January, 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS Monthly Compilation The Hindu | Mint | Indian Express | Business Standard | PIB |
C ontents: GS1:
1) Art and Culture, History 1. Kotiyattam 2. Siddi community has been thriving through music and dance 3. Karnataka’s towns from another age 4. Khadi fights back to prevent misuse of its Trademarks Internationally 5. Ekashila Nagara (Orugallu) 6. Nankana Sahib Attack 7. Marble domes of Aurangabad’s Bibi Ka Maqbara to get new glow 8. Villagers give up stone-throwing ritual at Buddhist site 9. Inscriptions revealed two medieval monasteries at Moghalmari 10. Special Focus for today: Art and Culture 11. Company Painting 12. ANSI Explores The ‘Anthropologist’ Gandhi On His 150th Birth Anniversary 13. Month-long Nagoba Jatara concludes in Telangana 14. Savitribai Phule 15. PM Dedicates Four Refurbished Heritage Buildings in Kolkata to the Nation 16. Lohri Festival 17. Promotion and protection of ancient Indian languages 18. Madhavpur Mela of Gujarat 19. Guru Gobind Singh Birth Anniversary Celebrated
2) Indian Society 1. Manipur tribes call truce after decades of conflict 2. Centre, Assam govt. sign accord with Bodo groups to redraw, rename territory 3. Govt. allots 30% N-E Council funds for deprived regions 4. The end of Bru-Reang Refugee Crisis 5. Bodo Peace Accord 2020: Journey from Autonomous Council to a Territorial Region
3) Geography 1. Taal Volcano
GS2:
1) Polity and Governance 1. Centre seeks guidelines on execution of convicts 2. Questions on Parents in NPR 3. Examine powers of Speakers, SC asks Parliament 4. Aspirants with Criminal past should not get Ticket: EC tells SC 5. Access to Internet- The SC verdict
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6. Redesigning India’s Ailing Data System 7. Return of Bonds 8. Ending Inaction 9. The condemned can’t fight endlessly, says CJI 10. Frame rules to govern how devices identify us 11. Competition Commission of India 12. Defense Acquisition Council 13. Article 340 of the constitution 14. National Data and Analytics Platform 15. MV Registration Mark “DD” Assigned to New Union Territory ‘Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu’ 16. NCLAT 17. 171 Hospitals Delisted from PM-JAY 18. 4 Nirbhaya case convicts to be hanged 19. SC tell Govt. to review orders curbing basic rights in J&K 20. Centre gets notice on plea for population control 21. Section 144 not a tool to suppress opinion: SC 22. 34 lakh OCI Cards Issued: Centre 23. Sabarimala Verdict: SC will examine larger issues in 9 Judge Bench 24. SC rejects curative pleas of 2 Nirbhaya death row convicts 25. Kerala govt. challenges CAA in Supreme Court 26. IT rules to separate social media and other online platforms 27. Karnataka ranks sixth in justice delivery: India Justice Report 28. Income Tax Appellate Tribunal-ITAT 29. State legislative council 30. Time limit on advance bail violates personal liberty: Supreme Court 31. Registration of Political Parties 32. National Human Rights Commission 33. Legislative Assembly of Delhi 34. Laws Against Huge Election Expenditure 35. Zonal Councils 36. Rationalisation of Government Intervention 37. EC Launches Inline Tracking System for Political Parties 38. SC to hear Government’s Plea to transfer petitions against CAA in High Courts
2) Social Justice 1. NIMHANS study stresses on need for a national suicide prevention strategy 2. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights 3. Guaranteeing healthcare, the Brazilian way 4. Playing with Learning 5. Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) 6. SERVICE -a scheme of SAIL to promote Voluntary Philanthropist Activities by its employees 7. NISHTHA (National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement) 8. Double Burden of Malnutrition: Need for Urgent Policy Action 9. Jalsathi 10. 219 infants died at two Gujarat civil hospitals in December 2019 11. Nation pension scheme 12. NETSCOFAN
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13. U.P. tops in crimes against women 14. Only a marginal decline in Farmer Suicide rates 15. West Bengal tops in 2018 acid attack cases: NCRB 16. Transgender Persons Act Comes into Effect 17. India’s under- 5 girls face high mortality 18. Maharashtra, Gujarat lag behind in Compensation for Sewer Deaths 19. ASER Study: Gender Disparity in Education system 20. Fund Crunch hits MGNREGA Scheme 21. Cases of diabetes, cancer rise in rural areas of Madhya Pradesh 22. Mysuru police step in after FB post on child marriage 23. Government of India’s UJALA & Street Lighting National Programme 24. India to be a global hub of higher learning 25. Institution of National Importance 26. $88 million loan agreement for Assam Inland Water Transport Project 27. Jal Jeevan Mission 28. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020 29. All Urban Areas of 35 States/UTs Declared Open Defecation Free 30. Building Social Infrastructure
3) International Relations 1. Libya summit seeks end to foreign meddling 2. India Drops 10 Ranks in Democracy Index 3. India, Brazil to sign Strategic Action Plan 4. Justice for Rohingya 5. Technology: The main front in the US-China trade war 6. Deciphering the moves on Russia’s Power Chessboard 7. BRICS 8. Indo-US Relationship: Nationalist Similarities 9. United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL),1976 10. UNAIDS 11. The Forum of the Election Management Bodies of South Asia (FEMBoSA) 12. India-Nepal to Hold Talks Over Kalapani 13. Foreign envoys in J&K on a fact-finding visit 14. INS Vikramaditya deployed in Arabian Sea 15. We Won’t Leave Siachen: Army Chief 16. PM and World Leaders to attend Raisina dialogue 17. Iran nuclear deal: EU launches dispute mechanism 18. How India is Resetting its ties with the World 19. Indian passport ranked 84th in the world 20. Sikhs to be counted as separate ethnic group in US census for first time 21. India to invite Imran Khan for Shanghai Council meet 22. China, U.S. sign initial trade agreement 23. EU Parliament to vote on Kashmir, CAA 24. EU motion calls CAA ‘discriminatory’ 25. Defying U.S., U.K. gives 5G role to Huawei 26. Trump unveils West Asia plan, Palestinians protest 27. EU’s concerns on CAA: Interfering into sovereign matters 28. MoU Between India and Sweden On Cooperation in Polar Science 29. Mobility Partnership Agreement Between India and France
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30. India and WTO 31. Royal Australian Navy Ship HMAS Toowoomba at Mumbai 32. National Consultation on the review of Beijing +25 33. U.S. and Iran Conflict*
GS3:
1) Indian Economy 1. Social Mobility Index: India ranks low at 76th place; Denmark tops 2. IMF brings down India’s growth forecast to 4.8% 3. World’s richest 2,000 people hold more than poorest 4.6 billion combined: Oxfam 4. India slips two places on corruption index 5. Move to cash transfers of subsidies will lead to savings 6. India’s economic slowdown: Slow and Slower 7. Huge informal economy: Government should increase spending, not worry about deficit 8. FRBM ACT 9. Youth Co:Lab -national innovation challenge 10. Pragati Scheme 11. Central Government Notifies National Startup Advisory Council 12. Government of India and the World Bank deal 13. I nternational Summit on Women in STEM– “Visualizing the Future: New Skylines" 14. RBI gives in-principle nod to Shivalik Mercantile to convert to SFB 15. Stressed urban cooperative banks to face PCA -like curbs 16. Services sector activity growth at a 5-month high 17. Cutting Expenditure to curb deficit 18. Cabinet Approves Ordinance enabling FDI in Coal Mining 19. IIP reverses slump, grows by 1.8% in November 20. Retail Inflation at a 5-year high in December 21. Using Data Analytics to identify GST evaders 22. Improving the Credibility of India’s Statistical System 23. Anti-profiteering body steps up GST compliance drive 24. Adjusted Gross Revenue 25. Rojgaar Sangi 26. Govt. sweetens Air India offer, puts 100% stake on the table 27. New rules help small entities wind up biz without moving NCLT 28. IBBI amends the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India 29. Revamp of SEZ policy to meet challenges faced by exporters 30. Finance Commission gets presentation from IMF on Resource Mobilization for the Next Five Years 31. Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs 32. WTO ministerial gathering at Davos 33. Promoting Pro-Business Policy Critical for India 34. Doing Business Rankings 35. “Assemble in India for the World” 36. Industrial Sector Performance Key to Achieving $5 Trillion Economy 37. Ethical Wealth Creation Key to Achieving $5 Trillion Economy
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38. Some Key Points in the First Advance Estimates of the GDP for FY20 39. Role of PSBs in Indian Economy 40. Digital Transactions & DBT: 41. Creation of FinTech Hub for PSBs: The Public Sector Banking Network (PSBN) 42. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Improves Resolution Process 43. Advantages of Disinvestment – Economic Survey 2020 44. Balance of Payment 45. India Ranks Third in Number of New Firms Created 46. A Novel Health Score: NBFCs 47. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCS) 48. India’s Share in Global Exports 49. Employment Generation 50. MSME Sector 51. Expenditure on Social Services
2) Agriculture and Industry 1. Cane Farmers Flag Brazil's WTO Case Against India 2. Cotton research bodies in India, Uganda to develop new seed variety 3. Targeting Construction of National Highways at the Rate of 40 Km Per Day 4. Krishnapatnam Port 5. Need transparent UDAN: Air passengers’ association 6. Northeast Gas Grid gets Government Funding 7. Yellow rust in wheat crop causes alarm in Punjab and Haryana 8. Andhra Pradesh flags off country’s first fruit train 9. Govt’s efforts to promote fisheries 10. 7 Blocks Awarded under Open Acreage Licensing Programme (OALP) 11. KVIC Opens Silk Processing Plant in Gujrat 12. Farmer Producer Organizations 13. Farmers Science Congress: Importance of farmer’s innovations 14. Renewable Energy Sector 15. PM – KUSUM 16. IEA Launches First In-depth Review of India’s Energy Policies 17. ‘Purvodaya’: Accelerated development of Eastern India through an Integrated Steel Hub 18. State Energy Efficiency Index 2019 19. Ordinance promulgated for amendment of MMDR Act and CMSP Act 20. 150th anniversary celebration of Kolkata Port Trust in Kolkata 21. Ladakh Food Processing Summit 22. “Apna Urea – Sona Ugle” brand of HURL 23. DGTR initiates 34 anti-dumping, 6 safeguard investigations in 2019-20 24. Concession Agreement signed for construction of Z-Morh tunnel in J&K 25. Special Outreach Programme of Central Government 26. Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) 27. Wings of India 2020 28. Estimates of Area and Production of various Horticulture Crops 29. Index of Eight Core Industries 30. State of Agricultural Mechanisation 31. Gross Value Added in Agriculture
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3) Science and Technology 1. Submarine launched ballistic missile K-4 2. Coronavirus 3. Virus outbreak spreads to Beijing, Shanghai 4. Coronavirus: Further updates 5. Relocation of Hawaii Telescope 6. ISRO satellite data to guide mobile phone navigation 7. Thanjavur gets a Sukhoi squadron 8. “Vyom Mitra”-ISRO’s half Humanoid-An experimental mission of Gaganyaan 9. C. N. R. Rao 10. WHO Prequalifies Pneumococcal Vaccine 11. MANI 12. Karnataka’s Challakere to be ISRO’s astronaut training hub 13. Future classroom: How tech is changing the way we learn 14. Indian scientist’s work on nano material paves way for clean energy vehicle 15. New Satellites will help Gaganyaan Crew 16. Genome sequencing of Indian cobra 17. HighRadius: A business Unicorn of 2020 18. Police seek to tap emerging tech to transform into a hi-tech force 19. VR and Visual Memory 20. Milky Way’s imminent collision with neighbouring galaxy is creating new stars 21. Space Programmes of 2020 22. ISRO’s GSAT-30 Launched to replace ageing INSAT-4A 23. Email accounts of Govt. officials hacked 24. 107th Indian Science Congress 25. FAME India Scheme 26. AI & machine learning will contribute USD 1 trillion to Indian economy by 2035 27. Voluntary Disclosure of Information of Non-Compliant Drones Flying in India 28. Indian Navy to Get Upgraded Fuel HFHSD – IN 512 29. ‘Centre of Excellence in Blockchain Technology’ in Bengaluru 30. Bhuvan Panchayat Project 31. POLYCRACK Technology for waste to energy 32. ISRO: Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan-3 In Mission Mode
4) Environment and Ecology 1. 146 Irrawaddy dolphins sighted in Odisha’s Chilika 2. ZSI documents another new snake eel species in Odisha 3. Being forearmed on climate change 4. Mudflats: The world’s great coastal protectors 5. India Added to its Green Cover, But the Numbers Are Questionable 6. Think climate change action, act global 7. India achieves complete phase out of one the most potent ozone depleting chemical 8. India records less than 100 tiger deaths for the first time in three years 9. How Humans Affect the Genetic Connectivity of Four Mammals 10. Delhi gets its first smog tower to tackle air pollution 11. Declare Goa sanctuaries as ‘tiger reserve’ 12. Panel approves scheme to ‘trade’ in forests
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13. All set for water bird Census in A.P. 14. New method better estimates Melting of Debris-covered Himalayan Glaciers 15. Species-Rich forests offer stable Carbon Capture 16. Crocodile population on the rise in Odisha’s Ghodahada reservoir 17. Maradu towers brought down with precision 18. Kaziranga has one of the highest number of wetland birds 19. CRZ rules eased for ‘Blue Flag’ beaches 20. The Global ocean heats up 21. Climatic fluctuations impact climatic niches of owlets 22. A bid to restore coral reefs in Gulf of Kutch using biorocks 23. African Cheetahs to prowl Indian forests 24. BEE Notifies New Energy Performance Standards for Air Conditioners 25. Island Development Agency 26. Barapullah DESMI Waste Water Management Project 27. Ramsar declaration 28. India Is the Second Largest Emerging Green Bond Market after China 29. India’s Initiative at the International Stage
5) Internal Security Challenges and Disaster Management 1. 644 Assam extremists surrender 2. GoI launches “Seismic Hazard Microzonation” to minimize earthquake disasters 3. Inauguration of the second Integrated Check Post at Jogbani-Biratnagar 4. Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 5. Stone- throwing scales a peak in J&K in 2019 6. GOCO MODEL to identify industry partners 7. MoD approves rules of business for DMA 8. LCA Navy Variant Successfully Lands on INS Vikramaditya 9. Operation Sankalp 10. Milan 2020 11. Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) 12. Zanskar River in the UT of Ladakh 13. K9 Vajra-T Gun 14. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) 15. Operation Vanilla 16. NCRB Launches two online national level services related to Search of Missing Persons and to Generate Vehicle NOC 17. India Launched Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
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GS1: Art and Culture, History
K OTIYATTAM
Details: Koodiyattam, also transliterated as Kotiyattam, is a traditional performing artform in the state of Kerala, India. It is a combination of ancient Sanskrit theatre with elements of Koothu, a Tamil/ Malayalam performing art which is as old as Sangam era It has a documented history of a thousand years in Kerala It is traditionally performed in temple theatres known as Koothambalams It is the only surviving art form that uses drama from ancient Sanskrit theatre. It is officially recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity The main musical instruments used in Koodiyattam are mizhavu, kuzhitalam, edakka, kurumkuzhal, and sankhu. Mizhavu, the most prominent of these is a percussion instrument that is played by a person of the Ambalavas Nambiar caste, accompanied by Nangyaramma playing the kuzhithalam
S IDDI COMMUNITY HAS BEEN THRIVING THROUGH MUSIC AND D ANCE
For the Siddi community of North Karnataka, music and dance lie at the centre of its cultural identity
More Information: The Siddis of Karnataka, are an ethnic group who descended from the Bantu-speaking people of Southeast Africa. They were brought to India by Portuguese merchants about 400 years ago Today, about 50,000 Siddi people live all over India, of which, more than a third live in the northern parts of Karnataka. They speak their own language called Siddi Basha, and having lived in Karnataka for generations, they are also fluent in Kannada. They were recognised as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) in 2004, by the Government of Karnataka They are widely known for their expressive dance form Siddi Dhamal, which portrays their community life. While women sing a repetitive song pattern, the men usually play the dammam — a percussive instrument which looks similar to a mridangam, but is made of wood and deerskin on the sides
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K ARNATAKA’S TOWNS FROM ANOTHER AGE
Context? At Badami and Aihole, glimpses of an India that lives in several centuries at once
Details and insights into the architecture of Chalukyan empire Northern Karnataka have been places of continuous habitation for centuries In Badami, the town and its history are not so clearly separated, history there something much more lived in. Badami was the centre of the sixth century Chalukyan kingdom. Their history is carved into the caves built in the cliffs of Badami—a Trivikrama Vishnu kicking his leg high, a bull and an elephant that share a head, amorous couples under flowering trees, all carved in red sandstone with purple striations Jambulinga temple watched over by Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva carved on to the ceiling. An inscription on a pillar dates it to 699. Aihole had the appearance of an ancient settlement untouched by time, with houses built up to, and even extending into, historical edifices Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has built gardens around its important monuments, like the apsidal Durga temple (actually dedicated to Surya) In front of the old cave of Ravanpahadi, with its carvings of a dancing Shiva with his entire family, little children clamber and slide off the Nandi bull. The Chikkigudi temple: there’s a ceiling carved with lotuses and Shiva and Vishnu Pattadakal gets the sense of a sanitized heritage spliced apart from the town The monuments are clustered in a “monument park" alongside the Malaprabha river The grand eighth century Chalukyan Shiva temples with their elaborately carved Nagara towers have been cleared of the village houses The Virupaksha temple here is astonishing, the panels on its columns telling intricately carved stories from the great epics, Bhishma lying on his bed of arrows, Lakshmana cutting off the nose of Surpanakha, Krishna killing the crow demon The little antechamber in a corner of the mandap is a magnificently sinuous eight-armed Durga spearing a startled Mahishasura. Sidlaphadi is located nearby which is home to Paleolithic cave paintings.
K HADI FIGHTS BACK TO PREVENT MISUSE OF ITS TRADEMARKS I NTERNATIONALLY
Why in news? Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has taken various initiatives for protection and promotion of Khadi as a brand in India and internationally They are the registered proprietors of over a hundred trademarks registrations including the symbol of ‘Charkha’ in India and other countries like Russia, China, Germany, Australia, UK and Bhutan In an initiative to prevent such misuse any further, KVIC has taken up the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Permanent Mission of India
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at UN, Geneva seeking International Trademark protection of symbol of ‘Charkha’ under the article 6ter of the Paris Convention. Article 6ter of the Paris Convention for the protection of Industrial property of 1883 (1967 Stockholm Act) protects armorial bearings, flags and other State emblems as well as official signs and hallmarks of the States party to the Paris Convention The signs published with World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) under this act are prevented from being registered or used as trademarks, across the world, without authorization
E KASHILA NAGARA (ORUGALLU)
Considered City of a Single Stone, the Kakatiya Heritage of Warangal However, the city was not built from a “single stone” [as was, for example, the monolithic Ellora temple]; rather it was built around a single massive outcrop of rock that rose prominently from the surrounding plains. Sanskrit Ekashila Nagara– Telugu name Orugallu The torana is found not only in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain sites in India but variations exist in Southeast Asia and even Japan. Torana is the etymological root for words such as “door” and the German “tor”, but the Warangal torana – which means “bird perch” – takes the word more literally, with two charming birds roosting on either end. The admirable state of its preservation is ascribed to the absence of religious imagery, which is probably why some other monuments in this region were also spared by Muslim invaders.
Svayambusiva Temple 4 toranas Kakatiya’s deity Instead of the usual east-facing entrance, it appeared open to all four cardinal points, based on the Sarvatobhadra plan, “auspicious on all sides.”
N ANKANA SAHIB ATTACK
Why in news? On 3rd January 2020, there was an attack on Gurudwara Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. Pakistan rejected the reports claiming that the Gurudwara was untouched and the “attack” was just a scuffle between locals.
Background Gurudwara Nankana Sahib is also known as Gurudwara Janam Asthan. It is the site where the first Guru of Sikhs, Guru Nanak was Born. Guru Nanak founded Sikhism in 1469 and was the first Sikh Guru. He was succeeded by nine gurus Guru Gobind Singh was the last guru of Sikhism.
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In 1708, the guruship was passed on to the holy sikh scripture Guru Granth Shib. According to Sikh, the holy text is now the living Guru for the followers of Sikhism.
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M ARBLE DOMES OF AURANGABAD’S BIBI KA MAQBARA TO GET N EW GLOW
Why in news? The marble domes of Bibi Ka Maqbara, the famous 17th century Mughal era monument in the city, are set to get a new shine due to scientific conservation. Details:
The structure, known as the ‘Taj of the Deccan’ because of its striking resemblance to the Taj Mahal, was commissioned by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1660 in the memory of his wife Dilras Banu Begum.
V ILLAGERS GIVE UP STONE-THROWING RITUAL AT BUDDHIST S ITE
Why in news? After a sustained campaign, heritage lovers and officials have been successful in almost stopping the stone pelting ritual at Bojjannakonda, a famous Buddhist site
More about the site “Bojjannakonda and Lingalametta are twin Buddhist monasteries dating back to the 3rd century BC. These sites have seen three forms of Buddhism — o Theravada period when Lord Buddha was considered a teacher o Mahayana, where Buddhism was more devotional o Vajrayana, where Buddhist tradition was more practiced as Tantra and in esoteric form
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I NSCRIPTIONS REVEALED TWO MEDIEVAL MONASTERIES AT M OGHALMARI
Why in news? A study of inscriptions on clay tablets recovered from recent excavations at Moghalmari, a Buddhist monastic site of the early medieval period in West Bengal have confirmed the presence of two monasteries.
Details Excavations discovered that the monasteries at Moghalmari date from 6th century CE and were functional till the 12th century CE. It was mentioned by Huen Tsang Archaeologists and historians point out that famous Chinese traveler Xuan zang (more widely identified as Huen Tsang), who visited India in the 7th century CE, referred to the existence of ‘ten monasteries’ within the limits of Tamralipta (modern day Tamluk in adjoining Purba Medinipur district).
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S PECIAL FOCUS FOR TODAY: ART AND CULTURE
Kala Bhavana: 100 years of the arts school founded by Tagore In 1919, when the country was still bleeding from the massacre at Jallianwala Bagh, Tagore planted fresh seeds of life in the soil of Santiniketan by setting up Kala Bhavana — a school of arts The institution is celebrating its centenary this year. Exact date of establishment of Kala Bhavana is unknown, but art historian and Santiniketan veteran Prof. K. Siva Kumar says it was most likely in June that year, going by letters written at the time barely weeks after Tagore had returned his knighthood in protest against the massacre. At the time, art in India was governed by colonial tastes and needs. This was the first institution to break away from the colonial method. It was a part of the nationalist movement, a model of anti-colonial education Tagore was not a narrow nationalist; he wanted to connect with the larger heritage of world art, including non-Western traditions such as Chinese and Japanese. At the same time, he also wanted to redefine Indian art. His stay in the villages of East Bengal was an eye-opener for him. He realized there was so much of nature to engage with, and so much of urban-rural divide that needed to be responded to Earlier people used to come to Santiniketan because they subscribed to Tagore’s ideology, but now they come for the salary and job security because this is a Central government institution.” (Visva-Bharati came under Central control in 1951.)
Panini — world’s first informatician Ashtadhyayi is admired for its simplicity and its rigorous and consistent use of meta language. Sutras are like mathematical formulae. So, a lot of information can be given using a few words Panini also lays down rules to resolve conflicts between sutras. The total number of words in Ashtadhyayi is 7,000. The Total number of words after repeating the words with anuvrtti is 40,000. Panini needed only approximately one-sixth of the words that would have been required without anuvrtti. He achieved compression by a factor of 3 in terms of byte size, making memorisation easy. It is not surprising therefore, that Gerard Huet, who led the teams which developed programming language CAML and Coq Proof Assistant System, said that Panini was the “first informatician in the world 24 centuries before computers came into existence.”
Odissi dance choreography, Hansika, is adapted from the Russian ballet Swan Lake Odissi dancer Sharmila Mukerjee and her dance ensemble, Sanjali, will present a dance choreography called Hansika. It is an adaptation of the Russian ballet — Swan Lake, and Sharmila uses the classical Odissi dance form to present the story.
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About Odissi Dance o Odissi is a major ancient Indian classical dance that originated in the Hindu temples of Odisha – an eastern coastal state of India o Odissi, in its history, was performed predominantly by women and expressed religious stories and spiritual ideas o two major styles, the first perfected by women and focused on solemn, spiritual temple dance (maharis); the second perfected by boys dressed as girls (gotipuas)
C OMPANY PAINTING
Background In the 18th and 19th centuries, Indian artists were employed mainly by the British East India Company, and, to a lesser extent, by other European East India companies to record picturesque sites, monuments, festivals, royalty, zenana and nautchkhana.
Some Insights: A blend of Indian and European styles, these works are known as the Company painting or the Kampani Kalam in local parlance As Muslim Rule saw its dusk, Many of the artists flocked to newer patrons—the East India Company officials based in Delhi, Lucknow, Patna, Murshidabad, Kolkata, Trichy and other places This brought them under the influence of European counterparts such as Thomas and William Daniell, William Hodges, Johann Zoffany and Frans Balthazar Solvyns Visual vocabulary in painting transformed to include the use of perspective, the move from gouache to watercolour and softer palettes. An example of this was a depiction of the marriage procession of a Muslim bridegroom (Day Scene, Patna, circa 1813) by Sewak Ram In the Company paintings, artists captured daily life for British sahibs to share with their families in England, or the scientific studies of flora and fauna in an age of discovery The stories of artists such as Sewak Ram and Shaikh Muhammad Amir of Karraya lend insight into the lives of Company painters—the former, who worked from 1790-1826, used to be the most prolific and influential of the Patna painters.
A NSI EXPLORES THE ‘ANTHROPOLOGIST’ GANDHI ON HIS 150TH B IRTH ANNIVERSARY
Why in news? As part of the commemoration of Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary, the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) has dedicated an entire issue of its journal, on what it calls “Gandhian insights into applied anthropology”. So far, Gandhi’s writings, teaching and life has been the subject of interest of historians and political scientists but a closer look will point out that Gandhi and his life has been centered in anthropology.
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It is said that anthropologists had so far ignored Gandhi’s writings, his teachings and life, the opportunity to explore Gandhi’s contributions came during the sesquicentenary celebration of his birth anniversary
M ONTH-LONG NAGOBA JATARA CONCLUDES IN TELANGANA
Details: Nagoba Jatara to be celebrated with customary of thanksgiving ceremony, of Betal puja constituted the last of the rituals before the formal end of the annual Jatara in Telangana Nagoba Jatara
S AVITRIBAI PHULE
An Indian social reformer, educationalist, and poet from Maharashtra Regarded as the first female teacher of India Also regarded as the mother of Indian feminism Worked to abolish the discrimination and unfair treatment of people based on caste and gender. She was also a prolific Marathi writer
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P M DEDICATES FOUR REFURBISHED HERITAGE BUILDINGS IN K OLKATA TO THE NATION
Why in news? The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation Four Refurbished Heritage Buildings in Kolkata on 11th January 2020.
Details These are Old Currency Building, the Belvedere House, the Metcalfe House and the Victoria Memorial Hall. The Prime Minister said that it begins a nationwide campaign to preserve India’s art, culture and heritage, and to Reinvent, Rebrand, Renovate and Rehouse them. It is with this spirit that the Union Government has taken up the endeavour to develop India as major centre of Heritage Tourism in the World.
Details of the buildings: Old Currency Building This beautiful triple-storeyed structure is built in the early nineteenth century (circa 1833 CE). The building was handed over to the Archaeological Survey of India in the year 2005. Belvedere House Belvedere House was the former palace for the Viceroy of India and later the Governor of Bengal. The National Library of India is housed therein, since 1948. Metcalfe House It is one of the torch-bearers of colonial architecture in Kolkata The building was completed in 1844 to accommodate the Agri-Horticultural Society in the ground floor and the Calcutta Public Library. Victoria Memorial Hall Victoria Memorial is a large marble building in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, which was built between 1906 and 1921. It is dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria
L OHRI FESTIVAL
Lohri is a popular winter Punjabi folk festival, celebrated primarily by Hindus and Sikhs from the Punjab region of the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, on 13 January of every year. The significance and legends about the Lohri festival are many and these link the festival to the Punjab region.
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P ROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF ANCIENT INDIAN LANGUAGES
Details: They offer a window to our ancient civilisational values, knowledge and wisdom Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT) and International Institute of Tamil Studies (IITS)are putting tremendous effort in translation of Thirukkural into all Indian languages and also in some foreign languages There is a need to Harness the power of technology to preserve & promote the rich heritage of Indian languages Classical languages in India “Classical Language in India” is an official status within the Republic of India, awarded by the Government of India. It is without direct relation to the usual definition of “classical language” Presently 6 languages have been recognised as classical language in India, which are Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu LANGUAGE NUMBER OF SPEAKERS AROUND THE WORLD Sanskrit 05 Million Malayalam 34 Million Odia 37 Million Kannada 51 Million Tamil 67 Million
M ADHAVPUR MELA OF GUJARAT
Madhavpur (Ghed) is a small but culturally significant village in state of Gujarat, India. It lies on the seashore, close to Porbandar. According to folklore, Krishna married Rukmini at Madhavpur after first kidnapping her. This event is memorialized with a temple dedicated to lord Madhavrai and by an annual fair held in the village Every year, for five days from day of Ram Navmi, a cultural fair is organized mainly on the background of religious belief of Krishna getting married to Rukmani. A colorful chariot is decorated and idol of Krishna is placed in the chariot and a procession proceeds through the village as a part of celebrating the event of Krishna’s marriage. Village people throws colors at each other as part of celebration and also involves joyful dancing. Madhavpur is also culturally significant due to one of the seats of Vallabhacharya who is founder of Pushti Marg Vaishnava Hindu sect. The seat, called as Baithak or more respectably Bethakji is 66th of the 84 Baithak of Vallabhacharya.
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G URU GOBIND SINGH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED
Born in 1666, Guru Gobind Singh is considered to be one of the most celebrated of all Sikh gurus.
About: Guru Gobind Singh (1666 – 1708), was the tenth Sikh Guru, warrior, poet and philosopher. He was born as Gobind Rai as the son of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Khalsa: He founded the Sikh warrior community called Khalsa in 1699. He introduced the Five Ks (Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kirpan and Kacchera), the five articles of faith that Khalsa Sikhs wear at all times.
Contribution to Sikh texts: Finalized the Guru Granth Sahib in 1706 and declared this text to be the eternal Guru for Sikhs. Wrote the Chandi di Var in Punjabi language – a legendary war between the good and the evil, as described in the ancient Sanskrit text Markandeya Purana. Composed Dasam Granth which includes compositions which are part of the daily prayers/lessons of Sikhs.
List of Sikh Takhts associated with him: Name Location Religious significance Takht Anandpur · It was here that Guru Gobind Singh raised Khalsa, the Keshgarh Sahib, initiated Sikh warriors, in 1699. Sahib Punjab · Guru Gobind Singh spent several months in Damdama Takht Talwandi Sahib. · It was the last one to be recognised as a takht, Damdama Sabo, Punjab through a resolution of the SGPC in 1966, after Punjab Sahib became a separate state. Takht Patna Bihar · Patna Sahib is the birthplace Guru Gobind Singh. Sahib Takht Hazur Nanded, · Guru Gobind Singh spent his final days in Hazur Sahib, Sahib Maharashtra where he was cremated in 1708.
