DOCSLIB.ORG

Science Affairs Coverage from Jan 2019 to December 2019

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Science Affairs Coverage from Jan 2019 to December 2019 Science Affairs Coverage from Jan 2019 to December 2019 Abhimanu ias UDAAN Science and Technology | Udaan by Abhimanu IAS Biotechnology ________________________________________ DNA technolgy (use and application) regulation bill, 2019 Context-Recently a Parliamentary panel headed by congress leader Jairam Ramesh began hearing the contentious DNA technolgy (use and application) regulation bill, 2019 with members grilling officials from the Department of biotechnology on scope for violation of privacy in the proposed DNA data bank. •The DNA technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha by the Minister for Science and Technology, Mr. Harsh Vardhan, on July 8, 2019. About The DNA technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019 •Use of DNA Data: Under the Bill, DNA testing is allowed only in respect of matters listed in the Schedule to the Bill. These include offences under the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and for civil matters such as paternity suits. Further, the Schedule includes DNA testing for matters related to establishment of individual identity •Collection of DNA: While preparing a DNA profile, bodily substances of persons may be collected by the investigating authorities. Authorities are required to obtain consent for collection in certain situations. For arrested persons, authorities are required to obtain written consent if the offence carries a punishment of up to seven years. If the offence carries more than seven years of imprisonment or death, consent is not required. Further, if the person is a victim, or relative of a missing person, or a minor or disabled person, the authorities are required to obtain the written consent of such victim, or relative, or parent or guardian of the minor or disabled person. If consent is not given in these cases, the authorities can approach a Magistrate who may order the taking of bodily substances of such persons. •DNA Data Bank: The Bill provides for the establishment of a National DNA Data Bank and Regional DNA Data Banks, for every state, or two or more states. DNA laboratories are required to share DNA data prepared by them with the National and Regional DNA Data Banks. Every Data Bank will be required to maintain indices for the following categories of data: (i) a crime scene index, (ii) a suspects’ or undertrials’ index, (iii) an offenders’ index, (iv) a missing persons’ index, and (v) an unknown deceased persons’ index. •Removal of DNA profiles: The Bill states that the criteria for entry, retention, or removal of the DNA profile will be specified by regulations. However, the Bill provides for removal of the DNA profiles of the following persons: (i) of a suspect if a police report is filed or court order given, (ii) of an undertrial if a court order is given, and (iii) on written request, for persons who are not a suspect, offender or undertrial, from the crime scene or missing persons’ index. www.abhimanuias.com , [email protected] Corporate office: Dainik Bhaskar Building, 2nd Floor, Sector 25-D, Chandigarh Science and Technology | Udaan by Abhimanu IAS •DNA Regulatory Board: The Bill provides for the establishment of a DNA Regulatory Board, which will supervise the DNA Data Banks and DNA laboratories. The Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, will be the ex officio Chairperson of the Board. The Board will comprise additional members including: (i) experts in the field of biological sciences, and (ii) Director General of the National Investigation Agency and the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation. •Functions of the Board: The functions of the Board include: (i) advising governments on all issues related to establishing DNA laboratories or Data Banks, and (ii) granting accreditation to DNA laboratories. Further, the Board is required to ensure that all information relating to DNA profiles with the Data Banks, laboratories, and other persons are kept confidential. •DNA laboratories: Any laboratory undertaking DNA testing is required to obtain accreditation from the Board. The Board may revoke the accreditation for reasons including, failure to: (i) undertake DNA testing, or (ii) comply with the conditions attached to the accreditation. If the accreditation is revoked, an appeal will lie before the central government or any other authority notified by the central government. Further, every DNA laboratory is required to follow standards for quality assurance in collection, storing, and analysis of DNA samples. After depositing the DNA profile for criminal cases, the laboratory is required to return the biological sample to the investigating officer. In all other cases, the sample must be destroyed. •Offences: The Bill specifies penalties for various offences, including: (i) for disclosure of DNA information, or (ii) using DNA sample without authorization. For instance, disclosure of DNA information will be punishable