131 August 2018
Issue No: 131 August 2018
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Editorial Board : Sivarajavel. S, Sadik. MA Sub-Editor: S.Suresh Kumar Co-ordinator: R. Senthilkumar, D. Ramya E-mail: [email protected]
Index
S.NO. INDEX PG.NO. SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT 1. Building an inclusive society 10 2. Growth opportunities for weaker sections 11 3. Social change among SCs and STs 14 4. Empowernment through political interventions 15 5. Empowerment of women 18 6. Constitutional provisions for social justice 19 POLITY 1. Court notice on vacancies in information panels 23 2. SC seeks steps for appointing Lokpal 23 3. SC pulls up centre for its delay in appointing a Lokpal 23 4. National Register of Citizens - Assam 24 5. Nagaland may follow Assam in NRC update 26 6. SC verdict on Centre-Delhi power tussle 26 7. Special category status not feasible 27 8. Consult UPSC for selecting police chiefs 27 9. CJI alone is master of the roster 28 10. SC says it is ready to go live, centre moots a TV channel 29 11. SC questions female genital mutilation 29 12. Choosing a partner is a person's fundamental right 30 13. Adultery must remain a punishable offence 32 14. We’re not a surveillance state 33 15. Allow gambling in sports but regulate it 33 16. SC collegium stands firm on justice joseph 34 17. Collegium picks Tahilramani as madras HC Chief Justice 34 18. Ban on protests at Jantar Mantar goes 35 19. Ban on entry of women in Sabarimala is Patriarchal 35 20. Set deadline to fill CIC, SICS posts 37 21. RERA vs IBC 37 22. Cabinet approves DNA technology (use and application) Reg. Bill, 2018 38 23. Leprosy must not continue to be a ground for divorce 40 24. President clears bill against witch-hunting 40 25. RTI bill to be placed in monsoon session 41 26. LS clears detention policy 41 27. Activists oppose Draft Anti-Trafficking bill 41
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28. Bill on death penalty for child rape to be tabled 43 29. Law panel reviewing sedition legislation 43 30. Fugitive offenders bill passed 43 31. WCD to move proposal to amend POCSO act 44 32. FRDI bill not officially dropped, intent there 44 33. Lok Sabha passes Anti-Graft Amendment bill 44 34. Aadhaar must for Health Mission cover 45 35. Banks question UIDAI diktat on audit 45 36. Faster visas for minorities from three nations 46 37. Rajya Sabha adjourned over lack of Quorum 46 38. Boundaries of 119 city wards to change 47 39. West Bengal renames itself ‘bangla’ 47 40. PSUS biggest donors to clean Ganga Fund 48 41. ECI to hold a national consultation on accessible elections 48 42. Election commission of India launches “cVIGIL” mobile app 49 43. Two-constituency norm reasonable 50 44. VVPATS will be ready for Lok Sabha polls 51 45. National Commission for Safai Karamcharis 51 46. NCPCR moots model for school fees 51 47. Monitoring government schemes in real time 52 48. Relief and rehabilitation of migrants and repatriates 52 49. Centre would reconsider uniform package for Brus 53 50. Survey launched to rank states on rural cleanliness 53 51. 2021 census data to be stored electronically 54 52. Suresh Prabhu launches mobile app ‘Reunite’ 54 53. Coal Mine Surveillance & Management System (CMSMS) and ‘Khan Prahari’ app 55 54. CIC bilingual mobile app launched for complaints and appeals 56 55. Watershed development projects lagging behind badly 56 56. Khelo India talent identification & development scheme 57 57. Union home minister launches the Student Police Cadet (SPC) programme 58 58. Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0 58 59. Study in India’ programme 59 60. National Policy on Bio-fuels-2018 59 61. National overseas scholarships for scheduled castes 60 62. Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme 60 63. Rijiju tells states to fight fake news 61
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64. Whatsapp to cap number of forwards to five chats per user 62 65. Centre stands by Bru pact 63 66. U.P. SC/ST panel sends quota notice to AMU 63 67. National Achievement Survey (NAS) 64 68. Protect critical personal data of citizens 64 69. Academia irked by HECI move 67 70. Creation of National Health Stack 67 71. IISC, IIT-D chosen for special grants 68 72. Institute of cost accountants of India 69 73. Cauvery Authority directs Karnataka to release water 70 74. Godavari board to approach council 70 75. NITI Aayog to organise India’s first Global Mobility Summit 71 76. A 216-foot-tall celebration of Ramanuja 72 77. WAPCOS celebrates 50th foundation day 72 78. Does your Thanjavur painting have fake gold? 73 79. Behdienkhlam Festival, Meghalaya 74 80. KVIC launches e-marketing system 74 81. Strengthening national IPR Policy 74 82. India gets its 37th UNESCO World Heritage Site 75 83. PM reviews progress towards holistic development of islands 76 84. National Generic Document Registration System 76 85. First meeting of e-commerce task force held 77 86. Lightweight ‘Sadmridangam' gets a patent 77 87. 17th World Sanskrit Conference in Vancouver, Canada 78 88. Indian railways introduces first double stack dwarf container service 78 89. A literary trove found in a grain market 79 90. Centre upholds net neutrality proposals 79 91. Buddha of swat smiles again 80 92. India tourism mart 80 93. Domestic tech security firms get priority in government purchases 81 94. If Colosseum can be adopted by footwear firm, why not Taj? 81 95. World Customs Organization 81 96. Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) 82 97. Surge of trash lays siege to Golconda 82 98. Details of 2015 Naga agreement emerge 82 99. Naga Peace Accord awaits consensus on signatory 83
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100. Fear over tourist centre close to Buddhist site 84 101. For third time, Kerala tops list of best governed states 85 102. Nilgiri mountain train gets a cool, new look 85 103. Magsaysay for ‘3 idiots' muse 85 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. India backs FATF's grey-listing of Pakistan 87 2. China eyes Indian pharma as U.S. Trade turns cloudy 87 3. Indian firms flouting norms to import Chinese goods 88 4. India to help repatriate Rohingya 88 5. India denies shifting pillars along Myanmar border 89 6. In Manipur, incursions on the border 89 7. India seeks Lanka help for JVS 89 8. EU warns Sri Lanka over death penalty 90 9. China offers fresh grant of $295 mn to Sri Lanka 91 10. China, Bhutan discuss boundary dispute 91 11. Taiwan protests against use of ‘Chinese Taipei' on AI website 91 12. China, UAE seal economic deals as Xi visits Abu Dhabi 92 13. Modi, Moon inaugurate world's largest mobile factory' in Noida 92 14. Delhi, Seoul pledge to double trade 93 15. India on Gulf outreach as injured Yemeni soldiers ready to fly in 93 16. MoU between the ICAI and SOCPA 94 17. The low-down on India-Iran oil trade 94 18. Iran will end special privileges to India 95 19. India cuts Iranian oil imports in June ahead of U.S. Sanctions 96 20. Iran softens stand 96 21. India, Iran pledge to maintain trade levels 96 22. Nuclear deal partners offer support to Iran 96 23. Iran has no intention to leave Syria 97 24. Israel adopts Jewish nation law 97 25. Syria gets Aid from Russia, France 97 26. Syrian ‘white helmet' members flee to Jordan 98 27. India going ahead with s-400 buy 98 28. Russian spies hid behind bitcoin in hacking campaign 99 29. Xi visits Africa as China seeks to deepen economic relations 99 30. Packed agenda for PM on Africa trip 100 31. Modi meets Ramaphosa amid 101
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32. PM in Africa amid a fall in trade 101 33. Modi meets Rwandan President 102 34. India proud to be Africa’s partner 102 35. Island trouble: two choppers, delayed visas 103 36. India to bring back copters 104 37. DNA tests being used to reunite children with parents 104 38. How Trump's policy decisions undermine industries 104 39. Trump serves ultimatum to NATO 105 40. Spend 4% of GDP on defence 105 41. Mattis seeks waivers from sanctions 106 42. U.S., EU agree to ease trade tensions 106 43. U.S., China fire first shots in tariff war 107 44. Putin and Trump won't discuss Crimea 109 45. Putin is not an enemy 109 46. U.S. Indicts 12 Russian officers for hacking 110 47. Trump sees no reason to believe Russian meddling 110 48. Trump stokes Brexit turmoil 110 49. China presses Europe for anti-U.S. Alliance on trade 111 50. U.S., N. Korea hold talks at DMZ village 111 51. India, U.S. Set to mend trade ties 111 52. In tightrope walk, India schedules talks with Iran and U.S. 112 53. Mattis, Pompeo to travel to India in September for 2+2 112 54. India to host U.S. For 2+2 talks 113 55. INCAN burial site uncovered in Peru 113 56. Rs. 809 crore french loan for 15 smart cities projects 114 57. Germany can extradite puigdemont 114 58. 80% chance of Britain leaving EU, says Cameron 115 59. FARC rebels apologise to the nation 115 60. Korean mountain temples, Japan’s Christian sites added to UNESCO list 115 61. IAF participation in ex pitch black 2018 117 ECONOMY 1. A year on, GST gears up for the long haul 118 2. ‘Third Eye' to monitor traders on GSTN 119 3. GST compensation given to states was only rs. 5,000 crore 119 4. Manufacturing PMI at 53.1, highest since December 119 5. Services PMI returns to growth in June 120
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6. Infrastructure sector growth dips to 10-month low of 3.6% in May 120 7. GST council may mull taxing natural gas 120 8. Over 50 products cheaper as GST council slashes rates 121 9. What is the GDP Deflator? 121 10. Scrapping GST on sanitary pads may not aid local makers 122 11. Jaitley slams action against bankers 123 12. Government taps RBI to track all transactions 123 13. RBI flags states’ fiscal stress 123 14. Three lakh csc vles to be engaged as banking correspondents 124 15. Be cautious in shifting to DBT, RBI tells states 125 16. Expect more PSU banks to receive capital 125 17. Cryptocurrency trade braces for RBI ban 126 18. Cryptocurrencies will boost illegal transactions 126 19. Banks agree to resolve stressed assets quickly 127 20. FDI growth hits 5-year low 128 21. Tariffs cut on ASIAN imports under APTA 128 22. Currency derivatives 129 23. SEBI to float paper on fund raising via bonds 129 24. Mehta panel recommends setting up amc for large, stressed loans 130 25. Rupee still overvalued by 5-7% 130 26. 3 M.P. Cities to raise funds through Municipal Bonds 130 27. Indian start-ups make a beeline for funding at rise 130 28. India may lose U.S. Trade spat in WTO over export support 131 29. SAT refuses to revoke rap against SEBI 131 30. FDI inflows 131 31. Kearney's FDI Confidence Index 132 32. Iran becomes India’s no. 2 oil supplier 132 33. Invest India 133 34. IMF cuts India growth forecast for 2018 by a notch to 7.3% 133 35. Why is the WTO facing challenges? 134 36. UN model eyed for cross-border norms 135 37. Ladakh’s connectivity conundrum 135 38. Telecom firms oppose TRAI's public Wi-Fi model 136 39. U.S. Team begins audit of DGCA 136 40. Counter-drone strategy for country's airports is ready 137 41. Indian railways launches “Mission Satyanishtha” 137
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42. MSP for paddy hiked by Rs. 200 138 43. Alternative cereals can save water 139 44. Farm policies off target 139 45. In knotty problems 140 46. NITI Aayog partners with GNFC Ltd 141 47. A clean cooking strategy 141 48. Solar import duty to drive costs, local firms may not gain 142 49. An index to determine the value of coal blocks 142 50. Intellectual property rules amended 143 51. Andhra pradesh, Telangana and Haryana top rankers in Ease of Doing Business 144 52. Cabinet relaxes NELP, Pre-NELP pact rules 144 53. Reconstitution of National Bamboo Mission 145 54. Atal Innovation Mission & MyGov launches “Innovate India Platform” 145 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 1. PSLV bags first Australian order 146 2. Agni-V to be part of Nuclear Arsenal soon 146 3. China aims to outstrip NASA with super-powerful rocket 147 4. Astronomers capture image of a planet's birth 147 5. ISRO to test its astronaut escape feature 148 6. Hybrid rocket tech in future 148 7. Six bids to supply 110 fighters for IAF 148 8. Tejas price comes under scrutiny 149 9. The lowdown on Triumf system 150 10. Brahmos tested in extreme weather conditions 150 11. Upgraded vikas engine - with more thrust - will boost isro's rockets 151 12. ISRO ropes in 3 partners 151 13. Einstein was right 152 14. New algorithm that may predict your intelligence 152 15. Novel nuclear medicine technique can combat brain disease 153 16. Study links diabetes to air pollution 153 17. Nipah outbreak from fruit bats 153 18. Indian-origin scientist gets funding for project 154 19. Create Leprosy awareness 154 20. Emerging antimicrobial resistance in Leprosy 155 21. Getting the generic drug plan right 156 22. Novel trial wipes out 80% of harmful mosquitoes 157
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23. Pigment in Goa mushroom may help fight Cancer 157 24. Why is there a row over Ayushman Bharat rates? 157 25. FDA approves drug to treat Smallpox 158 26. Global trail: Tramadol high on drug enforcement agenda 158 27. SC declines to stay new rules on tobacco products 159 28. Nano-bubbles triggered by x-ray can target cancer 159 29. Nanovesicles used to improve cancer drug delivery 159 30. Cholesterol helps bacterial toxins kill cells 161 31. Giving shape to the TB fight 162 32. Fish samples test positive for Formalin 163 33. Formaldehyde is naturally found in fish 163 34. Setbacks in quest for a cure to AIDS 163 35. Special AYUSH clinics for the elderly 164 36. Poshan Abhiyan (National Nutrition Mission) 164 37. Breakthrough in stem cell proliferation 165 38. Scientists decode how mustard plants tolerate salt 165 39. Google exports India public Wi-Fi model 165 40. In AI, Radiology finds a new ally 166 41. Centre plans stronger defences for key data 167 42. Users own data, not entities storing them 167 43. Quantum computers have an edge over classical ones 168 44. Microsoft urges regulation of face-recognising technology 168 45. Google unveils AI chips 169 46. Prasadam will be offered first to FSSAI, then God 169 47. Spiky-headed dinosaur with menacing tail ate only plants 169 48. ‘Rent-a-lab' policy to bring revenues to institutions 170 49. State to tap benefits of Salicornia 170 50. Army to get artillery guns from September 171 51. Medical tourists flocking to India 171 52. Lithium-ion battery factory 172 53. IISC's rare feat in test for superconductivity 172 54. ‘Made in india’ tank engines handed over to the army 173 ENVIRONMENT 1. Is bioplastic a solution to plastic pollution? 174 2. Chuck that plastic for a bamboo sipper 174 3. ICAT releases first BS-VI engine certificate 175
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4. China firms using ozone-harming gas 175 5. SC decries pathetic state of Taj 176 6. SC lashes out at centre on pollution 176 7. NGT says no effective steps taken to clean river Ganga 177 8. Arsenic contamination in paddy is rising in Bengal 177 9. Koala bear genome decoded for first time 178 10. Winged guests arrive at Bhitarkanika for nesting 178 11. Test-tube embryos may save northern White Rhinos 178 12. Pir panjal Himalayas yield new ant species 179 13. Golden Jackal faces threat in its habitat 179 14. Harriers decline as grasslands disappear 180 15. Collared a Dhole 180 16. National Moth Week 180 17. These beautiful strangers now thrive in India 181 18. India has potential to be the global leader in tiger conservation 181 19. Arunachal stares at water scarcity 182 20. Climate change threatens Nilgiri Tahr 182 21. India to give flash-flood warning to Asian nations 183 22. Western Ghats fourth best tourist spot in Asia 183 23. India to expand polar research to Arctic as well 184 MAINS SPECIAL PAPER-II 1. Reforming Higher Education 185 2. Traffickers, peddlers, mules or users? 186 3. Fault lines in a ‘landmark’ judgment 187 4. Government-mukt governance 188 5. The bilateral limits of hype: on India-U.S. Relations 189 6. Freedom from being ‘India-locked’: on Nepal-India relations 189 7. Rhetoric and reality: on the UNHRC and Human Rights 190 MAINS SPECIAL PAPER-III 1. The paradox of job growth 193 2. Overdue correction: on revisiting the companies act 194 3. The dream of being an AI powerhouse 195 4. Gearing up for space wars: on America’s plans to build space weapons 196 MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
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SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT
1. BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE SOCIETY Introduction The vision of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, in tune with our constitution, is to build an inclusive society where the most oppressed and backward sections of our population can live a life of dignity, pride and actively contribute to the nation’s human capital. These sections of the population are an important target group for the policies and programmes of the Government, and this focus has translated in the country wide missions such as the ongoing Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, Aspirational Districts program, the Mission Antyodaya (MA) etc. Scheduled Caste Development To meet its goal of educational empowerment of the SC population, a large portion of the Statistics on Target Population department’s budget is directed to scholarships SCs comprise 16.6 per cent of the and there has been considerable success in its country’s population as per census 2011. distribution within the target group. 46859 villages in the country spread over The flagship scheme of the Department, Post- 522 districts, which have more than 50 Matric Scholarship (PMS-SC) for SC students has per cent SC population. been in operation since 1944 and is the single No enumeration of OBC castes done after largest intervention by the Government of India independence. Mandal Commission for the educational empowerment of scheduled estimated OBC population at 52 per cent caste students. while NSSO estimated 41.7 per cent Welfare of SCs (2009-10). An important act for protection and dignity of Senior Citizens number 10.36 crore. members of SC and ST community is the Victims of substance abuse believed to be Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes around 1 percent of the total population. (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The 296 amendments broadly relate to provisions of relief amount for 47 offences of atrocities, rationalization of the phasing of payment of relief amount, enhancement of relief amount between Rs. 85,000/- to Rs. 8,25,000/-, depending upon the nature of the offence, payment of admissible relief within seven days and completion of investigation and filing of charge sheet within sixty days to enable timely commencement of prosecution. Beyond education, the department has adopted an area based approach for the development of SC habitations, which focuses on education, health and nutrition, Swacch Bharat, livelihood and skill development. The Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY) envisages an integrated development of SC majority villages, primarily through convergent implementation of central and state schemes, by providing central gap-filling assistance.
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Backward Classes Development Skill development is an important intervention and is being undertaken through the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC). The way forward is to build upon basics and move towards the development of entrepreneurship abilities of this group, resulting in job creation as well. Social Defence An important but often neglected target group, is the senior citizens; whose numbers as well as the old age dependency ratio is growing exponentially. Under the existing scheme of Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens, cost norms had been increased up to 110 per cent w.e.f. 01.04.2015, which have further been increased, up to 104 per cent, from 01/04/2018. Under the Rastriya Vayoshri Yojana, a scheme meant for providing living assisted devices, a total of 292 districts have been selected. Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers In the 150th birth year of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, the department is committed to correct the historical injustice and indignity suffered by manual scavengers, and rehabilitates them to a life of dignity. Manual scavengers identified in the National Survey will be each given payment of One Time Cash Assistance (OTCA) of Rs.4000 and rehabilitated through subsequent measures. Further, the NSKFDC will focus on areas of training, rehabilitation and awareness generation. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program will be utilized to train 10000 sanitation workers and waste Pickers in safe, healthy and mechanized cleaning. Conclusion The Department is committed to fulfill promise made in the constitution, Article 38, 59 secure a social order for the promotion of welfare of the people, which is in keeping with the guiding principle of this government in ‘Sabka Saath & Sabka Vikas’. This goal will be realized only when the target population of this department, the marginalized and vulnerable are empowered to fulfill their true potential.
2. GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FOR WEAKER SECTIONS Introduction The successive Governments in India have also made essential amendments to the constitution and brought legislative framework to ensure social and economic safeguards to the deprived sections of the society. As an initial step banks have been nationalized, provisions have been made for priority sector lending requirements for banks; lead bank scheme was introduced to ensure government policy initiatives to get shape in action. Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) has been established to provide last mile connection to the people in rural areas and have banking facilities at their door steps, the concept of service area approach have been brought in.
