zone (Amendment) Bill, 2019  This will enable any entity to set up a unit in SEZs, including Trusts. This will help boost investments and create new export and job opportunities.

 SEZ units allowed to create facilities/amenities like crèche, gymnasium, and cafeteria for their exclusive use as a measure towards ease of doing business. Promoting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)  100% FDI has been allowed under the automatic route for coal mining activities including associated

processing infrastructure.  100% FDI under automatic route has also been allowed in contract manufacturing. National Institute of Design (Amendment) Act, 2019

 The Rajya Sabha has passed the bill conferring ‗Institute of National Importance‘ status to the four new National Institutes of Design (NIDs). This will be introduced in the Lok Sabha. Source :- PIB

GS PAPER - 03 ECONOMY - Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e- governance - applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential

DATA BANK OF FARMERS Context :

 The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers‘ Welfare has constituted a Task Force to develop a comprehensive Farmers‘ Database for better planning, monitoring, strategy formulation and smooth implementation of schemes for the entire country. More in the news :  This Centralised Farmers Database shall be useful for various activities like issuing soil health cards, dissemination of crop advisories to the farmers, precision farming, smart cards for farmers to facilitate e- governance, crop insurance, settlement of compensation claims, grant of agricultural subsidies, community/village resource centres etc. Source :- PIB GS PAPER - 03 ECONOMY - different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints;

AVARTANSHEEL KHETI Context :  Recently, several farmers across the country have started adopting pioneering method of sustainable farming called Avartansheel Kheti. Avartansheel Kheti :  Avartansheel Kheti is based on the philosophy of A Nagraj who was a proponent of harmonious coexistence.  The Avartansheel Kheti which is translated as Periodic proportionate farming involves dividing the land into zones for cereal crops, vegetables, fruiting trees and animal husbandry.

 The farming technique insists that farmers should produce food for themselves first and what remains after consumption should be sold in the market.  This way, the farmer will never put harmful pesticides and fertilisers if they are growing for themselves.

More about the technique :  Under this technique, the land is divided into three parts. Fruits and trees that grow in a forest are grown in one part. This helps earn additional income while the cost of labor to maintain this land is low.

 It also helps the farmer to create natural compost with dried leaves and cow dung which increases the fertility of soil. This eliminates the need of chemical fertilizers. 73

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 The second part of land is used for rear livestock like cows, buffaloes. They can use the milk for their household and the excess can be sold outside.  And the third of the land is used to grow crops for his home. The farmer can grow rice, pulses, vegetables, fruits, spices, oil among others.  Thus, the farmer sustains his home first and after that, he will sell his surplus products in the market not in raw form but after being processed. Source :- Down To Earth

HYDROPONIC FARMING Context :  MSME-DI Nagpur organized 2-day Workshop on Hydroponic and Organic Farming and Fruits and vegetables processing during 16th-17th December, 2019. Hydroponic Farming :  The word Hydroponics means ―Water Related‖ and this technology of farming has become popular and has greater applications in modern farming practices.

 In India, hydroponic farms are omnipresent — found in the arid tracts of Jaipur, landlocked Delhi-NCR, in humid weather conditions of Goa and various places in the southern parts of the country. Hydroponics Farming Process:-

 In Hydroponics Farming, water is enriched with well balanced nutrients which are essential for plants growth and better yield. Water level pH will be maintained within the specific range which results in better growth and produce.

 In this farming, plants take the nutrients from the water and using sun light, they produce the output.  it‘s a soilless farming, one should ensure to replace the basic functions of soil while opting for Hydroponics farming.

 Plant Root System Support: Generally, in Hydroponics system, a medium like sand or grave or plastics are used for supporting the plant root system.  Supply of Nutrients: In the soil based farming system, nutrients are supplied from organi content. where as in Hydroponics farming, fertilizers are added in the water for providing the well balanced. nutrition to the plants.  Supply of Oxygen: In soil based farming, plats use the oxygen from the soil where as in Hydroponics, plants get the oxygen from the water. This is just like providing the oxygen for fish in the tank.  Supply of Water: In soil based farming, plants get the water from the soils to establish the root system in the soil where as in Hydroponics farming, water is directly supplied to the plants. Advantages :  Hydroponics uses all the mineral nutrients provided in the water without any wastage thus it provides the less pollution farming.

 Hydroponics farming requires less water compared to soil based farming.  As we are controlling water pH level and providing essential nutrients in optimized way, faster growth and high yield can be expected in this system.

 Hydroponics system can be automated and managed easily.  Unlike traditional farming methods, Hydroponics farming requires less space.  The product quality will be high in hydroponics farming.

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 This technology can be combined with greenhouse technology to get better results.  The only disadvantage of Hydroponics system is its initial set up cost. However, most of the farmers already getting good results with this system used in greenhouse farming. Source :- PIB GS PAPER - 03 ECONOMY - growth, development and employment.

SIGNIFICANT SLOWDOWN: IMF Context :  The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released its consultations report on India.  IMF has said, India is now in ―the midst of a significant economic slowdown‖ and the government must take ―urgent policy‖ actions to reverse the slide in the growth. Key Highlights :

 The report has said that India‘s rapid economic expansion in recent years has lifted millions of people out of poverty.  India is still doing well in terms of other economic parameters such as Foreign exchange Reserves which

have risen to a record level.  The current account deficit has also narrowed down.  Inflation although witnessing a temporary hike because of vegetable prices has been under control for the

last few years.  Concern :  However in 2019, a combination of factors led to subdued economic growth in India.

 India is now in the midst of a significant economic slowdown. Hence, the report has urged the government to take urgent policy actions to address the current prolonged downturn.  The slowdown is mostly cyclical and not structural.  However, still concerns remain as because of the financial sector issues, the recovery will be not as quick as it is in case of cyclical slowdowns. Key Reasons for growth slowdown:  The current economic slowdown is attributed to abrupt reduction in non-banking financial companies‘ credit expansion and weak income growth especially in rural areas which has been affecting private consumption.  Private investment has also been hindered by financial sector difficulties (including in public sector banks) and insufficient business confidence.

 Further, the implementation issues with important structural reforms such as the nation-wide Goods and Services Tax may also have played a role.

International Monetary Fund :  The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an organization of 189 countries.  It was established in 1945.  The main goal of IMF is to ensure the stability of the international monetary system.  It also seeks to facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic

growth, and reduce poverty around the world.

Source ;- The Hindu

FINANCIAL SYSTEM STABLE DESPITE SLOWDOWN Context :  The Reserve Bank of India has released its biannual Financial Stability Report,2019.

Key Highlights :  The Reserve Bank has said that the country‘s financial system remains stable despite slowing economic growth.

 The aggregate demand has slowed down in the second half of the current financial year ending March 2020 adding to an already slowing economic growth. 75

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 The Global factors such as a delay in Brexit deal, trade tensions, impending recession, oil-market disruptions and geopolitical risks has caused uncertainties leading to a significant deceleration in growth.  The reviving of the twin engines of India‘s economic growth namely private consumption and investment while being vigilant about developments in global financial markets remain a critical challenge for RBI.  The Banks capital adequacy ratio has improved significantly after the recapitalisation of public sector banks(PSBs) by the government.  Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) has tackled the issue of bad loans which had slowed down the performance and growth of private, public-sector banks and even non-banks.  RBI has also taken several policy measures to improve the condition of the financial system such as  introducing a liquidity management regime for NBFCs  improving the banks‘ governance culture

 resolution of stressed assets and  for the development of payment infrastructure.  However, RBI expects the banks gross non-performing asset(GNPA) ratio to increase from 9.3% in

September 2019 to 9.9% by September 2020.  This is primarily due to change in macroeconomic scenario, marginal increase in slippages and the denominator effect of declining credit growth.

 Further, the frauds reported by the banks touched an all time high of around Rs 1.13 lakhs in the FY19.The frauds reported between 2001-18 accounted to 90% of the frauds registered in 2019 alone.

Financial Stability Report:  The Financial Stability Report are bi-annual reports published by the Reserve Bank of India(RBI).  The report is the collective assessment of the Sub-Committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) on risks to financial stability.  It reviews the nature, magnitude and implications of risks that may have a bearing on the macroeconomic environment, financial institutions, markets and infrastructure.

Source :- Economic Times INDIA - THE FOURTH-LARGEST ECONOMY IN 2026

Context :  The UK-based Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) has released a report titled ‗World Economic League Table 2020‘.

More about the Report :  The World Economic League Table is an annual calculation by Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) jointly published by CEBR and Global Construction Perspectives.

 The base data for 2019 is taken from the IMF World Economic Outlook. Key Highlights :  India is expected to overtake Germany to become the fourth-largest economy in 2026 and Japan to become the third largest in 2034.  India is also set to reach a gross domestic product (GDP) of USD 5 trillion by 2026.This is 2 years later than the Indian government‘s target of 2024.  India has decisively overtaken both France and the UK to become the world‘s fifth-largest economy in 2019.  However, the report has also said that the US and China will continue to play a dominant role in the global economy despite the rapid growth of countries like India and Indonesia. Source :- Economic Times

WORLD ECONOMY IS SLOWING DOWN Context :  United Nations Conference on Trade and Development‘s (UNCTAD) has released its 2019 - Handbook of Statistics report.

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 The report provides a wide range of statistics and indicators relevant to the analysis of international trade, investment, maritime transport and development. Key Highlights :  The report has predicted that the World gross domestic product(GDP) is expected to grow by 2.3% which is 0.7% points less as compared to last year.

 Global trade and economic output have stagnated this year after a continued surge till last year  The report predicts that merchandise trade will drop by 2.4 per cent to $19 trillion for 2019-2020. The drop is significant when compared to the growth in the last few years — 9.7 per cent in 2018 and 10.7 per

cent in 2017.  Trade in services is also predicted to slow. It will increase only by 2.7 per cent to $6 trillion, a considerable deceleration from 7.7 per cent in 2018. In 2017, it was 7.9 per cent.

 According to the report,the values of the goods exported exceeds the value of the goods imported especially for developing and transition economies.  At the same time developed economies are on average net importers.

 Further the report says ,over the last few years,the trade surplus of developing countries has also decreased. It was $455 billion in 2014 and has reduced to $335 billion in 2018.