with imprisonment of up to three years and fine of up to one lakh rupees. What is DNA profiling ? • DNA profiling is the process where a specific DNA pattern, called a profile, is obtained from a person or sample of bodily tissue • Even though we are all unique, most of our DNA is actually identical to other people’s DNA. However, specific regions vary highly between people. These regions are called polymorphic. Differences in these variable regions between people are known as polymorphisms. Each of us inherits a unique combination of polymorphisms from our parents. DNA polymorphisms can be analysed to give a DNA profile. • Human DNA profiles can be used to identify the origin of a DNA sample at a crime scene or test for parentage. • In a human, 0.1 per cent of the DNA or genetic material is unique to each individual and this identifying information can be obtained from any cell, including hair and skin DNA profiling is used to: • identify the probable origin of a body fluid sample associated with a crime or crime scene • reveal family relationships • identify disaster victims, for example, ESR scientists travelled to Thailand to help identify victims of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. www.abhimanuias.com , [email protected] Corporate office: Dainik Bhaskar Building, 2nd Floor, Sector 25-D, Chandigarh Science and Technology | Udaan by Abhimanu IAS Controversy regarding Bt Cotton • A group of more than 1,000 farmers gathered in a village in Akola of Maharashtra to sow seeds of an unapproved, genetically modified variety of cotton, defying government regulations. The government is now investigating what was planted. Bt Cotton: • Bt Cotton is developed by Bayer-Monsanto and it involves insertion of two genes viz ‘Cry1Ab’ and ‘Cry2Bc’ from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis into cotton seeds. • This modification codes the plant to produce protein toxic to Heliothis bollworm (pink bollworm) thus making it resistant to their attack. The commercial release of this hybrid was sanctioned by the government in 2002. • Bt cotton remains the only GM crop allowed to be cultivated in the country. India and GM Crops: • In India, it is the responsibility of the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Environment Ministry to assess the safety of a genetically modified plant, and decide whether it is fit for cultivation. The GEAC comprises experts and government representatives, and a decision it takes has to be approved by the Environment Minister before any crop is allowed for cultivation. • Besides Bt cotton, the GEAC has cleared two other genetically modified crops — brinjal and mustard — but these have not received the consent of the Environment Minister. Concerns: • Genetic changes made in a plant can make it unsafe for consumption, have adverse impacts on human or animal health, or introduce problems in the soil or neighbouring crops. There is an elaborate process of tests and field trials to be followed. Critics of GM technology argue that some traits of genes start expressing themselves only after several generations, and thus one can never be sure about their safety. CCMB scientists sequence Asiatic lion genome Context: For the first time, the entire genome of Asiatic lion has been sequenced by scientists from CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad. The objective is to understand the species at DNA level and study if there are any specific problems with regard to adaptability to environment or behaviour vis-à-vis other big cats. Need and significance: This firsthand information would help researchers to better understand the evolution of Asiatic lions and also make possible comparative analysis with other big cats. www.abhimanuias.com , [email protected] Corporate office: Dainik Bhaskar Building, 2nd Floor, Sector 25-D, Chandigarh Science and Technology | Udaan by Abhimanu IAS The genome sequencing would enable scientists to develop specific markers to study population genetics (the differences at the gene level within a population) and get newer insights into its population status and subsequent management. The study will enable better disease and population management of the endangered big cat by identifying characteristics which are specific to Asiatic lions. About Asiatic Lion: • IUCN Red List Status: Endangered • Listed in Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, in Appendix I of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). • At present the only home of Asiatic lion is Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat. • The population of the endangered Asiatic lion is very low — only 523 animals are present in the Gir forests. Project MANAV: Human Atlas Initiative News • For the first time, Indian scientists will be mapping every single tissue of the human body to have deeper understanding of the roles of tissues and cells linked to various diseases. • Department of Biotechnology (DBT) launched MANAV: Human Atlas Initiative towards improving knowledge on human physiology. MANAV: Human Atlas Initiative • It is a project funded by DBT, which aims at creating a database network of all tissues in the human body from the available scientific literature. • It is a project that involves scientific skill development for annotation, science outreach along with handling big data.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • DEPARTMENT of SPACE DEMAND NO.89 Department of Space A