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Self Help Groups (SHGs) bank linkage programmes were introduced to give a platform for needy people to come up with business and innovative ideas to self sustain and engage in gainful economic activities, etc. The important role played by Government, RBI, the Nationalised Banks, Scheduled Banks, Regional Rural Banks and now Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) in promoting inclusive growth and addressing barriers and challenges on the demand as well as supply aspects of financial inclusion needs appreciation. Barriers for Financial Inclusion The demand sides, the reasons identified in the study for financial exclusion are low income, poverty, illiteracy and lack of awareness. From the supply side branch proximity, timings, cumbersome documentation and procedures, attitude of the bank staff and language are the reasons cited. In-spite of various measures initiated by the Reserved Bank of India and Government of India, satisfactory results are yet to be witnessed. The challenges are customer related and technical issues. Mobile number registration and pin number generation is a big deterrent for customer along with financial illiteracy. Access channels, coordination with mobile service operators are other challenges for banks. Less efficiency of business correspondents also limits the success of financial inclusion. Lack of financial literacy and poor marketing of financial products leads to low awareness among urban poor depending on the informal credit sources which cater according to their convenience. There is also a large degree of self exclusion due to the existence of informal credit sources meeting their convenience. The complex financial services market offers a wide range of products; however lack of awareness restricts the use of these products. Financial Inclusion and the Government The National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSCFDC): o The broad objective of NSFDC is financing, facilitating and mobilizing funds for the economic empowerment of scheduled caste communities living below the Double the Poverty Line (DPL) limit. The National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC): o A company not for profit to provide concessional financial assistance to scheduled tribes for their economic and educational development. o NSTFDC assists Self Help Groups and extends financial assistance for projects having unit cost upto Rs.25 lakh per S.H.G. and provides upto 90 percent of the cost of the project subject to per member loan not exceeding Rs.50,000/-. The National Safaikarmacharies Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC): o The SCAs disburse the funds to the ultimate beneficiaries in association with the District Social Welfare Department.
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The National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC): o The company is a not for profit with an objective to promote economic and developmental activities for the benefit of Backward Classes and to assist the poorer section of these classes in skill development and self employment ventures. The National Minorities Finance and Development Corporation (NMDFC): o The Prime mandate of NMDFC is to provide concessional finance to the Minorities for self-employment /income generation activities. o As per the National Commission for Minorities are Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis. o Subsequently, Jain community was also added into the list of notified Minority Communities in January 2014. Under NMDFC programme, preference is given to artisans and women. Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK): o Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD). o The main objective is to provide micro-credit to poor women for various livelihood support and income generating activities at concessional terms in a client-friendly procedure to bring about their socio-economic development. MUDRA Yojana: o The Finance Minister announced the formation of MUDRA Bank. o For Providing loans upto 10 lakh to the non-corporate, non-farm small/micro enterprises. Loans are given by Commercial Banks, RRBs, Small Finance Banks, Cooperative Banks, MFIs and NBFCs. Stand-Up India Scheme: o Facilitates bank loans between 10 lakh and 1 crore to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribes (ST) borrower and at least one women borrower per bank branch for setting up a Greenfield Enterprise. Venture Capital Fund Scheme: o A first of its kind Venture Capital Fund was launched by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India to promote entrepreneurship in India among the Scheduled Castes by providing concessional finance to them. Prime Minister Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) o Hon’ble Prime Minister announced a new scheme Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) on August 15, 2014, to ensure financial inclusion for weaker sections of the society for providing banking, pension and insurance to reduce the negative effects of earlier schemes, thus giving them financial freedom and stability. 1.5 crore bank accounts were opened under this scheme across the country. o These schemes clearly highlight that the government is committed to the cause of inclusive empowerment of weaker sections of the society. o As stated, various landmark initiatives have been taken under the present regime to eliminate poverty and empower the disadvantaged sections of the society.
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3. SOCIAL CHANGE AMONG SCS AND STS Introduction The Constitution had recognized the less privileged and more disadvantaged groups (Scheduled Castes for their structural disadvantage based on ritual status and Scheduled Tribes for their geographic isolation and disadvantage) for special safe-guards and affirmative measures such as anti-discrimination, anti-atrocity and positive discrimination laws such as prohibition of the practice of un-touchability (in the case of SCs), protection of right to the land and habitation (in the case of STs), provision of scholarships and reservations in education and employment (for both the SCs and STs), and more recently, ear-marking sub-plans in union and state budgets cutting across various departments of the government for improving the lot of both the SCs and STs. Without doubt, one can safely claim that reservations in higher education and in government employment are the main sources of creating a ‘new’ educated middle class among the Scheduled Castes and Tribes in the post-independent India. The stricter implementation of reservations in higher education and in government jobs have even motivated more and more first generation SCs and STs to break the glass-ceiling of social mobility, thereby empowering them in all respects-social, economic and political. Firstly, the major effect of social empowerment of the disadvantaged is that it had increased their aspirations to get good and relevant education for employment. The transition from elementary to secondary and from secondary to higher education has improved, though there is much to be desired in these transitions. Higher Education Participation The process of social and economic empowerment had increased participation of SCs and STs in higher education, which is a passport to better life, social status and economic opportunities. For instance, SCs have improved their participation by registering a Gross Enrolment Ratio(GER) of 19.1 percent in 2014-2015 in comparison to a mere 8.4 percent in 2005-06.s Similarly, the Scheduled Tribes have improved their GER in higher education from 6.6 percent in 2005-06 to over 13.7 percent in 2014-15. The period between the years 2000 and 2015 has witnessed a higher rate of growth of higher education participation rates for all groups, more so for SCs. Women from SCs and STs too have benefitted tremendously from this boom. For example, the higher education participation rates among SC and ST women almost tripled between 2005-06 (6.4 for SC women and 4.7 for ST women) and 2014-15 (18.2 for SC women and 12.3 for ST women. The quantum jump in higher participation rates of SCs and STs symbolizes a new consciousness regarding relevance of education for social and economic empowerment among these groups. It also means that there has been a huge induction of first generation SCs and STs into the fold of benefits of higher education and thus into the process of social empowerment.
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Another development that is observed in the post liberalization era is that more and more educated SC/ST professionals are going abroad for higher education and for employment, and are also setting up diasporic groups in their host countries, which signifies tremendous social and economic empowerment the disadvantaged have attained. On the flip side, within the country, it may be noted that the atrocities and discrimination continue to come to light even today, making the gains look a bit meager. A Few Concerns The adverse effect of the growing process of privatization of higher education on the socially disadvantaged is significant as it seems to limit social mobility prospects among aspiring SCs and STs. Two implications may be drawn. First, since much of the growth of higher education in the post 2000s is in private higher professional education, it is not accessible to large sections of SCs and STs as it does not facilitate reservations as mandated in the Constitution. As a result, a high proportion of entrants into higher education from SCs and STs are in the general higher education, which means that their chances of employment are rather bleak. Second, as there are no reservations in private sector employment where large scale employment opportunities are currently found, SCs and STs are either left out or become educated unemployed. These twin issues in a way keep the momentum that the country had gained post independence in stimulating a process of social change among most disadvantaged tardy. Moreover, the gender parity among all groups (in particular among SCs and STs) remains a serious issue. Importantly, SC and ST women from urban areas fare much better than their rural counterparts, which mean that the bulk of women are not benefitting from the social change that is occurring through widened access to higher education. Another cause of concern amidst such a dismal picture of educated employment scenario is that the jobs in the government sector have consistently shrunk and are not expanding as a result of growing trends of privatization in post liberalization era. Therefore, while the lot of SCs and STs has improved significantly over the past few decades, it remains far more to be improved. It is beyond doubt that access to and retention in good quality higher education and subsequent opportunities for secure employment are clear means of social empowerment among these historically marginalized groups.
4. EMPOWERNMENT THROUGH POLITICAL INTERVENTIONS Empowerment has been defined as 'the expansion of people's capabilities and choices, the ability to exercise choice based on freedom from hunger, want and deprivation; and the opportunity to participate in, or endorse, decisions that affect their lives'. Empowerment involves two important aspects: developing capabilities, negotiating skills and the ability of people on the one hand; and obtaining authority to make decisions or participate in decision making on affairs that affect their lives on the other.
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Empowerment necessarily demands political inclusion in the institutions of decision-making and a change in the existing power relations, where certain sections of society remain outside the decision-making arena due to their specific historical socio-cultural experiences. Political representation of marginalised or excluded groups in the institutions of governance will provide them with substantial power to change the rules of the game and also to negotiate the power relations with the privileged sections of society. Marginalized Sections India has a population of 1.3 billion, and even with an average economic growth rate of 6-7 percent per annum, almost one fourth of its population still lives in poverty. The economic condition of the poor is inextricably intertwined with the social dimensions of, his well-being, equity and social rights. The vulnerable and marginalized groups in India are not distinct and easily identifiable. The social fabric is ethnically diverse, socially stratified and heterogeneous in composition. The Constitution provides protective and preferential treatment to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, including the right to be treated equally and affirmative action in the form of reservations in educational institutions and public sector. It also prohibits any practice of discriminating or excluding individuals from social interaction, public places or even physical contact against these groups. But even in the less violent spheres of economic and social lives, participation of the marginalized groups in Panchayati Raj System is dismal because of pressures and restrictions. Their access to political participation depends on their economic and political relations with the dominant social class. Historical Background Mahatma Gandhi strongly believed in Gram Swaraj. According to him, the villages should be governed by themselves through elected panchayats to become self sufficient. But surprisingly, they were not included in the draft Constitution. Due to Gandhiji's intervention it was included in Article 40 of the Directive Principles of the State Policy. To bring enthusiasm in panchayats, the Planning Commission appointed a study team headed by Balwantrai Mehta in 1956. The committee had recommended that "only grass root level agency can establish a link between local leadership and the local people" and it recommended three-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in the country. 73rd Constitutional Amendment In September 1991, the Panchayati Raj Bill was introduced and later it was passed in 1992 as the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act with minor modifications and came into force on 24th April 1993. The significant feature of this act is that it gave Constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions and it became mandatory to all the state governments to implement this act. This Amendment brought uniformity in structure, composition, powers and functions of PRIs.
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It gave impetus to Panchayati Raj to promote social and economic development and improvement in living conditions of rural India. A landmark feature of the act is that in all the panchayats, seats should be reserved for SCs and STs in proportion to their population and 1/3 of the total number of seats will be reserved for women. Reservation of seats and offices of the chairpersons for scheduled castes (SCs) and scheduled tribes (STs) in proportion to their population has the potential to bring radical change in the socio-political structure of this country. Marginalised Sections in PRIs At present, seventeen states are implementing 50 per cent reservation to women at all levels of Panchayati Raj. Article 243D also specifies the mandatory rotation, i.e., the structural constraints of reservation of seats among constituencies from one election to the next election in the 3-tier Panchayati Raj system. Though the act failed to provide second term to the contestants in the same constituency but it has helped the same group/ community to contest in neighboring constituency under reservation. This is the real transformation of participatory democracy for the marginalized sections of the society. Another interesting factor on women in panchayati raj is that political empowerment has enhanced their social status. It has enabled them to participate in all matters connected with the society on an egalitarian basis. Marginalized Sections: Challenges The states such as Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Chhattisgarh Maharashtra, and Rajasthan have also introduced the two-child norm as eligibility criteria for contesting elections. Though this norm goes against both men and women, it is more detrimental to women especially to the scheduled castes and schedule tribe community because majority of the families follow the big and joint family norm. The continued dominance of traditional/dominant groups in rural India and the constitutional provisions of 73rd Amendment have intensified the antagonistic or conflict ridden rural situation which result in, more often than not, the violations of human rights on mass scale including violence, bloodshed and loss of life. The dominant groups oppose the weaker sections, particularly scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, to exercise their constitutional rights by participating in the process of voting, campaigning, attending meetings, running for office, lobbying their own representatives, etc., independently. Conclusion The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act intends to empower the marginal sections of the society.
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Though, in the initial period the act could not bring a change as expected due to a number of factors like hierarchical division of society, traditional institutions, proxy's involvement and poor economic condition of the marginal communities. Of late, the marginalized communities themselves are actively participating in the decision making and implementing process particularly in developing their communities and also their localities. Despite all these there are still some issues which need to be addressed sincerely like sharing of power with women. A positive step in this direction would give impetus to the empowerment of women in PRIs, particularly of the marginalized communities.
5. EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN The Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing various schemes/programmes for empowerment of women across the country. The details of those schemes are as follows: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), a comprehensive programme is being implemented to address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and related issues of empowerment of women over a life-cycle continuum. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), {erstwhile Maternity Benefit Programme} has been contributing towards better enabling environment by providing cash incentives for improved health and nutrition to pregnant and nursing mothers. Scheme for Adolescent Girls aims at girls in the age group 11-18, to empower and improve their social status through nutrition, life skills, home skills and vocational training. Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra scheme, promote community participation through involvement of Student Volunteers for empowerment of rural women. National Creche Scheme to provide day care facilities to children of age group of 6 months to 6 years of working women who are employed. Rastriya Mahila Kosh (RMK) to provide micro-credit to poor women for various livelihood support and income generating activities at concessional terms in a client-friendly procedure to bring about their socio-economic development. Swadhar Greh to provide relief and rehabilitation to destitute women and women in distress. Ujjawala, a Comprehensive Scheme for prevention of trafficking and for rescue, rehabilitation, reintegration and repatriation of victims of trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation. Working Women Hostels for ensuring safe accommodation for women working away from their place of residence. Under this scheme, 2 new proposals have been received and 2 sanctioned in Himachal Pradesh during last three years. Schemes of One stop Centre (OSC) and women Helpline (WH) are being implemented to facilitate access to an integrated range of services including medical aid, police assistance,
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legal aid/case management, psychosocial counseling and temporary support services to women affected by violence. Gender Budgeting Scheme is being implemented as a tool for mainstreaming gender perspective at various stages of planning, budgeting, implementation, impact assessment and revisiting of policy/programme objectives and allocations. The Scheme helps in strengthening of institutional mechanisms and training of various stakeholders so as to mainstream gender concerns in Central and State Governments.
6. CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE Our Constitution guarantees justice and equality of opportunity to all its citizens. It also recognizes that equal opportunity implies the competition between equals, and not ‘unequals’. Taking cognizance of the inequality in our social structure, the makers of the Constitution argued that weaker sections have to be dealt with on a preferential footing by the state. A special responsibility was, thus, placed upon the state to provide protection to the weaker sections of society. Accordingly, the constitution of India provided for protective discrimination under various articles to accelerate the process of building an egalitarian social order. In the Preamble to the Constitution of India, first, third and fourth goals respectively mentioned the security of all its citizens: Justice, Social, economic and political; Equality of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation. FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS Right to Equality Article 14. Equality before the law. Article 15. Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from imposing compulsory service for public purposes, and in imposing such service the State shall not make any discrimination on grounds only of religion, race, caste or class or any of them. Article 16. Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment. Article 17. Abolition of Untouchability. Article 24. Prohibition of employment of children in factories, etc. No child below the age of fourteen years shall be employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment. DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY Article 38. State to secure a social order for the promotion of the welfare of the people-
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1) The state shall strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing and protecting as effectively as it may a social order in which justice, social, economic and political, shall inform all the institutions of the national life. 2) The State shall, in particular, strive to minimize the inequalities in status, facilities and opportunities, not only amongst individuals but also amongst groups of people residing in different areas or engaged in different vocations. Article 39. Certain principles of policy to be followed by the state: The state shall, in particular, direct its policy towards securing: (a) that the citizens, men and women equally, have the right to an adequate means of livelihood; (b) that the ownership and control of the material resources of the community are so distributed as best to subserve the common good; (c) that the operation of the economic system does not result in the con to the common detriment; (d) that there is equal pay for equal work for both men and women; (e) that the health and strength of workers, men, and women, and the tender age of children are not abused and that citizens are not forced by economic necessity to enter avocations unsuited to their age or strength; (f) the children are given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity and that childhood and you are protected against exploitation and against moral and material abandonment. Article 39A. Equal justice and free legal aid: The State shall secure that the operation of the legal system promotes justice, on a basis of equal opportunity, and shall, in particular, provide free legal aid, by suitable legislation or schemes or in any other way, to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities. PROVISIONS RELATING TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITY AND THE OLD Article 41. Right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases — The State shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, Make effective provision for securing the right to work, to education and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disablement, and in other cases of undeserved want. PROVISIONS RELATING TO SCs, STs AND OTHER WEAKER SECTIONS Article 46. Promotion of educational and economic interests of Schedule sections: The State shall promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, and, in particular, of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, and shall protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation. Who comes under the ambit of SCs and STs. These are well defined under the article 366 (24) and 341 as under:
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Article 366(24) (24) Scheduled Caste means such castes, races or tribes or parts of or groups within such castes, races or tribes as are deemed under Article 341 to be Scheduled Castes for the purposes of this Constitution; Article 341: Scheduled Castes (1)The President may with respect to any State or Union territory, and where it is a State after consultation with the Governor thereof, by public notification, specify the castes, races or tribes or parts of or groups within castes, races or tribes which shall for the purposes of this Constitution be deemed to be Scheduled Castes in relation to that State or Union territory, as the case may be (2) Parliament may by law include in or exclude from the list of Scheduled Castes specified in a notification issued under clause (1) any caste, race or tribe or part of or group within any caste, race or tribe, but save as aforesaid a notification issued under the said clause shall not be varied by any subsequent notification. SAFEGUARDS FOR SCs AND STs SOCIAL SAFEGUARDS: 1. Article 17. It relates to the abolition of untouchability being practiced in the society. The Parliament also enacted the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 to tackle the problem of untouchability being practiced against Scheduled Castes. 2. Article 23. This prohibits human trafficking and beggar and other similar forms of forced labour and provides that any contravention of this provision shall be a punishable offence. Although this article is not specifically articulated for the SCs and STs because the majority of bonded labour is from SCs so it holds significance for them. 3. Article 25 (2) (b). It provides that Hindu religious institutions of a public character shall be opened to all classes and sections of Hindu. ECONOMIC SAFEGUARDS Article 46: Economic Safeguards are as in Article 46 above. EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL SAFEGUARDS Article 15(4) As mentioned above also under heading Fundamental Rights and subheading- Justice for equality, It empowers the State to make special provisions for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward class of the citizens and for SCs. This article enabled the State to reserve seats for SCs in educational institutions. Article 335 Allows relaxation in qualifying marks for admission in educational institutes or promotions for SCs/ STs. POLITICAL SAFEGUARDS Article 243D. Reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in every Panchayat. Article 243T. Reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in every Municipality.
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Article 330. Reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in the House of the People. Article 332 Reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in the Legislative Assemblies of the States. Article 334. Reservation of seats and the special representation to cease after sixty years. SERVICE SAFEGUARDS Article 16(4). This clause allows the state to reserve vacancies in public service for any backward classes of the state that are not adequately represented in the public services. Article 16 (4A). This allows the state to implement reservation in the matter of promotion for SCs and STs. Article 16(4B). This allows the state to consider unfilled vacancies reserves of vacancies not subject to a limit of 50 per cent reservation. OTHER SAFEGUARDS Article 164. Appoint special minister for tribal welfare in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Odisha. Article 275. Allows special grant in aids to states for tribal welfare. Article 338/338A/339. Establishes a National Commission of SCs and STs. Article 339 allow the central government to direct states to implement and execute plans for the betterment of SC/STs. Article 340. Allows the President to appoint a commission to investigate the condition backward classes and table the report in Parliament.