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development‟s (UNCTAD) :  UNCTAD is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964.  It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and part of the UN Secretariat.  Currently, UNCTAD has 195 member states.  It was formed specifically to handle the problems of developing countries dealing with trade, investment and development issues.

Source :- Down To Earth

GS PAPER - 03 ECONOMY - Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation,

environmental impact assessment RENEWABLE ENERGY CERTIFICATES Context :

 The sales of Renewable Energy Certificates(REC) fell around 10% to 5.04 lakh units in December as compared to 5.59 lakh in the same month a year ago. Background :

 The Electricity Act, 2003 and the National Action Plan on Climate Change(NAPCC) provide for a roadmap for increasing the share of renewable in the country.  Central Electricity Regulatory Commission(CERC) had notified the Regulation on Renewable Energy

Certificate(REC) in 2010. Renewable Energy Certificates(REC):  Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) mechanism is a market based instrument to promote renewable

energy and facilitate compliance of renewable purchase obligations(RPO).  It is aimed at addressing the mismatch between availability of RE resources in state and the requirement of the obligated entities to meet the renewable purchase obligation(RPO). Working of REC:  REC are also known as green energy certificates or tradable renewable certificates. They are proof that energy has been generated from renewable sources such as solar or wind power.  Each REC represents the environmental benefits of 1MWh of renewable energy generation. When you purchase RECs, renewable energy is generated on your behalf.  Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) and Power Exchange of India (PXIL) are the two power bourses in the country, which are engaged in trading of RECs and electricity.

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 The mechanism helps states meet their regulatory requirements by overcoming the geographical constraints on the existing renewable potential in different states. Source :- Economic Times

PREPAID PAYMENT INSTRUMENT Context :  RBI launches new prepaid payment instrument for small digital transactions Key Features of prepaid payment instrument (PPI) by RBI :  The prepaid payment instrument(PPI) could be used only for purchase of goods and services up to a limit of Rs.10,000 per month.  PPIs shall be issued by bank and non-bank PPI issuers after obtaining minimum details of the holder.  The amount loaded in such PPIs during any month shall not exceed Rs.10,000 and the total amount loaded during the financial year shall not exceed Rs.1,20,000.  The PPI issuers shall provide an option to close the instrument at any time and also allow to transfer the funds ‗back to source‘ at the time of closure.

Prepaid Payment instrument(PPI):  Prepaid Payment instrument(PPI) are financial instruments that facilitate the purchase of goods and

services against the value stored on such instruments.  These are generally issued in the form of smart cards, mobile wallets, paper vouchers, internet accounts/wallets.  These payment instruments are licensed and regulated by the Reserve Bank of India.

Types of PPI :  Closed system PPI:  Closed system PPI can be used only at specific locations, and cannot be used to transfer funds from one account to another.  The most common example of a closed system PPI is a brand-specific gift card.  Semi-closed PPI:  Semi closed PPIs are not restricted to a single entity. Instead, these can be used for purchase of any kind of goods and services from a merchant, as well as to transfer money to someone.  The examples of semi-closed PPI are e-wallets like Oxigen and Mobikwik.

 Semi-closed PPI:  The open system PPIs can be issued only by banks and can be used at any merchant outlet for any purchase or cash withdrawal.

 A travel card is a type of open system PPI. It can be used for all types of spending and for cash withdrawal from ATMs. Source :- Economic Times

GS PAPER - 03 ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY - Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment OPERATION „CLEAN ART‟ Context :  Recently, Operation Clean Art was conducted in India to ensure that the mongoose hair brush trade be closed down across the country.  Brushes made of mongoose hair are preferred because they are superior and hold colour better. Operation clean Art :  It is the first pan India operation to crackdown on the smuggling of mongoose hair in the country.  There are six species of mongoose found in India and in the raids mostly recovered [in the raids] grey mongoose [hair].

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 Operation Clean Art was conceived by World Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) with the singular aim of ensuring that the mongoose hair brush trade should be closed down across the country.

Wildlife Crime Control Bureau(WCCB):  Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is a statutory multi-disciplinary body established by the Government of India under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, to combat organized wildlife crime in the country. Under Section 38 (Z) of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, it is mandated

1. to collect and collate intelligence related to organized wildlife crime activities 2. to disseminate the same to State and other enforcement agencies for immediate action so as to apprehend the criminals

3. to establish a centralized wildlife crime data bank  coordinate actions by various agencies in connection with the enforcement of the provisions of the Act  assist foreign authorities and international organization concerned to facilitate coordination and universal action for wildlife crime control  capacity building of the wildlife crime enforcement agencies for scientific and professional investigation into wildlife crimes and assist State Governments to ensure success in prosecutions related to wildlife crimes

 advise the Government of India on issues relating to wildlife crimes having national and international ramifications, relevant policy and laws

Mongoose:  Mongooses belongs to the Herpestidae family.  They are commonly found in the open forest, cultivated land and close to human habitation.  There are six species of mongoose found in India- Indian grey mongoose, Small Indian mongoose, Ruddy mongoose, Crab-eating mongoose, Stripe-necked mongoose and Brown mongoose.

 The Indian grey mongoose is the most commonly found species and also the most hunted.  The mongoose are listed in Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 making its hunting, possession, transportation and trade a punishable offence.

 They are listed as Least Concern in the International Union for Conservation of Nature‘s (IUCN) Red List. Source :- The Hindu

TIPESHWAR TIGER RESEVE TO DNYANGANGA SANCTUARY

Context :  Recently a tiger travelled 1300 km distance between Maharashtra and Telangana passing through Dnyanganga Wildlife Sanctuary and Tipeshwar Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra.

Dnyanganga Wildlife Sanctuary :  The Dnyanganga Sanctuary is situated in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra.  It is a part of the Melghat Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra.

 It is located near the Dnyanganga River which is a tributary of the Tapti River.

Tipeshwar Tiger Reserve :  It is located in Yawatmal district of Maharashtra.  The rivers such as Purna, Krishna, Bhima, and Tapti flow through the sanctuary.

 Due to the presence of a sufficient quantity of water, it is also popularly known as Green Oasis of Maharashtra.

Source :- Indian Express

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TIGER CORRIDORS IN COUNTRY

Context :

 Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister has said that the tiger population has increased by 750

in the last four years to 2,976.  Earlier, the count was 2,226.  The National Tiger Conservation Authority in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India has

published a document titled ―Connecting Tiger Populations for Long-term Conservation”. Connecting Tiger Populations for Long-term Conservation - document :  It mapped out 32 major corridors across the country, management interventions for which are

operationalised through a Tiger Conservation Plan, mandated under section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The list of macro/landscape level tiger corridors are as under:

Sl. No. Landscape Corridor States/ Country

1. Shivalik Hills & (i) Rajaji-Corbett Uttarakhand Gangetic Plains (ii) Corbett-Dudhwa Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh,

Nepal (iii) Dudhwa-Kishanpur-Katerniaghat Uttar Pradesh, Nepal

2. Central India & (i) Ranthambhore-Kuno-Madhav Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan Eastern Ghats (ii) Bandhavgarh-Achanakmar Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh

(iii) Bandhavgarh-Sanjay Dubri-Guru Madhya Pradesh Ghasidas (iv) Guru Ghasidas-Palamau-Lawalong Chhattisgarh & Jharkhand (v) Kanha-Achanakmar Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh

(vi) Kanha-Pench Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra (vii) Pench-Satpura-Melghat Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra

(viii) Kanha-Navegaon Nagzira-Tadoba- Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Indravati Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh

(ix) Indravati-Udanti Sitanadi-Sunabeda Chhattisgarh, Odisha

(x) Similipal-Satkosia Odisha (xi) Nagarjunasagar-Sri Venkateshwara Andhra Pradesh

National Park 3. Western Ghats (i) Sahyadri-Radhanagari-Goa Maharashtra, Goa

(ii) Dandeli Anshi-Shravathi Valley Karnataka (iii) Kudremukh-Bhadra Karnataka

(iv) Nagarahole-Pusphagiri-Talakavery Karnataka (v) Nagarahole-Bandipur-Mudumalai- Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu Wayanad (vi) Nagarahole-Mudumalai-Wayanad Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu

(vii) Parambikulam-Eranikulam-Indira Kerala, Tamil Nadu Gandhi (viii) Kalakad Mundanthurai-Periyar Kerala, Tamil Nadu 4. North East (i) Kaziranga-Itanagar WLS Assam, Arunachal Pradesh

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(ii) Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Assam (iii) Kaziranga-Nameri Assam

(iv) Kaziranga-Orang Assam

(v) Kaziranga-Papum Pane Assam

(vi) Manas-Buxa Assam, West Bengal, Bhutan (vii) Pakke-Nameri-Sonai Rupai-Manas Arunachal Pradesh, Assam (viii) Dibru Saikhowa-D‘Ering-Mehaong Assam, Arunachal Pradesh

(ix) Kamlang-Kane-Tale Valley Arunachal Pradesh (x) Buxa-Jaldapara West Bengal

3 pronged strategy to manage human-tiger negative interactions :  Material and logistical support:  Funding support through the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger, is provided

to tiger reserves for acquiring capacity in terms of infrastructure and material, to deal with tigers dispersing out of source areas.  Restricting habitat interventions:

 habitat interventions should be limited so that there is no excessive spill over of wildlife including tigers thereby minimizing man-animal conflict.  Further, in buffer areas around tiger reserves, habitat interventions are restricted such that they are sub-optimal vis-à-vis the core/critical tiger habitat areas, judicious enough to facilitate dispersal to other rich habitat areas only.  Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs):  To deal with emergency arising due to straying of tigers in human dominated landscapes  To deal with tiger depredation on livestock  For active management towards rehabilitation of tigers from source areas at the landscape level. Source :- PIB

MINOR FOREST PRODUCE (MFP) Context :

 Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs has informed Lok Sabha about the Minor Forest Produce(MFP). Minor Forest Produce(MFP) :

 Minor Forest Produce(MFP) is a subset of forest produce.The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act,2006 defines minor forest produce as all non-timber forest produce of plant origin.  These include bamboo, brushwood, stumps, canes, cocoon, honey, waxes, Lac, tendu leaves, medicinal plants and herbs, roots among others. MSP for Minor Forest Produce :  The Minimum Support Price(MSP) for MFP scheme was started by the Government of India in 2013 to ensure fair and remunerative prices to MFP gatherers.  It is a Central Sector scheme.  Objective :  To provide a fair price to the MFP gatherers for the produce collected by them and enhance their income level  To ensure sustainable harvesting of MFPs.  The Scheme will have a huge social dividend for MFP gatherers, majority of whom are tribals.