    Notes on Demands for Grants, 2005-2006 193 DEPARTMENT OF SPACE DEMAND NO.89 Department of Space A. The Budget allocations, net of recoveries, are given below: (In crores of Rupees) Budget 2004-2005 Revised 2004-2005 Budget 2005-2006 Major Head Plan Non-Plan Total Plan Non-Plan Total Plan Non-Plan Total Revenue 1836.01 331.29 2167.30 1661.10 340.00 2001.10 2192.16 348.00 2540.16 Capital 563.99 ... 563.99 538.90 ... 538.90 607.84 ... 607.84 Total 2400.00 331.29 2731.29 2200.00 340.00 2540.00 2800.00 348.00 3148.00 1. Secretariat - Economic Services 3451 ... 4.27 4.27 ... 4.78 4.78 ... 4.50 4.50 Space Research Space Technology Launch Vehicle Technology 2. Geo -Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle 3402 36.78 ... 36.78 39.44 ... 39.44 17.95 ... 17.95 3. GSLV MK-III Development. 3402 164.00 ... 164.00 152.53 ... 152.53 218.54 ... 218.54 5402 326.00 ... 326.00 237.47 ... 237.47 231.46 ... 231.46 Total 490.00 ... 490.00 390.00 ... 390.00 450.00 ... 450.00 4. Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) 3402 9.92 ... 9.92 8.02 ... 8.02 1.67 ... 1.67 Project 5402 1.00 ... 1.00 1.23 ... 1.23 ... ... ... Total 10.92 ... 10.92 9.25 ... 9.25 1.67 ... 1.67 5. Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle - 3402 122.50 ... 122.50 122.50 ... 122.50 108.73 ... 108.73 Continuation Project 5402 ... ... ... ... ... ... 11.27 ... 11.27 Total 122.50 ..
    [Show full text]
  • Mission/PDS Build Schedule
    Mission/PDS Build Schedule Last updated 30 Oct 2017: Updated ExoMars Rover, BepiColom, Chandrayaan-2, Psyche launch dates. Updated New Horizons 2014 MU69 flyby. Updated Juno EOM. Extended active missions: Venus Climate Orbiter, Dawn, Voyager 1/2, Mars Orbiter Mission. Project Summary Extended past mission wrapping up archives: Rosetta. Changed MESSENGER, Cassini to "Past" missions. Added new missions: Hope Mars, Mars Orbiter Mission-2, Martian Moon eXplorer. Removed AIM (cancelled). a = Adoption of PDS4 release(s) PDS4 Release Version 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.10 1.11 V V V V V d = Distribution of PDS4 data Lead PDS PDS4 Release FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27 FY28 Other Nodes Status Mission Node Version Adopted 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 MAVEN ATM PPI,NAIF Active 4 1.1-1.5 d d d d d d d d d d MOI Sep 2014; Extended through Sep 2018 Mars Science Laboratory/MSL/Curiosity GEO ATM,CIS,PPI,NAIF Active 3 Extended through Sep 2018 Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter/MRO GEO ATM,CIS,NAIF Active 3 Extended through Sep 2018 Study: pre-Phase A (response to proposal request) Mars Exploration Rover/MER/Opportunity GEO ATM,CIS,NAIF Active 3 Extended through Sep 2018 Formulation: Phase A (mission and systems definition) Mars Odyssey GEO CIS,NAIF Active 3 Extended through Sep 2018 Formulation: Phase B (preliminary design) InSight GEO ATM,CIS,PPI,NAIF Future 4 1.4-1.5 (?) a a a a a a/d d d d d d d d d d Launch May 2018; Land Nov 2018 Implementation: Phase C (design) / D (build, test,
    [Show full text]
  • May Art and Cuture
    CURRENT AFFAIRS(2019-2020) FOR UPSC AND OTHER EXAMS MAY ART AND CUTURE By SIDDHANT AGNIHOTRI B.Sc (Silver Medalist) M.Sc (Applied Physics) Facebook: sid_Econnect CHARDHAM • Chardham Yatra: Kedarnath portals open for public.The project involves developing and widening 900-km of national highways connecting the holy Hindupilgrimage sites of; Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri at an estimated cost of Rs.12,000 crores. • The highway will be called Char Dham Mahamarg(Char Dham Highway) and the highway construction project will be called as Char Dham Mahamarg Vikas Pariyojana (Char Dham Highway Development Project). • The roads will be widened from 12m to 24m and the project will involve construction of tunnels, bypasses, bridges, subways and viaducts. SEXUAL OFFENCE ISHWAR CHANDRA SAGAR • The giant statue of Ishwar Chandra was recently vandalized by some political goons in Kolkata. • He was the 19th century intellectual. He was perhaps the first Indian reformer to put forward the issues of women. • His Bengali primer, Borno Porichoy, remains, more than 125 years after his death in 1891, the introduction to the alphabet for nearly all Bengali children. • He was a polymath who reconstructed the modern Bengali alphabet and initiated pathbreaking reform in traditional upper caste Hindu society. ISHWAR CHANDRA SAGAR - REFORMS • The focus of his social reform was women — and he spent his life’s energies trying to ensure an end to the practice of child marriage and initiate widow remarriage. • He argued, on the basis of scriptures and old commentaries, in favour of the remarriage of widows in the same way as Roy did for the abolition of Sati.