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POLITY
1. COURT NOTICE ON VACANCIES IN INFORMATION PANELS The Supreme Court directed the Centre and eight State governments to respond to a petition highlighting that a large number of vacancies in the Central Information Commission and the State Information Commissions have crippled the Right to Information Act and resulted in huge backlog. A Bench led by Justice A.K. Sikri issued notice to the Centre and Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Telangana, Karnataka, Odisha and Gujarat. The petition said that due to non-appointment of information commissioners, several information commissions take many months, and in some cases even years, to decide on appeals and complaints due to accumulation of pending appeals/complaints, defeating the entire object of the RTI Act, 2005. Currently, there are four vacancies in the Central Information Commission, though more than 23,500 appeals and complaints are pending.
2. SC SEEKS STEPS FOR APPOINTING LOKPAL The Supreme Court asked the government to file an affidavit in the next 10 days, detailing the steps it would take for the appointment of Lokpal, the anti-graft ombudsman. In May 2018, the Lokpal selection committee, led by the Prime Minister, had appointed former Attorney-General Mukul Rohatgi as eminent jurist to the panel that will short-list candidates. Besides the Prime Minister, the selection committee is composed of the Chief Justice of India and the Lok Sabha Speaker. Passed in 2014, the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013, were not implemented all these years because there was no Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the 16th Lok Sabha. The 2013 law includes the LoP as a member of the selection committee. However, on April 27, 2017, the Supreme Court clarified that the appointment process need not be stalled merely because of the absence of the LoP. The judgment dismissed the government's reasoning that the appointment process should wait till the Act was amended to replace the LoP with the leader of the single largest Opposition party. The hearing before Justice Gogoi's Bench is based on a contempt petition filed by Common Cause, represented by advocate Prashant Bhushan, for not implementing the April, 2017 judgment of the court.
3. SC PULLS UP CENTRE FOR ITS DELAY IN APPOINTING A LOKPAL The Supreme Court said the government’s stand on completing the appointment of the Lokpal is “wholly unsatisfactory”.
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Lokpal - An ombudsman to protect the common man from corruption in public service and power centres.
4. NATIONAL REGISTER OF CITIZENS - ASSAM The Supreme Court extended its June 30 deadline for publication of the final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) for Assam by a month. The charter is being prepared to identify illegal migrants in Assam. The State NRC Coordinator, Prateek Hajela, said it would not be possible to release the final draft as scheduled on June 30 as the State was reeling under floods. The first draft of the NRC was published in December-end on the top court's direction. July 30 NRC list only a draft Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) for Assam, to be published on July 30, was only a “draft” list. Even after the NRC was finalised, there was no question of putting anyone in detention centres as people could appeal before the Foreigner’s Tribunal. Many apprehensions expressed by several groups that the NRC was being used by the government for “religious polarisation” and several residents would end up in detention centres if their names did not figure in the draft list. The NRC is being updated in accordance with the Assam Accord signed on August 15, 1985. The entire process is being carried out as per the directions of the Supreme Court which is constantly monitoring the process. At every stage of the process, adequate opportunity of being heard is given to all persons. The entire process is being conducted according to law, and due procedure is being followed. Government wants to make it clear that the NRC is only a draft. After the publication of the draft, adequate opportunity for claims and objections will be available. All claims and objections will be duly examined. Adequate opportunity of being heard will be given before disposal of claims and objections. Only thereafter will the final NRC be published. Under the Citizenship Rules, any person, who is not satisfied with the outcome of claims, can appeal in the Tribunal.
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New rules to allow appeals on NRC The Centre is all set to amend the rules that would enable residents whose names don’t feature in the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to file an appeal before the Foreigners Tribunals in Assam. Amendments will be made to the rules in the Foreigners Tribunal Order, 1964 as under the existing law only State or Police could move the Tribunal against a person suspected to be illegally staying in Assam. As per directions of the Supreme Court, the Registrar General of India (RGI) is to publish the final draft list on July 30 to segregate Indian citizens living in Assam from those who had illegally entered the State from Bangladesh after March 25, 1971. The first draft containing the names of 1.9 crore out of 3.29 crore applicants was published on December 31 last year. It’s not straight to detention centres for those not on NRC The Home Ministry has advised Assam that no action should be initiated by the administration or the police based on the draft National Register of Citizens (NRC) to be published on July 30. There is no question of referring the persons whose names do not figure in the draft NRC to the Foreigners Tribunal as people are entitled to file claims and objections and due opportunity has to be given to them before final publication. The question of referring any person to a detention centre based on the NRC exercise also does not arise. The State government has been asked to issue clear instructions in this regard to all administrative and police functionaries. On Supreme Court directions, the Registrar-General of India (RGI) will publish the final list on July 30 to segregate Indian citizens living in Assam from those who had illegally entered the State from Bangladesh after March 25, 1971. The first draft containing the names of 1.9 crore out of 3.29 crore applicants was published on December 31, 2017. The second and final draft is scheduled to be published on July 30. Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju informed Parliament that 52 Bangladeshis currently in detention centres in Assam would be deported on July 30. In the past two years, 39 Bangladesh nationals were deported from Assam. The total number deported in 2013 was 5,234; the figure was 989 in 2014; 474 in 2015 and 308 in 2016. An official said the persons being deported were not part of the NRC, which certifies the citizens of India and not foreigners. Those being deported are not at all connected with the NRC. They are already declared foreigners by the Foreigners Tribunals and are in detention camps. Their nationality verification has been done by Bangladesh which has issued transit documents for them. They entered India with legal documents and might have overstayed, some as recent as three years back.
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The Ministry has asked the Assam government and neighbouring States to ensure maintenance of law and order in the run-up to, and after publication of, the draft NRC.
5. NAGALAND MAY FOLLOW ASSAM IN NRC UPDATE Nagaland may be the next State in the Northeast to update the 1951 National Register of Citizens after studying how the first-of-its-kind exercise in Assam pans out. Assam undertook the exercise in September 2015 and published the first draft with names of 19 million people, on December 31, 2017. The second draft is set to be published on July 30, 2018.
6. SC VERDICT ON CENTRE-DELHI POWER TUSSLE A five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra will pronounce its verdict on the ongoing tussle between the Centre and the democratically elected Arvind Kejriwal government over who wields the power to administer and govern the national capital. Delhi government appealed in Supreme Court challenging the August 2016 High Court judgment holding the Lieutenant-Governor as the administrative head of the Capital. The High Court had ruled that all decisions taken by the Delhi government Ministers must be communicated to the L-G, dealing a blow to the Aam Aadmi Party which has been engaged in a perpetual power struggle with the Central government-appointed official. At the core of the dispute is Delhi's unique position as a Union Territory functioning as the national capital. The AAP government has repeatedly highlighted that its government has no say over important departments like law and order and agencies such as the Delhi Development Authority. After its landslide victory in the Assembly elections in February 2015, the AAP government has clashed with the L-G over appointments, file clearances and control of the police department, which reports to the Centre. In June 2018, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Cabinet colleagues held an unprecedented nine-day sit-in at the official residence of Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal. Mr. Kejriwal accused the Delhi bureaucrats of skipping meetings called by him and his Ministers. He further claimed that the officials were "on a strike for four months" and that it was being "orchestrated by the PMO and coordinated by the L-G". L-G bound by ‘aid and advice' of Delhi government A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court unanimously held that Lieutenant- Governor Anil Baijal is bound by the "aid and advice" of the Arvind Kejriwal government. In case of difference of opinion, the L-G should straightaway refer the dispute to the President for a final decision without sitting over it or stultifying the governance in the National Capital.
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It concluded that the governance of Delhi cannot rest upon the whims of one functionary - the Lieutenant-Governor. Chief Justice Misra, along with Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and Ashok Bhushan in their separate but concurring opinions, cautioned the L-G against sending every "trivial" dispute with the government to the President. The judgment came on appeals filed by the NCT government against an August 4, 2016, verdict of the Delhi High Court, which had declared that the L-G has "complete control of all matters regarding the National Capital Territory of Delhi, and nothing will happen without the concurrence of the L-G." Delhi officials defy Kejriwal The impasse between the Aam Aadmi Party government and its bureaucrats over who controls matters of services continued, with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal warning officers of "serious consequences" if they continued to "defy" the Supreme Court's judgment. A five-member Constitution Bench ruled that the Lieutenant-Governor was bound by the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers on all matters, except for three reserved subjects - land, police and public order. On May 21, 2015, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs added a fourth subject - services. Hours after the judgment, Deputy Chief Minister and Services Department Minister-in-charge Manish Sisodia ordered the Department to change the approving authority for transfers of officers from the Lieutenant-Governor and bureaucrats to the Chief Minister and Ministers. The Department refused, saying the Home Ministry's notification had not been quashed and all matters would now be heard by another Bench of the Supreme Court. Mr. Kejriwal said that though the notification had not been quashed, it had become "infructuous" in the light of the 4 July 2018 judgment of the Supreme Court.
7. SPECIAL CATEGORY STATUS NOT FEASIBLE The Central government filed a counter affidavit in the Supreme Court expressing its inability to give Special Category Status (SCS) to Andhra Pradesh and said all commitments under the A.P. Reorganisation Act (APRA), 2014 had been addressed. It furnished details in the form of an annexure, listing out the financial and other forms of assistance given to the State since bifurcation. The affidavit was in response to a writ petition filed in the apex court by Telangana Congress leader Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy, who pleaded for clarity on issues concerning his State and Andhra Pradesh post-bifurcation, setting up of a steel plant at Bayyaram and the extent of submergence likely to be caused by the Polavaram project.
8. CONSULT UPSC FOR SELECTING POLICE CHIEFS The Supreme Court restrained the State governments from appointing Directors-General of Police without first consulting the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
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The State government concerned has to send to the service commission the names of the probable three months before the incumbent DGP is to retire. The UPSC will prepare a list of three officers fit to be DGP and send it back. It shall, as far as practicable, choose the people who have got a clear two years of service and must give due weightage to merit and seniority. The State, in turn, shall ‘immediately’ appoint one of the persons shortlisted by the commission. In 2006, the court passed seven directives, primarily to “ensure that State governments do not exercise unwarranted influence or pressure on the police.” Secondly, the court directed the States to “ensure that the DGP is appointed through a merit- based transparent process and secure a minimum tenure of two years.” The Centre, represented by Attorney General K.K. Venugopal, submitted that of 29 States only five Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana and Rajasthan have implemented the Supreme Court direction of 2006 to consult the UPSC on the appointment of DGPs. Mr. Venugopal submitted that some State governments have even gone to the extent of appointing their ‘favourite’ officers as DGP on the very date of their retirement so that they would continue to serve for another two years till the age of 62. Here, the court clarified that though States may make an endeavour to allow the DGP appointed to continue in office despite his or her date of superannuation, this extension of tenure should be only for a “reasonable period.” On the practice of States appointing ‘Acting DGPs’, the court ordered that States shall not “ever conceive of the idea” of such appointments. There is no concept of Acting DGPs.
9. CJI ALONE IS MASTER OF THE ROSTER The term ‘Chief Justice of India' denotes an individual judge and not a collective of the first three or five senior-most judges of the Supreme Court called the ‘Collegium'. It is the exclusive authority of this individual judge to allocate cases to fellow judges in his role as the master of the roster, a Bench of Justices A.K. Sikri and Ashok Bhushan clarified in their separate but concurring opinions. The ruling is based on a petition by former Law Minister Shanti Bhushan to have the Collegium collectively allocate cases. The master of roster may end up being an "absolute, singular and arbitrary power", Mr. Bhushan feared and said the Collegium should collectively allocate cases rather than have one man decide which judge should hear what case in the highest court in the land. But the court disagreed, saying the CJI is the ultimate authority to distribute judicial work. Justice Sikri wrote that the CJI is only a ‘first among equals' in his judicial functions on the Bench. As an administrator, he is their leader and spokesperson. With this latest verdict, the Supreme Court has declared its Chief Justice as the ‘Master of Roster' for the third time in the past eight months.
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Chief Justice Dipak Misra and some of his predecessors were criticised by four of his senior most judges, led by the now retired Justice Chelameswar, for allocating cases of national importance to select judges.
10. SC SAYS IT IS READY TO GO LIVE, CENTRE MOOTS A TV CHANNEL The Supreme Court said that it is ready to go live on camera while the government mooted a separate TV channel for live-streaming court proceedings. A three-judge Bench of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and Justices A.M. Khanwilkar and D.Y. Chandrachud said a live stream is only an extension of the ‘open court' system, where the public can walk in and watch court proceedings. However, with court proceedings beamed live on air, litigants, law students and the public can watch them as they happen. Chief Justice Misra said a livestream would help litigants follow the proceedings in their case and also assess their lawyers' performance. Attorney-General K.K. Venugopal proposed a dedicated channel like the Rajya Sabha TV and the Lok Sabha TV for the Supreme Court. He agreed that a livestream would keep a check on lawyers' conduct inside the courtrooms. With the entire country watching them, there would be fewer interruptions, raised voices and adjournments from the lawyers. Mr. Venugopal compared the scene inside the courtroom to the sober atmosphere in the British courts, where proceedings are live-streamed. He, however, expressed reservations about live-streaming cases involving national security concerns, matrimonial disputes and rape cases. A public viewing of marital dispute and rape case proceedings would seriously affect justice and amount to a violation of the fundamental right to privacy. Senior advocate Indira Jaising, who filed the petition in the court in person, said citizens have the right to information and matters of constitutional and national importance can be live- streamed. If livestream of the top court's proceedings is not possible, alternatively the video recording should be allowed. This writ petition is filed as pro bono for enforcement of public interest, to advance the rule of law and to bring accessibility and transparency in the administration of justice.
11. SC QUESTIONS FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION No one can violate the integrity and the bodily privacy of a woman in the name of religion. The observation, from a Bench led by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, came after the Centre condemned the practice of female genital mutilation performed by some communities on children as a religious practice. Chief Justice Misra said such practices on children were an offence under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Why should anyone have the authority to touch the female genital no one can use religious practices to touch the female body.
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Mr. Venugopal submitted that female genital mutilation is punished with seven years' imprisonment. However, the court also decided to hear an application for impleading filed by the Dawoodi Bohra Women's Association for Religious Freedom. Khafz/female circumcision as practised by the Dawoodi Bohra community is not female genital mutilation. It was an essential part of their religion and protected under the Constitution.
12. CHOOSING A PARTNER IS A PERSON'S FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT Choice of a partner is a person's fundamental right, and it can be a same-sex partner. The observation came on the first day of hearing by a five-judge Constitution Bench of petitions challenging the constitutionality of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, a colonial- era provision that criminalises private consensual sex between adults. Submission by senior advocate Arvind Datar, for hotelier Keshav Suri, stated that the right to sexual orientation was meaningless without the right to choose a partner. The March 2018 judgment in the Hadiya case held that neither the state nor one's parents could influence an adult's choice of partner. That would be a violation of the fundamental right to privacy. Hadiya, a Hindu girl from Kerala, converted to Islam and chose to marry a Muslim man. Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra said the test was whether Section 377 stood in conformity with Articles 21 (right to life), 19 (right to liberty) and 14 (right to equality) of the Constitution. The 172nd Law Commission Report had recommended deletion of Section 377 but nothing had been done all these years. He said the government did not support Section 377. This was "clear as daylight" from the fact that it did not appeal in the Supreme Court against the historic Delhi High Court judgment of 2010 which had protected the LGBT community from Section 377. In fact, it was the Centre which filed the review petition against the apex court judgment of December 2013. The Constitution Bench is re-visiting the December 2013 verdict of the Supreme Court in the Suresh Koushal case, which had upheld Section 377. It had dismissed the LGBT community as a negligible part of the population, while virtually denying them the right of choice and sexual orientation. Mr. Rohatgi submitted that being gay or lesbian was not a matter of choice. "It is innate, inborn. Actually, it has something to do with the genes." He said Section 377 described such sexual acts as against the order of nature. But this [being LGBT] is also an order of nature because it is nature which gave them this. Everything changes with the passage of time. Laws made 50 years ago can become invalid over time. Section 377 falls under the section of "unnatural offences" in the IPC. What is unnatural? It can be between a man and man and also between a man and a woman. Sex even between a man and woman, but not in the conventional way, also becomes unnatural under Section 377.
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Government leaves decision on section 377 to the court The government chose not to take sides on the question of the legality of Section 377 IPC, a provision which criminalises homosexuality, leaving the decision entirely to the Supreme Court. The government’s decision to not contest writ petitions against Section 377 however came with a rider that the court should specify that the freedom to choose a partner does not extend to perversions like incest. Fall of Section 377 will embolden LGBTQ people Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra indicated that the collapse of the citadel of Section 377 IPC will open the gates for people from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) community to come to court to overcome discrimination and claim their individual rights. A declaration from the court will remove the ancillary disqualifications for people joining services, contesting elections. It will no longer be seen as moral turpitude. Justice Malhotra makes a case against Sec. 377 Justice Indu Malhotra, the lone woman judge on the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court hearing the fight against Section 377 of the IPC, made a strong case against criminalisation of homosexuality. Justice Malhotra, said homosexuality is only a variation and not an aberration. But the prejudice and stigma piled on the LGBTQ community had denied it even basic medical care in the country, especially in rural and semi-urban parts of the country. On the third consecutive day of hearing, Justice Malhotra spoke of the pressure on homosexual people from within the home. They succumb to marry the opposite sex, leading to a life of mental trauma and bi-sexuality. SC defends government stand on Sec. 377 The Supreme Court quickly came to the rescue of the government when it came under attack for not contesting the challenge to Section 377 IPC, which criminalises homosexuality. The court reasoned that a subsequent “development” in the form of a nine-judge Bench upholding privacy as a fundamental right in 2017 in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India case, may have prompted the Centre to leave the fate of the colonial provision entirely in the hands of the apex court. Advocate Manoj George, representing the Apostilic Alliance of Churches in India and the Utkal Christian Council, accused the government of taking a “U-turn” before the five-judge Bench, led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, examining the legality of Section 377 IPC. The December 2013 judgment in the Suresh Kumar Koushal case had upheld Section 377 and set aside the historic verdict of the Delhi High Court in 2009. Accept gay relationships Public acceptance of people in gay relationships will help meet health concerns and control the spread of HIV, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud of the Supreme Court told lawyers who argued in support of criminalising homosexuality.
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Same sex couples living in denial with no access to medical care were more prone to contracting and spreading sexually transmitted diseases, Justice Chandrachud observed reacting to arguments that homosexual behaviour leads to spread of HIV. The cause of sexually transmitted diseases is not sexual intercourse, but unprotected sexual intercourse. A village woman may get the disease from her husband, who is a migrant worker. This way would you now want to make sexual intercourse itself a crime?" Justice Chandrachud asked lawyers supporting Section 377. "So heterosexual people do not transmit HIV?" Justice Indu Malhotra asked K. Radhakrishnan, senior advocate for the Trust of God Ministries that is against striking down Section 377 IPC. Justice Rohinton Nariman, taking a cue from Justice Chandrachud's observations, said prohibitions have never resolved social issues. "If you license prostitution, you control it. If you kick it under the carpet owing to some Victorian-era morality, it will only lead to health concerns. All prohibition is wrong.
13. ADULTERY MUST REMAIN A PUNISHABLE OFFENCE The government submitted that dropping of adultery as an offence from the Indian Penal Code (IPC) will erode the sanctity of marriage and be detrimental to the “intrinsic Indian ethos.” In an 11-page affidavit which will be taken up before a Constitution Bench, the Centre said the provision punishing adultery — Section 497 of IPC — “supports, safeguards and protects the institution of marriage” considering the “unique structure and culture of Indian society.” The government agreed to the thought that “stability of a marriage is not an ideal to be scorned” and striking down Section 497 would destroy the fabric of society itself. The Constitution Bench is scheduled to decide on whether the pre-Independence provision of adultery in the IPC treats a married woman as her husband’s “subordinate” and violates the constitutional concepts of gender equality and sensitivity. The petition filed by Joseph Shine seeks to drop Section 497 as a criminal offence from the statute book. A three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice Dipak Misra had observed that the provision raised a question mark on social progress, outlook, gender equality and gender sensitivity. It was time to bring to the forefront a different view with focus on the rights of women. The Constitution Bench to be headed by Chief Justice Misra is likely to consider whether Section 497 treats the man as the adulterer and the married woman as a victim. The larger Bench may also examine why the offence of adultery ceases the moment it is established that the husband connived with or consented to the adulterous act. The provision really creates a dent in the individual independent identity of a woman when the emphasis is laid on the connivance or consent of the husband.