Implementation :  Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India is the Nodal Ministry for implementation of the scheme. 81

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 TRIFED acts as the Central Nodal Agency for implementation and monitoring of the scheme through State level implementing agencies.  Further, the State designated agencies will undertake procurement of notified MFPs directly from MFP gatherers at haats notified procurement centers at grass root level at prefixed Minimum Support Price.

TRIFED:  Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) was established in 1987.  It functions under the administrative control of Ministry of Tribal affairs.  The basic objective of the TRIFED is to provide good price to the products made or collected from the forest by the tribal people.

Source :- PIB STUBBLE BURNING Context :  The pollution from stubble burning in winter is a major factor for the sharp decline in air quality in Delhi. To overcome this issue, India is testing Swedish technology — torrefaction that can convert rice stubble into ‗bio-coal‘. Torrefaction Technology :

 It is a thermal process used to produce high-grade solid biofuels from various streams of woody biomass or agro residues.  The end product is a stable, homogeneous, high quality solid biofuel with far greater energy density and

calorific value than the original feedstock, providing significant benefits in logistics, handling and storage, as well as opening up a wide range of potential uses. Working :

 Biomass torrefaction involves heating the biomass to temperatures between 250 and 300 degrees Celsius in a low-oxygen atmosphere.  When biomass is heated at such temperatures, the moisture evaporates and various low-calorific

components (volatiles) contained in the biomass are driven out.  During this process the hemi-cellulose in the biomass decomposes, which transforms the biomass from a fibrous low quality fuel into a product with excellent fuel characteristics. Advantage :  The project has a capacity of converting 150-200 kilograms of paddy straw to bio-coal every hour and reduce CO2 emissions by 95%.  Torrefied biomass is more brittle, making grinding easier and less energy-intensive.  Compared to fresh biomass, storage of the torrefied material can be substantially simplified since biological degradation and water uptake is minimized.  The torrefied pellets are ideal for coal replacement because it has lower shipping and transport costs, lower sulfur and ash content (compared with coal), etc. Source :- The Hindu

CLIMATE EMERGENCY COP 25 Context :  World Meteorological Organization‘s (WMO) released provisional State of Global Climate Report 2019

at the Conference of Parties 25 (CoP 25) in Madrid on December 3, 2019.  The final Statement on the State of the Climate with complete 2019 data will be published in March 2020.

Key Highlights :  The global average temperature in 2019 (January to October) was about 1.1 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial period. 2019 is expected to be the second or third warmest year on record. 2016 remains the warmest year.

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 Concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere hit a record level of 407.8 parts per million in 2018 and continued to rise in 2019.  In October 2019, the global mean sea level reached its highest value since the beginning of the high- precision altimetry record (January 1993).  This is because of the melting of ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica. Source :- Down To Earth PLATFORM LINKING OCEANS AND CLIMATE Context :

 At the 25th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP25), Platform of Science-based Ocean Solutions has been launched Platform of Science-based Ocean Solutions :

 It aims to enhance the sharing of knowledge created by various actors in the ocean and climate community to advance ocean-climate action. Objective :

 To encourage the incorporation of the ocean in climate strategies (NDCs, NAPs, Adaptation Communications, and National Policy Frameworks).  To facilitate access to key resources and solutions for the ocean,

 To highlight the importance of the IPCC Special Report on Oceans and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (SROCC) and its main findings, as the best available science for the planning and implementation of national policies  To involve and engage a large number of actors in ocean-climate action: academia, the public sector, the private sector and the civil society More in the news :  IPCC Special Report on Oceans and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (SROCC): was released in September 2019.  The global ocean has absorbed more than 90% of the excess heat in the climate system.  It has also absorbed 20-30% of total human-caused carbon dioxide emissions since the 1980s, causing increasing surface acidification.

 Since 1993, the rate of ocean warming has more than doubled. It has resulted in marine heatwaves doubling in frequency since 1982 and increasing in intensity.  It is very likely that between 84–90 % of marine heatwaves that occurred between 2006 and

2015 are attributable to the anthropogenic temperature increase. Source :- Down To Earth

CARBON MARKETS

Context :  ‗Carbon Markets‘ has become a contentious issue at the Conference of Parties 25 (CoP 25), being held in Madrid (Spain) from 2nd-13th December, 2019.  Carbon markets, which allow for buying and selling of carbon emissions with the objective of reducing global emissions, is an unfinished agenda from last year‘s meeting in Katowice, Poland. Carbon Market :  Carbon markets also existed under the Kyoto Protocol, which is being replaced by the Paris Agreement in 2020.  The market mechanisms being proposed under the Paris Agreement are conceptually not very different, but are supposed to have more effective checks and balances, and monitoring and verification processes.  Article 6 of the Paris Agreement established the Sustainable Development Mechanism (SDM) as a new carbon market instrument for the period after 2020.  It aims to deliver an overall mitigation in global emissions. It seeks to achieve the twin objectives of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees, and the Sustainable Development Goals laid out in the UN 2030

Agenda.

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 The provisions relating to setting up a new carbon market are described in Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.  Article 6.2 enables bilateral arrangements for the transfer of emissions reductions while ensuring that they do not double-count the reductions.  Article 6.4 talks about a wider carbon market in which reductions can be bought and sold by

anyone.  Article 6.8 provides for making ‗non-market approaches‘ available to countries to achieve targets. Contentious :The main tussle is over two or three broad issue

 Developing countries have several million unsold CERs (certified emission reductions), each referring to one tonne of carbon dioxide-equivalent emission reduced, from the Kyoto regime.  Under the Kyoto Protocol, only developed countries had the obligation to reduce emissions.

 In the initial phase, some of these were interested in buying CERs from projects in India or China, which were not obliged to make reductions.  In the last few years, several countries walked out of the Kyoto Protocol, and those that remained did not feel compelled to fulfil their targets.  The second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol (2012-20) never came into force.  As the demand for CERs crashed, countries like India were left with projects generating CERs with no one to buy them.  The new mechanism envisages carbon credits as commodities that can be traded multiple times among countries or private parties. It is important to ensure that in this process, credits are not counted at more than one place; whoever sells carbon credits should not simultaneously count these as emissions it has reduced. Source :- Indian Express NO DEAL IN MADRID Context :

 The 25th Conference of Parties (CoP 25) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Madrid, the longest in history, ended in deadlock and disappointment over most of the contentious issues.

More in the news :  COP 25 ended without any outcome on the creation of a system of credits for reduction of emissions for the second year in a row.

 Earlier, COP24 at Katowice (Poland) 2019 also couldn‘t decide on issues like the creation of new carbon markets, emission reduction targets, etc.  This was the longest climate COP meeting ever in 25 nearly annual editions. Key Highlights of the CoP 25 :  The summit passed the declaration calling on countries to improve their current pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  It also endorsed to help poor countries that are suffering the effects of climate change, although any new funds were not allocated for the purpose.  It called on the ―urgent need‖ to cut planet-heating greenhouse gases in line with the goals of the 2015 Paris climate change accord.  The Paris Accord established the common goal of avoiding a temperature increase of more than 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century.  So far, the world is on course for a 3 to 4 degree Celsius rise, with potentially dramatic consequences for many countries, including rising sea levels and fiercer storms.

Concern :  The Summit couldn‘t reach a final agreement on Carbon markets.  Carbon markets allow for buying and selling of carbon emissions with the objective of reducing

global emissions.  On the definition and composition of Climate finances. 84

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 Climate finances refer to local, national or transnational financing—drawn from public, private and alternative sources of financing to support mitigation and adaptation actions that will address climate change.  The voluntary commitments to be made by nations towards emission reductions.  The key polluting countries responsible for 80% of the world‘s emissions did not make any

substantial announcement while smaller countries announced their targets to reduce emissions in the coming years.  It backtracks on a principle of the 1992 convention of the Earth Summit (Rio de Janeiro,

Brazil) that states that rich countries have the biggest historical responsibility for emissions and should pay to help the poor to fix the problem. Way Forward :

 The next Climate Summit will be held in Glasgow (Scotland) in 2020 which will decide about the liability for damages caused by rising temperatures. Source :- The Hindu ; Down To Earth

ASIAN ELEPHANT SPECIALIST GROUP Context :  The International Union for Conservation of Nature‘s (IUCN) 10th Asian Elephant Specialist Group

(AsESG) Meeting has started at Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia. Key Issues Discussed :  National action plans for elephant conservation by Asian elephant range states

 Best practices in managing human-elephant conflict  Mechanisms to involve group members in monitoring the illegal killing of elephants  Issues related to captive elephant welfare and sharing and learning from the African experience.

 Emerging challenges to elephant conservation such as electrocution as well as solutions to deal with conflict such as early warning systems and mobile technologies.

Asian Elephant Specialist Group(AsESG):  The IUCN AsESG is a global network of specialists concerned with the study, monitoring, management, and conservation of Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus).  The overall aim of the AsESG is to promote the long-term conservation of Asia‘s elephants and, where possible, the recovery of their populations to viable levels.

 The AsESG acts as the Red List Authority for the Asian Elephant, carrying out Red List assessments for inclusion in the IUCN Red List  Group members have also helped in the development of the Convention on International Trade in

Endangered Species (CITES) system for Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) and The Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS). Membership :  There are currently over 110 volunteer members from 18 countries led by the Chair Vivek Menon from India.  All AsESG members are actively involved in some aspect of elephant conservation and/or management.  Apart from the members, the Group also has Ex-officio officials from all Range States nominated

by the Ministry looking after elephant conservation in the country.  Membership is reviewed and reappointed approximately every four years.

Source :- Down To Earth

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OCEAN DEOXYGENATION Context :  International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has released a report titled ―Ocean deoxygenation: Everyone‘s problem‖. It reports the scale and nature of the changes being driven by ocean deoxygenation Key Highlights :  According to the findings of the study, the levels of oxygen in oceans fell by around 2 per cent from 1960 to 2010.  The deoxygenation of the oceans occurred due to climate change and other human activities (such as the nutrient runoff from farm fertilizers into waterways). what can deoxygenation do to oceans?  Reduction in the habitat available for pelagic, mesopelagic, and benthic organisms.