    [Show full text]
  • Presentation Ballistics
    An Overview of Forensic Ballistics Ankit Srivastava, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Institute of Forensic Science & Criminology Bundelkhand University, Jhansi – 284128, UP, India E-mail: [email protected] ; Mob: +91-9415067667 Ballistics Ballistics It is a branch of applied mechanics which deals with the study of motion of projectile and missiles and their associated phenomenon. Forensic Ballistics It is an application of science of ballistics to solve the problems related with shooting incident(where firearm is used). Firearms or guns Bullets/Pellets Cartridge cases Related Evidence Bullet holes Damaged bullet Gun shot wounds Gun shot residue Forensic Ballistics is divided into 3 sub-categories Internal Ballistics External Ballistics Terminal Ballistics Internal Ballistics The study of the phenomenon occurring inside a firearm when a shot is fired. It includes the study of various firearm mechanisms and barrel manufacturing techniques; factors influencing internal gas pressure; and firearm recoil . The most common types of Internal Ballistics examinations are: ✓ examining mechanism to determine the causes of accidental discharge ✓ examining home-made devices (zip-guns) to determine if they are capable of discharging ammunition effectively ✓ microscopic examination and comparison of fired bullets and cartridge cases to determine whether a particular firearm was used External Ballistics The study of the projectile’s flight from the moment it leaves the muzzle of the barrel until it strikes the target. The Two most common types of External Ballistics examinations are: calculation and reconstruction of bullet trajectories establishing the maximum range of a given bullet Terminal Ballistics The study of the projectile’s effect on the target or the counter-effect of the target on the projectile.
    [Show full text]
  • Global Exploration Roadmap
    The Global Exploration Roadmap January 2018 What is New in The Global Exploration Roadmap? This new edition of the Global Exploration robotic space exploration. Refinements in important role in sustainable human space Roadmap reaffirms the interest of 14 space this edition include: exploration. Initially, it supports human and agencies to expand human presence into the robotic lunar exploration in a manner which Solar System, with the surface of Mars as • A summary of the benefits stemming from creates opportunities for multiple sectors to a common driving goal. It reflects a coordi- space exploration. Numerous benefits will advance key goals. nated international effort to prepare for space come from this exciting endeavour. It is • The recognition of the growing private exploration missions beginning with the Inter- important that mission objectives reflect this sector interest in space exploration. national Space Station (ISS) and continuing priority when planning exploration missions. Interest from the private sector is already to the lunar vicinity, the lunar surface, then • The important role of science and knowl- transforming the future of low Earth orbit, on to Mars. The expanded group of agencies edge gain. Open interaction with the creating new opportunities as space agen- demonstrates the growing interest in space international science community helped cies look to expand human presence into exploration and the importance of coopera- identify specific scientific opportunities the Solar System. Growing capability and tion to realise individual and common goals created by the presence of humans and interest from the private sector indicate and objectives. their infrastructure as they explore the Solar a future for collaboration not only among System.