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14. WE’RE NOT A SURVEILLANCE STATE If the government seeks to monitor every social media message, the country will become a surveillance state. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who is a member of the Bench led by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, made the oral observation, about the Central government’s proposal to create a hub to track social media trends. The Bench was hearing a petition filed by Mahua Moitra, a Trinamool Congress legislator, who alleged that the proposal for a “social media communication hub” by the Centre is a “brazen attempt at mass surveillance.” Ms. Moitra said popular social media outlets like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc, would be tracked to identify the “buzz creators” and social media influencers. The petition said the aim of the hub is to create a technology platform “to collect digital media chatter from all core Social Media Platforms as well as digital platforms.” The Broadcasting Engineering Consultants India Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), has invited bids and proposals for choosing an agency to set up the hub. The tender closes by August 20. The court fixed the hearing for August 3 and asked the Attorney-General of India to be present.
15. ALLOW GAMBLING IN SPORTS BUT REGULATE IT The Law Commission of India submitted a report to the government, saying that since it is impossible to stop illegal gambling, the only viable option left is to "regulate" gambling in sports. The Commission, headed by former Supreme Court judge B.S. Chauhan, recommended "cashless" gambling in sports as a means to increase revenue and deal a blow to unlawful gambling. The money generated can be used for public welfare measures. For that, the revenue from gambling should be taxable under laws such as the Income Tax Act and the Goods and Services Tax Act. Transactions between gamblers and operators should be linked to their Aadhaar and PAN cards so that the government could keep an eye on them. The Commission recommended a classification of ‘proper gambling' and ‘small gambling.' Proper gambling would be for the rich who play for high stakes, while small gambling would be for the low-income groups. The panel wanted the government to introduce a cap on the number of gambling transactions for each individual: monthly, half-yearly and annual. Restrictions on the amount should be prescribed while using electronic money facilities such as credit cards, debit cards and net-banking. Gambling websites should not solicit pornography.
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The Commission said regulations should protect vulnerable groups, minors and those below the poverty line, those who draw their sustenance from social welfare measures, subsidies and Jan Dhan account-holders from exploitation through gambling. According to the Commission, foreign exchange management and foreign direct investment laws and policies should be amended to encourage investment in the casino/online gaming industry. This would propel tourism and employment. No to legalized gambling However, one of the members, Prof. S. Sivakumar, expressed strong dissent in a separate note filed with the government. He said the Law Commission's report was not "comprehensive." A country as poor as India should not allow ‘legalised gambling.' He said such a move would leave the poor poorer, and only vested interests want legalisation of gambling. He criticised the Commission for exceeding the brief given to it by the Supreme Court in 2016. The court had asked the Commission to look into the narrow question of legalising betting in cricket, and not sports as a whole. The reference had come in its judgment in the BCCI case involving illegal betting in IPL cricket matches.
16. SC COLLEGIUM STANDS FIRM ON JUSTICE JOSEPH The Supreme Court collegium has reiterated its recommendation to appoint Uttarakhand High Court Chief Justice K.M. Joseph as a Supreme Court judge. The collegium also separately recommended Madras High Court Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Orissa High Court Chief Justice Vineet Saran to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court will have a record three serving women judges with the appointment of Justice Banerjee. The court has nine vacancies. The collegium had first recommended Justice Joseph for the Supreme Court on January 10 when Justice Jasti Chelameswar was a part of it. After months of silence, matters turned from bad to worse when the government chose to unilaterally “bifurcate” Justice Indu Malhotra’s file and appoint her as apex court judge while Justice Joseph’s name was returned to the collegium. Justice Malhotra became the first woman lawyer to directly become a Supreme Court judge. Justice Joseph’s case is one of the first decisions taken by the collegium after Justice Sikri became a member with Justice Chelameswar’s retirement on June 22. Now, the government is bound by the collegium decision and has to appoint Justice Joseph to the apex court.
17. COLLEGIUM PICKS TAHILRAMANI AS MADRAS HC CHIEF JUSTICE The Madras High Court will shortly get a new Chief Justice in Justice V.K. Tahilramani with the incumbent, Justice Indira Banerjee, being recommended by the Supreme Court collegium for appointment to the top court.
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Meanwhile, the collegium recommended Patna Chief Justice Rajendra Menon to take over as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court. The acting Chief Justice, Justice Gita Mittal, has been recommended for appointment as the Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, a post that has been lying vacant since the retirement of its last Chief Justice, B.D. Ahmed, on March 15, 2018. Justice Mittal has been acting Chief Justice of the Delhi HC since April 2017.
18. BAN ON PROTESTS AT JANTAR MANTAR GOES In a victory for free speech, the Supreme Court lifted the ban on organising protests at the iconic Jantar Mantar Road and the Boat Club at India Gate in the national capital. Every individual or group, whether they are a minority or poor or marginalised, has the right to express their dissent to government policies and fight their social circumstances. It is their right to fight at a The right to protest is location within hearing distance of the power centres. All recognised as a fundamental that is required of them is to protest in an orderly and right under the Constitution. peaceful manner. The National Green Tribunal banned protests on Jantar Mantar Road in October 2017.
19. BAN ON ENTRY OF WOMEN IN SABARIMALA IS PATRIARCHAL Ban on entry of women of a certain age group at the Sabarimala temple is based on the “patriarchal” belief that the dominant status of a man in society makes him capable of austerity, while a woman, who is only a “chattel of a man,” is incapable of remaining pure for the 41 days of penance before the pilgrimage. The Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said the court could not accept a practice mired in patriarchy and chauvinism. The Travancore Devaswom Board, which is against the opening up of the Sabarimala temple to women aged between 10 and 51, responded that every religion then was based on male chauvinism. Sabarimala ban not based on misogyny The prohibition on the entry of women of a certain age into the Sabarimala temple is not based on misogyny, but the celibate nature of the deity, senior advocate K. Parasaran, appearing for the Nair Service Society, told the Supreme Court. His address to a Constitution Bench He disagreed with the court’s observations about extending Article 25 (2) (b) — opening of temples to women in the name of social reform and welfare. The Article holds that the freedom of conscience and religion will not stand in the way of any law mandating the “throwing open of Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and sections of Hindus.” He said that unlike what the court believes, this Article stood against the caste system. It was meant to allow Hindus of all castes into temples. It was a weapon against the yesteryear
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practice of denying “lower caste Hindus” entry into temples. The Article does not extend to women. It does not mention gender. In short, the basis of the Article is the abolition of caste- based exclusion and not gender-based exclusion. He pointed out how Article 15(2) of the Constitution, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of caste, gender and religion, does not include religious institutions on its list of “public places.” Article 15 (2) says no citizen should be restricted access to public places. Religious institutions are missing from the rather long list of public places mentioned in the Article, countering the Bench’s observations that the Sabarimala temple was a public place and women could not be denied entry there. He said the Lord Ayyappa at the Sabarimala temple is a “Naishtika Brahmachari” and devotees who come to offer him worship should appear to be brahmacharis. Hinduism is a faith of tolerance and not discriminatory. The women in Kerala are highly educated and follow a matriarchal system. They choose to accept the prohibition out of respect for the age-old tradition. Can’t ignore ban on women in sabarimala The Supreme Court said irrespective of the submissions that Lord Ayyappa of the Sabarimala temple has "celibate character", it could not remain "oblivious" of the fact that the entry of women in the age group of 10-50 was barred on the "physiological ground" of menstruation. The Bench, which was hearing pleas of the Indian Young Lawyers Association and others challenging the ban, asked whether the practice at Sabarimala of barring women of the age group of 10-50 years from entering the temple was an "essential and integral" practice of a religious denomination. Justice Chandrachud intervened and said there was no need to even go into the "essentiality" test and "the core of issue is whether Constitution overrides all other aspects. If yes, then nobody can exclude a class of women from visiting a temple." Due to this essentiality doctrine, judges, including the Supreme Court judges, are now assuming a ‘theological mantle,' which we are not expected to do. Constitution bench starts hearing sabarimala entry case A Constitution Bench led by the CJI Dipak Misra commenced hearing the question whether the fundamental right of women to pray at the Sabarimala temple amounts to discrimination "on a biological factor exclusive to female gender". The Supreme Court will scrutinise the age-old prohibition on women aged between 10 and 50 - that is, those who are in the menstruating age - from entering the temple. The Supreme Court had in its reference to the larger Bench in October 2017 questioned how a temple managed by a statutory board - Travancore Devaswom Board - and financed by the State government "can indulge in practices violating constitutional principles/ morality". The temple authorities had justified the ban, saying it was an age-old practice founded in tradition.
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Sabarimala temple bar unreasonable Tagging a woman's right to enter the famous Sabarimala temple with her menstrual cycle is unreasonable, the Supreme Court's Constitution Bench observed. The Bench, led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, asked whether the exclusion of women aged between 10 and 50 from entering a temple because they are considered ‘impure' amounts to the practice of untouchability, a social evil abolished by law. The CJI said there is no concept of "private mandirs (temples)." Once a temple is opened, everybody can go and offer prayers. Nobody can be excluded. The Chief Justice noted that the Sabarimala temple drew funds from the Consolidated Fund, had people coming from all over the world and thus, qualified to be called a "public place of worship." A batch of petitions has challenged the prohibition on women of a certain age group from entering the Sabarimala temple. The Kerala government pointed out to the Bench that the State supported entry of women into the Sabarimala temple. In 2016, the State had opposed it in the Supreme Court. Rule 3 (b) of the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Rules, 1965 allows a "religious denomination" to ban entry of women between the age of 10 to 50.
20. SET DEADLINE TO FILL CIC, SICS POSTS The Supreme Court put the government in the dock over long-pending vacancies in the Central Information Commission and the State Information Commissions, adjudicatory bodies under the Right to Information Act. A Bench of Justices A.K. Sikri and Ashok Bhushan asked the Centre and seven States to file affidavits with a deadline by which they would fill the vacancies. The affidavits have to be filed in four weeks. The court asked why four positions were still vacant in the CIC despite a government advertisement issued in 2016. The plea by the RTI activists Anjali Bhardwaj, Commodore (retired) Lokesh Batra and Amrita Johri has said that over 23,500 appeals and complaints are pending with the CIC. The petitioners said the Centre and the State governments had "attempted to stifle" the RTI Act by failing to appoint commissioners. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, for Ms. Bhardwaj, submitted that after 2016, the new advertisement was only published by the government, just hours before the hearing in the Supreme Court.
21. RERA VS IBC The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) offer protection to homebuyers from errant builders. RERA offers protection to homebuyers by imposing duties on promoters and consists of preventive and penal provisions.
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Every promoter shall register his project with RERA and 75% of the amount realised shall be deposited in a separate account; withdrawal from the account shall be in proportion to the degree of project completion, among others. Failure to comply entails penalty. On failure to give possession of the apartment, the homebuyer is given the choice to withdraw from the project and the promoter shall be liable to repay the amount received. In case of non-withdrawal, promoter shall pay interest for every month of delay till the date of handing over the possession. Post the recent ordinance promulgated in June 2018, homebuyers are included in the category of financial creditors under the IBC, thereby climbing up the ladder of precedence in recovery proceedings. Money given to real estate companies by homebuyers gets the commercial effect of a borrowing. Homebuyers can now form part of the committee of creditors that has the power to appoint the interim resolution professional and approve resolution plans, ensuring that their interests are not backtracked by other creditors. Being financial creditors, their voting share will be in proportion to the financial debts owed to them. An insolvency professional can be appointed to represent the interests of homebuyers when they exceed a certain number in the CoC. However, the threshold for such appointment is still unclear. It may be in the interests of homebuyers to approach the National Company Law Tribunal only when the promoter fails to remedy default under RERA or where RERA is not active.
22. CABINET APPROVES DNA TECHNOLOGY (USE AND APPLICATION) REG. BILL, 2018 The Union Cabinet has approved The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill 2018. The government was responding to a PIL in 2012 on the use of DNA profiling for identifying unclaimed bodies, especially to match them with cold cases of missing persons. The government had informed the Supreme Court that it will introduce a DNA profiling Bill in the Monsoon Session of the Parliament. The aggregate incidence of such crimes in the country, as per the statistics of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for 2016, is in excess of 3 lakhs per year. Of these, only a very small proportion is being subjected to DNA testing at present. It is expected that the expanded use of this technology in these categories of cases would result not only in speedier justice delivery but also in increased conviction rates, which at present is only around 30% (NCRB Statistics for 2016). The primary intended purpose for enactment of the bill is for expanding the application of DNA-based forensic technologies to support and strengthen the justice delivery system of the country.
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The utility of DNA based technologies for solving crimes, and to identify missing persons, is well recognized across the world. Other aims include Speedier justice delivery and Increased conviction rate. Bill’s provisions will enable the cross-matching between persons reported missing and unidentified dead bodies found in various parts of the country, and also for establishing the identity of victims in mass disasters. By providing for the mandatory accreditation and regulation of DNA laboratories, the Bill seeks to ensure the data remain protected from misuse or abuse in terms of the privacy rights of our citizens. Forensic DNA profiling is of proven value in solving cases involving offenses that are categorized as affecting the human body (such as murder, rape, human trafficking, or grievous hurt), and those against property (including theft, burglary, and dacoity). DNA profiles won’t be kept permanently India’s proposed DNA databank, to be used during investigation into crimes or to find missing persons, will not permanently store details of people. The DNA details will be removed, subject to judicial orders. There will be nothing permanent in a DNA bank. If there’s a criminal case, till the case is solved the DNA profile will remain in the bank. It will be removed after a judicial order. These things will be specified in the rules. The rules will come after Parliament approves the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018, the latest version of the DNA ‘profiling’ Bill framed by the Department of Biotechnology in 2015. The aim of that draft legislation was to establish an institutional mechanism to collect and deploy DNA technologies to identify persons based on samples collected from crime scenes or to identify missing persons. The Cabinet cleared the Bill on July 3. The Bill envisages a DNA Profiling Board and a DNA Data Bank. The 11-member Board, according to the proposed legislation, is supposed to be the regulatory authority that will grant accreditation to DNA laboratories. To help investigations, there would be a central databank as well as regional ones, and these would store DNA profiles under various heads, such as a ‘crime scene index’ or ‘suspects index’ or ‘offenders index.’ A moot point and this necessitated a Law Commission analysis was whether the databanks were secure enough to protect the privacy of those from whom DNA details were collected. It also deliberated on how, and who were authorised, to collect such information. Countries follow different rules. In France the profiles of convicted persons are kept for 40 years after conviction. Upon their 80th birthday, suspects’ profiles are removed by a motion of the prosecutor or the individual on the grounds that their storage no longer serves its original purpose.
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23. LEPROSY MUST NOT CONTINUE TO BE A GROUND FOR DIVORCE Leprosy must not continue to be a ground for divorce noted the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) stating that this disease is now fully curable, and that the archaic laws relating to leprosy must be relooked at. Leprosy is one of the world's oldest diseases with India accounting for over 60% of the annual new cases of leprosy and a home to around 800 self-settled leprosy colonies. While recognised as a disability under the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act of 1995, and being completely curable, persons affected by leprosy continue to face discrimination not only from the larger society but also the disability sector itself. The release noted that there are currently 119 provisions across various Acts passed by the Central and State governments that continue to discriminate against people affected by leprosy (PAL). These are also directly in contrast with the provisions of the Rights of Person with Disabilities Act 2016 that mandates non-discrimination and equality for all irrespective of disability. The NCPEDP has now constituted a core group on leprosy consisting of persons affected by leprosy, disability sector leaders, lawyers and activists and has also thrown its weight behind Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, which has filed a civil writ petition asking the Supreme Court of India to declare these provisions as unconstitutional because they discriminate against persons affected by leprosy.
24. PRESIDENT CLEARS BILL AGAINST WITCH-HUNTING President Ram Nath Kovind's assent to the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2015 that the Assam Assembly passed three years ago has rejuvenated the campaign of a barely literate 65-year-old woman, Birubala Rabha, against superstition that has claimed scores of lives. Ms. Rabha has been campaigning against witch-hunting after a quack almost killed her son in 1996. She stood her ground despite the threat of excommunication by the local shaman and went on to rescue over 50 women from being branded as witches before launching Mission Birubala against the menace. Ms. Rabha's inputs had gone into the legislation, making every offence under the Act "cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable." The Act prescribes a prison term of up to seven years and up to Rs. 5 lakh in fine for calling a person witch. It also has provisions to come with Section 302 of the IPC (punishment for murder) if someone is killed after being branded a witch. Another important person behind the legislation is Director-General of Police Kuladhar Saikia.
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As Deputy Inspector-General in Kokrajhar district, Assam, he launched Project Prahari in 2001, which blended normal policing with social campaigns to check the menace. The legislation is crucial in the present context in which communication technology is being used to magnify superstitious beliefs, black magic and social prejudices with fatal consequences, primarily affecting the life of marginal groups.
25. RTI BILL TO BE PLACED IN MONSOON SESSION The Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2018, which proposes to give the Centre the power to set the tenure and salaries of State and Central Information Commissioners, will be introduced in the Lok Sabha in the monsoon session. The Bill is being opposed by several Opposition political parties and RTI activists, who warn that the amendments will dilute the RTI law and compromise the independence of the Information Commissions. The current law gives Information Commissioners tenure of five years and salaries which match those of Election Commissioners. The Bill - which was only circulated to lawmakers- seeks to amend that. It's ironic that the process of amending a law meant to bring transparency itself lacks transparency. The functions being carried out by the Election Commission of India and the central and state Information Commissions are totally different. It argues that while the Election Commission is a constitutional body, the Information Commissions are statutory bodies, and their differing mandates mean that "their status and service conditions need to be rationalised accordingly." High stature and protected tenures were meant to ensure their independence. This is simply a way of giving the Central government a greater grip on Information Commissioners, who have been giving orders which the government finds inconvenient. NCPRI plans to hold a protest march in the capital and nationwide agitations against the Bill on the opening day of the monsoon session.
26. LS CLEARS DETENTION POLICY A Bill to amend the Right to Education (RTE) Act to abolish the ‘no detention policy' in schools was passed in the Lok Sabha. The States would decide at what level and who would conduct the examination. Under the current provisions of the RTE Act, no student can be detained till class 8 and all students are promoted to the next grade.
27. ACTIVISTS OPPOSE DRAFT ANTI-TRAFFICKING BILL The Union Cabinet has approved the draft Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill 2018.