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GS1: Indian Society
M ANIPUR TRIBES CALL TRUCE AFTER DECADES OF CONFLICT
Why in news? Umbrella Organisations of 2 tribes have called a truce in Manipur after almost 4 decades of violence.
Details: The conflict between the Nagas and the Kukis in 1993 had claimed more than 230 lives and displaced 1,00,000, mostly Kukis. The working committee of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) and the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) have signed a declaration to settle contentious issues and inter-community differences peacefully. The KNO, which is seeking a territorial council in Manipur, is the umbrella body of 17 militant outfits now engaged in peace talks with the Centre. According to the declaration, the two sides will “work together closely to resolve differences through a democratic political process, and by respecting each other’s history and identity”
C ENTRE, ASSAM GOVT. SIGN ACCORD WITH BODO GROUPS TO R EDRAW, RENAME TERRITORY
Why in news? The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Assam government and Bodo groups signed an agreement to redraw and rename the Bodoland Territorial Area District (BTAD) in Assam, currently spread over the four districts of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri Villages dominated by Bodos that were presently outside the BTAD would be included and those with non Bodo population would be excluded Bodos living in the hills would be granted Scheduled Hill Tribe status
G OVT. ALLOTS 30% N-E COUNCIL FUNDS FOR DEPRIVED REGIONS
Details: The move, seen as part of the government’s Act East policy, will benefit marginalized and vulnerable groups of people in backward and neglected areas of North-eastern states Move aims to benefit marginalized and vulnerable groups of people in neglected areas The balance allocation shall be bifurcated in state (60%) and central (40%) components
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T HE END OF BRU-REANG REFUGEE CRISIS
Why in news? Union Minister for Home Affairs presided over the signing of an agreement between the Government of India, Governments of Tripura and Mizoram and Bru-Reang representatives in New Delhi on 16th January, to end the 23-year old Bru-Reang refugee crisis
Details Under the new agreement, he informed, around 34,000 Bru refugees will be settled in Tripura and would be given aid from the Centre to help with their rehabilitation and all round development A package of around Rs 600 crores has been announced for the same purpose These people would get all the rights that normal residents of the States get and they would now be able to enjoy the benefits of social welfare schemes of Centre and State governments.
Background of conflicts In 1997, following ethnic tension, around 5,000 families comprising around 30,000 Bru- Reang tribals were forced to flee Mizoram and seek shelter in Tripura. These people were housed in temporary camps at Kanchanpur, in North Tripura. Till 2014, 1622 Bru-Reang families returned to Mizoram in different batches.
Bru Tribe: The Brus, sometimes also called Reangs, are tribes in Northeast India They are spread across the states of Tripura, Assam, Manipur, and Mizoram. In Tripura, they have been recognised as a PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group)
B ODO PEACE ACCORD 2020: JOURNEY FROM AUTONOMOUS C OUNCIL TO A TERRITORIAL REGION
Why in news? The tripartite agreement signed between representatives of Bodo people with the Centre and Assam government gave birth to a Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).
Details After several rounds of negotiations with New Delhi, four factions of NDFB and the ABSU has signed another Bodo accord, the third one in 2020 There is going to be 60 members in the Bodoland Territorial Region Bodo tribes will get political and economic benefits after this agreement. The agreement will provide some political rights and some economic packages to the community. According to the political pundits, the agreement will ensure the safety of Bodo language, cultural and regional matters.
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GS1: Geography
T AAL VOLCANO
Why in news? Lava and broad columns of ash spewed from volcano south of MANILA
Details: Philippines is situated around Ring of Fire The Philippine Sea Plate or the Philippine Plate is a tectonic plate comprising of oceanic lithosphere that lies beneath the Philippine Sea, to the east of the Philippines. Most segments of the Philippines, including northern Luzon, are part of the Philippine Mobile Belt, which is geologically and tectonically separate from the Philippine Sea Plate. Philippine Sea plate is bordered mostly by convergent boundaries. It has forced around 20000 peoples to be evacuated.
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GS2: Polity and Governance
C ENTRE SEEKS GUIDELINES ON EXECUTION OF CONVICTS
Why in news? The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on 22nd January moved the Supreme Court to frame guidelines to execute death penalty of condemned prisoners within seven days of rejection of their mercy petitions.
Background The move comes amid various pleas filed by convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape case that have delayed their hanging. The four convicts are on death row since 2013 after a trial court ruled against them. Multiple curative petitions and mercy pleas filed before the President of India have been rejected.
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Q UESTIONS ON PARENTS IN NPR
Why in news? Government sources said that, it might consider the widespread demand to remove the questions on date and place of birth of a respondent’s parents from the National Population Register
What is national population register? The National Population Register (NPR) is a Register of usual residents of the country. It is being prepared at the local (Village/sub-Town), sub-District, District, State and National level under provisions of the Citizenship Act 1955 and the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003. It is mandatory for every usual resident of India to register in the NPR. A usual resident is defined for the purposes of NPR as a person who has resided in a local area for the past 6 months or more or a person who intends to reside in that area for the next 6 months or more. The objective of the NPR is to create a comprehensive identity database of every usual resident in the country. The database would contain demographic as well as biometric particulars
E XAMINE POWERS OF SPEAKER, SC ASKS PARLIAMENT
The wisdom of the legislature in entrusting Speakers (of the state assembly or parliament) with the responsibility of ruling on the disqualification of lawmakers who defect (shift parties) needs to be revisited: The Supreme Court
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A SPIRANTS WITH CRIMINAL PAST SHOULD NOT GET TICKET, EC T ELLS SC
Why in news? The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to examine a proposition made by the Election Commission (EC) to ask political parties to not give ticket to those with criminal antecedents The Supreme Court’s long string of judgments against criminalization of politics had hardly scratched
‘Cleansing parties’ The judgment had urged Parliament to bring a “strong law” to cleanse political parties of leaders facing trial for serious crimes The ruling by a five judge Bench led by then Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra concluded that rapid criminalization of politics cannot be arrested by merely disqualifying tainted legislators but should begin by “cleansing” the political parties
ACCESS TO INTERNET- THE SC VERDICT
Details In Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India the SC’s interpretation of the fundamental rights governing the freedom of speech, assembly, and movement is well-nigh perfect. The Court has read the limitations on these rights narrowly and has made it clear that any restrictions placed on the Internet, among other things, must meet a test of proportionality.
Opacity in Orders by govt After dilution of Article 370, government only issued orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure inflicting grave restrictions on people’s movement, but it also imposed an indiscriminate shutdown of the Internet by invoking provisions of the
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Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017 The blockade placed on the Internet in the Kashmir Valley, continue unabated, even though more than five months have lapsed since these measures were first imposed.
Court’s View: The right to freedom of speech and expression, contained in Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, the Bench held, implicitly also includes a mandate to a right to information The Court also recognised that the Internet today is critical to the conduct of commerce. Therefore, any restriction on the web will necessarily impinge on the right under Article 19(1)(g), “to carry on any occupation, trade or business” The court observed that any restraint made on a fundamental freedom must be necessary and proportionate to the goal that it seeks to achieve In this verdict SC has not transgressed into the powers of government with this judgement, which reflects all the submissions of the govt.
How this verdict on access to internet is seminal, progressive, balanced? There are three concepts that the judgement brings out very clearly. First is the value of liberty, which is so important and not negotiable. It cannot be put in peril. The second is the importance of knowing things or having access to information and how in today’s world, the internet is such an important means of getting information. The third part is on the exercise of statutory powers such as Section 144 -The court said that if govt want to publish any order under Article 144, make sure it is done transparently for people to know and with a possibility of a challenge to those orders The verdict understands the requirements of protecting society against some parts of itself. It strikes a very careful balance between rights and liberty on one hand and the need to protect citizens on the other, through the state. At all points of time, the narrative is the supremacy of the Constitution and the value of human beings.
The court is always increasing the frontiers A court is a dynamic organism so no judicial thought can ever be stagnant. If it becomes stagnant, it will not be alive to the sensibilities of a mobile society. Jurisprudence is all about narratives of profound thinking. India has always taken the lead in looking at comparative law but apart from comparative law that is the judgements rendered in other jurisdictions, there is a tremendous upsurge of interest in academic freedom.
R EDESIGNING INDIA’S AILING DATA SYSTEM
Why in news? National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) was brought under the fold of National Statistics Office, altering its longstanding arrangement under the Governing Council and then National Statistical Commission
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More about national accounting. The System of National Accounting (SNA) is designed to measure production, consumption, and accumulation of income and wealth for assessing the performance of the economy
Importance of GDP. GDP data influence markets, signalling investment sentiments, flow of funds and balance of payments. The inputoutput relations impact productivity and allocation of resources; demand and supply influences prices, exchange rates, wage rates, employment and standard of living, affecting all walks of life
Importance of data Along with GDP, we need data to assess competitiveness, inclusive growth, fourth-generation Industrial Revolution riding on the Internet of things, biotechnology, robotics-influencing employment and productivity, environmental protection, sustainable development and social welfare
R ETURN OF BONDS
Why in news? Supreme court refused to hear the plea to order stay on the functioning of electoral bonds, which are said to be advantageous only to ruling party. In April 2019, CJI had asked political parties to disclose to the Election Commission of India (ECI), in sealed covers, details of the donations they had received through the anonymous bonds.
Why concerns? The Association for Democratic Reforms, the petitioner, has disclosed that an Overwhelming majority of the donations made through electoral bonds had gone to the Bhartiya Janata Party. ECI, in its response filed in the court said that provisions would enable the creation of shell companies for the sole purpose of making political donations Amendments to the law on foreign contributions would mean that there would be unchecked foreign funding of political parties, leading to foreign influence on India’s policymaking
E NDING INACTION
Why in news? Justice R.F. Nariman has fixed a three month limit for the Manipur Assembly Speaker to decide the disqualification of members under 10th schedule of constitution.
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Observations by SC 1. Parliament should replace the Speaker with a “permanent tribunal” or external mechanism to render quick and impartial decisions on questions of defection. 2. Speakers sit on the disqualification matters for a long time 3. In some cases, the defectors didn’t get timely punishment and enjoy other incentives 4. Whether courts have the power to direct Speakers to decide petitions seeking disqualification within a fixed time frame
Why such a move? The question had arisen because several presiding officers have allowed defectors to bolster the strength of ruling parties and even be sworn in Ministers by merely refraining from adjudicating on complaints against them.
Previous judgements The reference to a larger Bench, in 2016 in S.A. Sampath Kumar vs. Kale Yadaiah was based on the landmark judgment in Kihoto Hollohan (1992) which upheld the validity of the Constitution’s Tenth Schedule, or the Anti defection law. This verdict had also made the Speaker’s order subject to judicial review on limited grounds. It made it clear that the court’s jurisdiction would not come into play unless the Speaker passes an order, leaving no room for intervention prior to adjudication. As “failure to exercise jurisdiction” is a recognised stage at which the court can now intervene, the court has thus opened a window for judicial intervention in cases in which Speakers refuse to act. This augurs well for the enforcement of the law against defection in letter and spirit.
T HE CONDEMNED CAN’T FIGHT ENDLESSLY, SAYS CJI
Why in news? Union Government decided to file a petition in SC, to form guidelines to Fastrack death sentences after the rejection of mercy petition by president
Death sentences in India: There have been around 720 executions since independence in India India allows, hanging till death and shoot to death Death by shooting is done under army act, navy act and air force act
Pardoning power of president: In Kehar Singh case, SC ruled that, pardoning powers of president is not a discretionary power and should be used on advice of Council of ministers There is no provision for oral hearing in front of president for mercy powers
Government opinion: Government is of the view that, delay in executions fail to create deterrence While activists argue that, it’s the constitutional right of accused to use all the provisions in the constitution
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Unexplained delay in carrying out an execution would lead to commutation of the death penalty to life imprisonment
What is Curative petition? The concept of Curative petition was evolved by the Supreme Court of India in the matter of Rupa Ashok Hurra vs. Ashok Hurra and Anr. where the question was whether an aggrieved person is entitled to any relief against the final judgement/order of the Supreme Court, after dismissal of a review petition.
F RAME RULES TO GOVERN HOW DEVICES IDENTIFY US
Context: Facial recognition technology is set to become an integral part of the law enforcement toolkit, but we should regulate this technology before it pervades our public spaces
Details: Facial recognition opens enormous possibilities for law enforcement An image captured at the scene of a crime can now be screened against photographs of entire populations for a match within a matter of hours Civil liberty activists in the West consider it an invasion of privacy that is simply unacceptable as large populace is not involved in any kind of crime and the imagination of their image being scanned for any crime can make them uncomfortable Today, very few of our public spaces are hidden from cameras, some of which hover over us in the air which breach our privacy
Some concerns: How accurately faces are identified by machines is a major point of concern Deployed in law enforcement, false matches could possibly result in miscarriage of justice Even a low rate of error could mean such evidence faces judicial rejection The algorithms being used to identify individuals may have moved beyond geometric and photometric approaches to three-dimensional recognition, skin texture analysis and thermal imaging, but further advances are needed for the technology to gain reliability Another concern is that facial recognition is still not smart enough to read emotions or work equally well for all racial groups Since such tools can be put to mala fide use as well, it is imperative that we frame rules for it well in time. For example Rogue drones equipped with the technology, for example, should never be in a position to carry out an assassination
Way forward We need regulations that restrict its use to the minimum required to serve justice and ease commercial operations. For the latter, customer consent should be mandatory. Its use at an aerobridge to board an aircraft, for example, could serve the interests of both state security and the airline, but data-sharing could risk leakage
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C OMPETITION COMMISSION OF INDIA
Details: Competition Commission of India is a statutory body of the Government of India responsible for enforcing The Competition Act, 2002 throughout India and to prevent activities that have an appreciable adverse effect on competition in India CCI consists of a Chairperson and 6 Members appointed by the Central Government. It is the duty of the Commission to eliminate practices having adverse effect on competition, promote and sustain competition, protect the interests of consumers and ensure freedom of trade in the markets of India. The Commission is also required to give an opinion on competition issues on a reference received from a statutory authority established under any law and to undertake competition advocacy, create public awareness and impart training on competition issues
D EFENCE ACQUISITION COUNCIL
The Defence Acquisition Council is the highest decision-making body in the Defence Ministry for deciding on new policies and capital acquisitions for the three services (Army, Navy and Air Force) and the Indian Coast Guard. The Minister of Defence is the Chairman of the Council. It was formed, after the Group of Ministers recommendations on ‘Reforming the National Security System’, in 2001, post Kargil War (1999).
A RTICLE 340 OF THE CONSTITUTION
Why in news? Cabinet approves Extension of tenure of the Commission constituted under Article 340
Details: The Commission headed by Justice (Retd.) Smt. G. Rohini was constituted under article 340 of the Constitution with the approval of President on 2nd October, 2017. The Communities in the existing list of OBCs which have not been able to get any major benefit of the scheme of reservation for OBCs are expected to be benefitted upon implementation of the recommendations of the Commission.
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N ATIONAL DATA AND ANALYTICS PLATFORM
Recently NITI Aayog released its vision for the National Data and Analytics Platform (NDAP) The platform aims to democratize access to publicly available government data. It will host the latest datasets from various government websites, present them coherently, and provide tools for analytics and visualization NDAP will follow a user-centric approach and will enable data access in a simple and intuitive portal tailored to the needs of a variety of stakeholders. NDAP will spearhead the standardization of formats in which data is presented across sectors NDAP is seeking to address three main gaps. o One, all datasets are not published in a user-centric manner that is analyzable and visually presented. o Two, there are a multitude of datasets out there that is not easily accessible. o The NDAP proposes a simple, interactive, visual, and robust platform that will host various Central and state government datasets.’
M V REGISTRATION MARK “DD” ASSIGNED TO NEW UNION T ERRITORY ‘DADRA & NAGAR HAVELI AND DAMAN AND DIU’
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has assigned a new motor vehicle Registration Mark “DD” to ‘Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu’ for registration of vehicles. A new Union Territory has been formed after merger of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu The Ministry has issued a Notification under the Motor Vehicle Act 1988
N CLAT
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) is a tribunal which was formed by the Central Government of India under Section 410 of the Companies Act, 2013. The tribunal is responsible for hearing appeals from the orders of National Company Law Tribunal(s) (NCLT), starting on 1 June, 2016. The tribunal also hears appeals from orders issued by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India under Section 202 and Section 211 of IBC. It also hears appeals from any direction issued, decision made, or order passed by the Competition Commission of India
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1 71 HOSPITALS DELISTED FROM PM-JAY
Why in news? The Centre’s healthcare Insurance Scheme – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana(PM-JAY) has de-empanelled 171 hospitals of the 19,000+ empanelled hospitals. The National Anti-Fraud Unit (NAFU) at the NHA detected the frauds.
Background The National Health Authority (NHA) has joined hands with international giant Google to collaborate as well as strengthen the implementation of government’s flagship health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). PM-JAY is a centrally sponsored scheme (CSS) that launched in 2018. The scheme aims to make interventions in primary, secondary and tertiary care systems. It covers both preventive and promotive health, to address healthcare holistically. The National Health Authority is the successor of National Health Agency. The Ayushman Bharat scheme aims at covering 10 crore poor families providing health coverage of 5 lakh rupees per family. The scheme is recently being criticized wide
4 NIRBHAYA CASE CONVICTS TO BE HANGED
Why in news?
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All four convicts in the December 16, 2012, Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case will be hanged on January 22,2020 at 7 a.m. inside Tihar jail
Justice Verma Committee Justice Verma Committee was constituted to recommend amendments to the Criminal Law so as to provide for quicker trial and enhanced punishment for criminals accused of committing sexual assault against women. The Committee submitted its report on January 23, 2013. Punishment for crimes against women: The Committee rejected the proposal for chemical castration as it fails to treat the social foundations of rape. It opined that death penalty should not be awarded for the offence of rape as there was considerable evidence that death penalty was not a deterrence to serious crimes. It recommended life imprisonment for rape.
Reforms in management of cases related to crime against women: A Rape Crisis Cell should be set up. The Cell should be immediately notified when an FIR in relation to sexual assault is made. The Cell must provide legal assistance to the victim. All police stations should have CCTVs at the entrance and in the questioning room. A complainant should be able to file FIRs online. Police officers should be duty bound to assist victims of sexual offences irrespective of the crime’s jurisdiction. Members of the public who help the victims should not be treated as wrong doers. The police should be trained to deal with sexual offences appropriately. Number of police personnel should be increased. Community policing should be developed by providing training to volunteers.
S C TELLS GOVT. TO REVIEW ORDERS CURBING BASIC RIGHTS IN J &K
Why in news? The Supreme Court on 10th January ordered the government to review “forthwith” any existing orders that restrict basic rights and free movement in Jammu and Kashmir.
SC and basic rights The court upheld the freedoms of free speech, expression and trade or business on the Internet as fundamental rights to be constitutionally protected. It, however, refused to express any views on whether the very access to the Internet is a fundamental right or not. The Supreme Court directed the government to review orders suspending Internet services in the erstwhile State instantly.
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It ordered any order suspending the Internet found to violate the law should be revoked at once. It further instructed the government to consider restoring government websites, localised/limited e-banking facilities, hospital services and other essential services in areas in the Union Territory, where it was otherwise not thinking to do so immediately.
Background: What has happened after removal of article 370? Following the Abrogation of Article 370 from J&K, the Indian Government had passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Bill, 2019 which contains the provisions to reconstitute the state into two separate Union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. While the new UT of J&K will have an assembly like the existing UTs of Delhi and Puducherry, the UT of Ladakh will be directly governed by the Central Government. This bill came into full effect by October 31, 2019. With this bill, the Government had also dissolved the IAS & IPS cadres of Jammu & Kashmir and now all officers are part of the existing Central government pool of bureaucrats.
C ENTRE GETS NOTICE ON PLEA FOR POPULATION CONTROL
Why in news? The Supreme Court on 10th January 2020, sought a response from the government to a petition for population control measures, including a two-child norm.
Background Delhi High Court dismissed a PIL (Public Interest Litigation) petition seeking urgent steps to control the country’s rising population. Petition was filed in Supreme Court by the advocate challenging the Delhi High Court’s decision to dismiss the PIL petition. A SC Bench issued notice to the government on the petition. High Court had refused to intervene saying it was up to the legislature to enact laws. Contention was that the HC had failed to appreciate that the right to clean air, drinking water, health, peaceful sleep, shelter, livelihood and education, which are guaranteed under Articles 21 and 21A of the Constitution, could not be fully secured without controlling the population.
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S ECTION 144 NOT A TOOL TO SUPPRESS OPINION: SC
Why in news? The orders of restriction issued under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal procedure (Cr.PC) could not be used as a tool to suppress legitimate expression, opinion and grievances in a democracy, the Supreme Court ruled on 10th January.
Details Referring to the submissions by petitioners that the police were still restricting the movement of people during the day in Jammu and Kashmir, the court said it was neither proper nor correct on the part of the State to resort to such acts. Supreme Court said “If a government thinks there is a threat to law and order…, it must follow due procedure, taking into consideration the rights of citizens, and pass only appropriate and need-based restrictive orders”
Specifics of Court Order The court noted that the orders issued under Section 144 in Jammu and Kashmir did not explain that restrictions were imposed in anticipation of a threat to law and order or to prevent loss of life and property. This was despite the fact that government had argued that the restrictions were imposed because of the erstwhile State’s history of cross-border terrorism and infiltration and other security issues. Divergent views and disapproval of government action could not lead to imposition of Section 144. The power was meant to be used o only in case of public emergency or in the interest of public safety. Magistrates could not apply a straitjacket formula without assessing the objective and material facts. Restrictions could not be excessive in nature or duration. On the contention whether Section 144 could be invoked against the public in general or against specific groups or persons, the court referred to the Madhu Limaye judgment that a general order could be passed if the number of persons was so large that a distinction could not be made without risk.
3 4 LAKH OCI CARDS ISSUED: CENTRE
Why in news? The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has stated that more than 34 lakh Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registrations had been done but declined to divulge information relating to the number of persons whose OCI cards had been cancelled, citing non availability in a “consolidated form.”
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Background The Diaspora encompasses a group of people who can either trace their origins to India or who are Indian citizens living abroad, either temporarily or permanently. It includes Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI). PIO and OCI card holders were merged under OCI category in 2015. A person with OCI status is not an Indian citizen. The person does not have voting rights in India, nor can contest elections or hold any constitutional office. An Overseas Citizen of India is however entitled to some benefits such as a multiple- entry, multi-purpose life-long visa to visit India. They are exempted from police reporting for any length of stay in the country. They are also granted all rights in parity with NRIs except, the right to acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.
S ABARIMALA VERDICT: SC WILL EXAMINE LARGER ISSUES IN 9 J UDGE BENCH
Why in news? The CJI, who is heading the Nine judge bench mentioned that the objective of 9 judge bench was not to review Sabarimala judgement but to examine larger questions of law.
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S C REJECTS CURATIVE PLEAS OF 2 NIRBHAYA DEATH ROW C ONVICTS
Why in news? The curative petitions of Vinay Sharma, 26, and Mukesh Singh, 32, who were sentenced to death in the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case, were rejected by a five-judge Supreme Court Bench, led by Justice N.V. Ramana, on 14th January 2020. A party can take only two limited grounds in a curative petition — one, he was not heard by the court before the adverse judgment was passed, and two, the judge was biased.
What is Curative Petition? A curative petition is the last constitutional resort available for redressal of grievances in court after a review plea is dismissed or has been exhausted. The curative petition is normally decided by judges in-chamber, in rare and exceptional cases, it can be given an open-court hearing. A curative petition is a second-time review, but not a matter of right. The court will allow a curative petition only when certain requirements as laid down by it are fulfilled. The aggrieved parties have the statutory right to appeal. Once a decision is given by the Supreme Court of India, the same may be considered final and binding. However, in the interest of justice, Article 137 was incorporated into the constitution, which provided that the apex court subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament, the Supreme Court has the power to review any judgment pronounced or order made by it.
Constitutional Provisions regarding Pardoning powers Article 72 Article 72 provides the pardoning power to the President of India. It says: The President shall have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence- in all cases where the punishment or sentence is by a Court-martial; in all cases where the punishment or sentence for an offence against any law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the Union extends; in all cases where the sentence is a sentence of death. Article 161 Article 161 provides that the Governor of a State shall have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence against any law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the State extends. In Dhananjoy Chatterjee alias Dhana v State of West Bengal, 1994 case the Supreme Court has said that “The power under Articles 72 and 161 of the Constitution can be exercised by the Central and State Governments, not by the President or Governor on their own”. The advice of the appropriate Government binds the Head of the state.
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Different types of Pardoning Powers
Pardon The president can totally absolve/acquit the person for the offence and let him go free like a normal citizen.
Commute To reduce the type of punishment into a less harsh one. For example, Rigorous imprisonment to simple imprisonment.
Remission To reduce the punishment without changing the nature of the punishment. For example, 20 years of rigorous imprisonment to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment.
Reprieve A delay is allowed in the execution of a sentence, usually a death sentence for a guilty person to prove his innocence.
Respite Reduce the degree of punishment looking at specific grounds like pregnancy, old age etc.
K ERALA GOVT. CHALLENGES CAA IN SUPREME COURT
Why in news? The State has approached the Supreme Court nearly 15 days after the Assembly unanimously requested the Centre to abrogate the law on December 31, 2019. The original suit has been Filed under Article 131 of the Constitution. The SC has “original” jurisdiction in disputes between States or the Centre and State(s). The Article allows it to directly take cognisance of such a dispute. Kerala said in its suit that it would be compelled under Article 256 to comply with the CAA.
Related Articles in the Constitution Article 131 The Article vests the Supreme Court with original jurisdiction over disputes occurring between states or between states and the Centre. The original jurisdiction of a court means the power to hear a case for the first time, as opposed to appellate jurisdiction, in which the court reviews the decision of a lower court. Unlike the original jurisdiction under Article 32 (which gives the top court the power to issue writs, etc.), the jurisdiction in Article 131 is exclusive, meaning it is only the
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Supreme Court which has this authority. Under Article 226, the High Courts too have the power to issue writs, directions etc. Article 256 According to article 256: The executive power of every State shall be so exercised as to ensure compliance with the laws made by Parliament and any existing laws which apply in that State, and the executive power of the Union shall extend to the giving of such directions to a State as may appear to the Government of India to be necessary for that purpose.
What kinds of disputes are covered under Article 131? In ‘State of Rajasthan vs Union of India’, 1977, the Supreme Court ruled that the existence or extent of a legal right is a precursor before a suit under Article 131 is entertained, and that “mere wrangles between governments have no place in the scheme of that Article”, and upheld its jurisdiction in that case. Similarly, in the 1978 case, ‘State of Karnataka vs Union of India’, which involved the Centre’s authority to order an inquiry into a state Chief Minister’s conduct, jurisdiction under Article 131 was held valid. In the present case filed by Kerala, central legislation (CAA) is being challenged. In 2011, a two-judge Supreme Court Bench in ‘Madhya Pradesh v Union of India’ had held such a suit was not maintainable
I T RULES TO SEPARATE SOCIAL MEDIA AND OTHER ONLINE P LATFORMS
Why in news? The rules, called Intermediaries Guidelines under the IT Act, are under process of revision in the wake of instances of violence and lynchings , affiliated with content posted on social media platforms The IT Ministry had released a draft of the Information Technology Act’s Intermediaries Guidelines (Amendment) Rules in December 2018. Those rules applied to all intermediaries, which would include everything from Amazon to Vodafone to Google. Broadly, it is proposed to have a separate thing for intermediaries in general and social media in particular
K ARNATAKA RANKS SIXTH IN JUSTICE DELIVERY: INDIA JUSTICE R EPORT
Why in news? Country’s first-ever ranking on justice delivery, “India Justice Report 2019” supported by Tata Trusts.
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Details Report is based on performance of four pillars – police, prisons, judiciary, and access to legal aid Each of these pillars are evaluated on six parameters including budgets, human resources, diversity, infrastructure, workload, and trends over the last five years Non-utilisation of funds, vacancies and lack of infrastructure in rural areas, that have emerged as trends across the country Daksh, a Bengaluru-based organisation working on research in judiciary, a partner with Tata Trusts in bringing out the report
I NCOME TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL-ITAT
ITAT is a quasi-judicial institution set up in January, 1941 and specializes in dealing with appeals under the Direct Taxes Acts. The orders passed by the ITAT are final, an appeal lies to the High Court only if a substantial question of law arises for determination.
Details Starting in 1941 with six Members constituting three Benches – one each at Delhi, Kolkata (Calcutta) and Mumbai (Bombay), the numbers of Benches have progressively increased and presently ITAT has 63 Benches at 27 different stations covering almost all the cities having a seat of the High Court Tax was introduced in India by the Act of 1860, where assessment was made by a Panchayat and a person feeling aggrieved by the order could appeal to the Collector of the District, whose order was final. Over the years, ITAT has earned accolades, as its Members have adorned high positions in the judiciary and other equally important institutions. ITAT has been rendering a yeoman service in administration of justice in the field of Direct Taxes, and celebrating its 79th Year of glorious existence in January, 2019.
S TATE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Why in news? Andhra assembly passes resolution to abolish legislative council
Details: The Legislative Council is the upper house in those states of India that have a bicameral legislature; the lower house being the State Legislative Assembly. 6 out of 28 states have a State Legislative Council – Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh
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Constitutional positions Article 169: Abolition or creation of Legislative Councils in States. a) Notwithstanding anything in article 168, Parliament may by law provide for the abolition of the Legislative Council of a State having such a Council or for the creation of such a Council in a State having no such Council, if the Legislative Assembly of the State passes a resolution to that effect by a majority of the total membership of the Assembly and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of the Assembly present and voting. b) Any law referred to in clause (1) shall contain such provisions for the amendment of this Constitution as may be necessary to give effect to the provisions of the law and may also contain such supplemental, incidental and consequential provisions as Parliament may deem necessary. c) No such law as aforesaid shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Constitution for the purposes of article 368.
T IME LIMIT ON ADVANCE BAIL VIOLATES PERSONAL LIBERTY: S UPREME COURT
Why in news? Constitution bench of SC stated that, the protection of anticipatory or pre-arrest bail cannot be limited to any time frame or “fixed period” Denial of bail amounts to deprivation of the fundamental right to personal liberty in a free and democratic country
More about anticipatory bail Section 438 (anticipatory bail) of the Code of Criminal Procedure protects people from the ignominy of detention in jail for days on end and disgrace to their reputation.
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R EGISTRATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES
Registration of political parties is governed by the provisions of Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. An association seeking registration under the said Section has to submit an application to the Commission within a period of 30 days following the date of its formation, as per the guidelines prescribed by the Commission in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 324 of the Constitution of India and Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The Commission has launched a “Political Parties Registration Tracking Management System(PPRTMS)” to assist in tracking the status of application
N ATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
About NHRC Statutory public body constituted on 12 October 1993 Given a statutory basis by the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 Responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights
Composition The NHRC consists of: A Chairperson, who has been a Chief Justice of India or a Judge of the Supreme Court One member who is, or has been, a Judge of the Supreme Court of India One member who is, or has been, the Chief Justice of a High Court Three Members, out of which at least one shall be a woman to be appointed from amongst persons having knowledge of, or practical experience in, matters relating to human rights In addition, the Chairpersons of National Commissions (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Women , Minorities, Backward Classes, Protection of Child Rights) and Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities serve as ex officio members. The sitting Judge of the Supreme Court or sitting Chief Justice of any High Court can be appointed only after the consultation with the Chief Justice of Supreme Court.