 Reduction in the abundance of fish population  Expansion of the volume of anoxic zones (Waters with totally depleted oxygen levels) since 1960  Alteration in the balance of marine life by favouring low-oxygen tolerant species (e.g. microbes, jellyfish

and some squid) Measures to be taken :  Reducing nutrient and carbon loads to coastal waters

 Reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions through commitments in four areas- policy, technology, finance and patterns of consumption  Adaptation in the face of oxygen decline: This should be done through ecosystem-based management of

fisheries, spatial planning enhance ecosystem resilience, actions that reduce local stress on ecosystems etc.

IUCN :  It is an international organization working in the field of nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.  It was established in 1948 and is headquartered in Gland, Switzerland.  IUCN has an observer and consultative status at the United Nations.  It is best known for compiling and publishing the IUCN Red List, which assesses the conservation status of species worldwide. Source :- Indian Express TYRE PYROLYSIS

Context :  The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has pulled up 270 tyre pyrolysis units in 19 States for employing technology that is polluting and harmful to the health of workers employed. Tyre Pyrolysis :  Tyre pyrolysis refers to a technique of breaking down used tyres in the absence of oxygen.  Shredded tyres, at temperatures between 250º C and 500º C, produce liquid oil and gases.

 While this is considered a safer technique than burning tyres, pyrolysis leaves fine carbon matter, pyro- gas, oil as residue and the inadequate management of these by-products poses health risks.  The National Green Tribunal in 2014 prohibited used tyres from being burnt in the open or being used as fuel in brick kilns, because of the toxic emissions.

National Green Tribunal (NGT ) :  The NGT was established in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010, passed by the Central Government.

 The stated objective of the Central Government was to provide a specialized forum for effective

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and speedy disposal of cases pertaining to environment protection, conservation of forests and for

seeking compensation for damages caused to people or property due to violation of environmental

laws or conditions specified while granting permissions.

Principles of Justice adopted by NGT:

 The NGT is not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by principles of natural justice.  NGT is also not bound by the rules of evidence as enshrined in the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.

Thus, it will be relatively easier for conservation groups to present facts and issues before the NGT, including pointing out technical flaws in a project, or proposing alternatives that could minimize environmental damage but which have not been considered.  While passing Orders/decisions/awards, the NGT will apply the principles of sustainable development, the precautionary principle and the polluter pays principles.

Legal jurisdiction of NGT:

 The NGT has the power to hear all civil cases relating to environmental issues and questions that are linked to the implementation of laws listed in Schedule I of the NGT Act. These include the following: 1. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; 2. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977; (yes, cess act) 3. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980; 4. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981; 5. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; (aka EPA) 6. The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991; (good option to confuse) 7. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002.  The NGT has not been vested with powers to hear any matter relating to the Wildlife (Protection)

Act, 1972, the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and various laws enacted by States relating to forests, tree preservation etc. Therefore, specific and substantial issues related to these laws cannot be raised before the NGT.

 Review and Appeal:  Orders can be appealed to the Supreme Court within 90 days.

Source :- The Hindu GREEN GOOD DEEDS Context :  Green Good Deeds initiative to promote environmental awareness and to mobilize people‘s participation for conservation of the environment. Green Good Deeds :  The Green Good Deeds was launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.

 It has been launched to protect the environment and promote good living in the country.  The initiative is about simple, practical steps that students/teachers/citizens can perform in their day-today life towards protection of the environment.

 The idea behind this initiative is to sensitise people and students, in particular about climate change and global warming.  The Ministry has drawn up a list of over 500 green good deeds and asked people to fulfil their green

social responsibility. Source :- PIB

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HEAVY METALS IN INDIA‟S RIVERS Context :  A study conducted by Central Water Commission (CWC) from May 2014 to April 2018 revealed that India‘s major river systems are contaminated with heavy metals, exceeding safe limits set by the Bureau of Indian Standards.. Key Highlights :

 Samples from only one-third of water quality stations were safe.  The rest, or 287 (65%) of the 442 sampled, were polluted by heavy metals.  Samples from 101 stations had contamination by two metals, six stations saw contamination by three metals.  Iron emerged as the most common contaminant with 156 of the sampled sites registering levels of the metal above safe limits. None of the sites registered arsenic levels above the safe limit.  The other major contaminants found in the samples were lead, nickel, chromium, cadmium and copper.  The study spanned 67 rivers in 20 river basins.  Lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium and copper contamination were more common in non-monsoon periods while iron, lead, chromium and copper exceeded ‗tolerance limits‘ in monsoon periods most of the time.  Arsenic and zinc are the two toxic metals whose concentration was always obtained within the limits throughout the study period. Main sources of heavy metal pollution:  Mining, milling, plating and surface finishing industries that discharge a variety of toxic metals.  The population growth and rise in agricultural and industrial activities are also responsible for contamination of surface water. Issue :  Not all rivers were equally sampled. Several rivers have only been sampled at a single site whereas others

such as the Ganga, the Yamuna and the Godavari were sampled at multiple sites. Marked variation was found in contamination levels depending on the season.  Samples were collected in three different seasons: pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon.

 The presence of metals in drinking water is to some extent unavoidable and certain metals, in trace amounts, are required for good health. However, when present above safe limits, they are associated with a range of disorders.

 Long-term exposure to such heavy metals may result in slowly progressing physical, muscular, and neurological degenerative processes that mimic Alzheimer‘s disease, Parkinson‘s disease, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis. Source :- The Hindu SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CELL Context :  The Ministry of Coal has decided to establish a „Sustainable Development Cell‟ for environmental mitigation measures. Key Reason for establishment of Sustainable Development Cell :  To address environmental concerns during the decommissioning or closure of mines.

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 This move gains significance as new private entities are now going to form a significant part of the future and a set of guidelines for proper rehabilitation of mines need to be evolved in tune with the global best practices. Role of Sustainable Development Cell:  The SDC will advise, mentor, plan and monitor the mitigation measures taken by the coal companies for maximising the utilisation of available resources in a sustainable way, minimising the adverse impact of mining and mitigating it for further ecosystem services.  It will act as a nodal point at the Ministry of Coal level in this matter.

 This cell will also formulate the future policy framework for the environmental mitigation measures including the Mine Closure Fund. Tasks of the SDC:

a. Land amelioration and afforestation: In India, approximately 2,550 sq. km of area is under different coal mines and there are also plans to bring more areas under it. These land masses require both extensive and intensive amelioration measures.

b. Air quality, emission and noise management:  To advice coal companies for effective implementation of environmental mitigation measures (water sprinkling, dust suppression methods, noise barriers, etc.) related to air and noise pollution generated due to mine activities, heavy earth moving machines (HEMMs), transport of coal, etc.  It will also work towards energy efficiency in the mining operation, noise and emission reduction in the case of HEMMs.  Analysis of Environment Management Plans (EMP) of different companies and advising coal companies to make them more effective.

c. Mine water management: The plan will suggest ways and also have innovative planning for storage, treatment and re-use of such water for drinking, irrigation, fisheries, tourism, industrial or any other sustainable purpose.

d. Sustainable overburden management:  The cell will also check feasibility and suggest measures for the reuse, recycling and rehabilitation of over-burdened dumps in a sustainable manner.  The SDC will also examine and plan out use of overburdened material for use in different infrastructure projects, earthen bunds, etc. e. Sustainable mine tourism: To explore and conceptualise a plan for the beautification & creation of eco- parks in the reclaimed areas (which will also include water bodies) for recreation activities and tourism purposes. It will also explore tourism potential and plan it out in a few underground mines. f. Planning and monitoring: To conduct analysis of mine closure activities, help coal companies finalise a time-frame for mine closure and formulate guidelines for the same. g. Policy, research, education, and dissemination:

 Hiring experts/institutions/organisations to conduct specific studies for establishing a robust knowledge base.  Organising consultative meetings, workshops, field visits, exposure study tours, etc. to enrich the

knowledge base, identify the best global ideas for environmental mitigation planning and monitoring.  Conducting regular workshops and seminars for company level officials to educate them in new methods, technologies, approaches and also global practices. Source :- PIB NATIONAL CENTRE FOR SUSTAINABLE COASTAL MANAGEMENT Context :  Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has informed Lok Sabha about the National Centre

for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM).

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National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) :  The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) is a research institute under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).  The institute undertakes studies and research in the area of Coastal Zone Management including coastal resources and environment.  The NCSCM is also providing scientific and technical inputs to the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan. Objective :

 Strive for being a World Class Knowledge Institution related to coastal zones, environment, resources and processes,  To promote integrated and sustainable management of the coastal and marine areas in India for the

benefit and wellbeing of the traditional coastal and island communities, and  Advise the Union and State Governments and other associated stakeholder(s) on policy, and scientific matters related to Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM).

Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) :  Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan(ICZM) is a World Bank supported project.  The plan aims to build a national capacity for implementation of comprehensive coastal management approach in the country in an attempt to achieve sustainability.

 The concept was born in 1992 during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.  The specifics regarding ICZM is set out in the proceedings of the summit within Agenda 21.

Source :- PIB GANGA COUNCIL OF NAMAMI GANGE

Context :  Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the first meeting of the National Ganga Council on 14th December in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga (National Ganga Council):  It has been established as an Authority under National Council for River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Act, 2016. Composition :  It comprises the chief ministers of 5 states along the Ganga — Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Bihar and Jharkhand. Other members include nine Union ministers and the NITI Aayog vice-chairman.  Prime minister of India is the chairperson of the Council. Source :- The Hindu

MAHANADI BIRD POPULATION Context :  A recent study on the impact of super cyclonic storm Fani finds that extreme weather events like cyclones

can have severe impacts on bird populations of a region. Key Findings :  The population of sandbar-nesting birds along a 40-km stretch from Baideshwar to Kakhadi along the

Mahanadi river declined by 81%.  The study also found that the population of the birds a day before the cyclone was about 800, which dropped to 153 a day after the cyclone.