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The proposed anti-trafficking Bill likely to be tabled in Parliament during the Monsoon Session will criminalise sex workers and transgenders, according to activists who have appealed to parliamentarians that the draft legislation be sent to the Standing Committee. Activists as well as sex workers have also appealed to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, which drafted the legislation, that the Bill should explicitly state that consenting adult workers will not be penalised under the new law. When a law prescribes life imprisonment for trafficking leading to AIDS or begging or injecting of hormones, it will ultimately lead to criminalisation of trans-identities. He added that the law would also lead to a multi-fold increase in violence against sex workers. If a sex worker is violated, she won't be able to go to court because she will be immediately understood as exploited, trafficked and sent to rehabilitation. The law will lead to increase in violence against sex workers and silence them. A sex worker at the press meet argued that forceful rehabilitation as laid down under the proposed legislation would uproot women like her and deprive them of their source of livelihood. Dr. S. Jana, who was part of a Supreme Court-appointed committee in the Buddhadeb Karmakar Vs State of West Bengal on rehabilitation of sex workers, said the Bill went against the basic tenets of rehabilitation as it did not distinguish between trafficking and sex work and failed to assure dignity to consenting adult sex workers. He said it would also be a roadblock in HIV prevention. Activist Aarthi Pai also argued that certain clauses in the Bill endanger freedom of expression. She said Section 36, 39 (2) and 41 which pertain to advertisements or material that promote trafficking as well as solicitation through electronic modes lend themselves to misuse. The Bill deals with trafficking and aggravated forms of trafficking. While the former category of crimes carry a jail term of seven to 10 years, the latter carry a punishment of 10 years in jail to life imprisonment. Aggravated offences include trafficking for the purpose of forced labour, begging, trafficking by administering chemical substance or hormones on a person for the purpose of early sexual maturity, or where a survivor contracts HIV. Lok Sabha passes anti-trafficking bill The Lok Sabha passed the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018. The Bill lays down a stringent punishment of 10 years to life imprisonment for aggravated forms of trafficking, which include buying or selling of persons for the purpose of bonded labour, bearing a child, as well as those where chemical substances are administered, and a survivor acquires life-threatening illnesses such as AIDS. The Bill proposes establishing a National Anti-Trafficking Bureau (NATB) for coordinating and monitoring of trafficking cases. It also provides for a Relief and Rehabilitation Committee and Rehabilitation Fund with an initial allocation of Rs. 10 crore.
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It prescribes forfeiture of property used or likely to be used for the commission of an offence. Trafficking is a borderless crime but jurisdiction issues come in the way of investigation. This Bill provides for the NATB to effectively address this aspect. Ms. Gandhi said the Bill was not intended to harass sex workers and that the government was against trafficking and not its victims.
28. BILL ON DEATH PENALTY FOR CHILD RAPE TO BE TABLED The Bill on awarding the death penalty for those convicted of rape of girls below the age of 12 will be introduced in the monsoon session of Parliament. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2018, once approved by Parliament, will replace the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance promulgated on April 21 following the outcry over the rape and murder of a minor girl at Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir and the rape of a woman at Unnao in Uttar Pradesh. A provision for the death penalty has been provided for rapists of girls aged under 12. The minimum punishment in the case of rape of women has been increased from rigorous imprisonment of seven years to 10. Under the Bill, in case of the rape of a girl aged under 16 and above 12, the minimum punishment has been increased from 10 years to 20. The punishment for gang rape of a girl aged below 16 and above 12 will be imprisonment for the rest of life of the convict. While punishments for crimes against girls was enhanced through amendment to the IPC, there was no mention of crimes against boys. The government will seek to correct that anomaly as well. POCSO amendment for enhanced punishment for sexual assaults on young boys has been approved by the Law Ministry. It will be sent to the Cabinet.
29. LAW PANEL REVIEWING SEDITION LEGISLATION The government told the Rajya Sabha that the Law Commission was considering the "scope and ambit" of the law on sedition, Section 124 A (Sedition) of the Indian Penal Code and suggest amendments, if any. The government's reply to Parliament said that during 2014-15, as many as 112 cases of sedition were registered across India and 36 persons were chargesheeted. During the period, the police secured conviction in only two cases.
30. FUGITIVE OFFENDERS BILL PASSED The Lok Sabha passed the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, which will now replace the ordinance by the same name promulgated by the President in April 2018. The Bill empowers special courts to direct the Central government to confiscate all the assets belonging to a fugitive economic offender, including those assets that are proceeds of the crime and that do not belong to the offender.
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The legislation gains importance against the backdrop of high-profile cases where individuals such as Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi escaped the country. The Opposition raised several objections to the Bill, including that it did not do any more than what's already provided for by the existing laws, that the Rs. 100-crore limit above which the law becomes applicable was untenable, and that the provision in the Bill disqualifying a fugitive economic offender from availing the Indian judicial system for civil cases was unconstitutional.
31. WCD TO MOVE PROPOSAL TO AMEND POCSO ACT The Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry is set to move a proposal before the Cabinet for enhanced punishment in cases of sexual assault of male children. The Law Ministry has cleared the proposal to amend the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, for enhancing punishment in cases of sexual assault against young boys. Amendments to the POCSO Act for enhanced punishment for sexual assaults of young boys have been approved by the Law Ministry. It will be sent to the Cabinet. The Ministry was working on the proposal to amend the Act to award death penalty to those convicted of raping children below 12 years. The move is being seen as an effort to bring in a gender-neutral law while dealing with cases of sexual assaults. Male child sexual abuse is an ignored reality in India. Boys who are sexually abused as children spend a lifetime in silence.
32. FRDI BILL NOT OFFICIALLY DROPPED, INTENT THERE While the government has decided to withdraw the controversial Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance (FRDI) Bill, no official action has been taken so far on this, with the Cabinet yet to approve the move. The FRDI Bill includes a provision of a ‘bail in' for banks, which would allow the use of depositors' money to refinance ailing lenders. The government, however, has repeatedly asserted that depositors in public sector banks need not worry as it would not allow such banks to fail under any circumstances.
33. LOK SABHA PASSES ANTI-GRAFT AMENDMENT BILL The Lok Sabha passed the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2018 that seeks to punish bribe-givers and bribe-takers. The Bill provides for jail terms of three to seven years, besides fine, to those convicted of taking bribes and those offering illegal gratification.
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The Bill also extends the ambit of public servants who will be protected by the provision of a prior government sanction for prosecution. There is also a provision now to get prior permission for starting an investigation and that has prompted many to say that the law has been “diluted” from its original draft.
34. AADHAAR MUST FOR HEALTH MISSION COVER The government has mandated the use of Aadhaar card for administering its massive Ayushman Bharat, or National Health Mission, that assures a Rs. 5 lakh health cover to 10 crore families. While possessing an Aadhaar card isn’t mandatory to avail services, a proof of enrolment, or request for enrolment, is mandatory. The Ayushman Bharat is scheduled to roll out in August 2018. A beneficiary eligible for receiving the benefits under the Scheme shall be required to furnish proof of possession of Aadhaar number or undergo Aadhaar authentication. Any beneficiary desirous of availing the benefits under the Scheme, who is not yet enrolled for Aadhaar, shall have to apply for Aadhaar by 31st March 2019 provided she or he is entitled to obtain Aadhaar. Those having trouble verifying biometrics will have the option of getting “face recognition,” a technology that is yet to see the light of day. If nothing works, the patients will be required to get the QR code scanned on their enrolment letter.
35. BANKS QUESTION UIDAI DIKTAT ON AUDIT The decision of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to appoint Deloitte as the only agency authorised to do mandatory audits of Information Security (IS) in banks, financial institutions and telcos using the Aadhaar-based authentication regime, has attracted flak from bankers. In a missive to banks and other Aadhaar agencies on April 4, 2018, the UIDAI had asked them to ‘enter a contract’ with Deloitte since the firm has been ‘empanelled’ by it. As per the UIDAI, Deloitte would perform the assessment once a year and a fixed fee of Rs. 1,94,700 per unit is to be paid by ecosystem partners to Deloitte for conducting the audit. Banks will also need to pay for the travel, boarding and lodging of Deloitte officials. According to bankers, not only are the specified costs too high, but the UIDAI’s move has created a monopoly situation for the firm. The inclusion of more alternatives as empanelled auditors could allow individual user agencies of the Aadhaar ecosystem to negotiate better rates and services. The controversy has been brewing since November 2017, when the UIDAI first issued a circular mandating Deloitte as the sole agency for the IS audit. Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) re-emphasised that Authentication Service Agencies (ASAs) and the requesting entities may engage UIDAI-empanelled auditor or any
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CERT-IN-empanelled information system auditor for the purpose of annual audit as per the requirement of Regulations 14(n) and 19(g) of Aadhaar (Authentication) Regulations, 2016.
36. FASTER VISAS FOR MINORITIES FROM THREE NATIONS Since 2011, nearly 30,000 Pakistanis have been granted long-term visas and, currently, 1,500 such applications are pending. The Home Ministry has further liberalised the process for granting long-term visas (LTVs) to minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The move comes days after one of its officials was arrested by the Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau for allegedly extorting money from Pakistani Hindu migrants for their visa extension, visa transfer and grant of citizenship. The Home Ministry has reduced the time limit for security clearance of applicants from 45 days to 21 days. After an application reaches the central system, it's forwarded to three agencies for verification - the State government, the Intelligence Bureau and the Home Ministry. In 2015, the government granted concessions to Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Afghanistan nationals belonging to the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Christian and Jain communities, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014, in respect of their entry and stay in India without proper documents or after the expiry of relevant documents. It also empowered revenue authorities in some States, not including Assam, to allow them to register properties and take up employment. The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2015 that proposes citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Parsis, Christians and Buddhists from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who came to India before 2014 has hit a hurdle. There has been strong resistance to the Bill in Assam as it seeks to grant citizenship to non- Muslims from Bangladesh in violation of the Assam Accord, 1985. There have been no exact numbers of such minority refugees from these countries but officials put the figure at around 2 lakh Hindu and Sikh refugees from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan living in India. There are 400 Pakistani Hindu refugee settlements in cities such as Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Jaipur. Hindu refugees from Bangladesh and the northeastern States.
37. RAJYA SABHA ADJOURNED OVER LACK OF QUORUM Proceedings in the Rajya Sabha were adjourned due to a lack of quorum. Congress member Jairam Ramesh stood up and protested that there were only two Ministers in the Treasury benches and no members. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Goel rushed out of the House to bring in some members, but his efforts went in vain. For quorum, a minimum of 25 MPs must be present. There were only 23 members. Over a dozen Rajya Sabha members, including senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram and Roopa Ganguly of the BJP, were in the Lok Sabha gallery to witness the debate on the no- confidence motion.
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38. BOUNDARIES OF 119 CITY WARDS TO CHANGE The Chennai Corporation will change the boundaries of 119 of the 200 wards as part of the delimitation exercise. The civic body has sent the final proposal to the Delimitation Commission. The boundaries of 81 of the 200 wards will remain unchanged even after delimitation in the 426 sq. km. of the city. Benefits Garbage collection will improve. It will improve civic services. Delimitation Commission of India Delimitation literally means the act or process of fixing limits or boundaries of territorial constituencies in a country or a province having a legislative body. In India, such Delimitation Commissions have been constituted 4 times – in 1952 under the Delimitation Commission Act, 1952, in 1963 under Delimitation Commission Act, 1962, in 1973 under Delimitation Act, 1972 and in 2002 under Delimitation Act, 2002. The Delimitation Commission in India is a high power body whose orders have the force of law and cannot be called in question before any court. These orders come into force on a date to be specified by the President of India in this behalf. The copies of its orders are laid before the House of the People and the State Legislative Assembly concerned, but no modifications are permissible therein by them. Constitutional Provisions Article 81 – Composition of the House of the People Article 82 – Readjustment after each census Article 170 – Composition of the Legislative assemblies Article 330 – Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the House of the People Article 332 – Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Legislative Assemblies of the States.
39. WEST BENGAL RENAMES ITSELF ‘BANGLA’ The West Bengal Assembly passed a resolution to change the name of the State as ‘Bangla’ in three languages — Bengali, English and Hindi.
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Previous issue The proposal to change the name of the State has been pending since August 2016, when the Assembly passed a resolution to change the name to ‘Bengal’ in English, ‘Bangla’ in Bengali and ‘Bangal’ in Hindi. The Centre, however, turned it down in 2017, objecting to having three names in three languages. Bengal House gives its nod for ‘Bangla’ There cannot be three different names and should stick to one name called ‘Bangla’. Amendment When the fresh proposal comes to the home ministry, it will prepare a note for the Union Cabinet for an amendment to the Schedule 1 of the Constitution. For this Constitution Amendment Bill will be introduced in Parliament, which has to approve it with a simple majority, before the President gives his assent to it.
40. PSUS BIGGEST DONORS TO CLEAN GANGA FUND Nearly 90% of the dedicated fund that the Water Ministry has collected as part of donations for various projects to clean the Ganga is sourced from State and Central government public sector units (PSU). The Clean Ganga Fund (CGF), as it is called, was created in 2014 and envisioned as a source of funds from private companies, individuals and institutions. National Mission for Clean Ganga is the authority which coordinates programme activities. The government will be putting in place nearly 288 projects, worth Rs. 20,000 crore, and clean up 70%-80% of the river by March 2019.
41. ECI TO HOLD A NATIONAL CONSULTATION ON ACCESSIBLE ELECTIONS The Election Commission of India (ECI) has organized “National Consultation on Accessible Elections”. The event is a part of the ECI’s pursuit of its mission ‘leave no voter behind’ with special focus on “Persons with Disabilities” (PwD). During the inaugural session, a dedicated portal for the ECI’s ‘Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation’ (SVEEP) initiative will also be launched. They are aimed at identifying the barriers or gaps in the inclusion of PwD’s in the electoral process, to assess the existing accessibility initiatives and to find solutions for the challenges being faced by the PwD’s. The whole exercise is to enhance their participation in the forthcoming state and Lok Sabha elections. The theme of “Inclusion of PwD’s” has been given a special focus in the ECI’s Strategic Plan 2016-2025.
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Besides, “Accessible Elections” has been adopted as its central theme for this year’s National Voters’ Day celebrations (25th Jan).
42. ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA LAUNCHES “CVIGIL” MOBILE APP “cVIGIL” is a user-friendly and easy to operate Android application to report MCC violations during elections. Upon successful completion of the trial that is underway, the application will be made available for general use by all, right from the forthcoming Assembly elections in the States of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram and Rajasthan. The practical use of the app during these Assembly polls will serve as pilot initiative before it is put to extensive use during the 2019 General Elections. cVIGIL will allow anyone in the election-bound state to report violations of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) that comes into effect from the date of announcement of elections and goes on till a day after the polls. By using this app, citizens can immediately report on incidents of misconduct within minutes of having witnessed them and without having to rush to the office of the returning officer to lodge a complaint. The vigilant citizen has to click a picture or record a video of up to two minutes’ duration of the scene of violations of the model code. The photo or video is to be uploaded on the app. The automated location mapping will be done by the app using the Geographic Information System. After its successful submission through the app, the vigilant citizen gets a Unique ID to track and receive the follow-up updates on her or his mobile. A citizen can report many incidents in this manner and will get a unique id for each report for follow up updates. The identity of the complainant will be kept confidential. Once the complaint is lodged, the information beeps in the District Control Room from where it is assigned to a Field Unit. A field unit consists of Flying Squads, Static Surveillance Teams, Reserve teams etc. Each Field Unit will have a GIS-based mobile application called ‘cVIGIL Dispatcher’, which allows the unit to directly reach the location through navigation technology and take action. If the incident is found correct, the information is sent to the National Grievance Portal of the Election Commission of India for further action and the vigilant citizen is informed about the action taken within a hundred minutes. The app has inbuilt features to prevent its misuse. It will receive complaints only about Model Code of Conduct violations. The user will get 5 minutes to report an incident after having clicked a picture or a video. To prevent any misuse, the app will not allow uploading of the pre-recorded or old images and videos. The app will not facilitate the saving of the photos or videos recorded using the ‘cVIGIL’ app into the phone gallery either.
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Further, the application will be active only in States where elections have been announced. The moment a citizen exits an election-bound State, the app will become inactive. So far, the complaints about violations of Model Code of Conduct often could not be followed instantly, leading to the violators escaping detection from the action squads. Also, the lack of any documented evidence in the form of pictures or videos was seen as a hurdle in verifying a complaint. Further, the absence of a robust response system to quickly and accurately identify the scene of occurrence of violations with the help of geographical location details hampered election officers’ ability to apprehend the violators. The new app is expected to fill in all these gaps and create a fast-track complaint reception and redressal system.
43. TWO-CONSTITUENCY NORM REASONABLE The government objected to a plea to stop candidates from contesting from two different constituencies, saying such a limitation infringes on a person's right to contest the polls and curtails the polity's choice of candidates. The government told the Supreme Court that one-candidate-one-constituency restriction would require a legislative amendment. The government supported Section 33 (7) of the Representation of the People Act of 1951 which restricts candidates to contesting from two constituencies. Before the amendment, candidates could contest from any number of constituencies. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra is hearing the petition filed by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay seeking a declaration that Section 33(7) of the Representation of the People Act of 1951, which allows candidates to contest from two constituencies at a time, as invalid and unconstitutional. Mr. Upadhyay has asked the court to direct the Centre and the Election Commission to "discourage" independent candidates from contesting parliamentary and Assembly elections. The poll body informed the Supreme Court that it had proposed the amendment of Section 33(7) way back in July 2004. It was one of the 22 "urgent electoral reforms" the Election Commission had suggested to a Rajya Sabha Parliamentary Standing Committee. The poll body had pointed out that "there have been cases where a person contests election from two constituencies, and wins from both. In such a situation he vacates the seat in one of the two constituencies. The consequence is that a by-election would be required from one constituency involving avoidable labour and expenditure on the conduct of that by-election." The EC concluded that the "law should be amended to provide that a person cannot contest from more than one constituency at a time." The poll body suggested that a candidate should deposit an amount of Rs. 5 lakh for contesting in two constituencies in an Assembly election or Rs. 10 lakh in a general election. This would be used to conduct a by-election in the eventuality that he or she is victorious in both constituencies and has to relinquish one.
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44. VVPATS WILL BE READY FOR LOK SABHA POLLS The Election Commission said all VVPATs would be delivered well within the time required for preparations ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha poll. The manufacture and supply of machines are being monitored daily. In May 2017, the Commission placed an order of 16.15 lakh VVPATs to the Public Sector Unit (PSU) manufacturers Bharat Electronics Limited and Electronics Corporation of India Limited, to meet the requirements for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Till date, 5.88 lakh units have been produced by the PSUs, which is 36% of the total quantity to be supplied.
45. NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SAFAI KARAMCHARIS The Union Cabinet has approved the creation of one post each of Vice-Chairperson and Member in the National Commission for Safai Karmacharis. The decision is intended to optimize the functioning of the Commission and for fulfilling desired objectives of welfare and development of the target group. The NCSK is a statutory body that looks into matters concerning the Safai Karamcharis’ welfare and makes recommendations to the government. For the first time, NCSK was constituted as a statutory body under the NCSK ACT, 1993. This commission continued till February 2004, when the relevant Act expired. Thereafter, the tenure of the commission has been extended from time to time, as a non-statutory body, the last such extension being up to 31 March 2016. It is working for the welfare of both Safai Karamcharis and Manual Scavengers. It is mandated to work towards the elimination of inequalities in status facilities and opportunities for Safai Karamcharis and has an important role to ensure rehabilitation of all the identified manual scavengers on a time-bound basis. Under Section 31 of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act 2013, the Commission is to perform functions namely: To monitor the implementation of the Act; To inquire into complaints regarding contravention of provisions of the Act; and To advice Central and State Governments for effective implementation of the Act.
46. NCPCR MOOTS MODEL FOR SCHOOL FEES The apex body for child rights, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has prepared guidelines for regulating admission fee levied by private unaided schools. The Commission has also recommended setting up a district-level body which will consult parents and teachers while determining school fee on a case-by-case basis. NCPCR took suo motu cognisance of the problem of exorbitant school fees after it received several complaints on the matter.
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He added that the Commission has studied regulations framed by various States over a period of six months and has included best practices in its model framework. The guidelines recommend setting up a District Fee Regulatory Committee (DFRC) in each district. The body will be headed by the Collector or District Magistrate for three years. As per the procedure laid down by the NCPCR, every school will have to submit its fee proposal online by October 31 for the next academic session, following which an algorithm will calculate the minimum and maximum fee a school can charge. This would be then analysed by the DFRC, which will consult representatives from the school as well as its Parent-Teacher Association before arriving at the final decision. The fee finalised thus will be applicable for three academic years. If a school fails to submit its proposal, it may face a ban on new admissions for the entire academic session or withdrawal of its formal recognition. If a school is not satisfied with the DFRC decision, it can appeal to the State Appellate Authority whose decision will be final.