Appointment The Chairperson and members of the NHRC are appointed by the President of India, on the recommendation of a committee consisting of: The Prime Minister (Chairperson) The Home Minister The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha (Lower House) The Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha (Lower House) The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House)
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L EGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF DELHI
Why in news? EC has announced the election schedule for Delhi Assembly-2020
Details The Legislative Assembly of Delhi, also known as Delhi Vidhan Sabha, is a unicameral law making body of the National Capital Territory of Delhi Delhi Legislative Assembly was first constituted on 7 March 1952 under the Government of Part C States Act, 1951 The States Reorganisation Commission, set up in 1953, led to the Constitutional amendment through States Reorganisation Act, 1956, which came into effect on 1 November 1956. This meant that Delhi was no longer a Part-C State and was made a Union Territory under the direct administration of the President of India Present form of LA was formed through the Constitution (Sixty-ninth Amendment) Act, 1991, followed by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act,1991 The Sixty-ninth Amendment to the Constitution of India, which declared the Union Territory of Delhi to be formally known as National Capital Territory of Delhi and also supplements the constitutional provisions relating to the Legislative Assembly and the Council of Ministers and related matters The Delhi LA can frame the law on all matters in state list except land, police, law and order
L AWS AGAINST HUGE ELECTION EXPENDITURE
Why in news? Expressing serious concern over rising money power eroding the credibility of the country’s democratic polity, Vice President of India and Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has called for effective laws of Parliament in quick time and simultaneous polls to check the menace. Shri Naidu noted that it is a reality that a millionaire has much better chances of becoming an MP or an MLA at the cost of the honest and more deserving low income Indians and referred to the assets of 475 members of the present Lok Sabha accounting for 88% of the 533 members whose declared assets were examined being in several crores The Vice President observed that short term benefits offered by the governments in the form of populist schemes for electoral advantage are at the cost of their ability to
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perform main functions besides adversely impacting the long term interests of the poor and the middle class Shri Naidu said; “Perhaps, time has come to consider a suitable legislation on the lines of FRBM (Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act that puts a cap on Fiscal Deficit). Shri Venkaiah Naidu noted that “Time has come for the idea of simultaneous polls to be seriously considered for its many advantages including reducing the costs of holding polls and spending by political parties
Z ONAL COUNCILS
Why in news? 22nd Meeting of the Central Zonal Council held at Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh
Details: Zonal councils are statutory bodies established by the parliament by states reorganization act, 1956 They are advisory councils and are made up of the states of India that have been grouped into five zones to foster cooperation among them. 1) Northern Zonal Council, comprising Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, and Rajasthan; 2) Central Zonal Council, comprising the States of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh 3) Eastern Zonal Council, comprising Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal; 4) Western Zonal Council, comprising Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, and Maharashtra; 5) Southern Zonal Council, comprising Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. The North Eastern Council was created by the North Eastern Council Act, 1971. This council originally comprised Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura; later the state of Sikkim was also been vide North Eastern Council (Amendment) Act, 2002 notified on 23 December 2002. Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep are not members of any of the Zonal Councils. However, they are presently special invitees to the Southern Zonal Council
R ATIONALISATION OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION
The Economic Survey at the very onset says that while there is a case for Government intervention when markets do not function properly, excessive intervention especially when the market can do the job of enhancing citizens welfare perfectly well, stifles economic freedom and creates ‘deadweight loss
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Essential Commodities Act, 1955 The Survey describes inter alia, the Essential Commodities Act (ECA) as anachronistic and irrelevant in today’s India as the Act was passed in 1955 in an India worried about famines and shortages. The Survey observes the frequent and unpredictable imposition of blanket stock limits on commodities under the ECA distorts the incentives for creation of storage infrastructure by the private sector, movement up the agricultural value chain and development of a national market for agricultural commodities.
Making Drugs Affordable Given the important task of ensuring access to essential life saving drugs and to avoid poor households from falling into poverty, Government often has to resort to controlling prices of drugs under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act. The Survey expresses concerns over the regulation of drug prices through the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) and Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) as it often leads to an increase in the prices of the regulated drug vis-a-vis that of a similar unregulated drug which is counter-productive and leads to a sub-optimal outcome.
Rationalisation of Food Subsidies The Survey observes that Government policies in the foodgrain markets have led to the emergence of Government as the largest procurer and hoarder of rice and wheat which has led to burgeoning food subsidy burden and inefficiencies in the markets affecting the long run growth of agricultural sector and adversely affecting competition in these markets.
Debt Waivers Disrupt Credit Culture According to the survey, an analysis of the debt waivers given by States/Centre shows that full waiver beneficiaries consume less, save less, invest less and are less productive after the waiver when compared to the partial beneficiaries.
E C LAUNCHES INLINE TRACKING SYSTEM FOR POLITICAL PARTIES
Why in news? The Election Commission has launched a new online tracking system for political parties, which will allow them to track their registration applications submitted to the poll panel on a real-time basis. The new system, Political Parties Registration Tracking Management System (PPRTMS), will apply for parties registering from January 1, 2020.
What is it? The Political Parties Registration Tracking Management System will enable tracking of the status of the application by applicants. The applicant has to provide a relevant contact number and email address in the application to track its progress. The status update will be sent via text message and email.
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Relevant law for political party registration? The registration of political parties is governed under the provisions of section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Under the act, a party is eligible to get registered as “National Political Party of India” only if it satisfies following criteria: The party should secure at least 6% of votes in four or more states at an election to assembly or parliament Also, the party should win at least four seats in House of People A party is eligible to get registered as “State Political Party” if it satisfies the following criteria The party should win 6% of votes polled in state elections it should win at least 2 seats in legislative assembly of the state.
S C TO HEAR GOVERNMENT’S PLEA TO TRANSFER PETITIONS A GAINST CAA IN HIGH COURTS
Why in news? The Supreme Court agreed to hear on January 10th 2020, a plea made by the government to transfer pending writ petitions challenging the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) of 2019 in various High Courts across the country to the apex court. Concern raised was: a probability that various High Courts might deliver mutually conflicting views on the legality of the CAA, leading to confusion.
What are the petitions about? The petitions in the Supreme Court argue that the law welcomes “illegal migrants” into India selectively on the basis of their religion and pointedly exclude Muslims. It has an “unholy nexus” with the National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise and is against the principles of secularism, right to equality and dignity of life enshrined in the basic structure of the Constitution. While the NRC exercise will result in identification of persons as “illegal migrants”, the CAA seeks to simultaneously offer citizenship to illegal migrants who are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis or Christians on the presumed ground of persecution, they contend. The new citizenship law fast tracks citizenship by naturalisation for minority Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who enter India illegally, claiming religious persecution in their native countries. But the new law does not impose any requirement on illegal migrants from the six religions to prove their claim of religious persecution or even a reasonable fear of it. The petitions argue that the legislation effectuates discrimination on the basis of the intrinsic and core identity of an individual, that is, his religious identity as a Muslim.
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The Act ensures that only an illegal immigrant who is Muslim would be singled out and prosecuted under the Passports (Entry into India) Act, 1920 or the Foreigners Order 1949 and deprived of his personal liberty. On the other hand, illegal migrants from the six protected religions would be entitled with Indian citizenship and the benefits that come with it. While Muslim migrants would have to show their proof of residency in India for at least 11 years, the law allows illegal migrants from the six communities to be naturalised in five years’ time.
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GS2: Social Justice
N IMHANS STUDY STRESSES ON NEED FOR A NATIONAL SUICIDE P REVENTION STRATEGY
Why in news? For every death by suicide in India, there are more than 200 people with ‘suicidality’ and more than 15 suicide attempts. Suicidality refers to thoughts, plans, attempts and acts inflicted by oneself with an intent to end life is more prevalent at 5.1% than death by suicide at 0.024% among adults aged 18 years and above, thereby emerging as another public health problem that is unrecognized.
Difference between suicide and suicidality Suicide is the act of deliberately ending one’s own life (fatal outcome), whereas suicidality refers to all thoughts, plans and acts of suicide without a fatal outcome and thus excludes those acts of suicide that resulted in death. Even though suicidality excludes death by the above definition, the morbidity associated with suicidality can be more than many other health problems including mental health problems. Moreover, the co-occurrence of suicidality with mental health and other chronic problems, and even in adverse social situations is a matter of serious concern.
Demographic factors The analysis showed that the occurrence of suicidality in women (6%) was higher than in men (4.1%) across all the surveyed States. It was found to be more common among individuals with poor Income as compared with the individuals belonging to other income quintiles. Moreover, the occurrence was found to decrease with increase in income (from low to high income quintile) indicating the major role of socioeconomic factors in suicide prevention
N ATIONAL COMMISSION FOR PROTECTION OF CHILD RIGHTS
Why in news? NCPCR is concerned with the trauma of children at Shaheen bag, New Delhi
Details: Is an Indian governmental commission, established by an Act of Parliament, the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act in December 2005, thus is a statutory body
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The commission works under the aegis of Ministry of Women and Child development, GoI.
G UARANTEEING HEALTHCARE, THE BRAZILIAN WAY
What is special in Brazil? Brazil, the only country where more than 100 million inhabitants have a universal health system
What can India replicate? It can also provide lessons for Ayushman Bharat, currently the world’s largest and most ambitious government health programme. Achieving universal coverage in India, a country with a population of 1.3 billion, is a challenge of epic proportions. Hence, the advances in this field should be seen not in binaries but judged by its steady growth and improvement. Achievements in Brazil Life expectancy has increased from 64 years to almost 76 years, while Infant Mortality Rate has declined from 53 to 14 per 1,000 live births. In terms of service provision, polio vaccination has reached 98% of the population This has been made possible even amidst a scenario of tightening budget allocation. While universal health systems tend to consume around 8% of the GDP — the NHS, for instance, takes up 7.9% of Britain’s GDP — Brazil spends only 3.8% of its GDP on the SUS, serving a population three times larger than that of the U.K. The cost of the universal health system in Brazil averages around $600 per person, while in the U.K., this number reaches $3,428.
P LAYING WITH LEARNING
Why in news? ASER report 2019 data on early childhood education in rural areas indicates that, pre-school system is crucial in the development of cognitive abilities among children.
More about the report Annual Status of Education Report 2019 data on early childhood education in rural areas makes the case that the pre-school system fails to give children a strong foundation, especially in government-run facilities. Going by the findings, the percentage of girls in government schools is higher than in private institutions, the cognitive skills of children attending official anganwadi playschools do not match those attending private schools There is a significant percentage of underage children in the first standard of formal school in violation of the stipulated age of six.
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Lack of proper environment to acquire Cognitive skills which are critical to ability to verbalize, count, calculate and make comparisons ASER data sampled from 26 Indian districts seem to indicate is an apparent imbalance in State policies, which is disadvantaging the less affluent as anganwadis and government schools are poorly resourced. Official policies are also not strict about the age of entry thus many underage students in schools This ASER survey calls for a deeper look at funding of institutions and teacher training for better outcomes It is important for teachers to develop anganwadis as play-and-learn centres aiding children in acquiring cognitive skills two-thirds of those in the second standard cannot read a text at age seven that they were meant to read a year earlier It is a paradox that students appear to fare somewhat better in private schools with poorly paid teachers. The time has come for govt to show more commitment to preprimary and primary education as they are the formative years of any student.
D EENDAYAL ANTYODAYA YOJANA – NATIONAL RURAL L IVELIHOODS MISSION (DAY-NRLM)
Why in news? Ministry of Rural Development signs MoU with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation under DAY- NRLM
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DAY – NRLM Mission“To reduce poverty by enabling the poor households to access gainful self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities, resulting in appreciable improvement in their livelihoods on a sustainable basis, through building strong grassroots institutions of the poor.”
S ERVICE- A SCHEME OF SAIL TO PROMOTE VOLUNTARY P HILANTHROPIST ACTIVITIES BY ITS EMPLOYEES
Details The scheme called “SAIL Employee Rendering Voluntarism and Initiatives for Community Engagement (SERVICE)” will promote and facilitate philanthropist activities by the employees in a structured manner. This Scheme shall act as a platform for enabling faster interaction and communication amongst the various stakeholders
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SAIL will undertake mass mobilisation programmes in its plants and units to spread awareness about this scheme and to encourage employees to participate in VPS.
N ISHTHA (NATIONAL INITIATIVE FOR SCHOOL HEADS’ AND T EACHERS’ HOLISTIC ADVANCEMENT) Why in news? Union MHRD minister inaugurated a two day orientation workshop for the teachers of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir at SKICC, Srinagar It is a benchmark programme that will raise the standards of education throughout the country. It will prove to be helpful in inculcating creativity among children and stimulate their imagination as well as physical and mental wellbeing. The programme devised in Urdu language for J&K will bring in a positive change in the region NISHTHA has already been launched in 20 states of the country and around 21000 e- resource persons have been trained so far. T he main objective of the initiative is to help overall development of students as better citizens. The art modules included in the programme instill cooperation and spirit of unity with responsibility
D OUBLE BURDEN OF MALNUTRITION: NEED FOR URGENT POLICY A CTION
2019 was remarkable for nutrition in India as – After years of slow and somewhat tentative action to acknowledge, understand and act on the challenge of undernutrition, India’s National Nutrition Mission brought focus and ambition and a range of actions followed. Changes seen: o National and State Governments mobilised o District Administrators engaged o Private sector mobilised in its own way o Civil society continued to push for accountability and action. India’s ‘father of nutrition’, Dr. C. Gopalan invested in connecting science with the policy world. The use of data and science to inform India’s efforts, to track progress and to learn from both successes and failures is very important. In a time where information flows have been dramatically reshaped by technology – the science and evidence community must use these new tools, new networks and new ways to engage the public and the policy community on critical issues such as nutrition.
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Background: Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients. The term malnutrition addresses 3 broad groups of conditions: 1) Undernutrition, which includes wasting (low weight-for-height), stunting (low height-for-age) and underweight (low weight-for-age); 2) Micronutrient-related malnutrition, which includes micronutrient deficiencies (a lack of important vitamins and minerals) or micronutrient excess; and 3) Overweight, obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers).
Key Challenges on Nutrition front for India Progress in maternal and child undernutrition varies tremendously by State. Malnutrition contributes the most to child deaths as well as disability in adults. Saving lives of children under five years of age in India will require a steady focus on nutrition. New data on malnutrition among children from the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey highlights how challenges of overweight, obesity and even early non- communicable disease, are no longer adult challenges. About 10% of children under 19 years have pre-diabetes. Coherence is needed in areas of public policy across multiple ministries- incentivising the cultivation and consumption of a range of food commodities; using the levers of government financing to buy better nutrition (not just more calories) in programmes such as the PDS, ICDS and school meals; ensuring optimal healthcare of adolescents, pregnant women and young children; restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods and drinks; and expanding efforts to improve nutrition literacy. India’s adults also bear a tremendous double burden of malnutrition. Studies show economic progress is a double-edged sword – reducing underweight among women while also exacerbating the challenge of overweight among others. Today, some districts in India have levels of overweight that are as high as 40%. Studies also demonstrate that social determinants related to gender, education, sanitation and poverty are key drivers of stunting and undernutrition. Early-life undernutrition is an important risk factor for later-life adult disease, along with food environments, physical activity and preventive healthcare.
Way-Forward: India has launched policies and programmes like POSHAN Abhiyaan, Anaemia Mukt Bharat and Eat Right India. However, malnutrition does not exist in isolation – individuals, households and communities share multiple forms of malnutrition. Therefore, it is imperative that policy efforts also come together under a common umbrella and an overarching body is needed to ensure convergence. Given the diversity and complexity of the challenge, an even sharper evidence-based and data-driven approach to diagnosing the challenge of malnutrition in India’s states, districts and communities is needed.
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A nuanced understanding of the risk factors that contribute the most to the multiple burdens and the use of data on the reach of programmes and interventions to identify critical gaps and fuel rapid action will be useful. The underlying data that is now available to undertake these assessments, such as the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey, can be made available to the scientific community. Silos in data systems should be broken and community health-workers and anganwadi workers should be provided feedback on areas of good performance and where improvement is needed. On actions, a range of evidence-informed options are available to India as they are to the global community – the World Health Organization’s updated Essential Nutrition Actions Across the Life Course, is a critical guide that can be adapted to India’s needs. Addressing the double burden of malnutrition will take an unrelenting focus in coming years – the challenge is complex, the actions needed must come from different sectors, and data and accountability mechanisms must absolutely inform what happens next. The consequences of poor nutrition are too broad, too deep and too costly for society to ignore.
J ALSATHI
Why in news? Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik launched the ‘Jalsathi’ programme which will ensure supply of safe drinking water to all households in the state. During the programme launch, he distributed water quality testing kits and POS (point of sale) machines to women volunteers being called as- ‘Jalasathis’. The inclusion of woman volunteers from Mission Shakti for piped water supply where they will serve people as ‘Jalasathis’ will further boost their economic empowerment.
2 19 INFANTS DIED AT TWO GUJARAT CIVIL HOSPITALS IN D ECEMBER 2019
Why in news? The number of infant deaths at the civil hospitals in Gujarat’s Rajkot and Ahmedabad is markedly higher than over 100 deaths reported from the government hospital at Kota in Rajasthan.
Causes of such increase: This is mainly due to increase in referral patients. Shortage of medical staff and collapse of primary healthcare services in government hospitals. According to officials: premature delivery, low birthweight, infection and asphyxiation are the reason of deaths
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N ATION PENSION SCHEME
Why in news? Only 10 lakhs employees are covered under the NPS as per assessment by (PFRDA) Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority
Details about NPS National Pension Scheme (NPS) is a government-sponsored pension scheme. It was launched in January 2004 for government employees. In 2009, it was opened to all sections. The scheme allows subscribers to contribute regularly in a pension account during their working life. On retirement, subscribers can withdraw a part of the corpus in a lumpsum and use the remaining corpus to buy an annuity to secure a regular income after retirement. PFRDA mentioned that it is the mindset of the people that makes NPS less attractive
N ETSCOFAN
Why in news? NetSCoFAN has been launched by Union Health Minister
Details NetSCoFAN (Network for Scientific Co-operation for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition) is a network of research & academic institutions which will work in the area of food & nutrition. Comprising of eight groups of institutions working in different areas like food of animal origin, food of plant origin, biological, chemical, nutrition & labelling, food testing, water & beverages and safer & sustainable packaging. FSSAI has identified eight Nodal Institutions to develop inventory of all research work, experts and institutions and would carry out and facilitate research, survey and related activities. Research gaps in respective areas and collect, collate and develop database on food safety issues for risk assessment activities will be identified.
U .P. TOPS IN CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN
Why in news? The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) published the annual Crime in India Report 2018
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Details of the report According to the report, 3,78,277 cases of crime against women were reported, up from 3,59,849 in 2017. Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 59,445 cases, followed by Maharashtra and West Bengal.
Conviction rate The conviction rate in rape related cases stood at 27.2% even though the rate of filing charge sheets was 85.3% in such case
Extra information he NCRB also released the Accidental Death and Suicides in India 2018 report, which said that 10,349 people working in the farm sector ended their lives in 2018, accounting for 7.7 % of the total number of suicides in the country
About NCRB NCRB was set-up in 1986 to function as a repository of information on crime and criminals so as to assist the investigators in linking crime to the perpetrators based on the recommendations of the Tandon Committee to the National Police Commission (1977-1981) and the MHA’s Taskforce (1985). Subsequently, NCRB was entrusted with the responsibility for monitoring, coordinating and implementing the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) project in the year 2009. The project connects 15000+ police stations and 6000 higher offices of police in the country. NCRB launched the National Digital Police Portal. It allows search for a criminal/suspect on the CCTNS database apart from providing various services to citizens like filing of
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complaints online and seeking antecedent verification of tenants, domestic help, drivers, etc. The Bureau has also been entrusted to maintain National Database of Sexual Offenders (NDSO) and has also been designated as the Central Nodal Agency to manage technical and operational functions of the ‘Online Cyber-Crime Reporting Portal’ through which any citizen can lodge a complaint as an evidence of crime related to child pornography, rape/gang rape. NCRB also compiles and publishes National Crime Statistics I.e., Crime in India, Accidental Deaths & Suicides and also Prison Statistics
O NLY A MARGINAL DECLINE IN FARMER SUICIDE RATES
Why in news? National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) records on accidental deaths and suicides show that the suicide rate in the deeply stressed agrarian sector accounted for 7.7% of total (134,516) suicides in India. 10,349 farmers and agricultural laborers committed suicide in 2018. The year before – 10,655 cases were noted, so only a marginal 306 reduction.
Details and Concerns The fact that over 10,000 farmers and agricultural laborers committed suicide is a bigger concern than a marginal increase on a decrease in the various numbers. The problem in data, such as efforts by states to downplay suicides and tinkering with the definition of farmers. This would present a watered-down version of the real picture. For example, 66 suicides were rejected by authorities in Karnataka on the grounds that the suicides were for reasons other than the agrarian crisis in the state. 2018 also saw a sharp increase in farmer protests across the country and triggered a wave of loan waivers. Maharashtra had the highest share in farm-related suicides (34.7%) and Karnataka had the second highest (23.2%). West Bengal, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, Goa, and Union territories reported zero farmer suicides. Farmer sector has been under presser due to: i. Recurring droughts and floods ii. Declining income from agriculture iii. The plummeting price of produce iv. Lack of minimum support price mechanism v. Shrinking land holdings Other factors such as Falling Consumer Expenditure and Rural wages also have an impact on the agrarian distress.
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W EST BENGAL TOPS IN 2018 ACID ATTACK CASES: NCRB
Why in news? West Bengal accounted for the highest number of acid attack cases, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NRCB) report released on January 2020.
Details There has been a marginal decline in the incidents of acid attacks in the country in 2018 compared to the previous year West Bengal tops with 50 cases Uttar Pradesh comes second with 40 and Delhi third with 11 cases. The common perception is that acid attack are mainly targeted towards women, but in some cases enmity and dispute results in acid attacks on men as well. Acid attacks are registered under Section 326 A of the Indian Penal Code, with a minimum punishment of 10 years of imprisonment.
T RANSGENDER PERSONS ACT COMES INTO EFFECT
Why in news? The Social Justice Ministry issued a notification on January 10, 2019, notifying the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, which was passed by Parliament on November 26 and given Presidential assent on December 5, 2019.
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Background The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016 Bill defines a transgender person as one who is partly female or male; or a combination of female and male; or neither female nor male. Additionally, the bill states that the person’s gender must not match the assigned gender at birth. Every transgender person in the country must obtain an identity certificate which will be used as the proof of recognition of identity as a transgender person and to avail all the rights under the Bill. The identity certificate would be granted by the District Magistrate on the recommendation of a Screening Committee. The screening committee for recommending the certificate would comprise a medical officer, a psychologist or psychiatrist, a district welfare officer, a government official, and a transgender person. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016 prohibits discriminating with transgender people in education, employment, healthcare and other areas. The Bill directs the central and state governments for providing welfare schemes to the Transgender community in these areas. The Bill also provides for the punishment of up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine for offences like compelling a transgender person to beg, denial of access to a public place, physical and sexual abuse, etc.
I NDIA’S UNDER- 5 GIRLS FACE HIGH MORTALITY
Why in news? India is among the few countries in the world where, in 2018, the mortality for girls under 5 years of age exceeded that of boys, according to the ‘Levels and Trends in Child Mortality’ report by the United Nations (UN)
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Findings of the report The report states that in 2018, fewer countries showed gender disparities in child mortality, and across the world, boys are expected to have a higher probability of dying before reaching age 5 than girls. But this trend was not reflected in India.
Under 5 mortality in India According to India’s 2017 Sample Registration System, the States with the highest burden of neonatal mortality are Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, with 32, 33 and 30 neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births, respectively. India’s neonatal mortality rate is 23 per 1,000 live births.
M AHARASHTRA, GUJARAT LAG BEHIND IN COMPENSATION FOR S EWER DEATHS
Why in news? Of the 926 deaths inside sewers in the country, from 1993 till December 31, 2019, families of 172 victims were yet to receive compensation, with Gujarat having the highest number of cases where the amount was not paid.
More about manual scavenging According to the NCSK, a total of 53,598 people, of which 29,923 were in Uttar Pradesh alone, had been identified as engaged in manual scavenging after surveys in 2013 and 2018. Onetime cash assistance had been disbursed in 35,397 cases, with Uttar Pradesh accounting for 19,385 such people.
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A SER STUDY: GENDER DISPARITY IN EDUCATION SYSTEM
Why in news? The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) was released on 14th January. The report is based on a survey to assess learning outcomes in school-going children. The report was conducted in 26 districts across 24 states by education non-profit Pratham. It revealed gender disparity in parents opting for private schools over government schools for kids aged 4-8.
What does the report show:
The report shows at least 35% students lack age-appropriate skills; Education system is failing kids in 4-8 age group At least 25% of school children in the four-eight age group do not have age-appropriate cognitive and numeracy skills, making for a massive learning deficit at a very early stage.
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The government-run preschool system is losing out to private schools in terms of enrolment, said ASER 2019, which this year focuses on early education. The lack of age-appropriate skills is alarming as this gap at an early age can impact the entire education supply chain in India. Just 37.4% of children below six are able to recognize at least letters and only 25.6% can do additions, according to the report. Similarly, only 34.8% of children in Class II can read a text meant for the level below. And at Class III, only 50.8% can read texts meant for their juniors two levels below.
Highlights The report underlined the need to focus on the early years to improve the basics of education. A focus on the “breadth of skills” and activities that strengthen cognitive skills rather than formal subject-learning in the early years may generate substantial benefits for later academic performance, it said. The study also showed how a better education level among mothers can lead to better outcomes among children in preschools and early schools. The findings also showed that more girls are enrolled in government institutions and more boys in private institutions. Among four-five year-old children, 56.8% of girls and 50.4% of boys were enrolled in government schools or preschools, whereas 43.2% of girls and 49.6% of boys were enrolled in private preschools or schools, the survey found. The gap in enrolment between boys and girls is larger among 6-8 year olds, with 61.1% of all girls versus 52.1% of all boys in this age group going to a government institution.
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Way forward Most of the young mothers in the next decade will not be very young as the median age of marriage has increased over the years from 18.2 years in 2001 to nearly 21.7 in rural India and 23.4 in urban India by 2016. There is also the improvement of education among women. Such changes in the profile of young Indian mothers need to be taken into account when thinking of the education inputs to be designed for the young children. Coherence between central ministries is essential for improving early childhood education policymaking It is also better to encourage state and district administrations to have a greater say to make early education effective.
Background ASER stands for Annual Status of Education Report. This is an annual survey that aims to provide reliable estimates of children’s enrolment and basic learning levels for each district and state in India. ASER has been conducted every year since 2005 in all rural districts of India. It is the largest citizen-led survey in India. It is also the only annual source of information on children’s learning outcomes available in India today. ASER tools and procedures are designed by ASER Centre, the research and assessment arm of Pratham. The survey itself is coordinated by ASER Centre and facilitated by the Pratham network. The government preschool system is managed through the Centre’s Integrated Child Development scheme, under the ministry of women and child development, while schools come under the education ministries at the Centre and in the states.
F UND CRUNCH HITS MGNREGA SCHEME
Why in news? The Centre is on the verge of running out of funds for the crucial Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme. More than 96% of the allocated money has already been spent or is needed to pay pending dues, with less than ₹2,500 crore left to sustain the scheme for the next two months.
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C ASES OF DIABETES, CANCER RISE IN RURAL AREAS OF MADHYA P RADESH
Why in news? Non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes and cancer are posing a bigger challenge in the non-tribal rural areas of Madhya Pradesh than in the urban areas owing to a rapidly growing rate of incidence and the lack of awareness, according to the National Health Mission (NHM)
Details Raisen, Hoshangabad and Seoni districts face the highest burden of the diseases More awareness, as in the case of urban areas, translates into patients undergoing treatment despite a high incidence. As a result, the burden is moderate in urban areas, but due to low awareness in rural areas, it is increasing there Screening drive under Centre’s Non Communicable Disease Control Programme, surprisingly revealed the low incidence in the 89 tribal blocks in the State, which has largest tribal population in the country, despite the low awareness levels.
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Trans fatty acids when consumed in hydrogenated forms is a major cause of hypertension or high blood pressure level India Hypertension Control Initiative, supported by the World Health Organisation, is catering to patients above 18 suffering from the diseases in Bhopal, Sehore, Chhindwara, Seoni, Ujjain and Ratlam districts Of the country’s 100 districts with the highest prevalence of hypertension, 15 were in Madhya Pradesh. Nearly 22% of the State’s residents fell in the above average category (140 mm of Hg/90 mm of Hg), according to the Annual Health Survey, 2014
M YSURU POLICE STEP IN AFTER FACEBOOK POST ON CHILD M ARRIAGE
Why in news? Thanks to a Facebook post of a schoolgirl, the marriage of a 11 yearold girl has been averted in Mysuru
What actually happened? After the parents of the Mysuru girl decided on her marriage and even fixed the date, the girl’s friend put up a message on the Facebook page of the Bengaluru City police with a request to stop it. 65 | P a g e J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 | C U R R E N T A F F A I R S
Alerted by their Bengaluru counterparts, the Mysuru police swung into action and visited the address at Marballihundi in Mysuru taluk before the department officials intervened. ACTS/ Articles related to it Child Marriage Restraint Act, (1929) Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 Right to Life: Article 21 Right to education: 21A
G OVERNMENT OF INDIA’S UJALA & STREET LIGHTING NATIONAL P ROGRAMME
Launched on January 5th, 2015, the Government of India’s zero subsidy Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) and LED Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP), has completed 5 years. SLNP is the world’s largest streetlight replacement programme and UJALA is the world’s largest domestic lighting project. Schemes are spearheaded and implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of PSUs under the Ministry of Power, government of India Under the SLNP programme: o Over 1.03 crore smart LED streetlights have been installed o Estimated energy savings of 6.97 billion kWh per year with an avoided peak demand of 1,161 MW o Estimated greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction of 4.80 million tCO2 annually
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Under the UJALA initiative: o Over 36.13 crore LED bulbs have been distributed across India o Resulted in estimated energy savings of 46.92 billion kWh per year, avoided peak demand of 9,394 MW o Estimated GHG emission reduction of 38 million t CO2 annually
I NDIA TO BE A GLOBAL HUB OF HIGHER LEARNING
Why in news? The Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu called for making India a global hub of higher learning and scholarship and urged Universities, academicians and policy makers to improve academic standards at par with top international institutions
Recent data xpressing concerns that none of the Indian Universities figured in the top 100 global rankings, Shri Naidu asked institutions such as NAAC and UGC to take steps to address the shortcomings by revisiting the education system and revamping the curriculum in tune with 21st century requirements
I NSTITUTION OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE
Why in news? Institute of National Importance (INI) is a status that may be conferred on a premier public higher education institution in India by an act of Parliament of India, an institution which “serves as a pivotal player in developing highly skilled personnel within the specified region of the country/state” Institutes at Gujarat Ayurveda University campus, Jamnagar , namely, (a) Institute for Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (b) Shri Gulab kunwerba Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya and (c) Institute of Ayurveda Pharmaceutical Sciences including Pharmacy Unit and to subsume the Maharshi Patanjali Institute for Yoga & Naturopathy Education & Research into the Department of Swasthvritta of the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda were given the status of institutions of national importance.