 The highest decline was observed in the case of Glareola lactea (little pratincole) whose population dropped from over 500 to 50 before and after the cyclone.  It also studied the following species of Mahanadi River Delta:

 Rynchops albicollis (Indian skimmer): IUCN (Vulnerable-VU)  Sterna aurantia (river tern): IUCN (Near Threatened-NT)  Vanellus duvaucelii (river lapwing): IUCN (Near Threatened-NT)

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 Esacus Recurvirostra (great thick-knee): IUCN (Near Threatened-NT)

Glareola lactea(little pratincole):

 The little pratincole or small Indian pratincole (Glareola lactea) is a small wader bird in the pratincole family, Glareolidae.  The bird is found in India, Western Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and

Thailand.  It breeds from December to March on gravel or sand banks near rivers and lakes laying 2-4 eggs in a ground scrape.  The bird is listed as Least Concern(LC) under the IUCN Red list.

Source :- The Hindu POLLUTION FIGHT

Context :  The Supreme Court has directed to form a High Level Committee (HLC) and look into the feasibility of technologies to control and monitor pollution.

Background :  On November 25, the Supreme Court had directed to form the HLC and look into the feasibility of these technologies to control and monitor pollution.  The HLC has members from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), NEERI, professors from IIT-Delhi, IIT-Kanpur and heads of environmental departments of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. Recommendations of the high-level committee - To combat Air pollution :  Painting roads with photocatalytic coating to clean air:  It can be applied on a range of surfaces, such as roofing tiles or even on the surface of roads.  Photocatalytic paints contain titanium dioxide [TiO2] which acts as a catalyst when exposed to UV rays and removes atmospheric pollutants.

 The catalyst converts the pollutants into other species.  Issues: The nano materials may result in production of other undesirable species such as nitrous acid and formaldehyde which will have adverse health impacts.

 Using anti-smog guns at construction sites to reduce dust pollution.  Anti-smog gun is a device that sprays nebulised water droplets into the air through high pressure propellers, which help particles to settle down.

 It may be effective in controlling localised dust during the period of application and more suitable to high dust emission zones such as large construction sites  Setting up of a 20 metre-high „smog tower‟ with air purifiers.  65% reduction in pollution can be achieved on an average up to 700 metres from the tower.  It is expected to influence air quality of more than 1 km in the downwind direction, according to officials.  Issues: Smog towers, as per the current knowledge and experience, may not provide a viable solution to improve air quality on a large scale.  Using of wireless sensors Network (WSN) for monitoring pollution.  WSN may be used as an indicative monitoring tool for a few activities like mining, large construction sites, to supplement air quality data and report to regulator for conducting further

investigation.  Oxy furnace  Oxy furnace uses only oxygen as fuel instead of atmospheric air (which contains nitrogen), thus

reducing the production of NOx by about 90% in industries.  Issues: NOx is mostly released in urban centres from vehicles and not industries.

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 LiDAR or Light Detection and Ranging:  It is a high-end application of LASER-based technology for monitoring pollution.  This technology may be adopted for vertical monitoring at a few places to track transport of pollutants at higher altitudes. Source :- The Hindu

GLOBAL ALLIANCE ON HEALTH AND POLLUTION Context :  Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) 2019 has released Pollution and Health Metrics: Global,

Regional and Country Analysis. Key Highlights :

 In 2017, pollution was responsible for 15% of all deaths globally, and 275 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years.

 India saw the most pollution deaths — about 2.3 million — a new report has found.  The top 10 countries with the most pollution deaths include both the world‘s largest and wealthiest nations, and some of its poorer ones.

 India is followed by China in the number of pollution deaths, with about 1.8 million. The United States makes the top 10 list with 1,97,000 pollution-related deaths, while ranking 132nd in the number of deaths per 100,000 people.

 The report includes three lists on pollution-induced deaths. India is the only country that features in the top 10 in all three lists (right).  South Asian region (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan) accounted for over 1.5 million deaths.

Source :- Indian Express RHINOS RE-INTRODUCTION Context :  The Uttarakhand State Wildlife Board has cleared a proposal by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) to introduce rhinoceroses in the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) to boost tourism and revive the habits of species that survive on low-height grass.  Around 10 rhinos will be brought in CTR in the first phase and subsequently, 10 more would be added.

Reason for Translocation :  This has been done to boost tourism and revive the habitats of species that survive on low-height grass.  Rhinos reduce the size of elephant grass by eating it which would encourage species thriving on lower-

height grass like- Hog Deer, Cheetal, Sambar and Swamp Deer.  Geographical terrain and environmental conditions in CTR are suitable for rhinos.  Valley habitats bounded on either side by the lower Himalayas (north), Shivalik Hills (south) and

the Ramganga Reservoir (east) are the ideal sites. They would act as natural barriers to rhino movement and will minimise man-animal conflict.  Re-introduction into habitats in the historic range would create safety-net populations for the species and

also restore their ecological role in these faunally-degraded habitats.  Rhinos are poached because their horns are considered an aphrodisiac.

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Jim Corbett National Park :

 Jim Corbet National Park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park- the first national

park in India.

 It is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand.  The park was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1973- the first to come under the Project Tiger initiative.

Source :- Indian express CARBON DOTS Context :  Researchers from Assam have used the commonly found invasive plant water hyacinth to produce carbon dots. More in the news :  Researchers from Assam have used the invasive plant water hyacinth to produce carbon nanoparticles.  These extremely tiny (less than 10 nanometres) particles can be used for detecting herbicide pollution.  Researchers are also exploring if its fibre can be used to make furniture. Water Hyacinth:  Water hyacinth is a free-floating perennial aquatic plant (or hydrophyte) native to tropical and subtropical South America.  They are considered as Invasive alien species.  The one plant of water Hyacinth is capable of duplicating itself every nine days. Hence, it has spread rapidly to other parts of the world.India has also been infested by this weed.  States like Assam and Kerala are highly affected by the Water Hyacinth. It is also referred to as the Bengal terror given its effect on the local ecology and lives of the people.  It has an effect on irrigation, hydroelectric generation and navigation. It also leads to a drastic reduction in fish production, aquatic crops and an increase in diseases caused by mosquitoes. Carbon dots:  Carbon dots are carbon-based nanomaterials whose size is less than 10 nm or nanometre.  Carbon dots exhibit a wide range of physicochemical properties making them an ideal platform for

several important environmental, biological, and energy-related applications.  They have been employed in emerging applications including antibacterial agents, self-healing materials, and mass spectrometry.

Working Principle :  The carbon dots gives a green fluorescence under UltraViolet (UV) light, due to the presence of oxygen functional groups on the surface of the dot.

 The fluorescence intensity of carbon dot increases in the presence of the herbicide.  The electron transfer between the dot and the herbicide enables the fluorescence enhancement.

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 The carbon dot is extremely sensitive to pretilachlor and could detect even very small quantity of it. Significance :  The detection of herbicides through carbon dots is a commercially viable option compared to the currently available sensors in the market as the raw material i.e. water hyacinth is readily available.

 It will help to convert waste material like the water hyacinth to produce useful technology. Source :- The Hindu LOCUST INVASION

Context :  Farmlands in the International border region of Gujarat are under threat from locusts invasion or the hoppers (new-born locusts) invasion.

Locust:  Locusts are certain species of short-horned grasshoppers that have a swarming phase. They belong to the family Acrididae.  Swarming refers to a collective behaviour in which locusts aggregate together just like flocks of

birds.  Locusts differ from grasshoppers in that they have the ability to change their behaviour and habits and can migrate over large distances.

Massive Locust Invasion :  Locusts are flying in from Pakistan‘s Sindh province and spreading in villages in Rajasthan and Gujarat where south western monsoon had prolonged this time.  Originally, the locusts emerged in February this year from Sudan and Eritrea in Africa's Red Sea Coast.  They travelled through Saudi Arabia and Iran to enter Pakistan, where they invaded the Sindh province and from there they moved into Rajasthan and Gujarat. Impact :  It causes significant damage to agriculture.  Wherever locusts settle on a field, they destroy everything including the vegetation.  Massive attack jeopardizes food security and livelihood of the farmers in the region.  Among the affected crops: Groundnut, castor and cotton were main kharif crops while mustard, cumin and wheat are major Rabi crops. Issues with the Control method of Locust Invasion:  The insects fly in during the day and settle on the farms at night. Thus making it difficult to ward off the swarms.  The farmers are using age old techniques like beating drums and vessels to scare the locusts away without much success.  Fearful villagers use DJs, thali-belan, drums as a weapon to fight the insect.

 The State administration didn‘t take any measure despite an alert from the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of a massive locust attack in South Asia covering Pakistan and India.  Preventive measures were not taken despite the Locust Warning Organization (LWO) in Jodhpur had noticed the swarms and predicted their trajectory across the international border.

 Farmers feel that the government‘s efforts and assurance are too little and too late.  The FAO observes that an average swarm will destroy crops that could feed 2,500 people for a year. Measures taken by India:

 India has a Locust Control and Research scheme that is being implemented through the Locust Warning Organisation(LWO) which was established in 1939.  It was amalgamated in 1946 with the Directorate of Plant Protection Quarantine and Storage (PPQS) of

the Ministry of Agriculture.

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 The main objective of Locust Warning Organisation(LWO) is protection of standing crops and other green vegetation from the ravages of Desert locust which is one of the most dangerous pests occurring in desert areas throughout the world. Source :- The Hindu TIBETAN GAZELLES

Context :  Recently, the Tibetan gazelles has been in the news for its declining population since the last decade. Tibetan gazelles:

 Tibetan gazelles are also known as goa (Procapra picticaudata).They are a species of antelope that inhabits the Tibetan plateau.  The Tibetan gazelles are endemic to the Tibetan plateau and given its wide distribution across Tibet,

Ladakh and parts of Sikkim.  They are listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN red list.  Tibetan gazelles fur lacks an undercoat. It consists of long guard hairs only and is notably thicker in winter. Threats :  According to recent assessments, the population of Tibetan Gazelles is on the decline since the last decade.  Hunting and intensified livestock grazing are the primary causes of the decline of the Tibetan gazelle. Source :- The Hindu INDIA STATE OF FOREST REPORT 2019

Context :  The Ministry for Environment, Forests and Climate Change has released the India State of Forest Report (ISFR), 2019. India State of Forest Report (ISFR) :

 The India State of Forest Report 2019 has been prepared by Forest Survey of India(FSI).  The report is a biennial Publication.  The ISFR assesses the forest and tree cover, bamboo resources, carbon stock and forest fires.