47. MONITORING GOVERNMENT SCHEMES IN REAL TIME In a bid to make "data-driven decision making" more than a mere buzzword, the Ministry of Rural Development launched the DISHA dashboard, a nifty tool that will make it easier to monitor governance by geography in real time. The application, which is now available to all members of Parliament and State Assemblies as well district officials, allows the user to track the progress of multiple and diverse schemes in a certain district, block, or even a gram panchayat. Currently, 18 schemes are covered; the ultimate plan is to integrate all 42 Central schemes - representing a total outlay of Rs. 3 lakh crore - which are already monitored by DISHA or District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committees. Currently, geographic mismatches make it difficult to unite data; for instance, while the Rural Development Ministry tracks its schemes by gram panchayat, the Health Ministry tracks it by anganwadis, which are mapped by population, while crime data uses different boundaries. This is an outstanding tool for monitoring specific geographies. So many schemes have overlaps and potential for synergies, but it is hard to see them without this kind of tool. It will help MPs, MLAs and District Magistrates to make data-driven decisions.
48. RELIEF AND REHABILITATION OF MIGRANTS AND REPATRIATES The Union Cabinet has given its approval for the continuance of the 8 existing schemes of the Ministry of Home Affairs up to March 2020 for relief and rehabilitation of migrants and repatriates under the Umbrella scheme “Relief and Rehabilitation of Migrants and Repatriates”. The schemes will provide relief and rehabilitation assistance to the refugees, displaced persons, civilian victims of terrorist/communal/LWE violence and cross-border firing and mine/IED blasts on Indian Territory. It also includes riot victims of various incidents etc.
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The 8 schemes approved for continuance are already in operation, and the benefits under each will be extended to intended beneficiaries in accordance with the approved criterion. They benefit for: Settlement of displaced families from POK and Chhamb settled in J&K. Rehabilitation Package and up-gradation of the infrastructure of the Bangladeshi Enclaves after transfer of enclaves between India and Bangladesh under Land Boundary Agreement. Relief assistance to Sri Lankan refugees staying in camps in Tamil Nadu and Odisha. Administrative and social welfare expenses of Tibetan settlements. Maintenance of Brus lodged in relief camps of Tripura. Rehabilitation of Bru/Reang families from Tripura to Mizoram. Civilian Victims/Family of Victims of Terrorist/Communal/LWE Violence and Cross- Border Firing and Mine/IED blasts on Indian Territory. Kins of the deceased person, who died during 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots.
49. CENTRE WOULD RECONSIDER UNIFORM PACKAGE FOR BRUS Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said that the Centre would reconsider extending uniform rehabilitation package to the Bru families who had already returned to Mizoram from Tripura relief camps and those to be repatriated soon. It was agreed that the repatriation of all the 32,876 Brus belonging to 5,407 families lodged in six relief camps in Tripura should be completed by September 30. The Centre would deposit Rs.4 lakh in the bank account of each family which could be withdrawn after three years and a housing assistance of Rs.1.5 lakh would be disbursed to each family. Each family would also be provided with monthly assistance of Rs.5,000 for two years and free ration for the same period. Thousands of Brus have been housed in the Tripura relief camps since late 1997 in the wake of a communal tension.
50. SURVEY LAUNCHED TO RANK STATES ON RURAL CLEANLINESS The Centre has launched the Swachh Survekshan Grameen, 2018, a nationwide survey of rural India to rank the cleanest and dirtiest States and districts on the basis of qualitative and quantitative evaluation. A random selection of 6, 980 villages across 698 districts will surveyed during the month of August, following which the Swachh Survekshan Grameen awards are expected to be announced in time for Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary on October 2. This is the first comprehensive survey for rural India, which has been launched after three successful editions of a similar survey in urban India. The rankings will be based on three basic parameters: direct observation of public places by independent surveyors, service-level progress using data from the Swachh Bharat Mission’s information system and citizens’ feedback.
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The feedback will be solicited through village meetings, online feedback and direct interviews, as well as discussions with key influencers such as local officials, elected representatives and anganwadi workers.
51. 2021 CENSUS DATA TO BE STORED ELECTRONICALLY The data collected during the 2021 Census will be stored electronically, the first time since the decennial exercise was conducted in 1951 in Independent India. According to an amended rule notified by the Registrar General of India (RGI), “The schedules and other connected papers shall be disposed of totally or in part by the Director of Census Operations, after creating an electronic record of such documents.” Till now the “schedules” (a tabular form containing details of individuals), carried by enumerators to households, were being stored in a physical form at the government’s storehouse in Delhi. It is based on these schedules that the relevant statistical information on population, language, and occupation are sorted and published. The records running into crores of pages were occupying space in the government office and it has now been decided that they will be stored in an electronic format. Any tampering with the data will invite punishment under the Information Technology Act, 2000. Enumerators will start “house listing” in 2020 and the headcount will begin from February 2021 onwards. An individual’s household data is not published by the RGI. They are published in the form of tables on the Census website. The data is preserved for 10 years and then it is destroyed. From 2021 Census it will be stored forever in electronic format.
52. SURESH PRABHU LAUNCHES MOBILE APP ‘REUNITE’ The app is multi-user where parents and citizens can upload pictures of children, and provide detailed description like name, birth mark, address, report to the police station, search and identify missing kids. The photographs will not be saved in the mobile phone’s physical memory. “Amazon Rekognition”, a web facial recognition service, is being used to identify missing kids. The app is available for both Android and iOS. Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) is India’s largest movement for the protection of children and works along with law enforcement agencies and policymakers. Kailash Satyarthi, Nobel Laureate is the founder of this NGO. BBA has played a very important role in the formulation of several laws for the protection of child’s rights. It began from the Nithari case in 2006 which finally culminated with the Supreme Court passing the landmark judgment in 2013 ordering that FIR has to be lodged in all cases of missing children.
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53. COAL MINE SURVEILLANCE & MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (CMSMS) AND ‘KHAN PRAHARI’ APP Union Minister of Coal, Railways, Finance & Corporate Affairs launched the Coal Mine Surveillance & Management System (CMSMS) and Mobile Application ‘Khan Prahari’. Illegal coal mining not only causes a loss to the nation’s resources but is also harmful to the environment. It is understood that coal is the main source of livelihood for many poor families residing in coal belts, but their sustenance should not be totally dependent on illegal coal mining. It is not only about saving national resources but also about improving the quality of life of those people. The basic objective of CMSMS is reporting, monitoring and taking suitable action on unauthorised coal mining activities. It is a web based GIS application through which location of sites for unauthorised mining can be detected. The basic platform used in the system is of Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology’s (MeiTY) map which provides village-level information. The leasehold boundary of all the coal mines is displayed on this map. The system will use satellite data to detect changes by which unauthorised mining activity extending beyond the allotted lease area can be detected and suitable action can be taken on it. The complaint originating from coal mines will go to Coal India Offices and those originating from coal blocks not allotted to Coal India will go straight to the State Government Officers and for each complaint the alert will also go to the District Magistrate and SP of the district. ‘Khan Prahari’ app Khan Prahari is a tool for reporting any activity taking place related to illegal coal mining like rat hole mining, pilferage etc. One can upload geo-tagged photographs of the incident along with textual information directly to the system. Hence, both satellite data and human information will be used to capture information on the unauthorised mining activities. Once reported, the information will be automatically directed to the nodal officers to take suitable action on those activities. The complainant can also track his complaint through the system. The identity of the complainant shall not be revealed. This app can easily be downloaded in Android and IOS. The uniqueness of the system is that it uses satellite data as well as public input to capture information on unauthorised coal mining activities and also take appropriate action on them with due transparency. The CMSMS will also provide other important information like reclamation work being done by Coal India Limited which is being monitored every year by CMPDI using satellite data. Statuses of Environmental Clearances /Forest Clearances etc are also linked for information in this system.
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54. CIC BILINGUAL MOBILE APP LAUNCHED FOR COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS The Central Information Commission (CIC) has launched a newly updated version of a mobile app in Hindi also, – “CIC App”, which is available in Google Play Store and Apple store with the following features: Applicant can submit his/her 2nd Appeal(s)/ Complaint(s) / link paper(s) in both the languages i.e. in Hindi and English. The appellant can search and trace dak, 2nd Appeal/Complaint in both the languages. Real-time status is available in both the languages (Hindi & English). Appellant can download a copy of Hearing notice, Facilitation memo & decision.
55. WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS LAGGING BEHIND BADLY According to Parliamentary Standing Committee report the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana is lagging behind badly. The vital component of the scheme is watershed development. When the report was first tabled last July, not a single one of the 8,214 projects sanctioned between 2009 and 2015 at a cost of Rs. 50,740 crore had been completed, said the Standing Committee on Rural Development. In its response, the Department of Land Resources (DoLR) had updated that 849 projects in 11 States were completed by October 2017, but admitted that 1,257 projects had not even completed the initial step of preparing detailed project reports (DPRs) at that point, although no new projects were sanctioned after 2015-2016. Having taken into account the government’s response and action-taken report, the Committee submitted its final report to Parliament. Terming the pace of development of the scheme as “lethargic”, the Committee urged the DoLR to “go all out on a war footing scale for the expeditious completion of the remaining projects.” What exactly is watershed development? It’s all about making running to water stop and standing water to sink inside. It is the only option for rainfed areas for water conservation and recharge, and to prevent soil degradation. Within the site of a watershed development project, a ridge is identified and structures such as check dams, percolation dams, ponds and channels are built from the ridge to the valley. Scheme’s guidelines Projects take four to seven years to complete, according to the scheme’s guidelines. In the long-term, results are impressive, pointing to a May 2018 evaluation study of MGNREGA’s (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) water and land management projects, a chunk of which are implemented in convergence with the PMKSY’s watershed component. Long term result About 78% of beneficiaries saw an increase in the water table, while 66% also reported benefiting from better availability of fodder.
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Unfortunately, such long-term results are not immediately visible could be one reason for the slow pace of the PMKSY’s watershed management schemes. The 2016 change in funding patterns from a 90:10 Centre-State ratio to 60:40 had also contributed to a slowdown. Problem behind this Despite huge government investments, watershed development benefits are not becoming sustainable in the long-term because, while the physical structures may get built, the governance structures are missing. If the groundwater table increases as a result of watershed management projects, farmers in the area go for water-intensive crops like paddy and sugarcane and drain it again. The government can implement a project through its agencies or through an NGO, but once they finish, who remains to sustain it? If local Panchayati Raj leadership and watershed user associations are not strengthened and empowered, any benefits will be cyclical and short-term only.
56. KHELO INDIA TALENT IDENTIFICATION & DEVELOPMENT SCHEME Following the successful conduct of the Khelo India School Games, Sports Authority of India (SAI) took another significant step towards the development of sports. It cleared 734 players for a scholarship programme under Khelo India Talent Identification and Development scheme. A talent identification committee was formed comprising Arjuna Awardees and Dronacharya Awardees to shortlist and proposes the names of the beneficiaries to the High Powered Committee. The scholarship programme is designed to take care of their expenses including training, development, boarding and lodging and tournament exposure apart from offering them out of pocket expense allowance. An annual stipend of 1.2 lakhs will be given to the players on a quarterly basis to meet their out of pocket expenses, treating injuries and even smaller but very important elements like local travel for themselves and their parents/ family members. The talent spotting and age verification of the selected players has been driven by the scientific and trusted method through TW3 (Tanner Whitehouse 3 Method). The plan is to develop more academies so that young athletes can get access to the best training without having to travel long distances. The accredited academies will look after the training, boarding and tournament expenses of the athletes. It is also decided that the academies will be divided into three categories. The High Powered Committee also decided that a strong performance management system would be in place and performance be rewarded.
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57. UNION HOME MINISTER LAUNCHES THE STUDENT POLICE CADET (SPC) PROGRAMME The Union Home Minister launched the Student Police Cadet (SPC) programme for nationwide implementation at a ceremony in Gurugram, Haryana. SPC targets to lead a silent revolution by focusing on character building by imparting moral values to budding minds of children in higher school. The SPC programme focuses on students of Classes 8 & 9 and special care has been taken to ensure that it does not lead to increase in the workload of the students. The programme does not have any prescribed textbook nor is any exam envisaged. Only one class in a month is proposed. The programme seeks to cover broadly two kinds of topics, – crime prevention and control; and values and ethics. The SPC programme would help in making students responsible citizens by inculcating values of respect to the elderly, discipline, social responsibility and through police-student interaction. It will provide a healthy interface between schools and police peace and inculcate in the students aspects of public safety, discipline, patience, tolerance, empathy, respect of senior citizens, social harmony, traffic sense and a corruption-free environment. SPC project will also help the police assess their image in the public eye and strive for improving confidence and winning trust of the people. SPC initially will be launched as pilot programme in all States and Union Territories.
58. UNNAT BHARAT ABHIYAN 2.0 The Government has successfully launched Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0. Unnat Bharat Abhiyan is a flagship programme of the Ministry of HRD, which aims to link the Higher Education Institutions with a set of at least 5 villages so that these institutions can contribute to the economic and social betterment of these village communities using their knowledge base. It is a significant initiative where all Higher Learning Institutes have been involved for participation in development activities, particularly in rural areas. It also aims to create a virtuous cycle between the society and an inclusive university system, with the latter providing knowledge base; practices for emerging livelihoods and to upgrade the capabilities of both the public and private sectors. Currently, 748 Institutions are participating under the scheme. The objective of the scheme is: To engage the faculty and students of Higher Educational Institutions in understanding rural realities; Identify and select existing innovative technologies, enable customization of technologies, or devise implementation methods for innovative solutions, as required by people; and To allow Higher Educational Institutions to contribute to devising systems for smooth implementation of various Government Programs.
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59. STUDY IN INDIA’ PROGRAMME To facilitate Internationalization of Higher Education in India, a Programme viz. ‘Study in India’ has been launched. EdCIL (India) Limited is the implementing agency for the Programme. Its objectives are: to make India an education hub for foreign students; improve the soft power of India with focus on the neighbouring countries and use it as a tool in diplomacy; to rapidly increase the inflow of inbound International Students in India through a systematic brand-building, marketing, social media and digital marketing campaigns; to increase India’s market share of global education exports; improvement in the overall quality of higher education; to reduce the export-import imbalance in the number of international students; growth in India’s global market share of International students; and increase in global ranking of India etc. The programme focuses on International students from select 30 countries across South-East Asia, Middle East and Africa for a period of two years i.e. for the academic years 2018-19 and 2019-20. It envisages participation of select reputed Indian institutes/universities by way of offering seats for the International students at affordable rates. This Programme does not offer any Scholarships, however, fee waivers to meritorious foreign students ranging from 100% to 25% are offered. A centralised admission web-portal (https://studyinindia.gov.in/) acts as a single window for the admission of foreign students.
60. NATIONAL POLICY ON BIO-FUELS-2018 Union Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has notified the National Policy on Biofuels-2018. Ensuring adequate and sustained availability of domestic feedstock for biofuel production, increasing Farmers Income, Import Reduction, Employment Generation and Waste to Wealth Creation. The policy categorizes biofuels as “Basic Biofuels” such as bio ethanol & biodiesel and “Advanced Biofuels” such as Second Generation (2G) ethanol, bio-CNG, Third Generation Biofuels, etc. to enable extension of appropriate financial and fiscal incentives under each category. It also includes promotion of advanced biofuels through various incentives, off-take assurance and viability gap funding. With an objective of increasing production of ethanol, this Policy allows production of ethanol from damaged food grains like wheat, broken rice etc. which are unfit for human consumption.
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Additionally, during an agriculture crop year, when there is projected over supply of food grains as anticipated by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, the policy allows conversion of surplus quantities of food grains to ethanol, based on the approval of National Biofuel Coordination Committee. Use of damaged food grains and surplus food grains for production of ethanol will increase its availability for Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme. This will result in increasing the blending percentage, increasing farmer’s income, saving of foreign exchange and addressing environmental issues.
61. NATIONAL OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SCHEDULED CASTES The National Overseas Scholarship is a Central Sector scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) students. Coming under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment The Scheme provides financial assistance to the finally selected candidates for pursuing Master level courses and Ph.D abroad in the accredited Institutions/University by an authorized body of that country. 30% of the awards are reserved for female candidates. There is no state wise quota of slots under this Scheme. Advertisements inviting applications under the scheme are published in leading newspapers and Employment News twice a year, once at the beginning of the year and then once again later during the financial year.
62. MAHILA SHAKTI KENDRA SCHEME Ministry of Women and Child Development has approved a new scheme namely Mahila Shakti Kendra for implementation during 2017-18 upto 2019-20 to empower rural women through community participation. The scheme is envisaged to work at various levels and at the national level (domain based knowledge support) and state level (State Resource Centre for Women) technical support to the respective governments on issues related to women. It is implemented with cost sharing ratio of 60:40 between centre and states except for North East and Special Category States where the ratio is 90:10. Community engagement through College Student Volunteers is envisioned in 115 aspirational districts as part of the Block Level initiatives. Student volunteers are to play an instrumental role in awareness generation regarding various important government schemes/ programmes as well as social issues. District Level Centre for Women (DLCW) has also been envisaged for 640 districts to be covered in phased manner. These centres to serve as a link between village, block and state level in facilitating women centric schemes and also give foothold for Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme at the district level.
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63. RIJIJU TELLS STATES TO FIGHT FAKE NEWS Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said that "rumours and fake news" had become a big menace, amid reports that around 20 people had been lynched in different parts of the country in the past one month following child-lifting rumours spread primarily through WhatsApp. State governments and all government agencies, along with NGOs, need to come together and create better awareness. "Rumours and fake news are posing a danger to innocent lives." Cyber law expert Pawan Duggal said service providers like WhatsApp have been given a long rope and the government must make them accountable. There has been a lack of political will in enforcing the provisions of the law against these service providers. Lack of deterrence and conviction in social media-related cyber crimes emboldens cyber criminals. It also erodes people's confidence in the ability of the system to deliver and, therefore, mob justice or mob rule prevails without any fear of legal ramifications. An analysis by the National Crime Records Bureau data by Child Rights and You (CRY) revealed that kidnapping and abduction accounted for almost half of the total crimes against children in the country. There were 52,253 cases of kidnapping and abduction among the 1,06,958 crimes against children in 2016. The next biggest category is rape, amounting to more than 18 per cent of all crimes against children. Stop spread of fake news, government tells Whatsapp Amid reports of lynchings across the country over fake messages on WhatsApp, the government said that it had told the service provider "in no uncertain terms" to take immediate measures to ensure that its platform was not misused. Incidents of lynching have been reported in Assam, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tripura and West Bengal by mobs provoked by "irresponsible and explosive messages" on WhatsApp. Deep disapproval of such developments has been conveyed to the management of WhatsApp and they have been advised that remedial measures should be taken to prevent proliferation of these fake and at times motivated/sensational messages. States obliged to prevent lynchings State governments are obliged to prevent mob lynchings, Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra observed. The Supreme Court classified lynchings as sheer ‘mob violence' but it said compensation for victims should not be determined solely on the basis of their religion, caste, etc., but on the basis of the extent of injury caused as "anyone can be a victim" of such a crime. Chief Justice Misra said States cannot give even the "remotest chance" to let lynchings happen. "People cannot be allowed to take law into their hands”. Despite the order to States to appoint nodal officers to prevent such incidents, there was a lynching just 60 km from Delhi recently. Each State shall be held responsible. Law and order is the State's responsibility.