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$ 88 MILLION LOAN AGREEMENT FOR ASSAM INLAND WATER T RANSPORT PROJECT
Why in news? World Bank and Government of India Sign $88 million loan agreement for the implementation of Assam Inland Water Transport Project
Details To help modernize Assam’s passenger ferry sector that runs on its rivers including the mighty Brahmaputra The Assam Inland Water Transport Project (AIWTP) will help Assam improve the passenger ferry infrastructure and its services and strengthen the capacity of the institutions running the inland water transport. The project will support the Government of Assam’s efforts to corporatise its own ferry activities The project will draw guidance from ‘working with nature’ principles that aim to design new infrastructure or rehabilitate existing infrastructure in a way that works with natural river processes Loan of $88 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has a final maturity of 14.5 years including a grace period of five years
Background The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership: five institutions working for sustainable solutions that reduce poverty and build shared prosperity in developing countries. The Bank Group works with country governments, the private sector, civil society organizations, regional development banks, think tanks, and other international institutions on issues ranging from climate change, conflict, and food security to education, agriculture, finance, and trade. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and International Development Association (IDA) form the World Bank. The World Bank provides financing, policy advice, and technical assistance to governments of developing countries.
J AL JEEVAN MISSION
Why in news? The magnificent tableau of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, highlighting the Government’s new initiative ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ which aims at providing Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) to every rural household by 2024, has been adjudged the best tableau, jointly with the NDRF tableau
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T HE MEDICAL TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY (AMENDMENT) B ILL, 2020
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020 to amend the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971.
Salient features of proposed amendments: Proposing requirement for opinion of one provider for termination of pregnancy, up to 20 weeks of gestation and introducing the requirement of opinion of two providers for termination of pregnancy of 20-24 weeks of gestation. Enhancing the upper gestation limit from 20 to 24 weeks for special categories of women which will be defined in the amendments to the MTP Rules and would include ‘vulnerable women including survivors of rape, victims of incest and other vulnerable women (like differently-abled women, Minors) etc. Upper gestation limit not to apply in cases of substantial foetal abnormalities diagnosed by Medical Board. The composition, functions and other details of Medical Board to be prescribed subsequently in Rules under the Act. Name and other particulars of a woman whose pregnancy has been terminated shall not be revealed except to a person authorized in any law for the time being in force.
A LL URBAN AREAS OF 35 STATES/UTS DECLARED OPEN D EFECATION FREE
Urban Areas of 35 states / UTs ODF - 4,167 cities certified ODF through Third Party Verification About 66 Lakh Individual Household Toilets constructed against Mission Target of 59 Lakh Around 5.9 Lakh seats of Community / Public Toilets constructed against Mission Target of 5.08 Lakh seats 819 Cities certified ODF+ & 312 cities ODF++
Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) was launched in 2014 with twin objectives of ensuring 100 percent scientific solid waste management and making urban India ODF to achieve total environmental improvement. All Urban areas of 35 States/UTs have become ODF and percentage of waste processing rose from around 18 percent to 60 percent.
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B UILDING SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Details: Samagra Shiksha 2018-19 Launched to Envisage School Education as Continuum from Pre-School to Senior Secondary Level Samagra Shiksha 2018-19 has been launched to envisage school education as a continuum from pre-school to senior secondary level. Other initiatives include the expansion of Navodaya Vidyalaya Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Program (DHRUV), Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) platform and e-content sites like e-pathshala. The Pre-Budget Survey also outlines initiatives taken for improving quality of learning and teaching in higher and technical education. These include setting up of Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA), Schemes like National Educational Alliance for Technology (NEAT), Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion Programme (EQUIP), PARAMARSH and mega online degree programme SWAYAM 2.0 “As per Unified District Information System for Education (U-DISE) 2017-18 (provisional), 98.38 per cent of Government elementary schools have girls’ toilet and 96.23 per cent of Government elementary schools have boys’ toilet. 97.13 per cent of Government elementary schools have provision of drinking water facility, 28,005 Health & Wellness Centres set up Under Ayushman Bharat as in January 2020 Mission Indradhanush has vaccinated 3.39 crore children and 87.18 lakh pregnant women of 680 districts across the country till date As per the latest National Health Accounts 2016-17, the out of pocket expenditure (OoPE) on health as a percentage of total health expenditure declined from 64.2 per cent in 2013-14 to 58.7 per cent in 2016-17, 47.33 Lakh Houses Completed Per Year in 2018-19 Under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana- Gramin As per recent NSO survey on Drinking Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Housing Condition in India 2018, about 76.7 per cent of the households in the rural and about 96.0 per cent in the urban areas had the house of pucca structures Over 10 Crore Toilets Built in Rural Areas Under Swachh Bharat Mission- Gramin (SBM- G) Since 2014 5.9 lakh villages, 699 districts, and 35 States/UTs have declared themselves Open Defecation Free (ODF). Swachh Survekshan Gramin 2019, India’s largest rural sanitation survey, covered 17,450 villages in 698 districts across India, including 87,250 public places. 10 Year Rural Sanitation Strategy (2019-2029) Launched to Focus on Sustaining Sanitation Behaviour Change
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GS2: International Relations
L IBYA SUMMIT SEEKS END TO FOREIGN MEDDLING
Why in news? World leaders made a fresh push for peace in Libya at a summit in Berlin on January 19, 2020
Details UN-led talks in Berlin is a bid to curb military interference, help relaunch political dialogue The summit’s main goal is to get foreign powers wielding influence in the region to stop interfering in the war — be it through weapons, troops or financing The UN hopes all sides will sign up to a plan to refrain from interference, and commit to a truce that leads to a lasting end to hostilities
Turmoil in Libya Libya has been torn by fighting between rival armed factions since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi. Lybia is a country in the Maghreb region in North Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad to the south, Niger to the southwest, Algeria to the west, and Tunisia to the northwest.
Countries bordering Mediterranean Sea The following countries have a coastline on the Mediterranean Sea: Northern shore (from west to east): Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Turkey. Eastern shore (from north to south): Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt. Southern shore (from west to east): Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt. Island nations: Malta, Cyprus.
I NDIA DROPS 10 RANKS IN DEMOCRACY INDEX
Why in news? The latest edition of the Democracy Index by economic intelligence unit, spells gloom for India. The world’s biggest democracy slipped 10 places in the 2019 global ranking to 51st place
More about survey The survey attributes the primary cause of “the democratic regression” to “an erosion of civil liberties in the country”.
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India’s overall score fell from 7.23 to 6.9, on a scale of 10, within a year (2018-2019)
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I NDIA, BRAZIL TO SIGN STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN
Why in news? India and Brazil will upgrade their strategic partnership with an “action plan” and sign a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) when Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro visits as the chief guest of the Republic Day celebrations from January 24 to 27 Bilateral relations are based on a common global vision, shared democratic values, and a commitment to foster economic growth of both countries. Bilateral relations were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2006, heralding a new phase in India Brazil relations
J USTICE FOR ROHINGYA
Why in news? ICJ unanimously ruled mandating Myanmar to take the necessary actions to prevent genocide of Rohingya Muslims.
More about the verdict The ruling vindicates findings by the UN and human rights groups on the prevalence of hate speech, mass atrocities of rape and extrajudicial killings, and torching of villages in Myanmar’s Rakhine province, leading to the forced migration of thousands to Bangladesh.
Reaction of Mayanmar Rejecting the ICJ’s ruling, Myanmar’s Foreign Ministry has accused rights groups of presenting the Court with a distorted picture of the prevailing situation. In a statement, it defended the army’s action as a legitimate response to violations of the law by the insurgent Arakhan Rohingya Salvation Army. The Commission acknowledged that war crimes had indeed been committed during the military campaign, when about 900 people were killed. But there was nothing to back the assertions of gangrape, or evidence to presume any intent of genocide. Implications of the verdict It empowers the UN Security Council to prevail upon Myanmar to take appropriate measures for the rehabilitation and repatriation of displaced communities.
T ECHNOLOGY: THE MAIN FRONT IN THE US-CHINA TRADE WAR
Why in news? The concern that China will use US technology to acquire military capabilities to challenge it is driving American policy
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Details: The phase 1 agreement that the US and China signed does not even represent a temporary ceasefire, as tariffs mostly remain in place and there is no indication how or when they will be lifted China also solemnly promised not to steal intellectual property from high-technology companies, but how this will be enforced remains an open question Beijing has also refused to make any commitment on hacking and cyber aggression, taking refuge in the argument that this is not a trade issue The US is quite likely to use the terms of the deal to press Beijing on a host of issues covered under the deal, with each item a potential pressure point
Technology is already a crucial front in this conflict US secretary made the remarks that Silicon Valley start-ups are increasingly under the threat from Chinese actions US has already imposed severe constraints on technology supply chains that involve sales of semiconductors and components to China Over 200 Chinese entities have been placed on a blacklist, including telecom equipment manufacturers like Huawei and ZTE, artificial intelligence companies like SenseTime, Megvii, Yitu and iFlytek, and surveillance system makers like Hikvision and Dahua Technology. If an efficient, global supply chain will get decoupled as a result of the US-China technology war, we will see deadweight losses, higher costs and higher carbon emissions
India’s stakes New Delhi must realize that at least in the technology space, India’s interests are better aligned with those of the US. So far, due to India’s disinterest, Vietnam has been the primary beneficiary of the ongoing US-China trade war. coming technology war is an opportunity for India as US companies shift their supply chains
D ECIPHERING THE MOVES ON RUSSIA’S POWER CHESSBOARD
Why in news? Vladimir Putin’s presidential term ends later this year. He has announced major changes in governing policies which guide the future of Russia. According to Russian constitution, presidential term is limited to 2 consecutive times. Clearly, Mr. Putin continues to hold full control. But he is also making his legacy as a builder of constitutional institutions; by giving the Duma more powers, Mr. Putin signifies that he is moving to empower this body. Also addressed the major internal security threat: the severe and continuous demographic decline (almost one million less every year). To address demographic decline but also the stagnating Russian economy, Mr. Putin announced measures that include:
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o All low income families with children under age seven will receive monthly cash handouts. o All children till grade four in all Russian schools will get free lunch. o All mothers after the birth of their first or second child will receive benefits and payments. Also focused on public spending and infrastructure projects to address poverty, decrease social tensions, reduce income gaps, improve health. This will add up to 450 billion rubles ($7.5 billion) per year in terms of public spending in Russia’s yearly budget
B RICS
What is BRICS? BRICS is the international grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa This was set up as a move towards greater multipolarity; hence the spread across three continents and both hemispheres
Contribution to global growth In terms of GDP, China occupies the second position; India the fifth; Brazil the ninth; Russia the 11th; and South Africa the 35th. In terms of growth rates, China grew at 6%; India at 4.5%, Russia 1.7%, Brazil 1.2% and South Africa 0.1%. Achievements of BRICS The main achievement of BRICS is the New Development Bank, with each country contributing equally to its equity The bank has so far financed over 40 projects at a cost of $12 billion The BRICS countries are also developing a joint payments mechanism to reduce foreign trade settlements in U.S. dollars An offshoot of the group, dealing with climate change, is BASIC (BRICS without Russia), which met at the Spain conference in December 2019 and reiterated its support to the Paris Agreement
I NDO -US RELATIONSHIP: NATIONALIST SIMILARITIES
Why in news? There is a marked shift in Indo-US tie as the present dispensation in both country has managed to move forward on various issues
US- Pakistan ties India’s ties with the U.S. are impacted by America’s ties with India’s adversaries and neighbors, China and Pakistan. Mr. Trump’s bluster against both have lit hope that there would finally be a near complete alignment between India and the U.S. on strategy
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Detailed analysis: Both countries are working to reframe the national interest, and both have articulated it with clarity and force Both dispensations believe that “the people” had been given a raw deal by earlier regimes, controlled by the elites and the experts who were in collusion with their global counterparts India under Mr. Modi continues to push for more space for itself in global affairs by seeking a permanent seat in the UN Security Council and membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group. There has also been the cancellation of several bilateral investment treaties, based on the understanding that they were negotiated on a weak footing. A robust economy has allowed Mr. Trump the political space to temper his polarizing rhetoric while Mr. Modi has had to double down on his, amid a sluggish economy. Partnership with America is critical to Mr. Modi’s plans for India, but the inverse is not true for Mr. Trump. The U.S. President’s India visit scheduled for next month will be part of an ongoing exploration of a new equilibrium in ties.
U NITED NATIONS COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE LAW ( UNCITRAL),1976
Why in news? An International Arbitration Tribunal has dismissed all claims brought against Republic of India in entirety.
Details: The Tribunal constituted in accordance with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Arbitration Rules 1976, seated at The Hague, Netherlands, and proceedings administered by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, The Hague, Netherlands, rendered its Award in the arbitration brought by Tenoch Holdings Limited (Cyprus) This rule is used for the settlement of a broad range of disputes, including disputes between private commercial parties where no arbitral institution is involved, Investor- State disputes, State-to-State disputes and commercial disputes administered by arbitral institutions
U NAIDS
Details Since it started operations in 1996, UNAIDS provides the strategic direction, advocacy, coordination and technical support needed to catalyse and connect leadership from governments, the private sector and communities to deliver life-saving HIV services UNAIDS is leading the global effort to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. UNAIDS is a model for United Nations reform and is the only cosponsored Joint Programme in the United Nations system. It draws on the experience and expertise of
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11 United Nations system Cosponsors and is the only United Nations entity with civil society represented on its governing body The UNAIDS Secretariat has offices in 70 countries, with 70% of its staff based in the field, and has a budget of US$ 140 million for 2018. The budget for the Joint Programme for 2018 is US$ 242 million
T HE FORUM OF THE ELECTION MANAGEMENT BODIES OF SOUTH A SIA (FEMBOSA)
The Election Commission of India is going to host the 10th annual meeting of the Forum of the Election Management Bodies of South Asia (FEMBoSA) FEMBoSA was established at the 3rd Conference of Heads of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) of SAARC Countries held at New Delhi from April 30 to May 2, 2012 through an unanimously adopted resolution The last (9th) annual meeting of FEMBoSA was held in Dhaka in September 2018 FEMBoSA represents a very large part of the democratic world and is an active regional association of the election management bodies of South Asia. The objectives of the Forum are to promote contact among the EMBs of the SAARC countries; share experiences with a view to learning from each other and cooperate with one another in enhancing the capabilities of the EMBs towards conducting free and fair election.
I NDIA-NEPAL TO HOLD TALKS OVER KALAPANI
Kalapani Region of the Uttarakhand is the bone of contention between India and Nepal. India has recently released its new political map– released by Survey of India
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About Survey of India The Survey of India is India’s central engineering agency in charge of mapping and surveying. It is under ministry of Science and Technology and headquartered at Dehradun. It was established in 1767
F OREIGN ENVOYS IN J&K ON A FACT-FINDING VISIT
Why in news? A 15 member foreign envoys’ delegation arrived in Srinagar on a two day visit to J&K and met over 100 people, including senior Valley based politicians, top newspaper editors and grassroots representatives.
Why did they come? They were seeking feedback on the ground situation post the revocation of the State’s special status, Pakistan’s attempts at interference and immediate demands of the people
Related foreign visits in the past A 28-member delegation from the European Union met PM Modi on October 28, 2019. The delegation visited Kashmir on October 29, 1019. The delegation was to check on the reality of the situation in Kashmir. This was the first trip to the region by a foreign delegation after India revoked Article 370 and integrated Kashmir with the rest of the country. India rejected the US ‘s plea to visit the region earlier in October 2019.
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Why in news? India has deployed its aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya in the Arabian Sea at a time China and Pakistan are holding a nine-day mega naval exercise in the region.
Details Pakistan and China on Monday launched a major drill in the north Arabian Sea called “Sea Guardians”. Aim is to increase interoperability and strategic cooperation between their two navies. The exercise is taking place in the midst of heightened tension between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue. Key platforms of both China and Pakistan, including submarines, destroyers and frigates, are part of the exercise. Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, with MiG29K fighters on board, has been sent with a strategic objective
W E WON’T LEAVE SIACHEN: ARMY CHIEF
Why in news? The Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Mukund Naravane, said on 11th January, that the Army would not disengage from the Siachen Glacier as the world’s highest battlefield was key to deterring a two-front engagement with Pakistan and China. He outlined an increase in focus on improving infrastructure and capabilities in the North and the East.
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P M AND WORLD LEADERS TO ATTEND RAISINA DIALOGUE
Why in news? Many foreign Dignitaries will attend the “Raisina Dialogue” organised by the External Affairs Ministry jointly with the Observer Research Foundation in Delhi
India’s contribution The Dialogue has been India’s contribution to global efforts to discover solutions, identify opportunities and provide stability to a century that has witnessed an eventful two decades
Theme : “Navigating the alpha century
More about Raisina Dialogue The Raisina Dialogue is a multilateral conference committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. Every year, global leaders in policy, business, media and civil society are hosted in New Delhi to discuss cooperation on a wide range of pertinent international policy matters. The Dialogue is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion, involving heads of state, cabinet ministers and local government officials, as well as major private sector executives, members of the media and academics.
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The conference is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with the Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs
I RAN NUCLEAR DEAL: EU LAUNCHES DISPUTE MECHANISM
Why in news? Britain, France and Germany ratcheted up pressure on Iran on 14th January to cease its violations of a landmark nuclear deal, stressing that they want to resolve differences through talks.
More about dispute resolution mechanism Under JCPOA dispute resolution mechanism, countries have 30 days to resolve their problem, though that can be extended. If it cannot be solved, the matter could be brought before the UN Security Council and could then result in the snapback of sanctions that had been lifted under the deal.
Background The 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, seeks to prevent Iran from producing a nuclear weapon — something Iran insists it does not want to do — by putting curbs on its atomic programme in exchange for economic incentives.
H OW INDIA IS RESETTING ITS TIES WITH THE WORLD
Why in news? India’s shift in trade strategy is evident from its decision to opt out of RCEP and the increasing engagement with the US and EU.
Details India announced its exit from the China-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) deal at the Bangkok summit on 4 November. While countries like Japan are still trying to woo India back to the RCEP fold, India has now signaled a shift in strategy when it comes to signing free trade agreements. It is now showing readiness to renew negotiations on the long-pending free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union as well as with Britain after the impending Brexit deal is signed. India is currently negotiating a limited trade package with the US after which both sides may sit down for a comprehensive FTA negotiation.
India’s FTAs Negotiations for the proposed India-EU FTA started in 2007 but talks were suspended in 2013 due to differences.
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FTAs with EU and the US have their inherent advantages for Indian exporters. India has lost preferential market access to both economic regions, which has adversely impacted India’s labour-intensive textile exports. In June, 2019, the US also withdrew duty-free benefits to India’s exports, further denting India’s competitiveness in certain product lines.
Most of India’s existing FTAs are poorly negotiated and remain under-utilized. For example, in Indonesia, the average tariff for India in non-agricultural goods was 5.5% in 2012, while that for China, it was 2.1%, as a result of the China-Asean FTA. This could be because India has been a reluctant globalizer and prefers to sign defensive trade deals that do not hurt domestic industry much, even though it means little additional market access in the partner country.
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Way forward A nation-wide, cross-sectoral campaign to increase awareness about existing FTAs and the ways in which specific provisions of FTAs can be leveraged by MSMEs would be critical. Greater information dissemination about compliance issues are all important for companies to truly be able to take advantage of FTAs
I NDIAN PASSPORT RANKED 84TH IN THE WORLD
Why in news? Latest edition of the Henley Passport Index has been released.
More details: India has dropped 10 places to 84 in the latest update. Japan has the world’s strongest passport; Afghanistan, at rank 107, the weakest The data are updated in real time as and when visa policy changes come into effect The index includes 199 different passports and 227 different travel destinations The ranking is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a trade association of some 290 airlines, including all major carriers
S IKHS TO BE COUNTED AS SEPARATE ETHNIC GROUP IN U.S. C ENSUS FOR FIRST TIME
Why in news? Sikhs in the U.S. would be counted as a separate ethnic group in the upcoming 2020 census as per the US Census Bureau Several Sikh organisations in the US held meetings with the Census Bureau. A separate code is needed to ensure an accurate count of Sikhs in the United States, recognising a unique identity. Sikhs meet the criteria for representation in the US Census as a distinct ethnic group and have a distinct unified appearance, culture, language, food and history.
I NDIA TO INVITE IMRAN KHAN FOR SHANGHAI COUNCIL MEET
Why in news? Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will be invited to participate in the Heads of Government Council meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) that will be hosted in India in 2020.
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More about SCO The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance This was formed on 15 June 2001 in Shanghai, China The leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan were involved in the formation The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Charter, formally establishing the Organisation, was signed in June 2002 and entered into force on 19 September 2003 India and Pakistan joined SCO as full members on 9 June 2017 at a summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. The Heads of State Council (HSC) is the supreme decision-making body in the SCO, it meets once a year and adopts decisions and guidelines on all important matters of the Organisation The SCO is widely regarded as the “alliance of the East”, due to its growing centrality in Asia-Pacific
C HINA, U.S. SIGN INITIAL TRADE AGREEMENT
Why in news? China will boost purchases of U.S. goods and services by $200 billion over two years in exchange for the rolling back of some tariffs under “phase one trade deal. ” President Donald Trump hailed the agreement as a win for the U.S. economy and his administration’s trade policies
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E U PARLIAMENT TO VOTE ON KASHMIR, CAA
Why in news? The draft resolutions (numbering from B90077/ 2020 to B90082/2020) on the issue of CAA and abrogation of article 370 are due to be taken up during the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels on January 29 for discussion
E U MOTION CALLS CAA ‘DISCRIMINATORY’
Why in news? The final version of the joint motion resolution tabled by the five groups at the European Parliament /says the House, “deeply regrets the adoption and implementation of the CAA, which is discriminatory in nature and dangerously divisive
D EFYING U.S., U.K. GIVES 5G ROLE TO HUAWEI
Prime Minister Boris Johnson granted Huawei a limited role in Britain’s 5G mobile Network, resisting U.S. pressure to exclude the Chinese company from next generation communications over fears Beijing could use them to spy However, their involvement will be capped at 35%, they will be excluded from the sensitive core, where data is processed, and they will be banned from all critical networks and locations such as nuclear sites and military bases, the government said.
T RUMP UNVEILS WEST ASIA PLAN, PALESTINIANS PROTEST
Why in news? U.S. President has proposed creation of a Palestinian state with capital in eastern Jerusalem, dependent on Palestinians taking steps to become self-governing, as part of a peace plan to end decades of conflict in the region. In exchange, Israel would agree to accept a four-year freeze on new settlement activity while Palestinian statehood is negotiated. Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians demonstrated in Gaza and Israeli troops reinforced positions near a flashpoint site between the Palestinian city of Ramallah and the Jewish settlement of Beit El in the West Bank
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E U’S CONCERNS ON CAA: INTERFERING INTO SOVEREIGN M ATTERS
Why in news? Envoy of the United Kingdom said that India should address the concerns regarding the new citizenship law.
India’s stand Came even as the External Affairs Ministry maintained that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019, is an internal matter of the country
Backgrounder The EU Parliament had discussed a joint motion against the CAA. Voting on the resolution, however, has been shifted to the end of March in view of the March 13 visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Brussels for the EU India summit.
M OU BETWEEN INDIA AND SWEDEN ON COOPERATION IN POLAR S CIENCE
Why in news? India and Ministry of Education and Research, Sweden signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the cooperation in the polar science. India and Sweden are both signatories to the Antarctic Treaty and to the Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty on Environmental Protection. Sweden as one of the eight “Arctic States” is one of the Member State in the Arctic Council whereas India has the Observer Status in the Arctic Council. Sweden has a vigorous scientific program in the Polar Regions, both in Arctic and Antarctic. India likewise, has sustained scientific research programs in both the Polar Regions as well as in the oceanic realm.
M OBILITY PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND F RANCE
Why in news? The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for the ratification of Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement between India and France
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More about agreement The Agreement represents a major milestone in enhancing people-to-people contacts, fostering mobility of students, academics, researchers and skilled professionals and strengthening cooperation on issues related to irregular migration and human trafficking between the two sides. The Agreement is a testimony to India’s rapidly expanding multi-faceted relationship with France
I NDIA AND WTO
Why in news? The Minister of commerce and industry put forward his view at Raisina dialogues
Major Points of dialogue: India believes in Multilateralism and Strengthening WTO India has been at the receiving end of unfair trade practices for a very long time and therefore believes in the creation of a far more reformed rules based trading system India is one of the first four countries to pay all its dues to the World Trade Body Trade Policies will have to be people Centric Trade policies that are people centric to be sustainable, to eliminate poverty and raise prosperity levels for all citizens India allows e-commerce companies to work on the marketplace model where buyers and sellers are free to buy and sell and follow the rules of the marketplace and laws of the country which clearly say that FDI in multi-brand retail will only be allowed up to 49%. India is in dialogue with EU and the US to sort out pressing trade issues and further expand engagement with them
Background The Raisina Dialogue is a multilateral conference committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. Every year, global leaders in policy, business, media and civil society are hosted in New Delhi to discuss cooperation on a wide range of pertinent international policy matters. The Dialogue is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion, involving heads of state, cabinet ministers and local government officials, as well as major private sector executives, members of the media and academics. R OYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY SHIP HMAS TOOWOOMBA AT MUMBAI
Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Ship HMAS Toowoomba is currently on a visit to Mumbai. Cmde Ray Leggatt, Commander Combined Task Force (CTF) – 150 and Commander Mitchell Livingstone, Commanding Officer, HMAS Toowoomba called on the Chief of Staff, VAdm RB Pandit at the Headquarters of the Western Naval Command.
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HMS Toowoomba is on an Overseas Deployment in the region under operational control of CTF-150. The visit of the RAN ship and the professional interactions of IN personnel with RAN crew will serve to further strengthen the good relations between India and Australia and underscore the shared interests in the maritime domain.
N ATIONAL CONSULTATION ON THE REVIEW OF BEIJING +25
To mark of 25 years of the adoption of Beijing Platform for Action, Ministry of Women & Child Development (MWCD), the National Commission for Women (NCW) and UN Women organized a National Consultation on the Review of Beijing+25, to galvanize all stakeholders to implement actions that remove the most conspicuous barriers to gender equality. The 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women, held in Beijing, was one of the largest ever gatherings of the United Nations, and a critical turning point in the world’s focus on gender equality and the empowerment of women.
U .S. AND IRAN CONFLICT
Why in news? The U.S. killed Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force, in an air strike near Baghdad airport, the Pentagon and Iran said Iranian authorities have reacted with predictable vehemence at Gen. Soleimani’s “martyrdom” and vowed vengeance. This tit for tat between the U.S. and Iran could easily go out of hand and lead to a major confrontation in a pyretic and fragile region, with unpredictable consequences.
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The terse statement masked the deep unease about how far the ripples from this sharp spike in US-Iran tensions will extend across the region, and impact India. With Iran vowing revenge, a possible widening of the US-Iran conflict, from Saudi Arabia to Afghanistan and Pakistan, will not leave India unaffected. India should position itself in the Saudi-Iran rivalry carefully. Major Impacts: Increased oil import bill India will have to manage its delicate relation with Iran Depreciation of currency
President of the United States of America, Donald Trump blamed the Iranian General Qassem Soleimani for terror attacks including one in Delhi. Soleimani, the head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was assassinated on 3rd January by airstrikes on Baghdad under directions from Donald Trump. Details Iran’s Ambassador to India denied the allegations by Trump, claiming that the general was a soldier and was not involved in targeting of innocents anywhere. Trump was referring to the car bombing of Israeli diplomat in Delhi in February 2012. At the time, the Delhi police Special Cell that investigated believed the Delhi attack was connected to attacks on Israeli Diplomats in Tbilisi, Georgia and Bangkok, Thailand, reportedly carried out by IRGC agents in retaliation for attacks on Iranian Nuclear Scientists. On 3rd January India issued a statement that expressed concern over rising tensions between U.S. and Iran, and “noted” the killing.
The Iraqi Parliament called on the government to work to end all foreign troop presence in the country as the backlash grew against the killing of top Iranian military General Qassem Soleiman Details: A resolution passed by a special session of Parliament said the government should cancel its request for assistance from a U.S.A. led coalition. Parliament resolutions, unlike laws, are nonbinding.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on 8th January 2020, that Iranian missile strikes on bases in Iraq had not harmed any U.S. troops stationed there and damage was minimal, an outcome he said showed Tehran wanted to prevent an escalation into conflict. Iranian Forces fired missiles at military bases housing U.S. Troops in Iraq on 8th saying it was in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Commander Quassem Soleimani on January 3rd.
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Details Trump urged world powers to quit a 2015 nuclear accord with Iran that Washington withdrew from in 2018 and work for a new deal, an issue that has been at the heart of rising tensions between Washington and Tehran. Iran has rejected new talks. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had said the strikes “concluded” Tehran’s response to the killing of Soleimani Soleimani was responsible for building up Iran’s network of proxy armies across the Middle East.
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A Ukrainian airliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran on Wednesday killing all 176 on board, mainly Iranians and Canadians.
How did the crash occur? The crash occurred amid high tensions in West Asia and shortly after Tehran launched missiles at bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops. But there was no immediate indication of foul play and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned against “speculating” on the cause of the disaster.
Five days after Major General Qassem Soleimani, the Quds Force chief, was killed in a U.S. air strike outside Baghdad airport, Iran on 8th January 2020, launched ballistic missile attacks at American troops in two military bases in Iraq.
Statements: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has said that the attacks on the Erbil and Al- Asad bases were a retaliation for the killing of the General, who was one of the top military leaders of the country and the main architect of Iran’s foreign security and intelligence operations. Initial reports suggest that there are no American casualties, though damage and military assessments are still under way.
Analysis Whether there were American casualties or not, this is a pivotal moment in the U.S.-Iran tensions as this is the first time Iran is launching a direct attack at the U.S. troops and owning it up. Practically, these are acts of war, though there’s no formal war declaration. First, the U.S. took out an Iranian military leader in a third country and now Iran has struck U.S. troops.
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Iran has launched a calculated, limited strike that doesn’t cause much damage to the Americans but yet makes good on its pledge for revenge. It is an escalating step, but not yet an all-out war.
Possible Outcomes: If there are no American casualties, a red line drawn by President Trump — he could shrug the Iranian response off and choose not to retaliate, which could be a de-escalating step. But there are several scenarios that could lead the conflict to an all-out war. First, if Mr. Trump orders air strikes inside Iran, it would trigger further military response from Iran and the conflict will immediately spiral out of control. Second, even if Mr. Trump steps back from further retaliation, Iran could target U.S. troops inside Iraq through its proxies such as the Badr Brigade and Kataib Hezbollah. That will drag the U.S. into a deeper conflict. Third, the Shia militias operate with relative autonomy. Tehran may not be micromanaging them. Infuriated by the loss of their commander, they could act without authorisation from Tehran against U.S. troops in Iraq, which could trigger a harsher response from the U.S. against Iran, dragging both countries into war. ran announced on 11th January, that its military ‘unintentionally’ shot down a Ukrainian jetliner, killing all 176 aboard, after the government had repeatedly denied Western accusations that it was responsible. The plane was shot down early 8th January, hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on two military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Gen. Q assem Soleimani in an American airstrike in Baghdad. No one was wounded in the attack on the bases. It also said those responsible for the strike on the plane would be prosecuted.