    [Show full text]
  • Insights Into Editorial September 2019
    INSIGHTS IAS SIMPLIFYING IAS EXAM PREPARATION INSIGHTS into EDITORIAL SEPTEMBER 2019 www.insightsactivelearn.com | www.insightsonindia.com Table of Contents INSIGHTS INTO EDITORIAL ______ 1 3. DEADLY SPREAD: ON ‘VACCINE HESITANCY’ ________ 44 4. WHY HAS INDIA BANNED E-CIGARETTES? __________ 46 POLITY & GOVERNANCE _____________ 1 RSTV/LSTV/AIR SYNOPSIS _____ 49 1. A FLAWED PROCESS THAT PLEASED NONE ___________ 1 2. THROTTLED AT THE GRASS ROOTS ________________ 3 3. A MILESTONE IN GREATER TRANSPARENCY, POLITY & GOVERNANCE ____________ 49 ACCOUNTABILITY _____________________________ 5 1. IMPORTANCE OF VOTING _____________________ 49 4. ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN _____________________ 7 2. NRC (NATIONAL REGISTER OF CITIZENS) __________ 51 5. INEQUALITY OF ANOTHER KIND __________________ 9 3. SEDITION LAW AND DEBATE ___________________ 53 6. THE NATIONAL POPULATION REGISTER, AND THE 4. INCREDIBLE INDIA __________________________ 56 CONTROVERSY AROUND IT ______________________ 11 5. THE THIRD CHILD NORMS ____________________ 58 ECONOMY _______________________ 12 ECONOMY _______________________ 60 1. MARINE FISHERIES BILL ADDRESSES A REGULATORY VOID 1. RBI’S SURPLUS FUND _______________________ 60 ________________________________________ 12 2. BIG BANK REFORMS ________________________ 62 2. BIG BANK THEORY: ON PUBLIC SECTOR BANK MERGERS 14 3. CHALLENGES IN TELECOM SECTOR _______________ 64 3. WHAT IS THE ECONOMICS BEHIND E-VEHICLE BATTERIES? 4. NATIONAL RESOURCE EFFICIENCY POLICY __________ 67 ________________________________________ 16 5. PRODUCTIVITY & SUSTAINABILITY _______________ 69 4. FACTORING IN SAFETY: ON STRONGER WORKER SAFETY LAW _____________________________________ 19 SCIENCE & TECH __________________ 70 5. WHY INDIA’S GROWTH FIGURES ARE OFF THE MARK __ 21 1. CHANDRAYAAN 2- BIG TAKEAWAYS _____________ 70 6. THE SLOW CLIMB TO THE TRILLION-ECONOMY PEAK ___ 23 2. DATA: THE NEW GOLD ______________________ 73 SCIENCE & TECH __________________ 25 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS ________ 75 1.
    [Show full text]
  • India and China Space Programs: from Genesis of Space Technologies to Major Space Programs and What That Means for the Internati
    University of Central Florida STARS Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 2009 India And China Space Programs: From Genesis Of Space Technologies To Major Space Programs And What That Means For The Internati Gaurav Bhola University of Central Florida Part of the Political Science Commons Find similar works at: https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd University of Central Florida Libraries http://library.ucf.edu This Masters Thesis (Open Access) is brought to you for free and open access by STARS. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 by an authorized administrator of STARS. For more information, please contact [email protected]. STARS Citation Bhola, Gaurav, "India And China Space Programs: From Genesis Of Space Technologies To Major Space Programs And What That Means For The Internati" (2009). Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019. 4109. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/4109 INDIA AND CHINA SPACE PROGRAMS: FROM GENESIS OF SPACE TECHNOLOGIES TO MAJOR SPACE PROGRAMS AND WHAT THAT MEANS FOR THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY by GAURAV BHOLA B.S. University of Central Florida, 1998 A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in the Department of Political Science in the College of Arts and Humanities at the University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida Summer Term 2009 Major Professor: Roger Handberg © 2009 Gaurav Bhola ii ABSTRACT The Indian and Chinese space programs have evolved into technologically advanced vehicles of national prestige and international competition for developed nations. The programs continue to evolve with impetus that India and China will have the same space capabilities as the United States with in the coming years.