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The Centre to frame a scheme under Article 256 to give directions to States to prevent/control the instances and maintain law and order. Check lynchings, MHA Tells states The Home Ministry asked the States and Union Territories (UTs) to check incidents of mob lynching fuelled by rumours of child-lifting on social media. More than 20 people have been lynched over the last two months on suspicion of child- lifting, the latest being the killing of five men in Maharashtra's Dhule district. In an advisory, the Ministry has urged the States and UTs to "keep a watch for early detection of rumours of child-lifting and initiate effective measures to counter them." The States and UTs have been asked to direct district administrations to identify vulnerable areas and conduct community outreach programmes for creating awareness and building confidence. They have also been directed to properly investigate the complaints of child abduction or kidnapping to instill confidence among the affected people. Make lynching a separate offence, SC tells parliament Asking whether the people of India have lost their tolerance for one another, the Supreme Court condemned the recent spate of lynchings as "horrendous acts of mobocracy" and told Parliament to make lynching a separate offence. The recent litany of spiralling mob violence, their horror, the grim and gruesome scenes of lynchings are made worse by the apathy of the bystanders, numbness of mute spectators, inertia of the police and, finally, the grandstanding of the incident by the perpetrators of the crimes on social media. Describing lynchings and mob violence as "creeping threats", the court warned that the rising wave of frenzied mobs - fed by fake news, self-professed morality and false stories - would consume the country like a "typhoon-like monster." It said the primary obligation of the government is to protect all individuals irrespective of race, caste, class or religion. Crime knows no religion and neither the perpetrator nor the victim can be viewed through the lens of race, caste, class or religion. It directed several preventive, remedial and punitive measures to deal with lynching and mob violence.
64. WHATSAPP TO CAP NUMBER OF FORWARDS TO FIVE CHATS PER USER To address the profusion of fake news being spread through forwards, and the government’s growing discontent with WhatsApp in tackling the issue, the messaging platform said it is experimenting with a limit on the number of chats a message can be forwarded to. In India, WhatsApp is trying a limit of five chats, as against 20 for the rest of the world. The current limit is 250 chats. It would also experiment with removing the quick forward button next to media messages in India.
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To curb fake news The limit on the number of chats a message can be forwarded to is yet another step taken by WhatsApp to curb the menace of fake news and rumours being spread using its chatting platform. Earlier this month, the company also launched a test of a feature that would label forwarded messages as such, thereby distinguishing them from private messages. The issue gains prominence in the light of the string of lynchings taking place in India sparked off by fake news items regarding child kidnappings being spread on WhatsApp. Taking steps to prevent misuse ahead of polls WhatsApp has informed the Election Commission (EC) that it will take various steps ahead of polls to prevent the misuse of its messaging platform, and bring to India its fake news verification model which has been used in other markets. WhatsApp has also told the EC that it will bring to India its fake news verification model Verificado that has been used in Mexican elections and deployed in Brazil.
65. CENTRE STANDS BY BRU PACT The Union Home Ministry is committed to implementing the agreement signed to repatriate nearly 33,000 Bru refugees, currently living in camps in Tripura, to Mizoram notwithstanding the community leaders' decision to walk out of the pact. The Central government will implement the agreement and all the benefits, including cash assistance, would be given to the refugees who abide by it. Mizoram Bru Displaced People's Forum leader A. Sawibunga has decided to renege on the July 3 agreement that he was a signatory to. The refugees were unhappy with the outcome of the agreement and demanded a better deal. As per the agreement, signed by the Central government and the governments of Tripura and Mizoram besides the MBDPF leadership, each of the 5,407 families will get Rs. 5,000 per month along with free ration for two years, besides house-building assistance of Rs. 1.5 lakh. A one-time financial assistance of Rs. 4 lakh will also be given to each family but the amount will be kept as fixed deposit in the name of the family head. There are 32,876 people belonging to the Bru community who are in relief camps in Tripura. The Brus had fled Mizoram in 1997 following unrest and multiple efforts have been made since then to repatriate them. Around 8,000 Bru refugees have gone back to Mizoram since 1997 in six batches and they have been living peacefully in the State.
66. U.P. SC/ST PANEL SENDS QUOTA NOTICE TO AMU The Uttar Pradesh SC/ST Commission asked Aligarh Muslim University to explain why it was not following the quota system despite not enjoying "minority" status. The State SC/ST Commission has shot off a letter to AMU asking it to clarify why it has to date not provided the "constitutional right of reservation" to students from Dalit communities.
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It has been established by the directives of the apex court and the High Court that AMU is not a minority institution and is bound by the same laws as other universities in the State. AMU spokesperson Shafey Kidwai said that the university has been asked to maintain "status quo" by the Supreme Court as the case of the varsity's minority status is sub judice. The university clarified that it is being governed by the AMU Act, 1981, which has granted minority status to it and "minority institutions are exempted by Article 15 (5) from implementing constitutional reservations". AMU, meanwhile, has clarified that it has "never followed the policy of reserving seats for Muslims". It reserves 50% seats for internal students regardless of their religion or caste. In the case of AMU, there is a stay order by the apex court on the 2005 decision of the Allahabad High Court and therefore, till the Supreme Court finally determines its minority character, no change in its reservation policy is legally possible.
67. NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SURVEY (NAS) In order to increase focus on quality of elementary education, the Central rules to the RTE Act, 2009 have been amended in February, 2017 to include reference on class-wise, subject- wise Learning Outcomes. The Learning Outcomes for each class in Languages (Hindi, English and Urdu), Mathematics, Environmental Studies, Science and Social Science up to the elementary stage (classes 1 to 8) have, accordingly, been finalized and shared with all States and UTs. Learning outcomes have been translated in different languages and serve as a benchmark for student’s capabilities to be achieved in each subject & class. To assess the learning levels of the students in Classes 3, 5 and 8 NCERT conducted the NAS in February in which approximately 22 lakh children across the country participated. NAS at the elementary level was based on the Learning Outcomes developed by the NCERT. The design and implementation of the survey included in its ambit the school leaders, teachers and the whole network of officials at the Cluster, Block, District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and the Directorates of Education in the different States/ UTs. NCERT similarly conducted NAS for class 10 on February 05, 2018. The survey tools used multiple test booklets in Mathematics, Modern Indian Language, English, Sciences and Social Sciences. The attainment of the learning levels of nearly 15 lakh students was assessed. District report cards (provisional) for NAS 2018 for class X have been released and are available on MHRD website.
68. PROTECT CRITICAL PERSONAL DATA OF CITIZENS The draft personal data protection Bill 2018, submitted by the Justice B.N. Srikrishna-headed expert panel, has proposed that critical personal data of Indian citizens be processed in centres located within the country.
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It has left it to the Central government to notify categories of personal data that will be considered as critical. A copy in India Other personal data may be transferred outside the territory of India with some riders. However, at least one copy of the data will need to be stored in India. The draft Bill, which India hopes will become a model framework for protection of personal data for the world, will apply to processing of personal data within India, including the State. The draft also provides for penalties for data processor as well as compensation to data principal to be imposed for violations of the data protection law. It has suggested a penalty of Rs. 15 crore or 4% of the total worldwide turnover of any data collection/processing entity, for violating provisions. Failure to take prompt action on a data security breach can attract up to Rs. 5 crore or 2% of turnover as a penalty. Personal data, the draft law states, may be processed on the basis of the consent of the data principal, given no later than at the commencement of the processing. It added that processing of sensitive personal data should be on the basis of “explicit consent.” Data Protection Authority The Justice Srikrishna committee recommended the creation of a Data Protection Authority that will be in charge of ensuring that entities processing data do so in keeping with the law. The DPA, a sector agnostic body, will ensure that every entity that handles data is conscious of its obligations and that it will be held to account in case of failure to comply. The authority will be governed by a board consisting of six whole-time members and a chairperson appointed by the Union government on the recommendation of a selection committee. The selection committee shall consist of the Chief Justice of India or her nominee (who is a judge of the Supreme Court of India), the Cabinet Secretary, Government of India, and one expert of repute who has special knowledge of, and professional experience in, areas related to data protection, information technology, data management, data science, cyber and Internet laws and related subjects. The members of the DPA are to be “individuals of integrity and ability” with special knowledge of, and professional experience of not less than 10 years in, areas related to data
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protection, information technology, data management, data science, cyber and internet laws and related subjects. The DPA members will have a five-year term, subject to a suitable retirement age and their salaries will be prescribed by the Central government. Broadly, the DPA will have four departments and related functions: monitoring and enforcement; legal affairs, policy and standard setting; research and awareness; and inquiries, grievance handling and adjudication. The DPA will be stating codes of practice, conducting inquiries, and issuing warnings and injunctions. Handle Children’s data with care The Justice Srikrishna committee on data privacy has made specific mention of the need for separate and more stringent norms for protecting the data of children, recommending that companies be barred from certain types of data processing such as behavioural monitoring, tracking, targeted advertising and any other type of processing which is not in the best interest of the child. It is widely accepted that processing of personal data of children ought to be subject to greater protection than regular processing of data. The justification for such differential treatment arises from the recognition that children are unable to fully understand the consequences of their actions. This is only exacerbated in the digital world where data collection and processing is largely opaque and mired in complex consent forms. Safeguarding the best interests of the child should be the guiding principle for statutory regulation on protecting data of children. The committee noted that, at present, there were two types of entities processing the personal data of children. The first type was services offered primarily to children, such as YouTube Kids, Hot Wheels and Walt Disney, The second were social media services such as Facebook and Instagram. The committee’s recommends that the Data Protection Authority will have the power to designate websites or online services that process large volumes of personal data of children as “guardian data fiduciaries”. Certain types of data processing have been objectively found to be harmful for children Harm, as used here, may be tangible [in terms of physical or reputational harm] or intangible [in terms of loss of autonomy]. These include: behavioural monitoring, tracking, targeted advertising and any other type of processing which is not in the best interest of the child. Guardian data fiduciaries must be barred from these practices insofar as it pertains to children.
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69. ACADEMIA IRKED BY HECI MOVE There is growing resentment within the academic community over the Centre's decision to scrap the University Grants Commission and replace it with a Higher Education Commission of India (HECI), which is likely to be without the grant-giving powers that the UGC possesses. Opposition seems to be building up despite the Centre clarifying that the decision to shift the UGC's grant-giving power to the Human Resource Ministry is not final yet. The grounds of opposition are varied, ranging from a lack of debate before the decision to the government seeking to take upon itself the power to finance universities and the low presence of professional academics in the proposed "bureaucrat-heavy" body. The All India Federation of University and College Teachers' Organisations (AIFUCTO), which has its presence in 483 State universities, has decided to protest at all State headquarters on July 19, followed by a protest outside Parliament on August 3, when the monsoon session will be on. The UGC is a body created by an Act of Parliament. The government should have first called for a debate among academics and also in Parliament on how it should be improved, or to know whether the stakeholders supported its winding up. But instead of setting in motion a debate, they took the decision to scrap it and are now asking for suggestions. They want suggestions, not a debate. While the UGC Act mandated the commission ‘to inquire into the financial needs of universities' and ‘allocate and disburse, out of the fund of the commission' to the universities (under Section 12 of the UGC Act, 1956), now the Ministry has taken over the direct control over the allocations to be made to the universities, which will clearly convert the universities into mere departments of the government. This will bring the universities under the strict and direct financial control of the MHRD. This shift in financial control to the Ministry will be used for regimentation of knowledge." Centre clears air on grant-giving powers A new and independent body comprising academics and using an ICT-enabled platform will give grants to universities after the University Grants Commission (UGC) is repealed. The Ministry would not shift to itself the power of disbursing grants, seeking to silence criticism in recent days from stakeholders, who fear that the government plans to keep the grant-giving powers hitherto vested in the UGC to itself. The criticism from teachers had followed the recent announcement by the Ministry that the UGC would be replaced by the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI), which would have the mandate of ensuring quality of higher education without powers to give grants to universities, something the UGC possesses. The grant disbursal function to universities and colleges is now proposed to be located in an entity which works on a transparent, merit-based approach through an ICT-enabled platform.
70. CREATION OF NATIONAL HEALTH STACK NITI Aayog has invited suggestions on creation of National Health Stack.
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India is witnessing significant trends in health: increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases for instance, as well as marked demographic shifts. Climbing out-of-pocket costs is becoming difficult for most households. The National Health Stack (NHS) envisages a centralized health record for all citizens of the country in order to streamline the health information and facilitate effective management of the same. The proposed NHS is an approach to address the challenge and seeks to employ latest technology including Big Data Analytics and Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence, a state of the art Policy Mark-up Language. It also aims to create a unified health identity of citizens – as they navigate across services across levels of care, i.e. Primary, Secondary and Tertiary and also across Public and Private. This flagship health programme is designed with a powerful yet simple objective in mind: to develop a wellness focused strategy, ensuring cost effective healthcare for all. The program leverages a two-pronged approach: On the supply side, substantial investments will be made to build 1.5 lakh health and wellness centers offering preventive and primary care; and On the demand side, the Pradhan Mantri-Rashtriya Swasthya Suraksha Mission (PM- RSSM) will create a national insurance cover of up to 5 lakhs per year per family for over 10 crores households, towards secondary and tertiary care. Achieving such scale requires a rethink the core technology backbone of our system and leverage cutting edge digital solutions to tackle the challenge. The innovativeness of the proposed National Health Stack design lies in its ability to leverage a shared public good a strong digital spine built with a deep understanding of the incentive structures of the system. Once implemented, it will significantly bring down the costs of health protection, converge disparate systems to ensure a cashless and seamlessly experience for the poorest beneficiaries, and promote wellness across the population.
71. IISC, IIT-D CHOSEN FOR SPECIAL GRANTS Six higher education institutions, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, the Indian Institutes of Technology at Mumbai and Delhi, and the proposed Jio Institute of the Reliance Foundation, have been named Institutions of Eminence (IoE) by the Centre. The Jio Institute in Maharashtra - which has been chosen in the greenfield category - is among three private institutions to be granted the status; the Manipal Academy of Higher Education and BITS, Pilani, being the other two. An empowered committee, under former Chief Election Commissioner N. Gopalaswami, recommended these institutions. Mr. Gopalaswami said that the greenfield category institutions will be issued letters of intent for three years within which they have to commence academic operations for the notification declaring them IoE to be issued. If they fail, he said, the committee can recommend cancellation of the IoE status.
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The notification awards three of India's official top 10 institutions, as per the NIRF, the coveted status. This will enable them to be free from regulations of the AICTE, UGC, or the Higher Education Commission of India that is set to replace the UGC. The Centre plans to offer 10 government and 10 private institutions the coveted status to enable them to break into the world's top 500 in a decade and into the top 100 after that. These institutions will be permitted to admit 30% foreign students with no restrictions on fees charged from them hire foreign faculty to the tune of 25% of the total faculty and enter into academic collaborations with the top 500 global universities without UGC approval. They will also have full flexibility in evolving curricula and syllabi. The public institutions will get assistance of up to Rs. 1000 crore over five years. While IISc is ranked first in the all-India NIRF rankings of the Centre in 2018, IIT Bombay and Delhi are ranked third and fourth in the rankings, respectively. IIT Madras, ranked second, IIT Kharagpur, ranked fifth, JNU, ranked sixth and IIT Kanpur, ranked seven, did not make the cut this time. Manipal is ranked 18th in India by the NIRF and BITS Pilani 26th. A google search for Jio University did not yield any website or a precise address.
72. INSTITUTE OF COST ACCOUNTANTS OF INDIA ICAI recently completed 70 years. The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI), previously known as the Institute of Cost & Works Accountants of India (ICWAI), is a premier statutory professional accountancy body in India. It was established by Cost and Works Accountants Act 1959 as an autonomous professional Institute. Its objectives are promoting, regulating and developing the profession of Cost Accountancy. The headquarters of ICAI is situated in Kolkata, and operates through its four regional councils located at Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai, 94 chapters in India and 78 chapters abroad. It is the only licensing cum regulating body of Cost & Management Accountancy profession in India. It recommends the Cost Accounting Standards to be followed by companies in India to which statutory maintenance of cost records applicable. ICAI is solely responsible for setting the auditing and assurance standards for statutory Cost Audit to be followed in the Audit of Cost statements in India. It also issues other technical guidelines on several aspects like Internal Audit, Management Accounting etc. to be followed by practising Cost Accountants while discharging their services. It works closely with the industries, various departments of Government of India, State governments in India and other Regulating Authorities in India e.g. Reserve Bank of India,
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Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority, Securities and Exchange Board of India etc. on several aspects of performance, cost optimisation and reporting. As global manufacturing evolves and as manufacturing in India gets a boost over the coming decade – with the maturing of our Make in India programme – cost accountants will have a bigger and bigger role. It will be Cost accountants’ mandate to ensure that products and services are delivered at a competitive price but without compromising on quality.
73. CAUVERY AUTHORITY DIRECTS KARNATAKA TO RELEASE WATER The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), at its first meeting in New Delhi, directed Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu and other States, but did not discuss Karnataka's decision to challenge the constitution of the CWMA in the Supreme Court. The CWMA had directed Karnataka to release 34 tmcft (thousand million cubic feet) of water from the Biligundulu site. The CWMA, which is yet to appoint full-time members, is scheduled to meet every 10 days during the monsoon months. Based on water storage in various reservoirs - Hemavathy, Harangi, Krishnarajasagar, Kabini, Mettur, Bhavanisagar, Amaravathy and Banasurasagar - it will recommend how much water ought to be released, in keeping with the Supreme Court's recent verdict, in these blocks of 10 days. The court's February 2018 verdict said Karnataka would get 284.75 tmcft, Tamil Nadu 404.25 tmcft and Kerala and Puducherry 30 and 7 tmcft respectively. The CWMA includes Secretaries of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karnataka looking after the Departments of Water Resources, besides representatives of the Central Water Commission and the Union Ministries of Agriculture and Water Resources. The CWMA will be headed by the Chairman, a senior and eminent engineer or a Secretary/Additional Secretary-level executive with experience in handling inter-State water disputes. The Authority will have two whole-time members and six part-time members, including one each nominated from the riparian States. There will be a Secretary from the Central Water Engineering Services cadre, but without voting rights.
74. GODAVARI BOARD TO APPROACH COUNCIL The Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) has decided to approach the Apex Council of the Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR) on the definition of new projects as Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have difference of opinion on it, given that there is no clarity on the issue in the A.P. Reorganisation Act. The Apex Council, along with the river boards of Godavari and Krishna, was constituted under the provisions of the A.P. Reorganisation Act and it is chaired by the Union Water Resources Minister with the Chief Ministers of the two Telugu States as its other members.
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While both States claim their projects to be old ones or part of old ones, they have been pointing the finger at each other.
75. NITI AAYOG TO ORGANISE INDIA’S FIRST GLOBAL MOBILITY SUMMIT Steeply falling technology costs and business – model innovation are driving the world’s transition to renewable energy and electric vehicles. Against this background, NITI Aayog, in collaboration with various ministries and industry partners, is organising ‘MOVE: Global Mobility Summit’. This Summit will help drive Government’s goals for vehicle electrification, renewable energy integration and job growth and also speed up India’s transition to a clean energy economy. MOVE Summit aims to bring together and engage with key stakeholders within the rapidly transforming global mobility landscape and to evolve a public interest framework for a shared, connected, zero emission and inclusive mobility agenda for the future. The Summit, hence, aims to encourage synergies between indigenous industries such as Automobile Manufacturing, Information Technology, Electronics, Telecommunications and others, to integrate with global supply chains and cement India’s position as a progressive, forwarding looking nation. This summit will be the first Global Mobility Summit of its kind, with over 1,200 expected participants from across the world including Government leadership, Industry leaders, Research Organizations, Academia ,Think Tanks and Civil Society Organisations. The Summit will constitute three designated components – The Conclave, the Expo and the Featured Events. The Summit has been organised along key ‘tracks’ to anchor debate and deliberations on towards preparing a collective mobility agenda. The six tracks or themes for the Summit will focus on: Asset Utilization and Services; Comprehensive Electrification ; Alternative Energy; Reinventing Public Transit; Logistics and Goods Transport; Data Analytics and Mobility. ‘MOVEMENTUM’, the Expo will feature exciting future technologies and cutting edge innovations which will shape the mobility paradigm, showcasing India’s push towards transformative mobility solutions. The exhibition will offer a first-hand perspective on automotive solutions, upcoming trends in the logistics sector and will see participation from major global players as well as the Indian industry. The exhibition will have sector-specific focus, showcasing global strengths in various dimensions looking to cater the growing demands of the world.