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GS3: Indian Economy
S OCIAL MOBILITY INDEX: INDIA RANKS LOW AT 76TH PLACE; D ENMARK TOPS
Why in news? India has been ranked very low at 76th place out of 82 countries on a new Social Mobility Index compiled by the World Economic Forum
Details The report also lists India among the five countries that stand to gain the most from a better social mobility score that seeks to measure parameters necessary for creating societies Increasing social mobility, a key driver of income inequality, by 10 per cent would benefit social cohesion and boost the world’s economies by nearly 5 per cent by 2030, the WEF mentioned Five key dimensions distributed over 10 pillars – health; education (access, quality and equity); technology; work (opportunities, wages, conditions); and protections and institutions (social protection and inclusive institutions) – shows that fair wages, social protection and lifelong learning are the biggest drags on social mobility globally
I MF BRINGS DOWN INDIA’S GROWTH FORECAST TO 4.8%
Why in news? The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on 20th January, lowered India’s economic growth estimate for the current fiscal to 4.8%
Reasons for slowdown. Decline in rural demand growth and an overall credit sluggishness for the lowering of India forecasts
IMF The International Monetary Fund (IMF), is an international organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. Formed in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference. Formally came into existence in 27 December 1945 It now plays a central role in the management of balance of payments difficulties and international financial crises Membership of IMF consisting of 189 countries working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world
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W ORLD’S RICHEST 2,000 PEOPLE HOLD MORE THAN POOREST 4.6 B ILLION COMBINED: OXFAM
Why in news? In its “Time to Care” report, Oxfam said it estimated that unpaid care work by women added at least $10.8 trillion a year in value to the world economy – three times more than the tech industry.
Details The Nairobi-headquartered charity said in a report released ahead of the annual World Economic Forum of political and business leaders in Davos, Switzerland, that women around the world work 12.5 billion hours combined each day without pay or recognition
I NDIA SLIPS TWO PLACES ON CORRUPTION INDEX
Why in news? India’s ranking in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI2019) released by transparency international has slipped from 78 to 80 compared to the previous year
Reasons Opaque political financing, lobbying by corporate interests has caused control of corruption to fall in democracies like India and Australia, notes Transparency International Many countries see economic openness as a way forward, however, governments across the region, from China to Cambodia to Vietnam, continue to restrict participation in public affairs, silence dissenting voices and keep decision-making out of public scrutiny.
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Status change: In the last eight years, only 22 countries significantly improved their CPI scores, including Greece, Guyana and Estonia. In the same period, among the 21 countries that saw a significantly fall in their scores are Canada, Australia and Nicaragua. In the remaining 137 countries, the levels of corruption show little to no change, the report said.
M OVE TO CASH TRANSFERS OF SUBSIDIES WILL LEAD TO SAVINGS
Discussion/Analysis Will Put agriculture on sustainable growth path All such investments will go a long way to augment farmers’ incomes in a sustainable manner
Focus on agri-food policies Top of the list would be the food subsidy- To ensure transparency and to fully account for the food subsidy Unless there is focus on reforms, the inefficiency of the grain management system will keep on increasing and the nation will suffer Next big ticket item is the fertilizer subsidy- Fertiliser subsidy in the last budget was provisioned at around Rs 80,000 crore, there were pending bills of the Fertiliser industry to the tune of Rs 39,000 crore Real problem of this sector is the imbalance in the policy of Fertiliser subsidization: While urea (N) is subsidised to the extent of 75 per cent of its cost, phosphatic (P) and potassic (K) fertilisers are subsidised only to the tune of about 25 per cent of their cost
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Leading to highly imbalanced use of N, P and K on farmers’ fields, giving a very low Fertiliser-to-grain response ratio, and degrading the soil, underground water, and even the environment with excessive nitrogen use Reforms suggested If we move towards direct cash transfers to the intended beneficiaries, it will set this sector on a sustainable growth path with minimum saving of Rs 50,000 crore annually This savings can then be invested in better water management, especially drip irrigation (“more crop per drop”); for better infrastructure for Agri-markets
I NDIA’S ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN: SLOW AND SLOWER
Why in news? In its latest World Economic Outlook, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has presented a sobering assessment of the state of the Indian economy
Details IMF notes that the downward revision in India’s growth prospects is more due to domestic issues — domestic demand has slowed down more sharply than expected amid stress in the non-banking financial sector, a decline in credit growth and poor growth in rural incomes. There is a need to address domestic issues at fast pace Credit growth- lot of liquidity with the banks, liquidity crunch with the industry Large NPA – a time bomb ticking to explode Agricultural sector slowdown Large food stock with FCI Lower GST and IT collections Low private investments Government’s fiscal prudence is at risk which may invite futher rating downgrade from agencies
H UGE INFORMAL ECONOMY: GOVERNMENT SHOULD INCREASE S PENDING, NOT WORRY ABOUT DEFICIT
Details: India is in the midst of a serious economic slowdown is no longer in question Options with Govt: Whether to opt for a fiscal expansion to boost demand or to carry out deep reforms to raise productivity and the growth potential of the economy The recent release by the National Statistical Office (NSO), the growth rate of the GDP in real terms is now 5 per cent the lowest in more than a decade, and that of the nominal GDP is 7.5 per cent — the lowest in four decades
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1st, the presence of a large informal sector plays a big role in the discrepancy between the NSS and NAS estimates It accounts for nearly half of the GDP and employs 85 per cent of the labour force 2nd, presence of the informal sector, expansionary fiscal policy will be more effective than what would appear from official statistics, as a big part of its impact will be felt in the informal sector Income generated in the informal sector will boost demand in the formal sector through consumer demand for mass-consumption items Policies such as personal and corporate income tax cuts, which are being talked about, will achieve precious little as it effects around 4-5 percent of population only. To get the engine of the economy revving, an expansionary fiscal policy that harnesses the energy of the informal sector to boost aggregate demand is the order of the day.
F RBM ACT
FRBM amendments that were part of the Finance Bill 2018 are very different from the original FRBM Act of 2003. The original FRBM Act had said that you have to bring down the fiscal deficit to 3% and the revenue deficit to 0%. The 2018 Finance Bill actually did away with the revenue deficit target. So, there is no revenue deficit target any more. Rather, we have the target of bringing down the fiscal deficit to 3% and at the same time, we expect that that will bring down the public debt to 40% at the Central level In principle, the FRBM is basically an expenditure switching mechanism, where you try to switch the expenditure from consumption to capital. That would lead to higher GDP growth and then lead to reduction in the public debt to GDP ratio. What we are seeing is not expenditure switching from consumption to capital, but we are actually seeing a switch from capital to consumption
Escape clause in FRBM act The initial FRBM said you need to achieve 3% by 2018; now we are in 2020. That itself shows that the Act has some kind of flexibility
Y OUTH CO:LAB -NATIONAL INNOVATION CHALLENGE
Why in news? Atal Innovation Mission & UNDP hosts 3 day Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge
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Details: Youth Co: Lab launched in collaboration by AIM and UNDP in India, aims at fostering technology, promoting youth leadership and social entrepreneurship in India Co-created in 2017 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Citi Foundation, Youth Co:Lab aims to establish a common agenda for Asia-Pacific countries to invest in and empower youth to accelerate implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, social innovation and entrepreneurship it will enable young students from all over the country and all over the world to participate in ideation and coming up with innovative solutions to many of the problems faced by the word aligned with the SDGs
P RAGATI SCHEME
Proactive governance and timely implementation The platform is aimed at addressing common man’s grievances, and simultaneously monitoring and reviewing important programmes and projects of the Government of India as well as projects flagged by State Governments Unique Features: The PRAGATI platform uniquely bundles three latest technologies: Digital data management, video-conferencing and geo-spatial technology. It also offers a unique combination in the direction of cooperative federalism since it brings on one stage the Secretaries of Government of India and the Chief Secretaries of the States. With this, the Prime Minister is able to discuss the issues with the concerned Central and State officials with full information and latest visuals of the ground level situation. It is also an innovative project in e-governance and good governance. It is a three-tier system (PMO, Union Government Secretaries, and Chief Secretaries of the States). Issues to be flagged before the PM are picked up from the available database regarding Public Grievances, on-going Programmes and pending Projects
C ENTRAL GOVERNMENT NOTIFIES NATIONAL STARTUP A DVISORY COUNCIL
Why in news? The Central Government has notified the structure of the National Startup Advisory Council to advise the Government on measures needed to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and startups in the country to drive sustainable economic growth and generate large scale employment opportunities
Details Council will suggest measures to foster a culture of innovation amongst citizens and students in particular
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Promote innovation in all sectors of economy across the country, including semi-urban and rural areas Support creative and innovative ideas through incubation and research and development to transform them into valuable products The National Startup Advisory Council will be chaired by Minster for Commerce & Industry. The Council will consist of the non-official members, to be nominated by Central Government Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade will be the Convener of the Council
G OVERNMENT OF INDIA AND THE WORLD BANK DEAL
Why in news? The Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra and the World Bank, on 25th January signed a loan agreement of USD 210 million. The deal was signed to: Support small holder farmers participate in competitive agriculture value chains F acilitate agri-business investments, increase market access and productivity in focus commodities B uild resilience of crops to recurrent floods or droughts in the Indian state of M aharashtra. The USD210 million Maharashtra Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project, will help to: B uild capacity of the nodal departments and institutions I ncrease private sector investments in agricultural value chains Remove constraints for producers and entrepreneurs in accessing emerging domestic and e xport markets
I NTERNATIONAL SUMMIT ON WOMEN IN STEM– “VISUALIZING T HE FUTURE: NEW SKYLINES"
Why in news? The Department of Biotechnology organized an International Summit on Women in STEM–“Visualizing the Future: New Skylines” on 23rd and 24thJanuary, 2020 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The Summit was organized with the overall aim to boost the participation of women in STEM field for development of scientific career. The summit provided a good platform for young students and researchers to interact and network with leaders in the field, to develop ideas and generate a future action plan for making career in STEM fields
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R BI GIVES IN-PRINCIPLE NOD TO SHIVALIK MERCANTILE TO C ONVERT TO SFB
Uttar Pradesh based Shivalik Mercantile Co-operative Bank Ltd to convert to a small finance bank (SFB), becoming the first urban cooperative bank (UCB) to make the transition The UCB will get 18 months to comply with the requirements under the scheme, which state that banks with a minimum net worth of ₹50 crore and capital to risk (weighted) assets ratio of 9% and above are eligible to apply for voluntary transition to SFB The SFBs are also required to maintain minimum capital adequacy ratio of 15% of its risk weighted assets (RWA) on a continuous basis and increase the minimum paid-up voting equity capital to ₹200 crore within five years of the date of commencement of business In September 2018, RBI had come out with the scheme for voluntary transition of primary UCBs into small finance banks. Under the scheme, the promoters are required to be Indian residents, with 10 years of experience in banking and finance. Promoter or promoter groups should conform to the definition of the Sebi (Issue of Capital & Disclosure Requirements) regulations, 2009 and RBI guidelines on fit and proper. S TRESSED URBAN COOPERATIVE BANKS TO FACE PCA -LIKE C URBS
Why in news? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to impose restrictions on urban cooperative banks (UCBs) for deterioration of financial position, in line with the prompt corrective action (PCA) framework that is imposed on commercial banks RBI’s action includes cancellation of banking license Under this revised Supervisory Action Framework (SAF), UCBs will face restrictions for worsening of three parameters That is when net nonperforming assets exceed 6% of net advances. When they incur losses for two consecutive financial years or have accumulated losses on their balance sheets. If capital adequacy ratio falls below 9%. RBI said actions such as imposition of all inclusive directions under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, and issue of show cause notice for cancellation of banking license may be considered when continued normal functioning of the UCB is no longer considered to be in the interest of its depositors/public.
S ERVICES SECTOR ACTIVITY GROWTH AT A 5-MONTH HIGH
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India’s services sector activity gained momentum and touched a five month high in December, supported by an uptick in new business orders that boosted output and employment IHS Markit India Services Business Activity Index improved from 52.7 in November to 53.3 in December 2019, highlighting the second strongest rate of increase in output in over a year, after July 2019.
C UTTING EXPENDITURE TO CURB DEFICIT
Why in news? Government is planning to cut its expenditure
Details Government may look to cut expenditure as it is eying one of the highest tax shortfall As the economy is growing at its lowest in the last 6 years, this move might create further problems Private investment is at an all-time low Lack of demand and weak corporate earnings have led to this revenue shortfall The centre is likely to keep its fiscal deficit within 3.8 percent What is fiscal deficit? The difference between total revenue and total expenditure of the government is termed as fiscal deficit. It is an indication of the total borrowings needed by the government. While calculating the total revenue, borrowings are not included
C ABINET APPROVES ORDINANCE ENABLING FDI IN COAL MINING
Why in news? The Union Cabinet on 8th January 2019, approved an ordinance to amend two laws to ease mining rules, enabling foreign direct investment (FDI) in coal mining.
Details The ordinance amends the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015. The ordinance will amend the current proviso in the law that allows only companies in coal mining to bid for coal mines. The move will boost both production and mining efficiency besides substituting import of coal worth Rs 30,000 crore. This is a bid to attract investments and boost domestic coal production. This decision would boost the ease of doing business and increase growth avenues for coal mining.
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It would help the Government’s aim to achieve production of 1 billion tonnes of coal by 2023-2024. The move will help create an efficient energy market, usher in competition and reduce coal imports, while also ending the monopoly (while being “supported and strengthened”) of state-owned Coal India Ltd. It will open up coal mining in the country to non-coal companies while removing restrictions on end-use of fuel facilitating anyone to participate in coal block auction.
Prelims bits India’s coal sector was nationalised in 1973. More than 90% of the world’s total proved coal reserves are located in just ten countries. The US tops the list holding more than one-fifth of the total proven coal reserves. China ranks third and is the biggest producer and consumer of coal. India’s proven coal reserves as of December 2018 accounted for more than 9% of the world’s total (5th Highest). The major hard coal deposits of India are located in the eastern states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, and West Bengal, which account for more than 70% of the country’s coal reserves. India is the second-biggest coal producer and consumer. More than 70% of India’s electricity generation is based on coal. I IP REVERSES SLUMP, GROWS BY 1.8% IN NOVEMBER
Why in news? Having contracted for three months in a row, the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) recorded a growth of 1.8% in November 2019, mainly on account of an improvement in the manufacturing sector, official data showed on 10th January 2020. The IIP growth in November 2018 was 0.2%. Details According to the National Statistical Office (NSO) data, the growth in the manufacturing sector was 2.7% as against a contraction of 0.7% in the same month on 2018. Electricity generation shrank by 5%, as against a growth of 5.1% in November 2018. The IIP growth during April-November in the current fiscal came in at 0.6%, far slower than the 5% in the same period of 2018-19. Mining sector output decelerated to 1.7%, from 2.7% in the year earlier period. Background NSO: NSO as an agency was envisaged firstly by Rangarajan Commission to implement and maintain statistical standards and coordinate statistical activities of Central and State agencies as laid down by the National Statistical Commission (NSC).
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This commission had also recommended setting up of the NSC, headed by a person with a Minister of State-level designation, to serve as a nodal and empowered body for all core statistical activities of the country. NSO was formed with the merger of National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) and Central Statistics Office (CSO) under Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). IIP: The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is an index that shows the growth rates in different industry groups of the economy in a fixed period of time. It is compiled and published monthly by the Central Statistical Organization (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. IIP is a composite indicator that measures the growth rate of industry groups classified under: Broad sectors, namely, Mining, Manufacturing, and Electricity. Use-based sectors, namely Basic Goods, Capital Goods, and Intermediate Goods
R ETAIL INFLATION AT A 5-YEAR HIGH IN DECEMBER
Why in news? Retail inflation soared to a five year high of 7.35% in December 2019.
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According to the information released by NSO, retail inflation based on CPI was only 2.11% in December 2018 and 5.45% in November 2019.
More about CPI The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure that examines the weighted average of prices of a basket of consumer goods and services, such as transportation, food, and medical care. It is calculated by taking price changes for each item in the predetermined basket of goods and averaging them.
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Consumer Price Index in India is published monthly by the Central Statistical Organization (CSO)
U SING DATA ANALYTICS TO IDENTIFY GST EVADERS
Why in news? The department of revenue has identified as many as 931 cases of fraudulent GST refund claims
Details Input tax credit(ITC) frauds are most common way to evade GST Shell companies and fly by nights entities are being used for fake ITC
Inverted Duty Structure Inverted duty structure refers to taxation of inputs at higher rates than finished products that results in build-up of credits and cascading costs. When the import duty on raw materials is high, it will be more difficult to produce the concerned good domestically at a competitive price. Several industries depend on imported raw materials and components. High tax on the raw materials compels them to raise price. On the other hand, foreign finished goods will be coming at a reduced price because of low tax advantage. Thus, manufactured goods by the domestic industry become uncompetitive against imported finished goods. The disadvantage of the inverted duty structure increases with the increased use of imported raw materials. An inverted duty structure discourages domestic value addition.
I MPROVING THE CREDIBILITY OF INDIA’S STATISTICAL SYSTEM
Why in news? A study by R.B. Barman, the former chairman of the National Statistical Commission shows: it is important to directly address the issues in growth calculations, and also to restore the credibility of the Indian statistical system Suggestions by Barman Mapping the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) data, which was used in earlier GDP calculations, with the new corporate affairs ministry data (MCA-21) used in the current GDP calculations. This could fill in the gaps and better reconcile GDP and gross state domestic product numbers with old estimates. Use of better price deflators in GDP calculations. Deflators are price indices used to adjust GDP for inflation.
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Create regular processes within the Central Statistics Office (CSO) for systematically testing for data consistency. The difference between estimates on household consumption based on the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) surveys and the CSO data, which are large and widening over time, need to be addressed. The government could develop a well-integrated and advanced information technology infrastructure for producing more insightful and comprehensive macroeconomic data. The recent draft National Statistics Bill, if enacted, would improve accountability and credibility of Indian statistics.
Background MoSPI The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is concerned with coverage and quality aspects of statistics released and the surveys conducted are based on scientific sampling methods. MoSPI has two wings, one relating to Statistics and the other Programme Implementation. The Statistics Wing called the National Statistical Office(NSO) consists of the Central Statistical Office (CSO), the Computer center and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). ASI Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) is conducted by National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). ASI is principal source of industrial statistics in India. ASI is an annual event. It facilitates suitable data collection based on appropriate sampling techniques. It ensures timely dissemination of statistical information to asses and evaluate the dynamics in composition, growth and structure of organized manufacturing sector. MCA-21 MCA21 is an e-Governance initiative of Ministry of Company Affairs (MCA), Government of India. It enables an easy and secure access of the MCA services to the corporate entities, professionals and citizens of India. It Enables the business community to register a company and file statutory documents quickly and easily. It Provides easy access of public documents It Helps to Provide faster and effective resolution of public grievances It also Helps in easy registration and verification of charges It Ensures proactive and effective compliance with relevant laws and corporate governance It Also Enables the MCA employees to deliver best of breed services CSO The Central Statistics Office (CSO) coordinates the statistical activities in the country and evolves statistical standards.
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It is a governmental agency in India under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). NSSO The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), formerly called the National Sample Survey Organisation was the largest organisation in India conducting periodic socio-economic surveys. The NSSO was set up in 1950 to conduct large-scale sample surveys throughout India. The employees of the NSSO are from the Indian Statistical Service (appointed through the UPSC) and the Subordinate Statistical Service (appointed through the Staff Selection Commission).
A NTI-PROFITEERING BODY STEPS UP GST COMPLIANCE DRIVE
Why in news? A wave of orders is expected from the National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA) in the months of February, March and April of 2020, with the Centre stepping up a goods and services tax (GST) compliance drive.
Background The National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA) was established under section 171 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. The NAA was set up to monitor and to oversee whether the reduction or benefit of input tax credit is reaching the recipient by way of appropriate reduction in prices.
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National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA) is therefore primarily constituted by the central government to analyse whether input tax credits availed by any registered person or the reduction in the tax is passed onto the consumer and he/she is protected from random price increase for self-interests in the name of GST. NAA has the authority to deregister an entity or business if it fails to pass on the benefit of lower taxes under GST to the customer. Deregistering a business will be the last course of action and extreme step against any violator NAA will recommend the return of undue profit which a business earned from not passing on reduction and benefit of tax to consumers along with an 18 per cent interest. It can also impose a penalty if it sees it necessary.
A DJUSTED GROSS REVENUE
Why in news? The Supreme Court has upheld the definition of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) calculation as stipulated by the Department of Telecommunications
Background about telecom sector The telecom sector was liberalized under the National Telecom Policy, 1994 after which licenses were issued to companies in return for a fixed license fee. To provide relief from the steep fixed license fee, the government in 1999 gave an option to the licensees to migrate to the revenue sharing fee model. Revenue sharing model with government Under this, mobile telephone operators were required to share a percentage of their AGR with the government as annual license fee (LF) and spectrum usage charges (SUC). License agreements between the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the telecom companies define the gross revenues of the latter. AGR is then computed after allowing for certain deductions spelt out in these license agreements. The LF and SUC were set at 8 per cent and between 3-5 per cent of AGR respectively, based on the agreement.
Definition of AGR The dispute between DoT and the mobile operators was mainly on the definition of AGR. The DoT argued that AGR includes all revenues (before discounts) from both telecom and non-telecom services. The companies claimed that AGR should comprise just the revenue accrued from core services and not dividend, interest income or profit on sale of any investment or fixed assets.
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R OJGAAR SANGI
Why in news? Chhattisgarh State Skill Development Authority (CSSDA) has launched an app – ‘Rojgaar Sangi’.
Details The mobile application aims to connect trained candidates with the jobs. It will also help start-up companies to hire an office staff. The app has been developed with the help of National Informatics Centre (NIC). It will increase accessibility for skilled and trained candidates which in turn will increase job opportunities. The app is expected to benefit 7 lakh students who were trained under the courses offered by CSSDA.
G OVT. SWEETENS AIR INDIA OFFER, PUTS 100% STAKE ON THE T ABLE
Why in news? The Union government invited bids for a 100% stake sale of Air India (AI) and transfer of management control along with its complete share in two subsidiaries
What will a bidder get? The buyer will get a total of 146 aircraft, 56% of which are owned by the airline group, while the remaining are on lease
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N EW RULES HELP SMALL ENTITIES WIND UP BIZ WITHOUT M OVING NCLT
Why in news? The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has notified rules for winding up small businesses without having to go to a tribunal, under a provision in the Companies Act that offers an alternative to the commonly used liquidation procedure under India’s bankruptcy code.
Details: Those companies which have total outstanding deposit of up to ₹25 lakh, or those with outstanding loan including secured loan up to ₹50 lakh, or entities with up to Rs50 crore sales or those with paid up capital up to Rs1 crore are covered under this provision. The rules mandate that the closure of the company will be carried out by the official liquidator hired by the government, who will take charge of the assets and deal with the claims of the company. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) is a quasi-judicial body in India that adjudicates issues relating to Indian companies.
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I BBI AMENDS THE INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY BOARD OF I NDIA
Why in news? The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) notified the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Liquidation Process) (Amendment) Regulations, 2020
Details: It clarifies that a person, who is not eligible under the Code to submit a resolution plan for insolvency resolution of the corporate debtor, shall not be a party in any manner to a compromise or arrangement of the corporate debtor under section 230 of the Companies Act, 2013 Also, a secured creditor cannot sell or transfer an asset, which is subject to security interest, to any person, who is not eligible under the Code to submit a resolution plan for insolvency resolution of the corporate debtor. A secured creditor, who proceeds to realize its security interest, shall contribute its share of the insolvency resolution process cost, liquidation process cost and workmen’s dues, within 90 days of the liquidation commencement date. It shall also pay excess of realized value of the asset, which is subject to security interest, over the amount of its claims admitted, within 180 days of the liquidation commencement date. Where the secured creditor fails to pay such amounts to the Liquidator within 90 days or 180 days, as the case may be, the asset shall become part of Liquidation Estate.
R EVAMP OF SEZ POLICY TO MEET CHALLENGES FACED BY E XPORTERS
Why in news? Commerce and Industry & Railways Minister chaired a meeting 9th January 2020, in New Delhi to review the remaining recommendations of the Baba Kalyani report on Special Economic Zone (SEZ) policy of India. Details Commerce and Industry Minister examined the revamp of the SEZ policy with a view to meeting the global challenges being faced by Indian exporters. Discussions were also held to find a way out for implementation of the remaining recommendations in order to facilitate the ease of doing business in the present global market scenario.
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Background Baba Kalyani report The Baba Kalyani led committee was constituted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to study the existing SEZ policy of India and had submitted its recommendations in November 2018. The objectives of the committee o To evaluate the SEZ policy and make it WTO compatible o Suggest measures for maximizing utilization of vacant land in SEZs o Suggest changes in the SEZ policy based on international experience and merge the SEZ policy with other Government schemes like coastal economic zones, Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor, national industrial manufacturing zones and food and textile parks. SEZ A special economic zone (SEZ) is an area in which the business and trade laws are different from the rest of the country. SEZs are located within a country’s national borders, and their aims include increased trade balance, employment, increased investment, job creation and effective administration. To encourage businesses to set up in the zone, financial policies are introduced. These policies typically encompass investing, taxation, trading, quotas, customs and labour regulations. Additionally, companies may be offered tax holidays, where upon establishing themselves in a zone, they are granted a period of lower taxation.
F INANCE COMMISSION GETS PRESENTATION FROM IMF ON R ESOURCE MOBILIZATION FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS
Details International Monetary Fund (IMF), Fiscal Affairs Department, gave a presentation to the 15th Finance Commission on “resource mobilization over the next five years” The discussions were centered around options for improving the tax resources of the general government, with special focus on improving the revenue realization from the GST Current collections are significantly below an estimated revenue frontier for the country, arrived at using robust panel data analysis of comparator countries rationalization of the rate structure as well as improvements in compliance and collection efficiency of GST and other taxes can move India much closer to the frontier
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C ENTRAL BOARD OF INDIRECT TAXES & CUSTOMS
Why in news? India has risen in the Ease of Doing Business Rankings by being transparent, accountable and logical This rise in rankings is due to the efforts of the officers of CBIC as Trading Across Borders is one of the key parameter of the rankings and it is credit to the efforts of CBIC that this key parameter has performed Technology plays an important role by ensuring efficiency, transparency and accountability 2020 theme of International Customs Organisation itself highlights the changing nature and role of customs today
W TO MINISTERIAL GATHERING AT DAVOS
Context and Details: Commerce & Industry and Railways Minister, Piyush Goyal participated in an Informal Ministerial Gathering in Davos. During his intervention at the Gathering Commerce and Industry Minister said that the current challenges throw up some key priorities for MC12 (The Twelfth Ministerial Conference will take place from 8-11 June 2020 in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan), including WTO reform. The agenda for WTO reforms should be balanced and inclusive, to address the historic asymmetries in the Uruguay Round Agreements stated Commerce and Industry Minister. A good starting point for the reform agenda, would be removing the imbalances in the Agreement on Agriculture, and ensuring a level playing field, particularly for developing economies Commerce and Industry Minister also addressed India’s concerns about fisheries subsidies to be adopted at MC12. Unregulated industrial fishing by some nations, has led to a major depletion of the global marine stock said Piyush Goyal and there is an urgent need for strong disciplines to regulate harmful fisheries subsidies in order to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources Commerce and Industry Minister in his intervention also said that as an overall objective, the WTO must ensure transparency and fair practices in global trade, to ensure that our mutual economic engagement results in growth and prosperity for all.
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P ROMOTING PRO-BUSINESS POLICY CRITICAL FOR INDIA
The Economic Survey 2019-20 says India’s aspiration to become a $5 trillion economy depends critically on promoting “pro-business” policy that unleashes the power of competitive markets to generate wealth, on the one hand, and weaning away from “pro- crony” policy that may favour specific private interests, especially powerful incumbents, on the other hand. The invisible hand needs to be strengthened by promoting pro-business policies to provide equal opportunities for new entrants, enable fair competition and ease doing business, eliminate policies that undermine markets through government intervention even where it is not necessary, it said. It must enable trade for job creation and efficiently scale up the banking sector to be proportionate to the size of the Indian economy, it added.
D OING BUSINESS RANKINGS
India Jumps up 79 positions in World Bank Doing Business Rankings, Improving From 142 In 2014 To 63 in 2019 The Goods and Service Tax (GST) and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) top the list of reforms that have propelled India’s rise in rankings. However, it continues to trail in parameters such as Ease of Starting Business (rank 136), Registering Property (rank 154), Paying Taxes (rank 115), and Enforcing Contracts (rank 163). The number of procedures required to set up a business in India, for example, has reduced from 13 to 10 over the past ten years. As of January 2020, it takes an average of 18 days to set up a business in India, down from 30 days in 2009. Although, India has significantly reduced the time and cost of starting a business, a lot more needs to be done.
“ ASSEMBLE IN INDIA FOR THE WORLD”
Integration of “Assemble in India for the World” into ‘Make In India’ Can increase India’s Export Market Share to About 3.5 % by 2025 and 6 % by 2030. India should draw a lesson from China’s success in exports, and launch a project to ‘Assemble in India for the world’ that would create 80 million well-paid jobs in the next 10 years, the Economic Survey 2019-20 said. The survey suggested that with China-US trade tensions at a high, India should step in to seize opportunities in export manufacturing and create well-paid jobs.
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I NDUSTRIAL SECTOR PERFORMANCE KEY TO ACHIEVING $5 T RILLION ECONOMY
Industrial sector performance in terms of its contribution in Gross Value Added (GVA) improved in 2018-19 over 2017-18. However, as per the estimates of Gross Domestic Product by National Statistical Office (NSO), the real GVA of industrial sector grew by 1.6 per cent in first half (H1) (April- September) of 2019-20, as compared to 8.2 per cent in H1 of 2018-19.
E THICAL WEALTH CREATION KEY TO ACHIEVING $5 TRILLION E CONOMY
Levers for furthering Wealth Creation The Survey identifies several levers for furthering Wealth Creation, which are: Entrepreneurship at the grassroots as reflected in new firm creation in India’s districts; Promote ‘pro-business’ policies that unleash the power of competitive markets to generate wealth as against ‘pro-crony’ policies that may favour incumbent private interests; Eliminate policies that undermine markets through government intervention, even where it is not necessary; Integrate ‘Assemble in India’ into ‘Make in India’ to focus on labour intensive exports and thereby create jobs at a large scale; Efficiently scale up the banking sector to be proportionate to the size of the Indian economy and track the health of the shadow banking sector; Use privatization to foster efficiency. The Survey provides careful evidence that India’s GDP growth estimates can be trusted.
S OME KEY POINTS IN THE FIRST ADVANCE ESTIMATES OF THE G DP FOR FY20
Uptick in GDP Growth Expected in Second Half of 2019-20; First Advance Estimates PEG Growth for Overall Fiscal at 5 Per Cent GDP Growth is expected to grow in The Range of 6.0 to 6.5 Percent in 2020-21, Survey Asks Government to Deliver Expeditiously on Reforms GST Collections grew by 4.1 Per Cent for the Centre during April-November, 2019 Share of Formal Employment Increases from 17.9 Per Cent in 2011-12 To 22.8 Per Cent in 2017-18 Reflecting Formalization in the Economy Easing of Crude Prices Lowers Current Account Deficit; Imports Contract More Sharply Than Exports in 1st Half of 2019-20
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Inflation Declines Sharply from 3.2 Per Cent in April 2019 To 2.6 Per Cent in December 2019, Reflecting Weakening of Demand Pressure In the Economy Agricultural Growth Shows Modest Revival in First Half of 2019-20
R OLE OF PSBS IN INDIAN ECONOMY
Public Sector Banks (PSBs) with about 70 per cent of the market share in Indian Banking have an onus of supporting the Indian economy and fostering its economic development. For India to march in its goal of becoming a $5trillion economy, PSBs – the dominant banks in our banking system – need to become efficient. The Survey expresses that if Indian banks were proportionately large in relation to the size of the Indian economy, India should have at least six banks in the global top 100 than just the current largest PSB- State Bank of India (SBI)-which is the 55th largest bank globally.