 The 2019 report for the first time has assessed the qualitative nature of the forest cover, including listing its biodiversity and the type of plants and trees found.  It also created a national forest inventory for the first time on produce from forest

Key Highlights :  Increase in forest Cover :  The country‘s forest cover includes all patches of land with a tree canopy density of more than

10% and more than 1 hectare in area, irrespective of land use, ownership and species of trees.  The total forest cover of the country is 7,12,249 sq km which is 21.67% of the geographical area of the country.

 The top five states to have shown an increase in forest cover include Karnataka (1,025 sq km) > Andhra Pradesh (990 sq km) > Kerala (823 sq km) > J&K (371 sq km) > Himachal Pradesh (334 sq km).  The 2019 survey has found an increase of 5,188 sq km in total forest and tree cover in the country.  Tree and forest cover together made up 24.56% (8,07,276 sq km) of India's area. In the last assessment it was 24.39%.  The nation‘s tree and forest cover has largely hovered from 21-25% and is short of the National

Forest Policy, 1988, which envisages 33% to be under such cover.  Decrease of Forest Cover :  Total forest cover in the North Eastern region is 1,70,541 sq km, which is 65.05% of its

geographical area.

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 There has been a decrease of forest cover to the extent of 765 sq km (0.45%) in the region. Except Assam and Tripura, all the States in the region show decrease in forest cover.  The loss in the North East is attributed primarily due to the traditional farming practice of Shifting Cultivation.  Forest Cover in Tribal Districts :

 The total forest cover in the tribal districts is 4,22,351 sq km, which is 37.54% of the geographical area of these districts.  There has been a decrease of 741 sq km of forest cover within the Recorded Forest Area/ Green

Wash (RFA/GW) in the tribal districts and an increase of 1,922 sq km outside.  There has been a decline in tree cover inside forests due to tribal populations getting ―land titles‖ (patta) and there has been a rise in trees outside the forest area due to an increase in tree plantation and afforestation activities.  Increase in Tree Cover :  Tree cover includes all patches of trees less than 1 hectare.  The tree cover of the country is estimated as 95,027 sq km which is 2.89% of the geographical area.  Maharashtra has had the highest increase in tree cover and a large part of that is due to horticulture.  Mangroves and Bamboo Cover:  Mangrove cover in the country has increased by 54 sq km (1.10%) as compared to the previous assessment.  The total bamboo bearing area of the country is estimated as 1,60,037 sq km.There is an increase

of 3,229 sq km in bamboo bearing area as compared to the previous estimate.  Carbon Stock :  The total carbon stock of the country was estimated at 7124 million tons, which is an increase of

42.6 million tons from the last assessment.  It implies that India is on the right track to achieve its Paris Agreement commitment of 2.5 -3 billion carbon sinks.

 Wetlands :  The total number of wetlands located within the RFA/GW is 8.13%.  Amongst the States, Gujarat has the largest area of wetlands within RFA in the country followed by West Bengal. Source :- The Hindu; Down To Earth

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS INDEX Context :  Niti Aayog has released the sustainable development goals index 2019-20.

Sustainable Development Goals India Index:  SDG India Index and Dashboard has been developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Global Green Growth Institute and the United Nations.  The iNITIAAYOndex indicates where the country and its States and UTs currently are on SDG implementation. It also charts the distance to be travelled to reach the SDG targets.  The 2019 Index covers 16 out of 17 SDGs and a qualitative assessment on Goal 17.

 As per the Index, the composite score for each state/UT is computed by aggregating their performance across the goals and then by taking the arithmetic mean of individual goal scores.  A score of 100 implies that the State/ UT has achieved the targets set for 2030 and a score of 0

implies that the particular State/UT is at the bottom of the table.

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Key Highlights :  India's composite score improved from 57 in 2018 to 60 in 2019-20 with major success in water and sanitation, power and industry.  However, nutrition and gender equality continue to be problem areas for India, requiring a more focused approach from the government

 The ranks of 14 states have dropped in the index compared to 2018.  All states and union territories except for Delhi have scored above 65. State wise Analysis :

 Kerala has the top rank with a score of 70 followed by Himachal Pradesh with 69 points. Further, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana shared the third spot with each state scoring 67 on the Index.  Bihar has emerged as the worst performer with the lowest score of 50. Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh,

Meghalaya and Uttar Pradesh are also some of the worst-performing states on the index.  Uttar Pradesh has shown maximum improvement followed by Odisha and Sikkim  Union Territory :

 Chandigarh has topped the list with the score of 70 followed by Puducherry with 66. Source :- The Hindu MADHYA PRADESH GETS ITS FIRST ELEPHANT COLONY

Context :  Recently, Madhya Pradesh has got its first elephant colony in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve:  Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. It was declared a national park in 1968 and then became Tiger Reserve in 1993.  The park resides on the extreme north eastern border of Madhya Pradesh and the northern edges of the Satpura mountain ranges.  The park derives its name from the most prominent hillock of the area, which was said to be given by Hindu Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana to keep a watch on Lanka.  The park is also mentioned in the ancient books of the ‗Narad Pancharatra‘ and the ‗Shiv Purana‘ that this place is being associated with Ramayana.  There are a large number of tigers in the core zone of the Park. There are more than 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds. Source :- The Hindu

GS PAPER - 03 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - Achievement of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

AGNI-III MISSILE Context :  India has conducted the first night trial of nuclear capable long-range ballistic missile Agni-III. Agni-III:  Agni-III is an intermediate range nuclear capable surface-to-surface ballistic missile.  The missile has been developed by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization).  The missile has a strike range of 3,000 km to 5,000 km and is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads weighing up to 1.5 tonnes.  The missile is powered by a two-stage solid propellant engine. It is 17 metres long with two-metre diameter and weighs around 2,200 kg.

 It is equipped with a hybrid navigation, guidance and control systems along with advanced on-board computer.  The trial was carried out by the Strategic Forces Command of the Indian Army with logistic support from

the DRDO. Source :- Livemint

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METEOR MISSILES Context :  France is considering a request for early delivery of Meteor air-to-air missile. Meteor missile:  Meteor is an active radar guided beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM).  The missile has a strike range of 150 km and no escape zone of 60 km. The no escape zone of this missile is the largest in the world according to its manufacturers.  These missiles are to be attached to the Rafale jets. However, due to increasing tensions between India and Pakistan, India is requesting for an early delivery.  The Meteor missile has a delivery range to take over all the other air forces in the region, including China.  These missiles will also provide India the power to take on US supplied AMRAAM missiles possessed by the Pakistan Air Force.

Source :- Economic Times

GS PAPER - 03 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - Awareness in the field of space. WHITE DWARF STAR Context :

 Astronomers from the University of Warwick‘s Department of Physics and the Millennium Nucleus for Planet Formation (NPF) at the University of Valparaiso have found the first-ever evidence of a planet orbiting a dead white dwarf star.

More in the news :  The planet was not seen directly but evidence of its presence was in the form of a disc of gas (hydrogen, oxygen and sulphur) formed due to its evaporating atmosphere.

 Spikes of gas were detected by the Very Large Telescope of the European Southern Observatory in Chile. Significance :  This is the first evidence of an actual planet revolving around a white dwarf star. Prior to this discovery,

only smaller objects such as asteroids had been detected.  WDJ0914+1914 is providing us with a glimpse into the very distant future of our own solar system. In about 4.5 billion years from now, the Sun will become a white dwarf evaporating all the planets.

White Dwarf Stars:

 Stars like the Sun fuse hydrogen in their cores into helium.  White dwarfs are stars that have burned up all of the hydrogen they once used as nuclear fuel.  Fusion in a star‘s core produces heat and outward pressure. This pressure is kept in balance by the

inward push of gravity generated by a star‘s mass. When the hydrogen used as fuel vanishes, and fusion slows, gravity causes the star to collapse in on itself, thus forming a white dwarf star.  White dwarfs typically have a radius just .01 times that of the Sun in our Solar System, but their mass is about the same as the Sun.

Source :- Indian Express

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ISRO‟S SPACE TECHNOLOGY CELLS - RESPOND

Context :

 The Indian Space Research Organization has decided to set up five Space Technology Cells at the premier

institutes in order to carry out research activities. Space Technology Cells:  The Space Technology cells are being established under the RESPOND Programme.

 The Technology cells will consist of professors and scholars associated with the institute.  Under the programme, the experts will conduct space technology research and applications.  Currently, the ISRO has already set up Space Technology Cells(STC) at premier institutions like IIT

Bombay, Kanpur, Kharagpur and Madras, IISc,Bengaluru and Joint Research Programme with Savitribai Phule Pune University(SPPU).

RESPOND Programme:  ISRO had started the RESPOND (Sponsored Research) programme in the 1970s.  The objective of the programme is to encourage academia to participate and contribute in various Space related research activities.  Under the programme,projects are taken up by Universities/Academic Institutions in the areas of relevance to Space Programme.  ISRO helps these institutions to establish the necessary technical facilities and also provide fellowships to researchers to work on cutting edge research topics.

 The programme is mutually beneficial to both ISRO and Academia wherein the rich talent of Academia/ faculty is being harnessed to support the Nation‘s Space programme.

Source :- The Hindu

WI-FI CALLING

Context :  Airtel rolled out an industry-first voice-over-WiFi service. Wi-Fi Calling :

 Wi-Fi Calling is aimed especially for areas where cellular networks are not strong.  It uses high speed Internet connection, available via broadband, to make and receive high definition (HD) voice calls.

 Users don‘t have to pay extra for these calls as it is using a Wi-Fi network.  This is not much different from a voice call using WhatsApp or any other over-the-top messaging platform, but here the call is from one number to another, and not using an app. Since these calls use

stable Wi-Fi connections, call drops are not expected to be a problem.

Wi-Fi:  Itis a radio transmission technology that allows digital devices to use high-speed internet without direct cable connections.