    [Show full text]
  • XXXV, 2 April-June 2019 Editor's Note 3 Prabhat Patnaik Some
    XXXV, 2 April-June 2019 Editor’s Note 3 Prabhat Patnaik Some Comments About Marx’s Epistemology 7 Raghu Defence Procurement Today: Threat to Self-Reliance and Strategic Autonomy 16 CC Resolution (2010) On the Jammu & Kashmir Issue 57 EDITORIAL BOARD Sitaram YECHUry (EDItor) PrakasH Karat B.V. RAGHavULU ASHok DHAWALE ContribUtors Prabhat Patnaik is Emeritus Professor, Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Raghu is a Defence and Strategic Analyst based in New Delhi. For subscription and other queries, contact The Manager, Marxist, A.K. Gopalan Bhavan, 27-29 Bhai Veer Singh Marg, New Delhi 110001 Phone: (91-11) 2334 8725. Email: [email protected] Printed by Sitaram Yechury at Progressive Printers, A 21, Jhilmil Industrial Area, Shahdara, Delhi 110095, and published by him on behalf of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) from A.K.Gopalan Bhavan, 27-29 Bhai Veer Singh Marg, New Delhi 110001 Marxist, XXXV, 2, April-June 2019 RAGHU Defence Procurement Today Threat to Self-Reliance and Strategic Autonomy IntrodUction India was the world’s second largest importer of military hardware during 2014-18 accounting for 9.5 per cent of the total, having dropped from its first rank during 2009-13 and ceding top spot to Saudi Arabia which accounted for around 12.5 per cent of total imports during these last five years.1 However, this was mainly due to delays in deliveries of earlier orders to India, and a sporadic spurt in Saudi imports. One can therefore broadly say that India has been the world’s leading arms importer over the past decade.
    [Show full text]
  • Table 20C.1 CENTRAL BOARD of DIRECT TAXES
    Table 20C.1 CENTRAL BOARD OF DIRECT TAXES STATEMENT SHOWING DETAILS OF PROSECUTIONS UNDER THE DIRECT TAXES ENACTMENTS DURING THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2014‐2015, 2015‐2016 and 2016‐2017 A. RESULT OF SEARCHES Financial Year Value of assets Seized (Rs. in Crores) 2014‐15 761.70 2015‐16 712.32 2016‐17 1469.45 B. STATISTICS FOR PROSECUTION Financial Number Number of Number of Number of Number of Year proceedings proceedings Persons of prosecutio compounded where convictions Convicted proceedin n obtained finally & jailed gs proceedin acquitted gs launched (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) 2014‐15 669 900 34 NA * 42 2015‐16 552 1019 28 NA * 38 2016‐17 1252 1208 16 19 30 # Figure also includes the no. of cases in Col. 6 in which proceedings were compounded & launched from previous year. * The data w.r.t. to the conviction in Col. 5 was not maintained centrally prior to F.Y. 2016‐17. TABLE 20C.1 – Page 1 of 1 Table 20C.2 CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, NEW DELHI PREVENTION OF CORRUPTION ACT CASES AND THEIR DISPOSAL‐ 2016 A. CBI Disposal 1(a) No. of cases pending investigation from previous year. 571 (b) No. of cases registered during the year. 673 (c) Total No. of cases for investigation during the year. 1244 2. No. of cases recommended for trial during the year. (Charge sheets filed) 339 3. No. of cases sent up for trial and also reported for departmental action during the year. 184 Total (2 + 3) 523 4. No. of cases pending departmental sanction for prosecution during the year.