D IGITAL TRANSACTIONS & DBT:
The Economic Survey notes that the growth in digital transactions has been significant. The use of direct benefit transfers has increased exponentially over the last five years, has helped to bring both credit and deposits into the banking system across all geographies Key drivers of India’s growth prospects – a) highly favourable demographics – with 35 per cent of its age; (b) a modern and modernising digital infrastructure that encompasses the “JAM” trinity viz., the PMJDY bank account programme, the Aadhaar unique identification programme, and the mobile phone infrastructure; and (c) a uniform indirect taxation system (GST) India’s growth path depends on how quickly and productively these growth levers are deployed using a well-developed financial system. These growth opportunities position PSBs well to utilize FinTech like Credit analytics using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI-ML).
C REATION OF FINTECH HUB FOR PSBS: THE PUBLIC SECTOR B ANKING NETWORK (PSBN)
The Survey proposes that PSBs need to embrace FinTech, which is revolutionizing the global financial landscape. FinTech has radically changed the way information is processed by banks.
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The Economic Survey observes that a large proportion of NPAs of Indian banks, especially PSBs, could have been prevented if data and analytics were employed in corporate lending and that a robust credit analytics platform could have easily picked up and provided warning signals besides curbing double-pledging of collateral The survey proposes establishment of a GSTN like entity, called PSBN (PSB Network), to use technology to screen and monitor borrowers comprehensively and at length. Part-Ownership of PSBs by Employees Through Employee Stock Option Plans Will Reduce Agency Problems Financial Inclusion, in Large Part, Happened in August 2014 Through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
I NSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY CODE IMPROVES RESOLUTION P ROCESS
The Resolution process in Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Registers a 4-Fold Decline in Resolution Time The IBC proceedings take 340 days on an average compared to 4.3 years earlier and resulted in recovery of 42.5% amount involved compared to 14.5% under SARFAESI Act. Capital to Risk Weighted Asset Ratio (CRAR) of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) has increased from 14.3% to 15.1% between March and September 2019. Furthermore, the Survey highlights that CRAR of the sector is at 19.5% in September 2019 as against a statutory requirement of 15 % also acknowledges the stress in the Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) as GNPA (Gross Non-Performing Advances) increased from 6.1% in March 2019 to 6.3% in September 2019
A DVANTAGES OF DISINVESTMENT – ECONOMIC SURVEY 2020
The Economic Survey 2020 affirms that disinvestment improves firm performance and overall productivity, and unlock their potential to create wealth. This would have a multiplier effect on other sectors of the economy. The Survey suggests that the Government can transfer its stake in the listed CPSEs to a separate corporate entity. This entity would be managed by an independent board and would be mandated to divest the Government stake in these CPSEs over a period of time. The Survey says that in November, 2019, India launched its biggest privatization drive in more than a decade. An “in-principle” approval was accorded to reduce Government of India’s paid-up share capital below 51 percent in select Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).
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B ALANCE OF PAYMENT
The Balance of Payments position improved to USD 433.7 billion by September, 2019 from USD 412.9 billion of forex reserves in March, 2019. This is on the back of Current Account Deficit (CAD) narrowing further to 1.5 per cent of GDP in the first half of 2019-20 from 2.1 per cent in 2018-19. India’s foreign reserves are comfortably placed at USD 461.2 billion as on 10th January, 2020 External Debt levels remained low at 20.1 per cent of GDP by the end of September 2019 Merchandise exports Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants (POL), precious stones, drug formulations & biologicals, gold and other precious metals continue to be the top exported commodities The largest export destinations being United States of America (USA), followed by United Arab Emirates (UAE), China and Hong Kong. Merchandise imports Crude petroleum, gold, petroleum products, coal, coke & briquettes constitute top import items. India’s imports continue to be largest from China, followed by USA, UAE and Saudi Arabia in that order. Global Economic Environment In sync with an estimated 2.9 percent growth in global output in 2019, global trade is estimated to grow at 1.0 percent after having peaked in 2017 at 5.7 percent. The slowdown in world trade reflects a confluence of factors, including a slowdown in investment, reduced spending on capital goods and decline in trade of cars and car parts.
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I NDIA RANKS THIRD IN NUMBER OF NEW FIRMS CREATED
The Survey stated that as per World Bank’s Data on Entrepreneurship, it is seen that India ranks third in number of new firms created. The same data shows that new firm creation has gone up dramatically in India since 2014. While the number of new firms in the formal sector grew at a cumulative annual growth rate of 3.8 per cent from 2006-2014, the growth rate from 2014 to 2018 has been 12.2 per cent. As a result, from about 70,000 new firms created in 2014, the number has grown by about 80 per cent to about 1,24,000 new firms in 2018.
A NOVEL HEALTH SCORE: NBFCS
A new diagnostic Health Score developed for the Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) and Housing Finance Company (HFC) sectors can help detect early warning signals of impending liquidity problems facing the companies in this sector.
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N ATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTIONS (NDCS)
India Has Strived to Follow a Sustainable Growth Path Aligned With Its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCS) Under Paris Agreement in Accordance With Principles of Equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities The Economic Survey observes that India is on track to achieve its NDCs. The Survey further highlights the significant leap in India’s renewable energy sector i.e. 83 GW targets being achieved out of aimed target of 175 GW Renewable Energy under one of the World’s largest Renewable Energy expansion program
I NDIA’S SHARE IN GLOBAL EXPORTS
India’s Share in World’s Commercial Services Exports Rise to 3.5 Per Cent in 2018: Economic Survey 2019-20 55 percent of the economy and Gross Value Added (GVA) growth, two-thirds of total FDI inflows into India and about 38 percent of the total exports. Services Sector Sees 33 Per Cent Jump in Gross FDI Equity Inflows during April – September 2019, Touch Us$17.58 Billion, to Account for Two-Thirds of Total Inflows: Survey Shipping Turnaround Time at Ports Halved from 4.67 Days in 2010-11 to 2.48 Days in 2018-19 21 Per Cent Year-On-Year Growth for Foreign Tourist Arrivals to India on E-Visas:
E MPLOYMENT GENERATION
Around 2.62 Crore New Jobs Created in Rural and Urban Areas Between 2011-12 and 2017-18 Among Regular Wage/Salaried Employees The share of regular wage/salaried employees has increased by 5 percentage points from 18 per cent in 2011-12 to 23 per cent in 2017-18 69.03 lakh candidates trained under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana as in November 2019 8 per cent increase in regular Employment of Women in 2017-18 over 2011-12 “Remarkably the proportion of women workers in regular wage category have increased by 8 percentage points from 13 per cent in 2011-12 to 21 per cent in 2017- 18, Enhancement in paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks and provisions for mandatory crèche facility in establishments with 50 or more employees, among others. The Survey also outlines the initiatives that have been implemented for women empowerment across the country, such as Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme, Women Helpline Scheme, establishment of One Stop Centres etc.
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M SME SECTOR
The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi on 2nd November 2018, announced key reforms for faster growth of this sector. The initiatives and the status of these initiatives are : (i) In-principle approval for loans up to Rs.1 crore within 59 minutes through on-line portal. 1,59,422 number of loans have been sanctioned involving Rs.49,330 crore. Of this, Rs.37,106 crore have been disbursed upto October 2019. (ii) Interest subvention of 2 per cent for all GST registered MSMEs on incremental credit upto Rs.1 crore. SIDBI has received and settled claim of Rs.18 crore from 43 banks/NBFCs for the period from November 2018 to March 2019. (iii) All companies with a turnover more than Rs.500 crore to be mandatorily on TReDS platform to enable entrepreneurs to access credit from banks. So far 329 companies have registered themselves on the TReDS portal. (iv) All Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) to compulsorily procure at least 25 per cent of their total purchases from MSMEs. CPSUs have procured goods and services worth Rs. 15,936.39 crore from 59,903 MSMEs. (v) Out of the 25 per cent procurement mandated from MSMEs 3 per cent is reserved for women entrepreneurs. During 2019-20, procurement has been done from 1,471 women owned MSMEs to the tune of Rs.242.12 crore. (vi) All CPSUs must mandatorily procure through GeM portal. 258 CPSUs/CPSVs have been on boarded/registered on the GeM portal and a total of 57,351 MSME sellers and service providers have been registered on the portal. (vii) 20 Technology Centres (TCs) and 100 Extension Centres (ECs) to be established at the cost of Rs.6,000 crore. Rs.99.30 crore have been released for setting up of these TCs and ECs. Ten more ECs have been planned in FY 2019-20. (viii) The Government to bear 70 per cent of the cost for establishing pharma cluster. Four districts of Solan, Indore, Aurangabad and Pune have been selected for pharma clusters and developing of common facilities. (ix) Returns under eight labour laws and 10 Union Regulations to be filed once a year. (x) Establishments to be visited by an Inspector will be decided through a computerized random allotment. 3,080 inspections have been conducted and all inspection reports have been uploaded on Shram Suvidha portal.
E XPENDITURE ON SOCIAL SERVICES
Expenditure on Social Services Increased by 1.5 Percentage Points as Proportion of GDP between 2014-15 and 2019-20 The expenditure on social services by the Centre and States increased from 7.68 lakh crore in 2014-15 to 15.79 lakh crore in 2019-20 (Budget Estimate). As a proportion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
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India’s rank in the Human Development Index (HDI) improved to 129 in 2018 from 130 in 2017, reaching a value of 0.647. Among its BRICS peers, India is ahead of China (0.95), South Africa (0.78), Russian Federation (0.69) and Brazil (0.59). GS3: Agriculture and Industry
C ANE FARMERS FLAG BRAZIL’S WTO CASE AGAINST INDIA
Why in news? Several farmers groups have demanded that the government push Brazil to withdraw its complaint against India’s sugar pricing policies at the World Trade Organisation
Challenge to price In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian Coordination Committee of Farmers Movements (ICCFM) noted that “the Brazilian government, under the leadership of Mr. B olsonaro,is directly threatening the livelihoods of five crore Indian sugarcane farmers” by challenging the minimum price for sugarcane set by the Indian government.
C OTTON RESEARCH BODIES IN INDIA, UGANDA TO DEVELOP NEW S EED VARIETY
Details The Cotton Development and Research Association (CDRA) of Southern India Mills’ Association has signed an agreement with Cotton Development Organisation and National Agricultural Research Organisation of Uganda to develop a cotton seed variety that will help increase the income of farmers in both the countries. Uganda grows 100% organic cotton and cotton grown by the farmers in Uganda gives higher ginning out turn compared with Indian cotton. The yield from the varieties developed by the CDRA are higher compared with the Ugandan cotton seed. Scientists in the three organisations will work together and seed varieties will be tested in both India and Uganda. The aim is to develop a long-staple cotton seed variety that will increase the income for cotton farmers in Uganda.
T ARGETING CONSTRUCTION OF NATIONAL HIGHWAYS AT THE R ATE OF 40 KM PER DAY
Why in news? Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Rood Transport & Highways and MSME along with General (Retd.) V. K. Singh, Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways reviewed projects of all
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National Highway development, on 23 and 24 January 2020 at Manesar near Gurugram, Haryana
The Minister informed 22 Greenfield Corridors of length 7500 kms is being developed with a total capital cost of Rs. 3.00 lakh crore.
K RISHNAPATNAM PORT
Krishnapatnam is a port town in Muthukur mandal of Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh, India.
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N EED TRANSPARENT UDAN: AIR PASSENGERS’ ASSOCIATION
Why in news? The Air Passengers Association of India (APAI) wants the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) — to be fine tuned and recalibrated
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In his outlook for 2020, APAI president D. Sudhakara Reddy said there was a growing cacophony of claims by airlines about poor bottom lines and other difficulties being faced by them, which are unsubstantiated There are 449 airports in the country including helipads. A majority of the unserved and underserved airports are in this category, the APAI president said. Those with scheduled services, sometimes, see footfalls as few as 7,000 N ORTHEAST GAS GRID GETS GOVERNMENT FUNDING
Why in news? Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 8th January approved a ₹5,559 crore viability gap funding for the proposed Northeast Gas Grid.
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Details The 1,656-km North-East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid will connect Guwahati in Assam to major cities in the region such as Itanagar, Dimapur, Kohima, Imphal, Aizwal, Agartala, Shillong, Silchar, Gangtok, and Numaligarh.
The pipeline will enable the supply of piped cooking gas to households and CNG to automobiles, besides fuel to industry. The North-East pipeline grid is to be implemented by Indradhanush Gas Grid, a joint venture of state-owned GAIL India, Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), Oil India Ltd (OIL) and Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL). The consortium had pitched for a 60 per cent funding support from the government and would raise the rest via equity and debt. Without government support, the pipeline will not be viable. The pipeline will not be viable due to the absence of anchor customers. Availability of natural gas across the region is expected to boost industrial growth without impacting the environment and would offer better quality of life to the people in general due to use of cleaner and green fuel. Gas pipeline projects in the past This is the second time that a gas pipeline project in the country will be funded by the government. In 2016, the government provided a capital grant of ₹5,176 crore, or 40% of the project cost of the 2,655-km Jagdishpur-Haldia and Bokaro-Dhamra (JHBDPL) gas pipeline project, which GAIL is currently executing.
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Y ELLOW RUST IN WHEAT CROP CAUSES ALARM IN PUNJAB AND H ARYANA
Why in news? The detection of yellow rust disease in the wheat crop in sub-mountainous parts of Punjab and Haryana has raised anxiety among farmers about drop in the crop’s yield
What is yellow rust disease? Yellow rust is a fungal disease which turns the crop’s leaves into a yellowish color and stops photosynthesis activity, which eventually could result in a drop of wheat crop productivity.
A NDHRA PRADESH FLAGS OFF COUNTRY’S FIRST FRUIT TRAIN
A ‘fruit train’, said to be the first of its kind in the country, was flagged off from Tadipatri Railway Station in Anantapur district carrying a load of 980 metric tonnes of locally grown bananas to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai, from where the consignment will be exported to Iran. This is the first time in India that an entire train is being sent to the gateway port (JNPT) for export. This helps save both time and fuel as 150 trucks would have been required to send a consignment of this size by road to JNPT, which is over 900 km away, before the temperature-controlled containers are loaded on ships The bananas are being exported under the brand name ‘Happy Bananas’. Farmers from Putlur region in Anantapur and Pulivendula in Kadapa district are exporting ‘Green Cavendish’ bananas to many international markets.
G OVT’S EFFORTS TO PROMOTE FISHERIES
Government’s efforts on Fisheries sector at three levels to strengthen the sector: First – Encouraging fisheries in villages through financial assistance to fishermen. Second- Modernizing the fishing boats under the Blue Revolution Scheme. Third – Constructing modern infrastructure related to fish trade and business.
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Fishermen have been linked to the Kisan Credit Card facility. New fishing harbors are being built in large rivers and in the sea for the convenience of fish farmers. A special fund of Rs 7.50 thousand crore has also been created for modern infrastructure. Fishermen’s boats are being modernized for deep sea fishing and navigation devices are being installed in boats for the protection of fishermen with the help of ISRO
7 BLOCKS AWARDED UNDER OPEN ACREAGE LICENSING P ROGRAMME (OALP)
7 blocks were approved for award to ONGC, for which the Revenue Sharing Contracts have been signed The total area awarded today in the 7 On land blocks is 18,510 sq.km. Blocks are spread across 3 sedimentary basins: Onland/Rajasthan, Onland/Vindhyan/ MP, Onland/Bengal Purnea/West Bengal About OALP: Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) gives an option to a company looking for exploring hydrocarbons to select the exploration blocks on its own, without waiting for the formal bid round from the Government. Under Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP), a bidder intending to explore hydrocarbons like oil and gas, coal bed methane, gas hydrate etc., may apply to the Government seeking exploration of any new block (not already covered by exploration). The Government will examine the Expression of Interest and justification. If it is suitable for award, Govt. will call for competitive bids after obtaining necessary environmental and other clearances. OALP was introduced vide a Cabinet decision of the Government in 2016, as part of the new fiscal regime in exploration sector called HELP or Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy, so as to enable a faster survey and coverage of the available geographical area which has potential for oil and gas discovery. Till 2016, exploration was confined to blocks which have been put on tender by the Government. What distinguishes OALP from New Exploration and Licensing Policy (NELP) of 1997 is that under OALP, oil and gas acreages will be available round the year instead of cyclic bidding rounds as in NELP. Potential investors need not have to wait for the bidding rounds to claim acreages.
K VIC OPENS SILK PROCESSING PLANT IN GUJRAT
To boost production of signature Patola Saree It will help cut down the cost of production of silk yarn drastically and increase the sale and availability of raw material for Gujarati Patola Sarees locally
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Patola, the trademark Saree of Gujarat, is considered to be very costly and worn only by the Royals or the Aristocrat. Reason being the raw material silk yarn is purchased from Karnataka or West Bengal, where silk processing units are situated, thus increasing the cost of the fabric manifolds. Background: Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is a statutory body established by Union Government, under the Parliament’s ‘Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956’.] It was founded in 1956 with headquartered in Mumbai. It works under Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), with regard to khadi and village industries within India. The Patola silk was founded by the Salvi caste (Scheduled) in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. They moved to Gujarat in 12th century in order to acquire patronage of Rajputs.
F ARMER PRODUCER ORGANIZATIONS
A Producer Organisation (PO) is a legal entity formed by primary producers, viz. farmers, milk producers, fishermen, weavers, rural artisans, craftsmen. A PO can be a producer company, a cooperative society or any other legal form which provides for sharing of profits/benefits among the members. Farmers Producer Organisation(FPO) is one type of PO where the members are farmers. Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) is providing support for promotion of FPOs. Recently 800 FPOs has been registered on Farmer Connect Portal of APEDA. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has been adopting a focused approach for ensuring greater involvement of the State governments for effective implementation of Agri Export Policy (AEP)
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More about APEDA The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) was established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985. It functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. APEDA is mandated with the responsibility of export promotion and development of the scheduled products viz. fruits, vegetables and their products; meat and meat products; poultry and poultry products; dairy products
F ARMERS SCIENCE CONGRESS: IMPORTANCE OF FARMER’S I NNOVATIONS
Why in news? Farmers Science Congress conducted for the first time in Indian Science Congress
Details Farmers Science Congress highlights the importance of farmer’s innovations for the first time in Indian Science Congress Scientist-farmer interactions can boost innovations to the next level and this can benefit the people in general ICAR has developed 56 models of integrated farming, which will be promoted with NABARD by linking them to the Rural Development programmes Farmers Innovation Fund and Innovation Centres will be set up to encourage innovations made by progressive farmers To reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers, ICAR are developing Nano fertilizers and Nano pesticides to promote organic farming
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To improve rural bio-economy and attract youth to agriculture, a programme named Arya is being implemented R ENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR
Why in news? As a part of Nationally Determined Contributions as per the Paris Accord on Climate Change, India has made a pledge that by 2030, 40% of our installed power generation capacity shall be from non-fossil fuel sources and also by 2030, reduce emission intensity of GDP by 33-35 % from 2005 level. NDC under Paris agreement India decided in 2015 that 175 GW of renewable energy capacity will be installed by the year 2022. This includes 100 GW from solar, 60 GW from wind, 10 GW from biomass and 5 GW from small hydro power
P M – KUSUM
Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan was launched for grid-connected RE power plants (0.5 – 2 MW)/ Solar water pumps/ grid connected agriculture pumps
Installation of 10,000 MW of Decentralized Ground Mounted Grid Connected Renewable Energy Power Plants by farmers of 500 kW to 2 MW capacity within 5 km distance from sub- station primarily on barren/uncultivable land. The DISCOMs will purchase power at pre-fixed tariff
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I EA LAUNCHES FIRST IN-DEPTH REVIEW OF INDIA’S ENERGY P OLICIES
Why in news? In partnership with NITI Aayog, International Energy Agency (IEA) on 10th January, released the first in-depth review of India’s energy policies.
Details The report highlights the achievements of India’s energy policies and provides recommendations to support the government’s goals of promoting well-functioning energy markets and boosting deployment of renewables. IEA regularly conducts in-depth reviews of energy policies for its member and association countries. This is the first review carried out for India, which has been an IEA-association country since March 2017. As India builds on the remarkable growth and development of its energy sector, this in- depth review will help the Government in meeting its energy objectives by setting out a range of recommendations in each energy policy area.
What was within the report? The report highlights the strong growth of renewables in India, which now accounts for almost 23% of the country’s total installed capacity. The review also found that energy efficiency improvements in India avoided 15% of additional energy demand, oil and gas imports, and air pollution as well as 300 million tonnes of CO2 emissions between 2000 and 2018. India is becoming increasingly influential in global energy trends. The country’s demand for energy is set to double by 2040, and its electricity demand may triple, according to the IEA report. The review also strongly encourages India to institutionalise energy policy coordination across government with a national energy policy framework. The report will help India to design implementation strategies to achieve secure and sustainable energy access for its citizens.
‘ PURVODAYA’: ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT OF EASTERN INDIA T HROUGH AN INTEGRATED STEEL HUB
Why in news? Ministry of steel in partnership with CII and JPC launched Purvodaya-Accelerated Development of Eastern Region through an Integrated Steel hub, for focused development of the Eastern States.
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Details A world-class steel hub would be created that will contribute to the socio-economic development of the Eastern region of the country. The steel hub once completed will create employment opportunities in the region. This accompanied by the development of manufacturing industries such as logistics hubs, transport facilities, utility industries, etc., around the region is estimated to create more than 25 lakh jobs once completed. Eastern India states are extremely rich in resources as they collectively hold approx. 80 percent of the Iron ore reverses of the country and also has a presence of major ports such as Paradip, Kolkata, etc.
S TATE ENERGY EFFICIENCY INDEX 2019
Why in news? Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy and Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship released the ‘State Energy Efficiency Index 2019’ on 10th January 2020.
Details ‘State Energy Efficiency Index 2019’, which tracks the progress of Energy Efficiency (EE) initiatives in 36 states and union territories based on 97 significant indicators. The index was released on the occasion of RPM ( Review, Planning and Monitoring) meeting, which is being held on 09-10 Jan 2020. The index is developed by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in association with Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE). It will help states contribute towards national goals on energy security and climate action by: Helping drive EE policies and program implementation at the state and local level Tracking progress in managing the states’ and India’s energy footprint Institutionalising the data capture and monitoring of EE activities by states. The required data was collected from the concerned state departments such as DISCOMs, Urban Development departments and other departments with the help of State Designated Agencies (SDAs). A three-point agenda is suggested for consideration by state agencies: Proactive role by states in policy formulation and implementation. Strengthening the mechanism for data capture, management and public availability of data. Enhancing the credibility of EE schemes. State EE Index 2019 shows that majority of the initiatives taken by states are related to Policies and Regulations.
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O RDINANCE PROMULGATED FOR AMENDMENT OF MMDR ACT A ND CMSP ACT
Why in news? The ordinance for amendment in the MMDR Act 1957 and the CMSP Act 2015 has been promulgated. The Union Cabinet had earlier approved the amendments intending to open up new areas of growth in the coal & mining sector.
Details The amendments in the Acts would enable the following: Enhancing the ease of doing business Democratization of coal mining sector by opening it up to anyone willing to invest. Offering of unexplored and partially explored coal blocks for mining through prospecting license-cum-mining Lease (PL- cum-ML). Promoting Foreign Direct Investment in the coal mining sector by removing the restriction and eligibility criteria for participation. Allowing of successful bidder/allottee to utilise mined coal in any of the plant of its subsidiary or holding company Attracting large investment in coal mining sector as restrictions of end use has been dropped. The amendments will help to increase domestic production of India. It will also help India achieve its targets set. The GoI plans to increase coal production to 1 billion tonnes by 2024. For the financial year 2019-20, the target set is 660 million tonnes.
1 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF KOLKATA PORT TRUST I N KOLKATA
Why in news? 150th anniversary celebration of Kolkata Port Trust in Kolkata happened on 10th January 2019. Decorative Lighting of the Rabindra Setu was done, giving it a more heritage look. This is formed as a new interactive show which is expected to help attract tourists. About Rabindra Setu Rabindra Setu, formerly Howrah Bridge, was commissioned in 1943. Rabindra Setu is a bridge with a suspended span over the Hooghly River in West Bengal, India. On 14 June 1965 it was renamed Rabindra Setu after the great Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore, who was the first Indian and Asian Nobel laureate.
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It is an engineering marvel as it does not have nuts and bolts, but was formed by riveting the whole structure. It consumed 26,500 tonnes of steel, out of which 23,000 tonnes of high-tensile alloy steel.
L ADAKH FOOD PROCESSING SUMMIT
Why in news? Ladakh Food Processing Summit “Building Partnerships for Inclusive Growth in Food Processing Sector” was organised by the Department of Industries & Commerce, Ladakh in partnership with the MOFPI, GOI and Invest India, the national investment promotion & facilitation agency, in Leh
Invest India Invest India, set up in 2009, is a non-profit venture under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Focuses on sector-specific investor targeting and development of new partnerships to enable sustainable investments in India Also partners with substantial investment promotion agencies and multilateral organizations Actively works with several Indian states to build capacity as well as bring in global best practices in investment targeting, promotion and facilitation areas
“ APNA UREA – SONA UGLE” BRAND OF HURL
Details: HURL is Joint Venture Company promoted by the three Maharatna Companies i.e., Coal India Limited (CIL), NTPC Limited (NTPC) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) as the lead promoters with FCIL and HFCL as other two partners.
With the objective of making the country self-reliant in Urea, the Governmentapproved in 2016 the revival of three sick Urea plants located at Gorakhpur, Sindri and Barauni
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D GTR INITIATES 34 ANTI-DUMPING, 6 SAFEGUARD I NVESTIGATIONS IN 2019-20
Details: Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) initiated 34 anti-dumping (AD) investigations (both fresh and review), 4 countervailing duty investigations, and 6 safeguard investigations during the period from 01.04.2019 to 31.12.2019. Anti-circumvention provision was introduced in Customs Tariff Act, 1975 for Counter- vailing Duty (CVD) investigations DGTR has initiated outreach programmes to sensitize stakeholders about the available trade remedy measures. Earlier, the Directorate General of Anti-dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) dealt with anti-dumping and CVD cases, Directorate General of Safeguards (DGS) dealt with safeguard measures and DGFT dealt with quantitative restriction (QR) safeguards.
Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) The DGTR brings DGAD, DGS and Safeguards (QR) functions of DGFT into its fold by merging them into one single national entity. DGTR now deals with Anti-dumping, CVD and Safeguard measures DGTR functions as an attached office of Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is a professionally integrated organisation with multi- spectrum skill sets emanating from officers drawn from different services and specialisations.
C ONCESSION AGREEMENT SIGNED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF Z- M ORH TUNNEL IN J&K
Details: 6.5 km long Z-Morh tunnel in J&K The project includes construction, operation and maintenance of the tunnel with approaches on NH-1 at Srinagar-Sonmarg-Gumri Road from 61 km to 89.30 km on Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) Annuity basis.
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S PECIAL OUTREACH PROGRAMME OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
Why in news? The Union Minister of State (I/C) Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that 1000acre (8,000 Kanal) land has been identified in Udhampur and allotted for industrial development. He even reviewed good governance schemes like JEEVIKA and SUKOON in Bihar
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D EDICATED FREIGHT CORRIDOR CORPORATION OF INDIA ( DFCCIL)
Why in news? The 14th Foundation Day of Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) was celebrated at a function in New Delhi on 18th January 2020. It is necessary to have separate tracks for freight and for passengers to ensure faster movement of both. Shri Piyush Goyal said that Indian Railways should run freight trains in convoys for maximum utilisation of the path and increasing the average speed of freight trains. Aim is to achieve 991 kms of dedicated fright corridor by march 2020 More about DFCCIL The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) is a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) corporation run by government of India’s Ministry of Railways to undertake planning, development, and mobilisation of financial resources and construction, maintenance and operation of the Dedicated Freight Corridors. The DFCCIL was registered as a company under the Companies Act 1956 in 2006
W INGS OF INDIA 2020
Why in news? Indian aviation and technology leaders gathered in Bengaluru for industry meet ahead of “Wings India 2020”, Asia’s largest civil aviation event.
What is wings of India 2020? Wings India 2020, a flagship event of the Indian Civil Aviation industry will be held at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad from 12-15 March 2020 ‘Wings India 2020’- a four-day event themed: “Flying for All’’ is an international platform focused on the new business acquisition, investments, policy formation and regional connectivity in the civil aviation industry
E STIMATES OF AREA AND PRODUCTION OF VARIOUS H ORTICULTURE CROPS
Why in news? Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare has released the Final Estimates of 2018-19 and 1st Advance Estimates of 2019-20 of Area and Production of various Horticulture Crops.
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Highlights of 2018-19 (Final) and 2019-20 (1st Advance Estimates) The Total Horticulture Production of the country is estimated to be 310.74 Million Tonne in 2018-19, which is marginally higher than the Horticulture Production in 2017- 18 and in 2019-20 (1st Advance Estimates) is expected to be 0.84% higher than 2018- 19 Fruits Production is estimated to be around 97.97 Million Tonne, compared to 96.45 Million Tonne of 2017-18 and is expected to be lower by 2.27% in 2019-20 over 2018- 19 due to loss in production of Grapes, Banana, Mango, Citrus, Papaya and Pomegranate Vegetables Production is estimated to be around 183.17 Million, which is lesser than the production of 2017-18 And expected an Increase of 2.64 % in production of vegetables in 2019-20 over 2018- 19 mainly due to increased production of Onion, Potato and Tomato.
I NDEX OF EIGHT CORE INDUSTRIES
Why in news? The Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27 per cent of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). The combined Index of Eight Core Industries stood at 133.2 in December, 2019, which increased by 1.3 per cent as compared to the index of December, 2018 Ministry of commerce and industry releases index of 8 core industries that are, Coal, Crude, Cement, Refinery, Natural gas, Steel, Fertilizer, Electricity Background Definition of IIP: The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is an index which shows the growth rates in different industry groups of the economy in a stipulated period of time. The IIP index is computed and published by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) on a monthly basis. Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is a composite indicator that measures the changes in the volume of production of a basket of industrial products during a given period with respect to the volume of production in a chosen base period. The base year for the IIP is 2011-12.
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S TATE OF AGRICULTURAL MECHANISATION
Agriculture Mechanization to Transform Indian Farming Into Commercial Farming, Says Economic Survey 7.9 Per Cent Growth Registered in Livestock Sector During Last Five Years 7 Per Cent Average Annual Growth Rate Registered in Fisheries Sector 5.06 Per Cent Average Annual Growth Rate in Food Processing Sector
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G ROSS VALUE ADDED IN AGRICULTURE
Following the natural trajectory of development process and owing to structural changes taking place in economy share of agriculture and allied sectors in Gross Value Added (GVA) of the country at current prices has declined from 18.2 per cent in 2014-15 to 16.5 per cent in 2019-2020
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GS3: Science and Technology
S UBMARINE-LAUNCHED BALLISTIC MISSILE K-4
Why in news? India successfully test-fires 3,500-km range submarine-launched ballistic missile K-4
Details The test was carried out by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from a submerged pontoon off the Visakhapatnam coast Very few countries which have managed to achieve this technological breakthrough Our Circular Error Probability (CEP) is much more sophisticated Once inducted, these missiles will be the mainstay of the Arihant class of indigenous ballistic missile nuclear submarines (SSBN) and will give India the stand off capability to launch nuclear weapons submerged in Indian waters INS Arihant, the first and only operational SSBN, is armed with K-15 Sagarika missiles with a range of 750 km.