Source :- Indian Express GIMS Context :  The government is testing a prototype of an Indian equivalent of popular messaging platforms, such as WhatsApp and Telegram, for secure internal use. Government Instant Messaging System (GIMS) :

 GIMS is designed and developed by the Kerala unit of National Informatics Centre (NIC).  GIMS seeks to replace existing platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal which are being used by a majority of government departments and organisations.

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 It will be used by employees of Central and state government departments and organisations for secure intra and inter organisation communications.  It employs end-to-end encryption for one-to-one messaging.  The server hosting GIMS is installed within the country and the information stored would be in the government-based cloud — NIC-operated data centres that are only meant for use by the

government and its departments.  GIMS Portal will administer and monitor the working of an app.  Besides, one-to-one messaging and group messaging, it also provides for documents and media

sharing in keeping with the hierarchies in the government system. Need :  The launch of the new app comes amid the recent controversy over the WhatsApp breach. Some Indian

users‘ mobile devices were targeted through a spyware called Pegasus recently.  GIMS is being touted as a safer bet as the platform has been developed in India, the server hosting it is installed within the country and the information stored would be in government-based cloud — NIC- operated data centres that are only meant for captive use by the government and its departments. Source :- Indian Express HYDROGEN FUEL CELL Context :  Supreme Court has asked government to look into the feasibility of hydrogen-based tech to deal with vehicular air pollution in capital. Hydrogen Fuel Cells:  Fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical process. It converts chemical energy in fuels

into electrical energy.  It combines hydrogen and oxygen to generate an electric current with water being the only byproduct.  The fuel cell promises power generation with high efficiency and low environmental impact.

How does it works ?

 The heart of the fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) is a device that uses a source of fuel, such as hydrogen, and an oxidant to create electricity by an electrochemical process.  The fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to generate an electric current, water being the only byproduct.  Like conventional batteries under the bonnets of automobiles, hydrogen fuel cells too convert chemical energy into electrical energy.  While the fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical process, unlike a battery-electricity vehicle, it does not store energy and, instead, relies on a constant supply of fuel and oxygen — in the same way that an internal combustion engine relies on a constant supply of petrol or diesel, and oxygen.

 But unlike the combustion engine cars, there are no moving parts in the fuel cell, so they are more efficient and reliable by comparison. Advantages of Fuel Cell:  Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

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 High Reliability  Flexibility in installation and operation  Development of renewable energy resources  Reduced demand for foreign oil  Improved environmental quality Disadvantages of Fuel Cell:  They are expensive  Hydrogen is Highly flammable.  Hydrogen is very hard to move around. Hence, just moving even small amounts of Hydrogen is a very expensive matter.  The process of making hydrogen needs energy often from fossil fuel sources. This has raised questions over hydrogen‘s green credentials. Source :- Indian Express

ANNULAR SOLAR ECLIPSE

Context :  Parts of India would witness annular solar eclipse, with the sun appearing as a 'ring of fire', in the morning sky on 26 December.

More in the news :  The annular eclipse of the Sun is visible within a narrow corridor in the northern Hemisphere near to equator.  The annular path passes through Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, UAE, India, northern part of Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, and Borneo.  The Moon's penumbral shadow produces a partial eclipse, visible in the region covering Middle East, North Eastern Africa, Asia except North and Eastern Russia, North and Western Australia, Solomon Island.  The next solar eclipse will be visible from India on June 21, 2020.  It will be an annular solar eclipse. A narrow path of annularity will pass through northern part of India. Solar eclipse:

 A solar eclipse occurs on a new moon day when the Moon comes in between the Earth and the Sun and when all the three celestial bodies are aligned.  Solar eclipses may be classified as

 total, in which the Moon completely covers the Sun,  annular, in which the Moon obscures all but an outer ring of the Sun.

 Whether an eclipse is total or annular depends on the distance between these three objects.

Annular Solar Eclipse :  An annular eclipse happens when the moon is farthest from Earth. Because the moon is farther away from Earth, it seems smaller and does not block the entire view of the sun.

Source :- PIB

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GS PAPER - 03 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - Achievement of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

RISAT 2BR1 Context :

 India‘s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, in its fiftieth flight (PSLV-C48), successfully launched RISAT- 2BR1, an earth observation satellite, and nine commercial satellites from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota. More about the Launch :  PSLV-C48 was the 75th launch vehicle mission from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota. This is the 2nd flight of PSLV in 'QL' configuration (with 4 solid strap-on motors).  PSLV -C48 launches RISAT-2BR1 along with nine foreign satellites from the USA (multi-mission Lemur-4 satellites, technology demonstration Tyvak-0129, earth imaging 1HOPSAT), Israel (remote sensing Duchifat-3) Italy (search and rescue Tyvak-0092) and Japan (QPS-SAR - aradar imaging earth observation satellite). RISAT-2BR1 :

 RISAT-2BR1 is a Radar imaging earth observation satellite weighing about 628 kg.  It will be launched aboard PSLV-C48.  It has a synthetic aperture radar to provide all-weather surveillance.

 It will enhance India‘s defence capabilities to monitor cross border activities.  The RISAT-2BR1 is the second satellite in the RISAT-2B series and along with the CARTOSAT-3 is part of 'spy' satellites that will boost defence forces' ability to carry out Earth surveillance from the space.

 The first satellite in the RISAT-2B series was launched earlier this year to replace the ageing RISAT-2, which went out of commission. Source :- PIB NAVIC AS ALLIED SYSTEM Context :  The US Congress has consented to designate India's NAVIC as its ―allied‖ navigational satellite system along with the Galileo of the European Union and QZSS of Japan. More in the news :  Approved as part of the conference report of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2020 it designates Russia's GLONASS and Chinese Beidou as a ―non-allied system‖. It means that the US satellite navigation system will not co-operate or exchange data with these two satellite navigation systems.  The designation of India's NAVIC as an ―allied system‖ is part of the American effort to develop a prototype program for multi-global navigation satellite system receiver development.  The tag of the ―allied‖ navigational satellite system allows US satellite navigation system to co-operate or to exchange data with these satellite navigation systems. Navigation in Indian Constellation (NavIC) :  Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) is an independent regional navigation satellite

system designed to provide position information in the Indian region and 1500 km around the Indian mainland.  IRNSS would provide two types of services, namely Standard Positioning Services available to all users and Restricted Services provided to authorised users.  It is a regional system and so its constellation will consist of seven satellites.  Three of these will be geostationary over the Indian Ocean, i.e., they will appear to be stationary in the sky over the region, and  four will be geosynchronous – appearing at the same point in the sky at the same time every day. T

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 his configuration ensures each satellite is being tracked by at least one of fourteen ground

stations at any given point of time, with a high chance of most of them being visible from

any point in India.

 Application :  Terrestrial, Aerial and Marine Navigation.  Disaster Management.

 Vehicle tracking and fleet management.  Integration with mobile phones.  Precise Timing.  Mapping and Geodetic data capture.  Terrestrial navigation aid for hikers and travellers.  Visual and voice navigation for drivers.

Source :- Times of India

THIRD ROCKET LAUNCHPAD Context :

 Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has begun preparatory works for setting up a third rocket launchpad in the small coastal hamlet of Kulashekhrapattinam in the Thuthukudi district of Tamil Nadu. More in the news :

 The demand for additional launch pads has arisen as a result of the increase in the number of satellite launches from India, both for domestic and international customers.  It is intended to support:

 provide active redundancy to existing launch pads and  To support launching requirements of advanced launch vehicles. ISRO‟s Present Launchpad :

 At present, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has two launchpads at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota Range (SDSC-SHAR).  SHAR is situated in an island off Sullurupeta – a small town in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. Source :- AIR

BRAHMOS MISSILES Context :

 Defence Research & Development Organisation(DRDO), Indian Air Force (IAF) and BrahMos jointly successfully conducted two BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles tests, one each from land and air platforms. More in the news :  The first missile launch was from a land-based mobile launcher, where most of the components were indigenous, including the missile airframe, fuel management system and DRDO designed seeker.  The second launch of the missile was carried out by Indian Air force (IAF) from SU-30MKI platform against a sea target.

BrahMos Missile :  BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile being developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India and NPO Mashinostroeyenia (NPOM) of Russia.  The missile is named after two rivers, the Brahmaputra in India and the Moskva in Russia.  BrahMos has a flight range of up to 290km and can reach a maximum speed of Mach 3.  It operates on fire and Forgot Principle.

 The BrahMos missile is a medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile capable of being launched from submarines, ships, fighter jets or land.

Source :- PIB 103

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PINAKA MISSILE Context :  Pinaka Missile System developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was successfully flight-tested from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the Odisha coast. Pinaka Missile System:  Pinaka is a multiple rocket launcher system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

 The Pinaka is an Artillery Missile System capable of striking into enemy territory up to a range of 75 kilometres with high precision.  The Pinaka MK-II Rocket is modified as a missile by integrating with the Navigation, Control and Guidance System to improve the end accuracy and enhance the range.

 The Navigation system of the missile is also aided by the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). Source :- PIB

QUICK REACTION SURFACE TO AIR MISSILE Context :  India successfully test-fired its Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) system, likely to be

inducted into the armed forces by 202. Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) :  The missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

 The missile has a strike range of 25 km to 30 km and uses solid-fuel propellant.  Working :  The QRSAM weapon system, which operates on the move, comprises fully automated command

and control, active array battery surveillance radar, active array battery multifunction radar and launcher.  And has search and track on move capability and has very short reaction time. Source :- PIB

GS PAPER - 03 SECURITY - Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests

EXERCISE MITRA SHAKTI -VII: 2019 Context :  The 7th edition of India-Sri Lanka joint training exercise, Exercise ‗Mitra Shakti 2019‘ is scheduled to be conducted at the Foreign Training Node (FTN) in Pune in December 2019. Exercise Mitra Shakti:  The exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability and operational efficiency amongst the armies of both India and Sri Lanka when deployed as part of the United Nations peacekeeping forces.  The objective of the exercise is to build and promote positive relations between armies of India and Sri Lanka through focus on sub unit-level training on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in urban and rural environment under the United Nations mandate. Source :- PIB

HAND-IN-HAND-2019 Context :  The 8th India-China joint training exercise 'HAND-IN-HAND 2019' with the theme counter terrorism under United Nations mandate is scheduled to be conduct at Umroi, Meghalaya from 07 to 20 December 2019. Exercise Hand-in-Hand 2019:  The aim of the exercise is to practice joint planning and conduct of counter terrorist operations in semi

urban terrain

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 The exercise schedule is focused upon training on various lectures & drills associated with counter terrorist handling & firing with each others weapons, special heliborne operations and case studies of various operations carried out in counter terrorist environment.  Two tactical exercises  Counter terrorism  Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.  The exercise was suspended in 2017 amid strained bilateral ties after the Doklam standoff.