    [Show full text]
  • Department of Space Indian Space Research Organisation Right to Information - (Suo-Motu Disclosure)
    Department of Space Indian Space Research Organisation Right to Information - (Suo-Motu Disclosure) ORGANISATION, FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES A. Organisation With the setting up of Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962, the space activities in the country were initiated. In the same year, the work on Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) near Thiruvananthapuram was also started. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was established in August 1969. The Government of India constituted the Space Commission and established the Department of Space (DOS) in June 1972 and brought ISRO under DOS in September 1972. The Space Commission formulates the policies and oversees the implementation of the Indian space programme to promote the development and application of space science and technology for the socio-economic benefit of the country. DOS implements these programmes through, mainly, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Grant-in-Aid institutions viz. Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL), North Eastern-Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC), Semi- Conductor Laboratory (SCL)and Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST). The Antrix Corporation, established in 1992 as a government owned company, markets the space products and services. The establishment of space systems and their applications are coordinated by the national level committees, namely, INSAT Coordination Committee (ICC), Planning Committee on National Natural Resources Management
    [Show full text]
  • Small Arms of the Indian State: a Century of Procurement And
    INDIA ARMED VIOLENCE ASSESSMENT Issue Brief Number 4 January 2014 Small Arms of the Indian State A Century of Procurement and Production Introduction state of dysfunction’ and singled out nuclear weapons (Bedi, 1999; Gupta, Army production as particularly weak 1990). Overlooked in this way, the Small arms procurement by the Indian (Cohen and Dasgupta, 2010, p. 143). Indian small arms industry developed government has long reflected the coun- Under this larger procurement its own momentum, largely discon- try’s larger national military procure- system, dominated by a culture of nected from broader international ment system, which stressed indigenous conservatism and a preference for trends in armament design and policy. arms production and procurement domestic manufacturers, any effort to It became one of the world’s largest above all. This deeply ingrained pri- modernize the small arms of India’s small arms industries, often over- ority created a national armaments military and police was held back, looked because it focuses mostly on policy widely criticized for passivity, even when indigenous products were supplying domestic military and law lack of strategic direction, and deliv- technically disappointing. While the enforcement services, rather than civil- ering equipment to the armed forces topic of small arms development ian or export markets. which was neither wanted nor suited never was prominent in Indian secu- As shown in this Issue Brief, these to their needs. By the 1990s, critics had rity affairs, it all but disappeared trends have changed since the 1990s, begun to write of an endemic ‘failure from public discussion in the 1980s but their legacy will continue to affect of defense production’ (Smith, 1994, and 1990s.
    [Show full text]
  • Current Affairs,Iasedge
    IAS Edge IAS Edge CURRENT AFFAIRS, IAS EDGE This Document was prepared under the supervision of Mr. Pramod Singh, Academic Head, IAS Edge. Current Affairs, May 2019 Contents 1 GS1a: SOCIAL ISSUES ..........................................7 1.1 Stucco Sculpture and Ikshvaku dynasty7 1.2 Sri Vedanta Desikan7 1.3 International Religious Freedom 2019 report9 1.4 Basavanna9 1.5 Char Dham pilgrimage 10 1.6 Trans fatty acids (TFA) 10 1.7 National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) 12 1.8 Vayoshreshtha Samman 13 2 GS2a: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE ............................. 14 2.1 Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) of Puducherry 14 2.2 Electoral Bond Scheme 16 2.3 Zero pendency Court project 17 2.4 DissentIAS in the Election Commission Edge18 2.5 10th Schedule of the Constitution 18 2.6 Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) 19 2.7 Collegium System 20 2.8 NGOs and regulation of their foreign funding 21 2.9 Article 324 22 2.10 United Nations not a State under Article 12 23 2.11 National Register of Citizens (NRC) 23 2.12 Competition Commission of India (CCI) 24 3 GS2b: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS ............................ 25 3.1 Russia “Sovereign internet” bill 25 3.2 Masood Azhar is now a UN global terrorist 26 3.3 Arctic Council 26 3.4 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) 28 3.5 World Customs Organization 29 3.6 Commonwealth Tribunal 30 3.7 The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) 30 3.8 World Reconstruction Conference (WRC4) 32 3.9 UN Human Rights Council 33 4 GS3a: ECONOMICS ............................................ 34 4.1 Generalized System of Preference (GSP) 34 4.2 Prepaid payment instruments 35 4.3 Resolving India’s banking crisis 35 4.4 CPI inflation 38 4.5 Fund for rural agricultural start-ups 39 4.6 Economic Census 39 4.7 Project ‘SPARROW-CBIC’ 40 4.8 Services Trade Restrictiveness Index 40 4.9 RBI releases ‘Vision 2021’ for e-payment system 40 4.10 Masala bonds 41 4.11 Chief risk officer (CRO) for NBFCs 42 4.12 WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism 42 5 GS3b:IAS ENVIRONMENT ...................
    [Show full text]