C ORONA VIRUS
Context: Since December 2019, Chinese City of Wuhan has seen an increase in the number of patients who are showing pneumonia like symptoms due to unknown causes. Subsequently, Chinese researchers began an assessment to identify the microbe causing the outbreak. Upon such an assessment, the researchers identified the microbe to be a novel or new coronavirus. A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. However, the public health experts are yet to identify the source of the new virus.
Details about Coronavirus Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
Transmission: Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.
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As surveillance improves around the world, more coronaviruses are likely to be identified.
Is Human-Human Transmission Possible? Some coronaviruses can be transmitted from person to person, usually after close contact with an infected patient, for example, in a household, workplace, or health care Centre
Symptoms: It depends on the virus, but common signs include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
Availability of Vaccine and Treatment: When a disease is new, there is no vaccine until one is developed. It can take a number of years for a new vaccine to be developed There is no specific treatment for disease caused by a novel coronavirus. However, many of the symptoms can be treated and therefore treatment based on the patient’s clinical condition. Supportive care for infected persons can be highly effective. Prevention: Standard recommendations to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses include maintaining basic hand and respiratory hygiene, and safe food practices and avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing. WHO restriction on movement can prevent the spread of virus outside china, but not inside.
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R ELOCATION OF HAWAII TELESCOPE
Why in news? India, a partner in the construction of one of the largest telescopes in the world, has said it wants the project to be moved out of the proposed site at Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano in Hawaii
More about Thirty Meter Telescope [TMT] The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) is a proposed extremely large telescope (ELT) that has become controversial due to its planned location on Mauna Kea, on the island of Hawaii, a mountain which is considered sacred by some Native Hawaiians. The TMT would become the largest visible-light telescope on Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea volcanic mountain Is a dormant volcano on the island of Hawaii. Its peak is 4,207.3 m (13,803 ft) above sea level, making it the highest point in the state of Hawaii. Most of the volcano is underwater, and when measured from its underwater base, Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world, measuring over 10,000 m (33,000 ft) in height.
I SRO SATELLITE DATA TO GUIDE MOBILE PHONE NAVIGATION
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Why in news?
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New smartphones in India running on Qualcomm chipsets unveiled on Tuesday will be able to use signals from Isro’s satellites for navigation The three new chipsets Snapdragon 720G, 662, and 460 will be the first to support the Indian NavIC, Isro said NavIC (or Navigation with Indian Constellation) is a seven satellite regional navigation system developed by the Isro (Indian Space Research Organisation) that will provide positioning services over India and countries upto 1,500km around it
T HANJAVUR GETS A SUKHOI SQUADRON
Why in news? IAF positions 6 BrahMos-armed SU-30MKIs at Thanjavur
Details: The Indian Air Force inducted a squadron of Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter planes, with the capability to carry BrahMos missiles, at its Thanjavur airbase With the SU-30MKI Squadron getting positioned in Thanjavur, the Indian Air Force would get more air power to strike from long stand off ranges on any target at sea or on land with accuracy by day or night and in all weather conditions. Thanjavur Thanjavur is an important center of South Indian religion, art, and architecture. Most of the Great Living Chola Temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments Kovil Venni, situated 15 miles (24 km) to the east of the city, was the site of the Battle of Venni between the Chola king Karikala and a confederacy of the Cheras and the Pandyas.
“ VYOM MITRA”-ISRO’S HALF HUMANOID-AN EXPERIMENTAL M ISSION OF GAGANYAAN
Why in news? ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) is to send a half-humanoid robot called the “Vyom Mitra” as an experimental mission to Gaganyaan Vyom Mitra means a friend in Sky.
Details Presented in "Human Space Flight and Exploration-Present Challenges and Future Trends” seminar that was held in Bengaluru The robot can mimic human activities such as recognizing other humans and responding to them in two languages namely Hindi and English.
C . N. R. RAO
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Why in news? C.N.R. Rao, the chief guest at the Indian Science Congress told that Neither the Quality nor the quantity of publications that come out of India are adequate. He said China had made major strides in science, and as of today, it nearly equalled the research publication output of the U.S. — the leading producer of scientific publications in the world.
About C. N. Rao 2013 Bharat Ratna Awardee (The highest Civilian Award in India) He became the third scientist after C.V. Raman and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to receive the Bharat Ratna. He also received the Fellowship of the Royal Society (FRS) which is an award granted to individuals that the Royal Society of London judges to have made a ‘substantial contribution to the improvement of natural knowledge, including mathematics, engineering science, and medical science’. One of the Foremost Indian chemist who has worked mainly in solid-state and structural chemistry. Currently serving as the Head of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India.
W HO PREQUALIFIES PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE
Why in news? Pneumococcal vaccine developed by the Pune-based Serum Institute of India has been pre- qualified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the third week of December 2019. This Vaccine costs only 2$ per dose, 30% lesser than Gavi. Serum Institute had optimised an efficient conjugate vaccine manufacturing processes for its meningitis A vaccine (MenAfriVac), which was used for manufacturing the pneumococcal vaccine. This helped the company reduce the manufacturing cost of pneumococcal vaccine
Background: According to a November 2019 UNICEF report, pneumonia caused 1,27,000 deaths in India in 2018, the second highest number of child mortality under the age of five in the world. In India, pneumonia and diarrhoea cause the most deaths in children under five years.
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M ANI
Why in news? India’s central bank, Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has launched a mobile app named ‘MANI’ on Wednesday, 1st January 2019. MANI will help in identifying the denomination of currency notes for the visually challenged persons. MANI stands for Mobile Aided Note Identifier is available for download from Google Play Store and Apple app store- iOS operating systems.
K ARNATAKA’S CHALLAKERE TO BE ISRO’S ASTRONAUT TRAINING H UB
Why in news?
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India’s world class facility for training astronauts will be established in three years at Challakere.
More about the plan The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has proposed a ₹ 2,700 crore master plan to create top infrastructure that will house its young Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC)
Gaganyaan
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Gaganyaan is an Indian crewed orbital spacecraft intended to be the formative spacecraft of the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme. The spacecraft is being designed to carry three people, and a planned upgraded version will be equipped with rendezvous and docking capability. In its maiden crewed mission, Indian Space Research Organisation’ s largely autonomous 3.7-tonne (8,200 lb) capsule will orbit the Earth at 400 km (250 mi) altitude for up to seven days with a two or three-person crew on board.
F UTURE CLASSROOM: HOW TECH IS CHANGING THE WAY WE L EARN
It’s almost 20 years since the new millennium, and the generation that was born then is already in universities. This new generation has spent its teenage days surrounded by technology. How technology is shaping the education sector, and what the top trends of 2020 are going to be? Impact of 5G smartphones Artificial intelligence Content experience Workforce reform Edu-tech and supplier partnerships 150 | P a g e J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 | C U R R E N T A F F A I R S
Connected classrooms
I NDIAN SCIENTIST’S WORK ON NANO MATERIAL PAVES WAY FOR C LEAN ENERGY VEHICLE
The Indian Defence Ministry has awarded a $2 million research project to Ajayan Vinu to develop carbon nitride nano materials for clean energy system requirement in the defence sector. Building an ultimate clean energy vehicle – one that combines atmospheric carbon dioxide with sunlight and water to produce fuel while leaving no harmful emissions. Indian scientist based in Australia on nano materials and his discovery of carbon nitrides with unique properties. It is probably the first time that an Indian defence research requirement has been awarded to an Indian researcher based outside India. The carbon nitride nano materials discovered since 2005 by Ajayan Vinu – who is also associated with IIT Bombay, the Institute of Chemical Technology Mumbai and IISc Bangalore – has resulted in the production of sodium ion batteries for vehicles at his lab at the University of Newcastle and the prospect of development of an ‘ultimate clean energy vehicle’ a reality in the next three to four years
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N EW SATELLITES WILL HELP GAGANYAAN CREW
Why in news? India plans to ring in its own era of space to space tracking and communication of its space assets this year by putting up a new satellite series called the Indian Data Relay Satellite System (IDRSS)
More about IDRSS The IDRSS is planned to track and be constantly in touch with Indian satellites, in particular those in lower earth orbits which have limited coverage of Earth.
Uses of IDRSS In the coming years, it will be vital to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), whose roadmap is dotted with advanced LEO missions such as space docking, space station, as well as distant expeditions to moon, Mars and Venus. It will also be useful in monitoring launches, according to K. Sivan, ISRO Chairman First beneficiaries of IDRSS will be the crew members of Gaganyaan.
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G ENOME SEQUENCING OF INDIAN COBRA
Why in news? A consortium of scientists, including some from India, have mapped the genome of the Indian Cobra, among the most poisonous snakes in the country
Use of genome sequencing Knowing the sequence of genes could aid in understanding the chemical constituents of the venom and contribute to development of new antivenom therapies, which have remained practically unchanged for over a century
H IGHRADIUS: A BUSINESS UNICORN OF 2020
Why in news? Indian origin person has innovated the product and it has been selected as unicorn business for 2020
Details It is an Artificial Intelligence based platform facilitating back office functions such as trade receivables and treasury management.
P OLICE SEEK TO TAP EMERGING TECH TO TRANSFORM INTO A HI- T ECH FORCE
Use of AI, face recognition tools may grow as tech-driven solutions replace manual processes used by the police force.
Details
Policing India’s millions has usually meant stick-wielding men relying on arcane techniques.
However, a new generation is beginning to embrace technologies such as artificial learning (AL), and collaborating with digital leaders to fight crime.
Possible solutions and Current uses
Recording the first information reports (FIRs) electronically will reduce human involvement by filing them through apps, websites or even an Internet of Things (IoT) device, thus overcoming the sheer reluctance of officials manning the registration of the complaint. – This is important as – If an
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offense is not registered in the first place, a criminal is exonerated at the beginning. If there is no documentation, there is no question of prosecution and conviction.
Other plans include
Identifying and capturing digital and non-digital evidence using AI and machine learning (ML)
Face recognition
Virtually predicting crimes
Identifying and rehabilitating people dependent on crime for a livelihood.
Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajsthan use an AI-enabled criminal database using AI-based human face detection (ABHED), which was developed by Gurugram-based Staqu Technologies. So, whenever they spot suspicious characters, policemen can whip out their smartphones, take a picture and tap into the database to determine whether he/she is a criminal.
Tamil Nadu has upped its game by building an online base of vehicles and installing an AI-based system called Tollscope, which has been linked to 30 toll plazas. If a vehicle used in a crime crosses any of the plazas, the authorities will be immediately alerted.
V R AND VISUAL MEMORY
Why in news?
Researchers have found that virtual reality (VR)—a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment usually experienced using head mounted displays (HMDs)—may interfere with visual memory, a finding that may lead to better application of the technology.
They speculate that the enhanced sense of realism and immersion created by the ability to look around freely, tires the brain and consequently prevents the formation of visual memory.
In further studies, the research team hopes to find out why visual memory is hindered when the participants can look around freely in VR.
Background:
What is Augmented Reality?
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Augmented reality is the blending of virtual reality and real life, as developers can create images within applications that blend in with contents in the real world. With AR, users are able to interact with virtual contents in the real world, and are able to distinguish between the two. The best example of AR can be – ‘Pokemon Go’.
What is Virtual Reality?
Virtual reality is all about the creation of a virtual world that users can interact with. This virtual world should be designed in such a way that users would find it difficult to tell the difference from what is real and what is not. Furthermore, VR is usually achieved by the wearing of a VR helmet or goggles similar to the Oculus Rift.
Difference and similarities
Both virtual reality and augmented reality are similar in the goal of immersing the user, though both systems to this in different ways. With AR, users continue to be in touch with the real world while interacting with virtual objects around them. With VR, the user is isolated from the real world while immersed in a world that is completely fabricated. As it stands, VR might work better for video games and social networking in a virtual environment, such as Second Life, or even PlayStation Home.
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M ILKY WAY’S IMMINENT COLLISION WITH NEIGHBOURING G ALAXY IS CREATING NEW STARS
Why in news?
A research conducted by astrophysicists at Durham University in the UK had suggested that the Milky Way galaxy will dramatically collide with a nearby satellite galaxy– the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), which is around 163,000 light-years from us
Details
Even though the collision of the two galaxies is supposed to result in the awakening of a black hole, currently, the interaction between the two is not proving to be destructive at all.
For now, the interaction of LMC with Milky Way is creating new stars.
Looking for Rare blue stars and the clusters of stars that move along with them in our galaxy using data from the Gaia spacecraft
Researchers analysed the elements found in the stars in the cluster to realize that the cluster was likely formed from particles found outside of our galaxy
S PACE PROGRAMMES OF 2020
Summary of some of the space launches scheduled for 2020
NASA Mars Rover
Atlas v rocket will be the vehicle in July 2020
Planning to land in Jezero crater of Mars
This can collect rocks, soil samples and store them in a cache
Also understanding that whether the earlier environment were conducive to life forms
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Identifying possibility to test oxygen production
ESA Solar Orbiter
From Kennedy space center in Florida in February 2020
High resolution studies of Sun and inner heliosphere
It will cover 1/5th of distance between sun and earth
2nd mission after parker solar probe of 2018
It will have to face 13 times more intense heat than on the surface
ISRO Aditya L1
To study the sun’s corona
Will be inserted into a halo orbit around the langarian point L1
Primary load will be a coronagraph
I SRO’S GSAT-30 LAUNCHED TO REPLACE AGEING INSAT-4A
Details
Launched from Guiana space centre in Kourou
The 3,357-kg satellite will replace INSAT-4A which was launched in 2005 and marks the first mission of the year for Indian Space Research Organisation
The high-power satellite is equipped with 12 normal C band and 12 Ku band transponders
GSAT-30 will provide DTH (direct to home) television services, connectivity to VSATs (that support working of banks’) ATMs, stock exchange, television up linking and teleport services, digital satellite news gathering and e-governance applications
The satellite will provide communication services to Indian mainland and islands through the Ku band and wide coverage over Gulf countries, a large number of Asian countries and Australia through the C band
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Arianespace, the European launch service operator, said it has now sent 24 Indian communication satellites to orbit over the last 30 years; the APPLE experimental satellite of 1981 was its first Indian contract.
E MAIL ACCOUNTS OF GOVT. OFFICIALS HACKED
Why in news?
An independent security researcher has alerted the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre, Government of India, that the credentials of the official email accounts of at least 3,000 employees has been hacked
They are Working in sensitive establishments such as the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
1 07TH INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS
107th Indian Science Congress (ISC) WAS inaugurated at University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru.
Theme of 107th ISC – “Science and Technology: Rural Development”.
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India now stands at 3rd position globally, in the number of Peer-reviewed Science and Engineering Publications.
There is a need to ensure the ‘Ease of doing Science’ and effectively using information technology to reduce red tape”.
Science and technology has a major role in contributing towards making India a $5 Trillion Economy.
I-STEM (Indian Science Technology and Engineering facilities Map) Portal was launched on the occasion . I-STEM is the gateway for researchers to locate the specific facility(ies) they need for their R&D work
F AME INDIA SCHEME
The Department of Heavy Industries has sanctioned 2636 charging stations in 62 cities across 24 States/Union Territories.
Background:
FAME India (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid) and Electric Vehicles).
The objective of the scheme is to increase the use of electric and hybrid vehicles by offering incentives.
The phase I of the scheme was launched on April 1, 2015 with an allocated budget of Rs 895 crores.
The phase II was launched on April 1, 2019 with an allocated budget of Rs 10,000 crores.
A I & MACHINE LEARNING WILL CONTRIBUTE USD 1 TRILLION TO I NDIAN ECONOMY BY 2035
Why in news?
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National Stock Exchange (NSE) Knowledge Hub was inaugurated. The technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are two major keys for India to become 1 trillion- dollar economy by 2035.
Details:
National Stock Exchange (NSE) Knowledge Hub was inaugurated in New Delhi, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered learning ecosystem that will assist the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector.
Government is committed to ensuring stable environment for investors and startups.
The hub is one such step of the technologies to boost the economy of the country.
The learning modules in the hub will help in understanding the stock exchange and its functioning better. It will help in creating an adequate work force.
Although India has developed as the second largest fintech hub in the world, a lot of work still needs to be done in the BFSI sector and the NSE will help further aid India’s Progress.
Industry driven learning ecosystem will help India in building next generation skills and capabilities in the BFSI sector
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The AI technology hub will also ensure affordable skill upgradation. The hub will make learning materials easily accessible.
V OLUNTARY DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION OF NON-COMPLIANT D RONES FLYING IN INDIA
Why in news? In order to facilitate the identification of civil drones and drone operators, a one-time opportunity for voluntary disclosure of such drones and drone operators is now being provided by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) Drones and Drones operators have to obtain Unique Identification Number (UIN), Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP) and other operational requirements as per the guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) which regulates the use of drones in the Indian Airspace.
I NDIAN NAVY TO GET UPGRADED FUEL HFHSD – IN 512
Leveraging technology and improved refining techniques available with the country’s petroleum industry, the Indian Navy in collaboration with M/s IOCL carried out an extensive and thorough study and a comparative evaluation of existing international regulations
A revised technical specification was arrived at consisting of 22 test parameters including critical parameters like cetane number, flash point, Sulphur content, sediment content, oxidation stability and Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP).
The new specification will not only ensure a better quality fuel but also result in a reduced carbon footprint.
On 13 January 2020, the launch of the new fuel (High Flash High Speed Diesel) HFHSD – IN 512, with revised technical specifications was undertaken.
‘ CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY’ IN B ENGALURU
Details: National Informatics Centre (NIC) has set up the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Blockchain Technology in Bengaluru, Karnataka
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Blockchain technology is upcoming & niche technology and adoption of the same in sectors such as health, finance, agriculture and various other sectors would aid the government in implementing various programmes
The Centre of Excellence(CoE) has developed Blockchain based Proof of Concepts (PoCs) for select government use cases to understand potential benefits provided by this emerging technology
Centre of Excellence will facilitate the Government Departments in building proof of concepts for use of Blockchain technology in different dimensions of governance leading to large scale deployment of some such applications.
B HUVAN PANCHAYAT PROJECT
Why in news? ISRO launched Space Based Information Support for Decentralized Planning Update (SISDP)
Details: SISDP project to assist Gram Panchayats at grassroot level with basic planning inputs derived from satellite data for preparing developmental plans, its implementation and monitoring the activities.
The Web Geo portal is an easy to use Geo portal developed for database visualization, data analytics, generation of automatic reports, model based products and services for the benefit of Gram Panchayat members and other stake holders.
P OLYCRACK TECHNOLOGY FOR WASTE TO ENERGY
Why in news?
Indian Railways has commissioned country’s first governmental Waste to Energy Plant, having capacity of 500 Kg waste per day, in Mancheswar Carriage Repair Workshop at Bhubaneswar
Features of Polycrack Technology
Polycrack has the following advantages over the conventional approach of treating solid waste:
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Pre-segregation of waste is not required to reform the waste. Waste as collected can be directly fed into Polycrack.
It has high tolerance to moisture hence drying of waste is not required.
Waste is processed and reformed within 24 hours.
It is an enclosed unit hence the working environment is dust free.
Excellent air quality surrounding the plant.
Biological decomposition is not allowed as the Waste is treated as it is received.
The foot print of the plant is small hence the area required for installing the plant is less when compared with conventional method of processing.
All constituents are converted into valuable energy thereby making it Zero Discharge Process.
Gas generated in the process is re-used to provide energy to the system thereby making it self-reliant and also bring down the operating cost.
There is no atmospheric emission during the process unlike other conventional methods except for combustion gases which have pollutants less than the prescribed norms the world over.
Operates around 450 degrees, making it a low temperature process when compared with other options.
Safe and efficient system with built-in safety features enables even an unskilled user to operate the machine with ease.
Low capital cost and low operating cost.
Fully automated system requires minimum man power.
I SRO: GAGANYAAN AND CHANDRAYAAN-3 IN MISSION MODE
Mission Gaganyaan:
Under the Gaganyaan schedule, three flights will be sent in orbit. Of the three, there will be two unmanned flights and one human spaceflight.
The human space flight programme, called the Orbital Module will have three Indian astronauts, including a woman.
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It will circle Earth at a low-earth-orbit at an altitude of 300-400 km from earth for 5-7 days.
The payload will consist of:
Crew module – spacecraft carrying human beings.
Service module – powered by two liquid propellant engines.
It will be equipped with emergency escape and emergency mission abort.
GSLV Mk III, also called the LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3) the three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle, will be used to launch Gaganyaan as it has the necessary payload capability.
Challenges
India does not even have the facilities to train astronauts.
India is yet to perfect fool-proof launch vehicle technology, the basic requirement for a manned space mission.
The Polar Satellite launch vehicle and the Geosynchronous Launch vehicle, the two Indian spacecraft deployed to launch satellites and modules into space, are yet to be man-rated.
(Man-rating is the term used to measure the safety and integrity of launch vehicles with zero failure.)
ISRO has not been able to put in place India’s own Global Positioning System in spite of completing the NavIC due to dysfunctional atomic clocks in the satellites, rendering the fleet a dud.
While the launch vehicle, crew module, re-entry technology, crew escape system are in place, monitoring and tracking systems, Environmental Control & Life Support System (ELCSS), space suit and crew support systems are still in the developmental phase.
The launchpad at the Sriharikota spaceport, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, will have to be enhanced for the human mission.
Chandrayaan – 3
As the name suggests, the Chandrayaan-3 is the successor to the Chandrayaan-2 mission and it will likely attempt another soft-landing on the lunar surface.
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It will be almost a repetition of the July 2019 Chandrayaan-2 mission in the configuration of spacecraft, the landing spot on the moon and the experiments to be conducted on the lunar surface.
Although scores of landers sent by Russia, the U.S. and the Chinese have explored the moon’s surface, so far, no other agency has landed in the southern hemisphere of the moon. ISRO hopes to be the first to do so.
As per ISRO, the total cost of Chandrayaan-3 mission will be over Rs 600 crores. In comparison, the total cost of the Chandrayaan-2 mission was Rs 960 crores.
Second Spaceport in Tamil Nadu
The Tamil Nadu government has started acquiring 2,300 acres of land in Thoothukudi district for ISRO’s second launch port. Currently satellites are launched from the Sriharikota launch centre in Andhra Pradesh.
Thoothukudi offers a locational advantage to launch towards India’s South. When ready, the new port will handle mainly the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) that is under development. SSLVs are meant to put a payload of up to 500 kg in space.
The space agency ISRO preferred its second spaceport at Thoothukudi, located on the east coast and near the equator for the following reasons:
Speed Boost To Rockets: The Earth’s rotation provides a speed boost to rockets launched in the eastward direction, and headed for an equatorial orbit around the planet.
Save Lives: If there is a failure during the launch, then the debris from an explosion would fall directly into the Bay of Bengal instead of land, which would have less impact on damaging property or taking lives. Further, a southern spaceport reduces the distance to the South Pole and ensures access to a vast, unpopulated area below the flight path.
Fuel Efficiency
Another advantage of the new spaceport include straight southward launches as the current rockets have to be maneuvered around Sri Lanka.
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At present, once the rocket lifts off from Sriharikota, it flies further east to avoid Sri Lanka and then steers itself back towards the South Pole. This manoeuvre requires more fuel, and for a smaller rocket like the SSLV, this could hamper its limited payload capacity and reduce the rocket’s value for Antrix, ISRO’s commercial ventures operator.
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GS3: Environment and Ecology
1 46 IRRAWADDY DOLPHINS SIGHTED IN ODISHA’S CHILIKA
Details India’s largest brackish water lake is home to their highest single lagoon population in the world The Chilika Development Authority (CDA) is elated that the direct sighting of 146 dolphins meant that its population in the lake would stabilise well above 150 The total population of these aquatic mammals in the world is estimated to be less than 7,500. Of these, more than 6,000 Irrawaddy dolphins have been reported from Bangladesh The water-spread area of Chilika varies between 1,165 to 900 sq. km. during the monsoon and summer respectively, making it the largest brackish water lake in the country
Range Of Irrawaddy Dolphin
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Z SI DOCUMENTS ANOTHER NEW SNAKE EEL SPECIES IN ODISHA
A new snake eel species residing in the Bay of Bengal has been discovered and documented this month (January 2020) by the Estuarine Biology Regional Centre (EBRC) of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) at Gopalpur-on-sea in Odisha
Details:
Ophichthus kailashchandrai Has been named Ophichthus kailashchandrai to honour the vast contributions of Dr. Kailash Chandra, Director of ZSI, to Indian animal taxonomy This is the eighth species of the Ophichthus genus found on the Indian coast, and the fifth new species discovered by the Gopalpur-on-Sea centre in the last two years In 2019, two new species of marine eel, Gymnothorax andamanensesis and Gymnothorax smithi were been discovered by this ZSI centre. Ophichthus kailashchandrai feeds on small fish and crabs. The outer surface of their bodies is slimy but they are not poisonous
B EING FOREARMED ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Why in news? New research suggests heat waves could affect the productivity of three out of four Indian workers by 2030 and could lower India’s gross domestic product (GDP) by up to 4.5%
Details: Report was released by McKinsey Global Institute, Climate Risk and Response: Physical Hazards and Socioeconomic Impacts Forecasts a 9% chance of 250-360 million Indians being exposed to a lethal heatwave in 2030
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The numbers are unsettling because, once a threshold is breached, the climate impact tends to rise exponentially A response to potential climate hazards would call for a shift in work hours for agriculture, better heat resistance in urban clusters, and warning systems as well as mass evacuation capacity for increasingly frequent natural disasters.
What we have done so far? The International Energy Agency (IEA) reckons that India has brought down the energy and emission intensities of its GDP by more than a fifth over the past decade. Our per capita carbon dioxide emissions are a third of the global average and share of global emissions is just 6.4% The country has granted 700 million people access to electricity since the turn of the century and our pace of oil consumption growth is expected to surpass that of China by the middle of this decade
What we need to do to stay ahead of the climate change problems? Cleaning up coal-fired power plants raising the share of natural gas and renewables in our energy mix Adapting our energy policy to the projected ravages of climate change More research and disclosure on climate risks Start taking climate hazards into our development planning
M UDFLATS: THE WORLD’S GREATEST COASTAL PROTECTORS
Background: The rising levels of our global seas pose serious threats to low-lying coastal communities. Can nature help?
Details: Although mudflats don’t necessarily have the draw of golden sands and coastal cliffs, but in an era of rising sea levels, theses sprawling areas of inter tidal zones offer unsung protection to shoreline communities all over the world. Across the Wadden Sea(around Germany) — the world’s largest tidal flat system and a UNESCO World Heritage site — from Hooge is the emerald green island of Pellworm. A remnant from a much larger area of coastal land that was swallowed during a savage storm surge hundreds of years ago, Pellworm is now completely surrounded by giant protective dikes. The entire tidal flat system here is at risk of drowning beneath the water that currently exposes its ever-changing shapes and sands twice daily In some low-lying areas around the world, conservationists are trying to find ways to work with the sea to meet the challenges of the assent of sea level Rather than just relying on dikes and walls, they are making a case for returning sections of land to the sea through what is known as managed retreat, or managed realignment.
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I NDIA ADDED TO ITS GREEN COVER, BUT THE NUMBERS ARE Q UESTIONABLE
Why in news? The latest State of Forest Report seems to have tip-toed around several pertinent issues, including how ‘forest cover’ is defined, say ecologists
Details/Analysis ISFR,2019 shows India among the few countries in the world showing a consistent rise in its forest cover—a trend which aligns well with its ambitious climate action targets The assessment carried out biennially shows India’s forest cover has increased by 3,976 sq. km since 2017—a rise of 0. 56%. Tree cover—tree patches of size less than one hectares outside the recorded forest areas, also showed a rise, albeit a little higher at 1.29% India’s total forest and tree cover now stands at 80.73 million hectares—roughly 24.5% of its geographical area, and still far from the eventual target of 33%, which India has committed to raise to, by 2030
What are the concerns? Forest Survey of India defines forest cover as “all patches of land, with a tree canopy density of more than 10% and more than one hectare in area, irrespective of land-use, ownership and species of trees”—an assessment relying majorly on satellite mapping. “If we stick to definition, then any fruit garden, coconut or coffee plantation, or even urban parks would come under ‘forest cover’. So, what we get is an incomplete picture of our forests. Satellite Mapping is unable to look into the quality of these forests or its biodiversity Report misses the point that several thousand hectares of land is being diverted for non-forest use, taking away lakhs of tree Compensatory plantation done to replace the original, natural forests during diversion of forest-lands for projects have so far yielded no impactful results
Way ahead Instead of just canopy cover or hectares, the need is to focus on what is a ‘thriving forest’ or an ‘ecosystem’ We need real time spatial data of our forest land Changing climatic conditions have thrown newer challenges. Forests are sink and reservoirs of carbon, thus critical in adaptation to climate change
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Any afforestation activity undertaken must include an adaptation programme because it is futile planting new trees, which will be adversely impacted due to climate change
T HINK CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION, ACT GLOBAL
Why in news? After the failure of COP25, there emerged more arguments for climate activism by the states. The wealthy nations are becoming recalcitrant though responsible for using the bulk of the carbon space in the atmosphere, they now disavow their obligations, with some even denying anthropogenic climate change The next COP will be held at Glasgow, U.K. (in late 2020) and there may be little change in the outcomes, as the global political order may not alter much. The scenario will start changing once the younger members could be elected to the U.S. Congress and the Green New Deal could pass sometime in 2021 As global deal is stagnating, India has the opportunity to look inwards towards the states and sub state level Here the environmental concerns has been relegated to the periphery as the destruction of ecosystem is taking place at an alarming rate. This has resulted into many catastrophic events and loss of lives in the recent past Attention to climate change offers co benefits to India for development. 1. Improving energy efficiency in industry reduces costs and local pollution 2. improving public transport reduces congestion, pollution 3. improves access using natural farming methods reduces fossil fuel based fertilizers, improves soil health and biodiversity
I NDIA ACHIEVES COMPLETE PHASE OUT OF ONE THE MOST P OTENT OZONE DEPLETING CHEMICAL
India has successfully achieved the complete phase out of Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-141 b, which is a chemical used by foam manufacturing enterprises and one of the most potent ozone depleting chemical after Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) (HCFC)-141 b is used mainly as a blowing agent in the production of rigid polyurethane (PU) foams HCFC-141b is not produced in the country and all the domestic requirements are met through imports. With the notification prohibiting the import of HCFC-141 b, the country has completely phased out the important ozone depleting chemical Nearly, 50 % of the consumption of ozone depleting chemicals in the country was attributable to HCFC-141 b in the foam sector The phase out of HCFC-141b from the country has twin environmental benefits viz. assisting the healing of the stratospheric ozone layer
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towards the climate change mitigation due to transitioning of foam manufacturing enterprises at this scale under HPMP to low global warming potential alternative technologies
I NDIA RECORDS LESS THAN 100 TIGER DEATHS FOR THE FIRST T IME IN THREE YEARS
Why in news? For the first time in the past three years, the number of tiger deaths in a year in the country has been less than 100: Ministry of Forest Environment and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
More about NTCA The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 was amended in 2006 to provide for constituting the National Tiger Conservation Authority. It is responsible for implementation of the Project Tiger plan to protect endangered tigers. The National Tiger Conservation Authority is set up under the Chairmanship of the Minister for Environment and Forests. The Authority will have eight experts or professionals having qualifications and experience in wildlife conservation and welfare of people including tribal, apart from three Members of Parliament of whom two will be elected by the House of the People and one by the Council of States. The Inspector General of Forests, in charge of project Tiger, will be ex-officio Member Secretary.