 In 2018, the exercise was held in China. Source :- PIB EXERCISE SURYA KIRAN – XIV Context :

 The 14th edition of the bilateral annual military exercise SURYA KIRAN-XIV between Indian and Nepal Army commenced in Nepal. SURYA KIRAN :

 The aim of this exercise is to conduct a battalion level combined training between Indian Army and Nepal Army with a scope to enhance interoperability at military level in jungle warfare, counter terrorist operations in mountainous terrain, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations, medical and environmental conservation including aviation aspects.  As part of the exercise, important lectures, demonstrations and drills related to counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations in jungle and mountainous terrain will be conducted.  Both the Armies will also share their valuable experiences in countering such situations and also refine drills and procedures for joint operations wherever the need arises.  The 13th edition was held in Uttarakhand in 2018. Source :- PIB EXERCISE INDRA 2019

Context :  Exercise INDRA 2019, a joint, tri-services exercise between India and Russia will be conducted in India in December 2019 simultaneously at Babina (near Jhansi), Pune, and Goa.

Exercise INDRA:  The INDRA series of exercise began in 2003 and the First joint Tri-Services Exercise was conducted in 2017.

 The objective of the exercise is to imbibe the best practices from each other, jointly evolve drills to defeat the scourge of terror under the United Nations mandate. Source :- PIB EXERCISE 'APHARAN' Context :  The Indian Navy in collaboration with Indian Coast Guard has conducted a large scale Anti Hijacking Exercise named Exercise Apharan at the Port of Kochi, Kerala. Exercise Apharan:  The exercise was aimed at streamlining the response mechanism to thwart any attempt by anti-national elements to hijack a merchant vessel or attempt forced entry of a rogue/commandeered merchant vessel into Kochi harbour.  It saw the participation of multiple agencies including more than 12 ships and helicopters of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and Cochin Port Trust.  The exercise allowed all stakeholders to assess the preparedness of their organisations, identify gaps to address them on priority and formulate an integrated Crisis Management Plan for Kochi Port.  The need for anti-hijacking exercises is particularly important for India which suffered from an attack from the sea during the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. Source :- PIB

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ARMED FORCES FLAG DAY

Context :

 The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has saluted the soldiers of Armed Forces and their families on

Armed Forces Flag Day. Armed Forces Flag Day :  On 7 December 1949, the country observed the first Armed Forces Flag Day in honour of the martyrs

and the men in uniform who fought for the safety and honour of the country.  Since then, the Armed Forced Flag Day has been an annual affair in India.  The main purpose behind this celebration was to give the civilian population a chance to directly contribute to the welfare of the armed forces personnel. On this day, the general population would be distributed small flags in return for their monetary contributions that would go into the welfare of India‘s army, navy, air force personnel.  The Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) is administered by the Kendriya Sainik Board. The Fund is headed by the Defence Minister at the Centre and by the Governors or Lieutenant Governors at the Sate or Union Territory level.  The Flag Day is mainly observed to serve three basic purposes  Rehabilitation of battle casualties  Welfare of serving personnel and their families  Resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen and their families  On this day, the three branches of the Indian armed forces namely, the army, the navy and the air force

conduct shows, carnivals and other entertainment programmes for the public to spread awareness about their work. Small flags of the three services are distributed all over the country. Source :- PIB GS PAPER - 03 SECURITY - significant events, personalities, issues

VIJAY DIWAS Context :

 PM remembers brave soldiers who fought in 1971 on the occasion of Vijay Diwas. Vijay Diwas :  Vijay Diwas is celebrated on 16th December every year in India to commemorate the Indian forces‘

victory over Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pak war which was played out to liberate Bangladesh.  On 16th December 1971, the chief of the Pakistani forces had surrendered unconditionally to the allied forces consisting of Indian Army and Mukti Bahini in Dhaka.

 The end of the 14-day war resulted in subsequent secession of East Pakistan into Bangladesh.  To mark the event, Indian Air Force has also felicitated a team of 25 Air Warriors for a running expedition from Kargil to Kohima- aptly named as K2K Ultra Marathon-Glory Run.

 India also observes 26th July as ‗Vijay Diwas‘ to commemorate the Kargil War of 1999. Source :- PIB

BLUE WATER FORCE

Context :  On December 4, Navy Day,Indian Defence minister has said that the Indian Navy is the Formidable Blue Water Force.

Classification of Naval Force :  Brown Water Force:  A navy whose operations are restricted close to the shore where the water is muddy

 Blue Water Force :  A navy that can go farther out is called a Green Water Force Blue Water Navy :

 According to the Indian Maritime Doctrine, 2015, ―The ability to undertake distant operations distinguishes a blue-water navy from a brown-water force. 106

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 A Blue Water force is one that has the capacity to project itself over a much bigger maritime area than its maritime borders. It means that the navy can go into the vast, deep oceans of the world.  However, while most navies have the capacity to send ships into the deep oceans, a Blue Water Force is able to carry out operations far from its borders without being required to return to its home port to refuel or re-stock.

 Since, the Indian Navy has the capacity to carry distant operations at or from the sea up to considerable distance from national shore bases, it qualifies as a Blue Water Force. Source :- Indian Express

DEFEXPO 2020 MOBILE APP Context :  Defence Minister launched the mobile app of the forthcoming DefExpo 2020

DefExpo 2020:  The app has been developed by the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence (MoD) with the aim to engage with the visitors as well as exhibitors.

 The 11th biennial edition of DefExpo India-2020 is scheduled to be held in Uttar Pradesh‘s capital Lucknow.  The main theme of the DefExpo India-2020 will be ‗India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub‘.

Significance :  The DefExpo will provide an opportunity to the major foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to collaborate with the Indian defence industry and help promote ‗Make in India‗ initiative. Source :- PIB GS PAPER - 03 SECURITY - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

THE SPECIAL PROTECTION GROUP (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2019 Context :  Parliament has passed the Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill, 2019 :  The Bill amends the Special Protections Group Act, 1988.  The Act provides for the constitution and regulation of the Special Protection Group (SPG) to provide

security to the Prime Minister, former Prime Ministers, and their immediate family members. Key Features :  Reduced SPG Coverage:  The protection to be offered only to the Prime Minister, former Prime Ministers and their immediate family members that will reside with him at his official residence.  Currently, the security cover is provided to the Prime Minister, former Prime Ministers and their immediate family members.  Time period:  The security will be provided only for a period of five years to the former Prime Ministers and their immediate family after they leave the office.  However, the immediate family members need to be residing with the former Prime Minister at

the allotted residence.  Withdrawal:  When the proximate security is withdrawn from a former Prime Minister such proximate security

will also stand withdrawn from members of his immediate family. Source :- The Hindu

PARLIAMENT PASSES THE ARMS (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2019

Context :  Parliament passed the Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

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Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019 :  The Bill seeks to amend the Arms Act, 1959.  It seeks to decrease the number of licensed firearms allowed per person and increase penalties for certain offences under the Act. Key Features :  License for acquiring firearms:  The Bill reduces the number of permitted firearms from three to one.  It also increases the duration of the validity of a firearm license from three years to five years

 Ban on unlicensed firearms: The bill prohibits obtaining or procuring un-licensed firearms, and the conversion of one category of firearms to another without a license.  Increase in punishment: It provides for enhanced punishment for illegally possessing and making

prohibited arms.  New offences added: The bill adds two new offences:  Forcefully taking a firearm from police or armed forces

 Using firearms in celebratory gunfire which endangers human life  Tracking of firearms: The bill states that the central government may make rules to track firearms and ammunition from manufacturer to purchaser

Source :- The Hindu ; PIB THE BENGAL EASTERN FRONTIER REGULATIONS Context :  The Union Cabinet gave its ex-post facto approval to the Adaptation of Laws (Amendment) Order, 2019 issued by the President of India under clause (2) of Article 372 of the Constitution to amend the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations (BEFR), 1873. More in the news :  The notification will extend BEFR to the State of Manipur to give its indigenous people protection from the provisions of Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 and make necessary changes in the said Regulation.  The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis,

Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations, 1873:  This regulation introduced the Inner Line Permit (ILP) concept. (The ILP regulates visit of Indians to States where ILP regime is prevalent under Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.)  The Regulation protected the British Crown‘s interest in the tea, oil and elephant trade by prohibiting ―British subjects‖ from entering into these ―Protected Areas‖ (to prevent them from

establishing any commercial venture that could rival the Crown‘s agents).  The word ―British subjects‖ was replaced by ―Citizens of India‖ in 1950.  In terms of Section 2 of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations, 1873, the Inner Line Permit

system is prevalent in the three North Eastern States, namely, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland. Citizens of other States require ILP for visiting these three States.  The main aim of the ILP system is to prevent settlement of other Indian nationals in the States where the ILP regime is prevalent, in order to protect the indigenous/tribal population.

Source :- PIB

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WHAT IS THE 'STRANDHOGG' BUG? Context :  The Union Home Ministry has alerted States, warning them about the vulnerability of the Android operating system to a bug called 'StrandHogg'. StrandHogg :  It is a vulnerability in android which allows real-time malware applications to pose as genuine applications and access user data of all kinds.

 It can allow them to listen to microphone, steal login credentials, take photos using camera, read SMS and even access photos. How a malware exploits StrandHogg?

 According to a Pennsylvania State University, the malware needs to be installed on the Android device to exploit this vulnerability.  the malicious apps exploiting the vulnerability did not come directly through Google Play Store.

Instead they were installed through dropper apps distributed on Google Play.  According to a research by Penn State University in 2015, which theoretically described some aspects of the weakness, the Android task management mechanism was plagued by 'severe security risks'.

 When abused, these convenient multi-tasking features can backfire and trigger a wide spectrum of 'task hijacking attacks Source :- The Hindu

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