H OW HUMANS AFFECT THE GENETIC CONNECTIVITY OF FOUR M AMMALS
Why in news? A new study of four wide ranging mammals – Jungle cats, Leopards, Sloth Bears and Tigers in central India – from the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru, has shown that anthropogenic activities can impact genetic connectivity or the movement among habitat patches usually resulting in mating and genetic exchange.
Details Previously Changing landscapes, habitat loss, fragmentation, and global climate change have been listed as the main reason for biodiversity decline worldwide. Isolation of habitat patches (due to habitat destruction and fragmentation) can restrict animal movement among habitat patches and thus reduce genetic exchange and increase the probability of extinction. Hence maintaining connectivity is critical to ensure long term persistence of a species Tigers were impacted the most by high human footprint. Although tigers are known to travel long distances and move through agricultural fields to some extent, tigers in central India do not have equally high genetic exchange throughout the landscape. Some protected areas like Bandhavgarh tiger reserve seem to be getting relatively
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isolated (the 2014 tiger census report also shows the same). India has also started paying attention to wildlife corridors and encouraging engineering reforms to promote wildlife movements. The Ministry of Environment along with the Wildlife Institute of India released a document that lays out the regulatory requirements for developing roads, railways, powerlines while recognising the impacts on wildlife and people. NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) and all PWDs (Public Works Departments) have been instructed to follow the guidelines.
D ELHI GETS ITS FIRST SMOG TOWER TO TACKLE AIR POLLUTION
The massive 20-feet-tall air-purifier has been installed at South Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar market, which sees an average footfall of 15,000 people every day. The aim is to create a “clean air zone” around the area with an estimated 80% reduction in particulate matter, as per the experts who are involved in the project The inspiration came from China, which has already experimented with this technology Smog towers are the devices that can work as large-scale air purifiers, fitted with multiple layers of air filters. China, also battling air pollution over the past few years, has two smog towers now. One in capital Beijing and the other, dubbed the world’s largest, in Xi’an city
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D ECLARE GOA SANCTUARIES AS ‘TIGER RESERVE’
Why in news? Activists and politicians from Goa have demanded that certain areas in wildlife sanctuaries of the State be notified as ‘tiger reserve’. The demand has come following the death of four tigers in Mahadayi Wildlife Sanctuary.
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Name of WLS The State government had sent a proposal to the Centre according to which, about 500 sq km area of Mahadayi, Netravali, Cotigao sanctuaries and some part of Mahaveer National Park was to be selected and marked as ‘tiger reserve’, considering the presence of the striped animals in those places.
P ANEL APPROVES SCHEME TO ‘TRADE’ IN FORESTS
Why in news? The Forest Advisory Committee, an apex body tasked with adjudicating requests by the industry to raze forest land for commercial ends, has approved a scheme that could allow “forests” to be traded as a commodity
More information It allows the Forest Department to outsource one of its responsibilities of reforesting to nongovernment agencies. In the current system, the industry needs to make good the loss of forest by finding appropriate non- forest land equal to that which would be razed. It also must pay the State Forest Department the current economic equivalent called Net Present Value of the forest land. The proposed ‘Green Credit Scheme’ allows agencies they could be private companies, village forest communities — to identify land and begin growing plantations. Forest advisory committee works under the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF).
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A LL SET FOR WATER BIRD CENSUS IN A.P.
Why in news? The annual bird census will commence in the Corniga Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) and surrounding wetlands in the Godavari mangrove cover on the east coast
Indian Skimmer, a water bird species, has started visiting the Godavari mangroves for three years. The species can be sighted only in three places in the country, including the Chambal river in Central India. The census will document such incredible findings of the avian life surviving in the Godavari mangroves IUCN status of Indian skimmer
The conservation status of the Indian Skimmer is ‘vulnerable’, according to the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
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N EW METHOD BETTER ESTIMATES MELTING OF DEBRIS- C OVERED HIMALAYAN GLACIERS
Why in news? A study of the Satopanth glacier in order to model the melting of debris-covered glaciers has been carried out by a group of Indian researchers. Their new method gives a better estimate of the glacier’s melting than existing ones.
Why is this study important? Studying debris-laden Himalayan glaciers is important from the point of view of how climate change affects them. About 20% of Himalayan glaciers are debris-laden, and their dynamics are very different from the ones without debris cover.
Effect of debris: In glaciers without a debris cover, the rate of melting increases as the elevation decreases. However, in glaciers covered with debris, the thick cover partially insulates the glacier from the warm exterior and thereby slows down the melting. The thickness of the debris cover, by and large, increases as the glacier flows down. This works against the general trend that the lower the elevation, the higher the rate of melting. Matters are further complicated because the thickness of the debris cover is not uniform but fluctuates randomly.
Satopanth glacier: Satopanth glacier is located in Garhwal in Central Himalaya, in Uttarakhand. It is the origin of the river Alaknanda, one of the two main tributaries of the Ganga. The other tributary is Bhagirathi, which originates from the Gangotri glacier. These two rivers join at Devprayag, around 70 km upstream of Rishikesh. Downstream of Devprayag, the river is called Ganga.
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S PECIES-RICH FORESTS OFFER STABLE CARBON CAPTURE
Why in news? Spending over six months conducting surveys inside Anamalai Tiger Reserve and using satellite data from multiple locations in the Western Ghats, an international team of researchers has shown that carbon storage was highest in species-rich evergreen forest.
What is found in study? The results showed that the species-rich evergreen forests stored carbon at approximately 300 tons per hectare. The storage in teak and eucalyptus plantations was 43% and 55% less, respectively. The researchers also found that the rates of carbon capture remained nearly the same year after year in natural forests compared with plantations. This study can help transform reforestation policies. Protecting and regenerating natural forests comprising a diverse mix of native tree species is more reliable in the long term than raising monoculture or species-poor plantations as a strategy for mitigating climate change. Species-rich forests are beneficial for biodiversity as they also provide habitat to many other components — insects, birds, etc. Previous studies have shown that species-rich forests are also resistant to diseases.
C ROCODILE POPULATION ON THE RISE IN ODISHA’S GHODAHADA R ESERVOIR
Why in news? Example of peaceful coexistence of humans and crocodiles in the Digapahandi forest range under Berhampur forest division was revealed during annual crocodile census conducted.
More about the report As per the census, the number of mature crocodiles in Ghodahada reservoir and its adjoining area has increased from 58 in January 2019 to 65 in 2020.
Background: There are three species of crocodilians— Saltwater, Mugger and Gharial.
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M ARADU TOWERS BROUGHT DOWN WITH PRECISION
Why in news? It took around nine months and some tough talking by the Supreme Court for the State government to act against the violations and illegal encroachments.
How was the building brought down? The use of emulsion explosives and its reduced usage at the blast sites helped in the effective demolition of the concrete buildings while containing its impact
Why was this operation done?
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In 2006 Maradu Panchayat granted permission for the construction for five waterfront apartments overlooking the scenic canals of Kochi backwaters. But, just nine months after granting permission, the panchayat issued a notice to the builders following a directive by the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority (KCZMA). The government body said the site fell under the CRZ-III vulnerable category where no construction is allowed within 200 metres from the coast. Any such act will be identified and acted upon as a violation of the Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) rules. It was also revealed that a directive issued by the KCZMA makes it mandatory for self- government bodies to obtain its clearance before approving constructions in coastal areas. But Maradu panchayat didn’t forward any application to gain a CRZ permit for the five complexes.
What is CRZ? The CRZ norms are framed under Section 3 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 to promote sustainable development based on scientific principles. No construction is allowed within 200 metres from the coast in areas falling under CRZ- III zone while it is 50 metres from for CRZ-II.
K AZIRANGA HAS ONE OF THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF WETLAND B IRDS
Why in news? Kaziranga recorded 96 species of wetland birds — one of the highest for wildlife reserves in India, according to the second wetland bird count conducted on January 2020.
Details With 6,181 individuals, the barheaded goose led the species count, followed by the common teal at 1,557 and northern pintail at 1,359. All three belong to the family anatidae.
More about Bar headed goose A Bar-headed Goose has been spotted in the wetlands of Karingali Puncha in Pathanamthitta District of Kerala. In general, large flocks visit the Koonthankulam bird sanctuary at Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu. It is very rare that the bird is spotted in Kerala. The wetlands of Karingali Puncha is a major birding spot in the district. It reported the highest bird count in the Asian Waterbird Census of 2015.
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Bar-headed Goose in Kaziranga Scientific Name: Anser indicus Habitat Bar-headed geese are found in central China and Mongolia and they breed there. They start migration to the Indian sub-continent during the winter and stay till the end of the season
C RZ RULES EASED FOR ‘BLUE FLAG’ BEACHES
Why in news? The Environment Ministry has relaxed Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules that restrict construction near beaches to help States construct infrastructure and enable them to receive ‘Blue Flag’ certification.
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More about Blue Flag Certification The Blue Flag Programme started in France in 1985 and has been implemented in Europe since 1987, and in areas outside Europe since 2001. The Blue Flag is a certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) that a beach, marina, or sustainable boating tourism operator meets its stringent standards. FEE’s Blue Flag criteria include standards for quality, safety, environmental education and information, the provision of services and general environmental management criteria. The Blue Flag is sought for beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators as an indication of their high environmental and quality standards.
T HE GLOBAL OCEAN HEATS UP
Why in news? One of the biggest revelations of the Special Report On the Ocean And Cryosphere In A Changing Climate, released in September 2019 by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), was how much the global ocean has heated up.
How is it heating? Since 1970, the report said, 90% of the excess heat generated due to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has been absorbed by the ocean.
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2019 also showed the largest single-year spike in ocean heat. The heat is mostly trapped in the top 2,000m of the ocean, which is also home to the bulk of marine life forms.
What it tells us? Marine heat readings offer a more comprehensive idea of global heating, since surface temperatures are also affected by periodic weather systems like the El Niño effect.
Impact Marine heat readings offer a more comprehensive idea of global heating, since surface temperatures are also affected by periodic weather systems like the El Niño effect. Warmer ocean is a major contributor to Polar ice melt, which in turn contributes to sea- level rise. The biggest immediate effect of a warming ocean, though, is the worldwide decline in coral reefs Loss of tiny marine organisms which form the bedrock of the global marine food chain Fish stocks worldwide have been falling, and as fish species migrate to cooler waters, livelihoods are affected
Way forward Countries and industries must slash their GHG emissions and move to non-fossil fuel energy
C LIMATIC FLUCTUATIONS IMPACT CLIMATIC NICHES OF OWLETS
Forest Owlets are generally found in teak-dominated landscapes at the edge of the forests while Spotted Owlets are human commensals occupying human-dominated landscape
What is climate niche? Climate niche is the optimal climatic conditions in which the species can survive.
How Climate change is impacting forest Owlet spread? Owlets primarily feed on insects and small vertebrates, playing a vital role as a member of predatory guild, and acting as natural insect-controllers and rodent-killing machines. Using available field observations, climate data and modeling studies, the research team reconstructed the climatic niches for the four owlets in the four time periods – Last Interglacial (120-140 thousand years ago), Last Glacial Maximum (22 thousand years ago), Mid-Holocene (6000 years ago), and present scenario (1960- 1990) The study also tried to understand the biogeography of the Forest Owlet, an endemic and endangered owlet of India. The Forest Owlet occupies the same geographical region (Central India and North Western Ghats) and share similar food habits with the Spotted Owlet and Jungle Owlet, it is narrowly distributed
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The team notes that Forest Owlets are generally found in teak-dominated landscapes at the edge of the forests while Spotted Owlets are human commensals occupying human- dominated landscape (rural and urban areas). Jungle Owlets occupy dry and moist deciduous forests.
A BID TO RESTORE CORAL REEFS IN GULF OF KUTCH USING B IOROCKS
Why in news? The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), with help from Gujarat’s Forest Department, is attempting for the first time a process to restore coral reefs using bio rock or mineral accretion technology
What is bio rock? Bio rock is the name given to the substance formed by electro accumulation of minerals dissolved in seawater on steel structures that are lowered onto the sea bed and are connected to a power source, in this case solar panels that float on the surface. The technology works by passing a small amount of electrical current through electrodes in the water
How does this work? When a positively charged anode and negatively charged cathode are placed on the sea floor, with an electric current flowing between them, calcium ions combine with carbonate ions and adhere to the structure (cathode). This results in calcium carbonate formation. Coral larvae adhere to the CaCO3 and grow quickly
A FRICAN CHEETAHS TO PROWL INDIAN FORESTS
Why in news? The Supreme Court lifted its seven-year stay on a proposal to introduce African cheetahs from Namibia into the Indian habitat on an experimental basis.
Earlier verdict of SC: In May 2012, the top court had stalled the plan to initiate the foreign cheetahs into the Palpur Kuno sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh fearing they may come into conflict with a parallel and a much-delayed project to reintroduce Asiatic lions into the same sanctuary. The court was also worried whether the African cheetahs would find the sanctuary a favorable climate as far as abundance of prey is concerned Asiatic Cheetah once occurred from the Arabian Peninsula and the Near East to the Caspian region, Kyzyl-Kum Desert, Pakistan and India, but has been extirpated there during the 20th century and surviving today only in Iran
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B EE NOTIFIES NEW ENERGY PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR AIR C ONDITIONERS
Why in news? Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has notified new energy performance standards for Room Air Conditioner
Details: The Central Government in consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has notified new energy performance standards for Room Air Conditioner (RACs) on 30th October 2019. The 24C default setting has been made mandatory from Jan 1, 2020 for all room air conditioners covered under the ambit of BEE star-labelling program Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER) as per the new standards will range from (3.30 – 5.00) for split and (2.70 – 3.50) for window air conditioners, which will be applicable from 1st January 2021 BEE launched the voluntary star labelling program for fixed-speed room air conditioners (RACs) in 2006, and this program became mandatory on 12th January 2009. About BEE BEE is a statutory body under the Ministry of Power, Government of India. It is assisted in developing policies and strategies with the primary objective of reducing the energy intensity of the Indian economy. BEE coordinates with designated consumers, designated agencies, and other organization to identify and utilize the existing resources and infrastructure, in performing the functions assigned to it under the energy conservation act.
I SLAND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Why in news? The Union Home Minister chaired the sixth meeting of the Island Development Agency (IDA) and reviewed the progress made towards the programme “Holistic development of islands” For the first time initiative of sustainable development in the identified Islands within scientifically-assessed carrying capacity has been taken-up. Development Plans with focus on creation of jobs for the islanders through tourism promotion as well as export of seafood and coconut-based products made in the Islands have been prepared and are being implemented in four islands of Andaman & Nicobar and five islands of Lakshadweep
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More about IDA Island Development agency (IDA) was constituted in 2017 for the holistic development of islands. To undertake holistic development in the project after giving due consideration to unique maritime and territorial bio-diversity of the islands. IDA is chaired by Union Home minister.
B ARAPULLAH DESMI WASTE WATER MANAGEMENT PROJECT
Why in news? Foreign Minister of Denmark visited the Barapullah DESMI Project Site on 16th January 2020, to understand the challenges in the area of wastewater management and to discuss the scope of Danish technologies and collaboration with research institutions which may be engaged in this area.
Details The Barapullah drain is one of the main water transport ways in New Delhi that collects water from various smaller water drains from all over the city. Mainly used for waste water and sewage transport The Barapullah drain is an excellent location for research in the area of waste water management DBT, Mo S&T, GoI initiated a novel holistic clean-up project in collaboration with DESMI EnviRO-CLEAN A/S, Denmark in January, 2019 at Sun Dial Park in Sarai Kale Khan area The aim of the project is to trap the floating debris from the drain and convert it into value added products With suitable gasification/ carbonisation technology to mitigate waste of mixed feedstock, collected from rivers or lakes besides reducing the damage to the local environment.
R AMSAR DECLARATION
Why in news? 10 more wetlands from India get the Ramsar site tag.
What is Ramsar convention ? The Ramsar Convention signed on February 2, 1971, is one of the oldest inter- governmental accord signed by members countries to preserve the ecological character of their wetlands of international importance.
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The aim of the Ramsar list is to develop and maintain an international network of wetlands which are important for the conservation of global biological diversity and for sustaining human life through the maintenance of their ecosystem components, processes and benefits. Wetlands declared as Ramsar sites are protected under strict guidelines of the convention. With this, the numbers of Ramsar sites in India are now 37 and the surface area covered by these sites is now 1,067,939 hectares. Maharashtra gets its first Ramsar site (Nandur Madhameshwar) Punjab which already had 3 Ramsar sites adds 3 more (Keshopur-Miani, Beas Conservation Reserve, Nangal) UP with 1 Ramsar site has added 6 more (Nawabganj, Parvati Agra, Saman, Samaspur, Sandi and SarsaiNawar) Conservation of wetlands would also go a long way in achieving dream of ‘Nal se Jal’ in each household. The government has in July, 2019 launched the new ‘Nal se Jal’ scheme, which aims to provide piped water connection to every household by 2024
I NDIA IS THE SECOND LARGEST EMERGING GREEN BOND MARKET A FTER CHINA
The Economic Survey highlights India’s decision to revise the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) in line with NDCs to make it more comprehensive. The Survey also lauded the performance of Schemes like UJALA for LED bulb distribution which crossed 360 million.
What is a Green Bond? A green bond is a bond specifically earmarked to be used for climate and environmental projects. These bonds are typically asset-linked and backed by the issuer’s balance sheet, and are also referred to as climate bonds.
Green Bond Explained Green bonds are designated bonds intended to encourage sustainability and to support climate-related or other types of special environmental projects. More specifically, green bonds finance projects aimed at energy efficiency, pollution prevention, sustainable agriculture, fishery and forestry, the protection of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, clean transportation, sustainable water management and the cultivation of environmentally friendly technologies. Green bonds come with tax incentives such as tax exemption and tax credits, making them a more attractive investment compared to a comparable taxable bond. This provides a monetary incentive to tackle prominent social issues such as climate change and a movement to renewable sources of energy. To qualify for green bond status, they are often verified by a third party such as the Climate Bond Standard Board, which certifies that the bond will fund projects that include benefits to the environment.
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I NDIA’S INITIATIVE AT THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE
In the Solar Sector, the International Solar Alliance (ISA) has taken up the role of ‘Enabler’ by institutionalizing 30 fellowships from the member countries; of ‘Facilitator’ by getting the lines of credit worth US$2 billion from EXIM Bank of India and US$1.5 billion from Agence Francaise de Development (AFD), France; of an ‘Incubator’ SBI entered the market with an US$650 million Certified Climate Bond. India also joined International Platform on Sustainable Finance (IPSF) in 2019 to scale up the environmentally sustainable investments
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GS3: Internal Security Challenges and Disaster Management
6 44 ASSAM EXTREMISTS SURRENDER
Why in news? A total of 644 extremists from eight banned outfits surrendered at an official function here on 24th January 2020 As many as 301 of the surrendered extremists belonged to the little known National Liberation Front of Bengali (NLFB), followed by 178 from the Adivasi Dragon Fighter and 87 from the National Santhal Liberation Army. 1. Eight members of an unspecified faction of the National Democratic Front of Boroland took part surrendered. 2. 50 of the United Liberation Front of Assam Independent (ULFAI) 3. 13 of the Rava National Liberation Front, six of the Kamatapur Liberation Organisation 4. 1 from the Communist Party of India (Maoist). The extremists deposited 177 firearms, 71 bombs and 52 grenades.
Rehabilitation scheme: Assam has a rehabilitation programme for surrendered militants. They get financial assistance and bank loans to start a business or do farming, officials said. There have been reports of non extremists becoming beneficiaries to fill up the ranks of “surrendered militants”.
G OI LAUNCHES “SEISMIC HAZARD MICROZONATION” TO MINIMIZE E ARTHQUAKE DISASTERS
Why in news? The Ministry of Earth Science has launched Seismic Hazard Microzonation project in major cities of India. The project aims to reduce hazards of seismic activities by putting in adequate measures
What is Seismic Hazard Microzonation? The process of dividing earth quake prone areas based on certain factors like geological and geophysical characteristics of sites . They are ground shaking, landslide, liquefaction susceptibility, rock fall hazard and flooding caused due to earth quakes. Based on the division, mitigation measures are prepared to minimise the losses.
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In India So far, the mapping has been done in the State of Sikkim and in other eight cities of Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Dehra Dun, Delhi, Gandhi Dham, Guwahati, Jabalpur and Kolkata. The technique gives better mitigatory measures as it helps to understand the impact of seismic activities precisely. In certain places where no reliable prediction model can be implemented, it is essential to adopt preventive measures.
I NAUGURATION OF THE SECOND INTEGRATED CHECK POST AT J OGBANI-BIRATNAGAR
Details: The Prime Minister of India will jointly inaugurate the second Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Jogbani-Biratnagar on 21st January 2020 with Prime Minister of Nepal, Shri K.P. Oli. The second Integrated Check Post at Jogbani-Biratnagar is built with Indian assistance to facilitate trade and people’s movement across India-Nepal border.
S UBHASH CHANDRA BOSE AAPDA PRABANDHAN PURASKAR
In order to recognise the excellent work done by individuals and institutions in India in the field of disaster management, Government of India has instituted an annual award known as Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar A good deal of work is done in research/ innovations in early warning, prevention, mitigation, preparedness, rescue, relief and rehabilitation. For the year 2020, Disaster Mitigation & Management Centre, Uttarakhand (in the institution category) and Shri Kumar Munnan Singh (Individual category) have been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar for their commendable work in Disaster Management Disaster Mitigation and Management Centre (DMMC), Uttarakhand discharges the functions of State Disaster Management Authority under the Government of Uttarakhand.
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S TONE- THROWING SCALES A PEAK IN J&K IN 2019
Why in news? The number of stone throwing incidents in Jammu and Kashmir rose in 2019 from the figures recorded in 2017 and 2018, according to data provided by the Union Home Ministry
LOC Violations
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3,086 ceasefire violations or firing from Pakistan’s side had been reported along the Line of Control (LoC), with the highest of 398 recorded in October 2019
G OCO MODEL TO IDENTIFY INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Why in news? Army gets working on GOCO model to improve efficiency
Details Government owned Contractor operated model for army workshop and ordnance depots Agenda is to understand the industry perspective on opportunities envisaged and issues GOCO model was one of the recommendations of the Lt. Gen. DB Shekatkar (Retd.) committee to” enhance the combat capability and rebalancing defence expenditure”
M OD APPROVES RULES OF BUSINESS FOR DMA
Why in news? The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approved the rules of business for the newly created Department of Military Affairs (DMA), headed by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
Details The DMA, headed by Gen. Bipin Rawat, will have two Joint Secretaries, 13 Deputy Secretaries, 25 Under Secretaries and 22 Section officers Most of the training establishments and cadre management of the Services would be under the purview of the DMA. Deputations to the training establishments, such as the National Defence Academy, the Indian Military Academy, the Officers Training Academy and the Defence Services Staff College would also be under the CDS.
Extra information The DMA is the fifth department in the MoD — the others being the Department of Defence, the Department of Defence Production, the Department of Defence research and Development and the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare.
L CA NAVY VARIANT SUCCESSFULLY LANDS ON INS V IKRAMADITYA
Why in news?
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In a significant development, the naval version of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) made its first arrested landing on the deck of India’s aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. The Navy currently operates Russian MiG-29K fighters from INS Vikramaditya which will also fly from the first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Vikrant once it enters service. Background Aircraft carriers: An aircraft carrier is a naval warship from which the fighter jets and airplanes may take off and land on them. It serves as a seagoing airbase and allows the naval force to project air power worldwide without the requirement for local bases for aircraft operations. Vikramaditya aircraft carrier is currently in service with Indian Navy. INS Vikrant is the indigenous aircraft carrier under construction. INS Vishal will be the next aircraft carrier of this class.
INS Vikramaditya INS Vikramaditya is a modified Kiev class aircraft carrier presently in service with the Indian Navy. It was originally commissioned in 1987 with the Soviet Navy and later served under the Russian navy and was decommissioned in 1996. The aircraft carrier has been retrofitted with a Barak Missile system jointly developed by India and Israel. INS Vikramaditya can carry out its operations up to a range of 13000 km and can carry over 1600 personal onboard. The sensors and communication systems include the fitment of Long Range Air Surveillance Radar, Advanced Electronic Warfare Suite etc., to maintain surveillance in the area with radius of 500 km around the ship. The aircraft carrier equipped with its kamov anti-submarine helicopters provides the Indian Navy a tactical advantage against the submarines which cannot hit back on the helicopters. INS Vikramaditya has significantly increased the strength and overall effectiveness of the Indian Navy.
INS Vikrant (IAC-I) INS Vikrant (IAC-I) is the first aircraft carrier manufactured in India for the Indian Navy. The aircraft carrier has been built by the Cochin Shipyard Limited and Kochi, Kerala. The motto of INS Vikrant is “Jayema Sam Yudhi Sprdhah (I defeat those who fight against me)”, is taken from Rigveda. The construction of INS Vikrant received government approval in January 2003 and was ordered in 2004. It is still not commissioned.
INS Vishal (IAC-II) INS Vishal is a planned aircraft carrier for the Indian Navy which is currently in design phase and is to be built by Cochin Shipyard Limited. It will be the first supercarrier to be constructed in India.
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INS Vishal will have a new design that will be featuring significant changes from INS Vikrant. It will have an increased displacement and possibly an EMALS CATOBAR system for launching heavier fighter jets and aircraft.
O PERATION SANKALP
Why in news? In the backdrop of the deteriorating security situation in the Gulf region, post attacks on merchant ships in the Gulf of Oman , Indian Navy had commenced Maritime Security Operations, code named Op SANKALP, in the Gulf Region on 19 Jun 19 to ensure safe passage of Indian Flag Vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz. Indian Navy warships and aircraft were deployed to establish presence, provide a sense of reassurance to the Indian merchantmen, monitor the ongoing situation and respond to any emergent crises. One war ship is presently deployed for Operation SANKALP. The operation is being progressed in close coordination with all stakeholders including Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
M ILAN 2020
Why in news? Feb 2016, the City of Destiny Visakhapatnam is gearing up to host another International Naval event ‘MILAN’ in March 2020
More about MILAN MILAN 2020 is a multilateral naval exercise aimed to enhance professional interaction between friendly foreign navies and learn from each other’s strengths and best practices in the maritime domain. The Exercise with the theme ‘Synergy Across the Seas’ would provide an excellent opportunity for Operational Commanders of friendly foreign navies to interact with each other in areas of mutual interest.
I NDIAN CYBER CRIME COORDINATION CENTRE (I4C)
Why in news? Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Amit Shah, inaugurated the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and also dedicated National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to the Nation today. This state-of-the-art Centre is located in New Delhi.
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Details I4C was setup to deal with all types of cybercrimes in a comprehensive and coordinated manner. It has seven components viz., 1. National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit 2. National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal 3. National Cyber Crime Training Centre 4. Cyber Crime Ecosystem Management Unit 5. National Cyber Crime Research and Innovation Centre 6. National Cyber Crime Forensic Laboratory Ecosystem 7. Platform for Joint Cyber Crime Investigation Team. National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) is a citizen-centric initiative that will enable citizens to report cybercrimes online through the portal. All the cybercrime related complaints will be accessed by the concerned law enforcement agencies in the States and Union Territories for taking action as per law.
Z ANSKAR RIVER IN THE UT OF LADAKH
Why in news? IAF Rescues More than 107 Individuals from the Frozen Zanskar River in the UT of Ladakh
Details People were a part of the ongoing ‘Chadar Trek’, got stranded when some portions of the frozen Zanskar River melted Stranded trekkers managed to move to Niraq, a small camp site upstream
Zanskar river The Zanskar River is a north-flowing tributary of the Indus. In its upper reaches, the Zanskar has two main branches. First of these, the Doda, has its source near the Pensi-la 4,400 m (14,400 ft) mountain- pass The second branch is formed by two main tributaries known as Kargyag river, with its source near the Shingo La 5,091 m (16,703 ft), and Tsarap river, with its source near the Bara lacha-La Zanskar river then takes a north-eastern course through the dramatic Zanskar Gorge until it joins the Indus near “Nimmu” in Ladakh
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K 9 VAJRA-T GUN
Why in news? Raksha Mantri flags off 51st K9 VAJRA-T Gun from L&T Armoured System Complex in Gujarat
Details Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Armored System Complex is at Hazira in Gujarat Government under the ‘Make in India’ initiative want to achieve $26 billion defence industry by 2025 and provide employment to 2-3 million people. L&T Defence is currently executing the ‘K9 VAJRA-T’ Tracked, Self-Propelled Howitzer Guns program – the contract awarded to the company by Ministry of Defence through global competitive bidding.
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N ATIONAL DISASTER RESPONSE FORCE (NDRF)
Why in news? NDRF celebrates its 15th Raising Day on 18th January
Details Since its inception in 2006, NDRF has saved more than One lakh lives in its 3100 operations and rescued/evacuated over 6.7 lakh people during disasters.
NDMA Created by enactment of the Disaster Management Act on December 26th , 2005. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was constituted to lay down the policies, plans and guidelines for disaster management. In 2006, NDRF was constituted with 8 Battalions At present, NDRF has a strength of 12 Battalions with each Battalion consisting of 1149 personnel- three each from the BSF and CRPF and two each from CISF, ITBP and SSB
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O PERATION VANILLA
Indian Navy Ship Airavat, whilst mission deployed in the Southern Indian Ocean has been diverted to Antsiranana based on request received from Madagascar. The ship will undertake Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief mission as part of ‘Operation Vanilla’ which has been launched to provide assistance to the affected population of Madagascar post devastation caused by Cyclone Diane.
Vanilla Islands Vanilla Islands is an affiliation of the island nations Seychelles, Madagascar, Réunion, Mauritius, Comoros, Mayotte in the Indian Ocean to form a new travel destination brand. Aim of the co-operation that has been founded on August 4, 2010 at La Réunion is to pool forces and jointly market the region compared to the solely individual marketing of each island in the past.
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N CRB LAUNCHES TWO ONLINE NATIONAL LEVEL SERVICES R ELATED TO SEARCH OF MISSING PERSONS AND TO GENERATE V EHICLE NOC
These online services will help Citizens in Searching their Missing Persons and Generating Vehicle NOC. The services can be accessed through ‘digitalpolicecitizenservices.gov.in’ portal or through a link in the existing ‘Digital Police Portal’. So far such services are being provided through the state citizen portals and it is the first time that these are being launched centrally NCRB and National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children’s (NCMEC), USA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to receive information on such material originating from India. NCMEC is a non-profit organization established by the United States Congress. It has a centralized reporting system by which internet service providers across the world or intermediaries like Facebook, YouTube, etc. can report about persons who circulate images of child pornography
I NDIA LAUNCHED COALITION FOR DISASTER RESILIENT I NFRASTRUCTURE (CDRI)
Details: The Prime Minister of India announced a global Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), at the UN Climate Action Summit 2019 held in New York City, USA, on September 23, 2019. Developed through consultations with more than 35 countries, CDRI envisions enabling measurable reduction in infrastructure losses from disasters, including extreme climate events. CDRI thus aims to enable the achievement of objectives of expanding universal access to basic services and enabling prosperity as enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals, while also working at the intersection of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Paris Climate Agreement.
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