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NITI Aayog has additionally planned ‘NITI Talks’, for showcasing successful entrepreneurs from across the country from the field of mobility, sustainable development, climate change and multimodal transport. The global innovation agenda has expanded the creative limits of what future mobility would constitute and India has the potential to be a leader in the ‘global mobility movement’. NITI Aayog has also been working towards evolving a National Strategy for Transforming Mobility, in the spirit of cooperative and competitive federalism. It is urging all States and Union territories to formulate state-specific comprehensive strategies by constituting respective State Task Forces. Inputs received from the various States will be integrated with global best practices to come up with a National Strategy, will also be launched. The Summit envisages mobility as a key driver for generating employment, accelerating economic growth & providing innovative solutions to improve efficiency and efficacy of transport sector. New pathways are emerging to provide clean, cost effective mobility services that create new jobs, reduce dependence on oil imports and achieve efficient land usage in cities. Nowhere in the world is there greater potential to accelerate the transition to a shared, connected and zero emission society than India. India has a leapfrog opportunity.
76. A 216-FOOT-TALL CELEBRATION OF RAMANUJA As planes land and take off from Shamshabad Airport in Hyderabad, Telangana, window seat passengers get a glimpse of a giant bronze figure holding a flagstaff. This is set to become the world’s second tallest statue of a seated figure, at 216 feet. And it is a tribute to the Bhakti saint, Ramanujacharya. The saint lived 1,000 years ago and travelled widely, spreading the message of equality. The construction started in 2016 and the statue is in place now, while skilled workers are giving the finishing touches to the base, called Bhadravedi, that is itself 54 feet high. Currently, the Great Buddha of Thailand is the tallest statue, at 302-feet. The inner core is 850 tonnes of steel holding up the 650-tonne statue. Just the flagstaff is 135 feet long. Ramanujacharya’s appearance has been designed based on carved stone images of the saint in Melkote and Srirangam temples. This is a Rs. 1,000 crore project with Rs. 500 crore spent in phase one. Most of the money is from donations.
77. WAPCOS CELEBRATES 50TH FOUNDATION DAY 50th Foundation Day celebration of Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS). WAPCOS was incorporated as a Public Sector Enterprise in 1969 by the Government of India. It is a techno-commercial organization under the aegis of Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
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The company has successfully completed/on-going consultancy assignments in countries covering Asia, Africa, Middle East, and the Pacific Islands and is operating in more than 45 Countries, at present. It has grown into a true Indian multinational with footprints across the globe in line with Government of India’s flagship programmes on “Skill India” and “Make in India”. The company has successfully undertaken some of the most challenging projects in inhospitable circumstances around the world; e.g. Afghan-India Friendship (Salma) Dam Project, Afghanistan. WAPCOS today has emerged as one of India’s best performing “Mini Ratna-I” CPSE. WAPCOS has done Survey & Investigation/Pre-Feasibility/DPRs for more than 550 Projects in Irrigation, Water Resources and Agricultural etc. The company has contributed in development of over 15 Million Ha irrigation potential; more than 200 projects in ports and inland navigation; over 500 projects in water supply and sanitation, rural and urban development, roads and highway engineering, EIAs for over 250 projects in the fields of irrigation, hydro/thermal power, ports and harbours in India and abroad. In the Hydro-Power sector; WAPCOS has completed almost 52 Hydro-Power Projects in 19 countries with an installed capacity of more than 20,500 MW; over 105 Hydro Power Projects in India with an installed capacity of more than 9,000 MW. In Thermal Power; the Company has successfully completed 12 overseas projects with installed capacity of more than 2,900 MW and 37 projects in India with an installed capacity of more than 12,000 MW. In Transmission & Distribution WAPCOS has accomplished more than 14 Projects in India and Abroad.
78. DOES YOUR THANJAVUR PAINTING HAVE FAKE GOLD? People have long known that not every Thanjavur painting that glitters is gold. There was, however, no way to find out if the gold foil and gemstones used in these traditional crafts were authentic or fake - not without ruining the painting. Now there is: Raman spectroscopy. Ramanathan Venkatnarayan from the Department of Chemistry at the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, and his team of researchers from SASTRA University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu have found a solution that uses Raman spectroscopy to tell whether the foil used in the paintings is made of gold or some other cheaper material. Thanjavur paintings have Geographical Indication tags, which puts a premium on their authenticity, but there are no regulations governing the quality or authenticity. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) of the paintings confirmed the Raman spectroscopy findings. But unlike in the case of EDX, Raman spectroscopy does not require the removal of the frame and the glass.
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79. BEHDIENKHLAM FESTIVAL, MEGHALAYA The famous 4-day Meghalaya Annual Cultural Festival, “Behdienkhlam”, held every year at the small peripheral town of Jowai, Meghalaya. Behdienkhlam Festival is the most celebrated religious festival among the Pnars Tribals. It is popular at Jowai the District headquarters of Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya. “Khlam” means plague or pestilence’and “beh dien” means to drive away with sticks. The festival is also known as the festival for chasing away the Demon of Cholera. It is celebrated mid-July every year after the sowing is over. The festival reaches its conclusion with the Dad-lawakor ceremony in which groups of men jostle for the possession of a wooden ball, a game which is remotely similar to football. The festival ends with a final salutation to the divine powers when the women of the tribe offer sacrificial food to their almighty.
80. KVIC LAUNCHES E-MARKETING SYSTEM The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) launched an e-billing system named Khadi Institution Management and Information System (KIMIS). The system is an in-house single umbrella billing software for sale and purchase that could be monitored, round-the-clock, from any part of India. The system can be accessed from anywhere in the country for the sale and purchase of Khadi and Village Industries products. This software will give real-time data of sales and will also give the updated status of stocks of khadi bhawans and godowns, allowing better planning and control of inventory of the KVIC. He added that 480 Khadi institutions and showrooms are linked with this billing software and it will be useful in raising demand and supply of goods in high demand.
81. STRENGTHENING NATIONAL IPR POLICY The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal submitted by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry regarding accession to the above- mentioned treaties which extends coverage of copyright to the internet and digital environment. The approval is a step towards the objective laid in the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy adopted by the Government on 12th May 2016. It is aimed to get value for IPRs through commercialization by providing guidance and support to EPR owners about commercial opportunities of e-commerce through the Internet and mobile platforms. Both the treaties provide a framework for creators and right owners to use technical tools to protect their works and safeguard information about their use i.e. Protection of Technological Protection Measures (TPMs) and Rights Management Information (RMI).
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Meeting the demand of the copyright industries, these treaties will help India: To enable creative right-holders enjoy the fruit of their labour, through international copyright system that can be used to secure a return on the investment made in producing and distributing creative works; To facilitate international protection of domestic rights holder by providing them level-playing field in other countries as India already extends protection to foreign works through the International Copyright order and these treaties will enable Indian right holders to get reciprocal protection abroad; To instill confidence and distribute creative works in digital environment with return on investment; and To spur business growth and contribute to the development of a vibrant creative economy and cultural landscape.
82. INDIA GETS ITS 37TH UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE India’s nomination of the “Victorian and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai” has been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The decision was taken at the 42nd session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO at Manama in Bahrain. This achievement is especially remarkable in the view of the successive inscription of another Indian city after Ahmedabad last year. Together, this architectural ensemble represents the most remarkable collection of Victorian and Art Deco buildings in the world which forms the unique character of this urban setting, unparalleled in the world. The Ensemble consists of 94 buildings primarily of 19th century Victorian Gothic revival and early 20th century Art Deco style of architecture with the Oval Maidan in the centre. The 19th century Victorian buildings form part of the larger Fort precinct situated to the east of the Oval Maidan. These public buildings include the Old Secretariat (1857-74), University Library and Convention Hall (1874-78), the Bombay High Court (1878), the Public Works Department Office (1872), Watson’s Hotel (1869), David Sasoon Library (1870), the Elphinstone College(1888), etc. The Art Deco styled buildings to the west of the Oval Maidan were raised in early 20th century on the newly reclaimed lands at Marine Drive and symbolised the shift in expression to represent contemporary aspirations. The inscription has been done under Criteria (ii) and (iv) as defined in the UNESCO’s Operational Guidelines. Criterion (ii) refers to the important interchange of human values, over a span of time on development of architecture, monumental arts, town planning and landscape. Criterion (iv) refers to being an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage (s) in human history.
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83. PM REVIEWS PROGRESS TOWARDS HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF ISLANDS NITI Aayog made a presentation on the elements of holistic development, including key infrastructure projects, digital connectivity, green energy, desalination plants, waste management, promotion of fisheries, and tourism-based projects. PM asked for exploring the possibility of seaweed cultivation, and other initiatives which could be of help for the agriculture sector. Reviewing the work done in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, PM emphasized on the need for developing an integrated tourism-centric ecosystem, in the areas identified for tourism development. He called for expeditious pursuit of energy self-sufficiency in the islands, which could be based on solar energy. Ministry of Home Affairs dispenses the requirement of Restricted Area Permit for foreigners visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Greater connectivity of these islands with South East Asia was also discussed. During the review of development work in Lakshadweep, the PM was apprised of the steps taken to boost Tuna fishing and the promotion of “Lakshadweep Tuna” as a brand.
84. NATIONAL GENERIC DOCUMENT REGISTRATION SYSTEM The Union Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Mines has inaugurated NGDRS in all sub-registrar offices in Andaman & Nicobar Islands from New Delhi through a Video-Conferencing. To aptly address the diversity and variations prevailing across the States on account of languages, processes, formulae and formats the NGDRS has been formed. State-wide inauguration of the NGDRS was done by the State Government on 27thJune 2018 with the technical assistance and collaboration of NIC including its software development unit at NIC Pune. This generic customizable software, when universally adopted in the Country, will enable ‘anywhere access’ to data and information to both the common man and the enforcement and regulatory agencies. Transparency will be promoted due to registration through digital means and people will get the benefits in a hassle-free manner. The NGDRS system has been piloted in 3 States (Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra). 6 more states and UTs (Goa, A&N Islands, Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Mizoram) are moving towards this system. The Department is presently focussing on implementation of NGDRS in these 14 States, to optimally use the available funds in a cost-effective, productive and time-bound manner. The DILRMP aims to digitize the maps, integrate the textual and spatial data, carry out the surveys to update the records by using latest available techniques including GIS mapping. More emphasis is being given to verification and establishing conclusive ownership including use of Biometric identification using Aadhaar and use of blockchain technology.
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With its priority to updated and error-free land records and easy access to information thereto, Government of India made the DILRMP into a cent per cent centrally-funded central sector scheme from 01st April 2016.
85. FIRST MEETING OF E-COMMERCE TASK FORCE HELD The suggestions were on wide-ranging issues such as cross-border data flows, taxation, trade facilitation and logistics, consumer confidence, IPR and future tech, FDI and competition issues. The sub-groups saw participation from various ministries and departments, high-level representatives from the industry bodies, e-commerce companies, telecommunication and IT companies and independent experts. It was decided to set up a Task Force in the first meeting of the Think Tank, on the framework for national policy on e-commerce under the chairmanship of Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation. The Task Force was further divided into nine sub-groups for preparing recommendations for India’s national policy on e-commerce. Issues related to e-commerce including taxation, infrastructure, investments, technology transfer, data protection, regulations and competition are rising. The decision to set up a task force is to prepare a framework for a National Policy on E- Commerce. The policy is important in view of issues faced by the domestic industry and to help India articulate its stand on ecommerce at the World Trade Organization. While India is participating in the technical negotiations on the issues at the WTO, it has opposed taking any rule-making and commitments on the matter. Most Indian companies emphasized the need for a regulator, especially because big players are abusing their dominance by burning cash (inappropriate discounting).
86. LIGHTWEIGHT ‘SADMRIDANGAM' GETS A PATENT Three years after he developed a lightweight version of South Indian percussion instrument mridangam, it's celebration time for the percussion maestro Kuzhalmannam Ramakrishnan. The patent office of Union government awarded the patent for the design to the innovative product. The Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks has given the patent under ‘drum' category. Made of steel and fibre, Mr. Ramakrishnan has named the instrument as ‘sadmridangam.' Going by the literal meaning, mridangam is a musical instrument played softly. However, performers of this percussion instrument who accompany Carnatic musicians and dancers feel the softness excludes the huge weight of the instrument. There are occasions when the performer has to carry it on his shoulders. Transportation is also a matter of concern.
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The ‘sadmridangam' weighs lesser than the traditional wooden mridangam but there will be no compromise on the output. Traditional mridangam is made out of the wood of jackfruit tree and the weight varies between 15 kg and 30 kg.
87. 17TH WORLD SANSKRIT CONFERENCE IN VANCOUVER, CANADA Human Resource Development Minister to inaugurate the 17th World Sanskrit Conference to be held at Vancouver, Canada from 9th July to 13th July 2018. Aim of this is to promote, preserve and practice the Sanskrit language all over the world by the people. The World Sanskrit Conference is being held in various countries across the globe once in every three years and so far it has been held thrice in India. The Delhi International Sanskrit Conference of 1972 is considered to be the first World Sanskrit Conference. This year more than 500 scholars and delegates from over 40 countries will be participating and exchange their knowledge by presenting papers on various subjects followed by discussions from amongst the members. There will be a special panel discussion on over a dozen topics like; History & Education of Women in Vedic Literature; Sanskrit Buddhist Manuscripts; Mimamsa Beyond the Yagasala; The Yuktidipika Forging a Place for Sankhya; Introducing Bhagavata Purana Commentaries; Research on the Gargiyajyotisa.
88. INDIAN RAILWAYS INTRODUCES FIRST DOUBLE STACK DWARF CONTAINER SERVICE In order to capture the lost traffic through new delivery model for domestic cargo, Indian Railways has introduced Double Stack Dwarf Container Services. This freight train was flagged off from Western Railway’s Rajkot railway station on its maiden commercial run. The Double Stacked Container is 6 ft 4 inches in height and can run on electrified tracks. In comparison with regular containers, these containers are 662 mm short but 162 mm wider. Presently, due to its height, the regular double stack ISO containers can run only on few chosen routes on Indian Railways but these short-heighted Double Containers can run on most tracks very easily. These containers in double stack formation can run under 25kV overhead lines. The dwarf containers can hold a volume of approximately 67% more when compared to traditional containers. Despite being smaller in size, the dwarf containers can hold a capacity of 30,500 kgs.
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With the use of these double-stack dwarf containers, the cost of the unit will be significantly reduced due to the rail transport being cheaper than the road. Currently, ‘ Low-Density Products’, such as plastic granules, PVC polyester fabric, white goods, FMCG products, polyethene, auto car, etc. are being transported mostly by road. But due to the low cost of transportation in dwarf containers, Railways now offers a viable transport. At the general freight rate, the double-stack dwarf container trains can generate more than 50% of the revenue.
89. A LITERARY TROVE FOUND IN A GRAIN MARKET A treasure trove of private papers, books, paintings and scribblings of poetess and stateswoman Sarojini Naidu was discovered after a massive hunt ended in the Mahankali Grain Market attached to the famous Ujjaini Mahankali temple in Secunderabad. They will soon be available for researchers and historians. Sarojini Naidu hailed from Hyderabad.
90. CENTRE UPHOLDS NET NEUTRALITY PROPOSALS In a move that will ensure open and free Internet in India, the government has approved the principle of net neutrality. This means that telecom and Internet service providers must treat all data on the Internet equally, and not discriminate or charge differently by user, content, site, platform, or application. They cannot engage in practices such as blocking, slowing down or granting preferential speeds to any content. The Telecom Commission (TC) — which is the highest decision-making body in the Department of Telecom (DoT) — approved the recommendation made by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) eight months ago. It was, however, added that certain emerging and critical services will be kept out of the purview of these norms. A separate committee has been set up under the DoT to examine what these critical services will be. These may include autonomous vehicles, digital healthcare services or disaster management. The regulator, in November 2017, batted in favour of Net neutrality. India’s decision to uphold Net neutrality assumes greater significance given that in the U.S., the rules on Net neutrality were repealed. To implement Net neutrality, the regulator had recommended that the terms of licence agreements that govern the provision of Internet services in India be amended “to incorporate the principles of non-discriminatory treatment of content along with the appropriate exclusions and exceptions.”
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The regulator has further recommended establishing a multi-stakeholder not-for-profit body for the monitoring and enforcement of these principles. The Telecom Commission also gave its nod to install 12.5 lakh Wi-Fi hotspots in all gram panchayats.
91. BUDDHA OF SWAT SMILES AGAIN The Buddha of Swat, carved on a cliff in the seventh century, was dynamited by the Pakistani Taliban in 2007. Now it has been restored, a powerful symbol of tolerance in the traumatised Pakistani valley. The 20-feet holy figure, depicted in a lotus position at the base of a granite cliff in northern Pakistan, was severely damaged by Islamist insurgents in an echo of the Afghan Taliban’s complete destruction of its more imposing counterparts at Bamiyan in 2001. For some, it was a wanton act of vandalism that struck at the heart of the area’s unique history and identity. The Buddha sits in Jahanabad, the epicentre of Swat’s Buddhist heritage, a beautiful valley in the foothills of the Himalayas. There the Italian government has been helping to preserve hundreds of archaeological sites, working with local authorities who hope to turn it into a place of pilgrimage once more. The reconstruction is not identical, but that is deliberate, as “the idea of damage should remain visible”.
92. INDIA TOURISM MART The Tourism Ministry in partnership with the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH) and with the support of State /UT Governments will organize the ‘first ever’ India Tourism Mart (ITM) from 16th to 18th September 2018 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. India Convention Promotion Board (ICPB) shall coordinate the whole event. The Mart will provide a platform for all stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industries to interact and transact business opportunities. India with its great potential in tourism and hospitality sector needs to dramatically increase the foreign tourist footfall and reap the benefits. The objective of the event is to create an annual Global Tourism Mart for India in line with major international travel marts being held in countries across the world. Through ITM 2018, India can showcase its hidden destinations to the world, especially to emerging tourism markets like China, Latin America, and Japan etc. ITM will be the best platform for the States to showcase their products to international buyers, opinion makers and bloggers and attract more tourists to their respective states. The event will also provide an opportunity to the buyers to see the world- class tourism facilities available in our country such as Airports, Hotels, Tourist destinations, upcoming facilities, MICE facilities, possibility in the field of adventure tourism and other niche products.
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93. DOMESTIC TECH SECURITY FIRMS GET PRIORITY IN GOVERNMENT PURCHASES The Centre has mandated giving preference in all public procurement to locally produced cybersecurity products where intellectual property rights are owned by companies or start- ups incorporated in India. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) said in an order that it "hereby notifies that Cyber Security being a strategic sector, preference shall be provided by all procuring entities to domestically manufactured/produced Cyber Security Products." The notification is based on Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order 2017 which aims to enhance income and employment in the country. Preference will be granted to a firm incorporated and registered in India or to start-up firms that meet the prescribed definition, provided revenue from the product and intellectual property licensing accrues to the firm in India. Though IP registration is not mandatory in the country, a firm claiming benefit should have the right to use and commercialise the product without third party-consents, distribute and modify it. The U.S., China and Russia have already started this process and it's high time India follows suit.
94. IF COLOSSEUM CAN BE ADOPTED BY FOOTWEAR FIRM, WHY NOT TAJ? Tourism Minister asked what was the problem in entrusting a private company with the task of restoring the Taj Mahal under the government's 'Adopt A Heritage' scheme, when Italy could turn to a footwear firm to restore the 2000-year-old Colosseum in Rome. The 'Adopt A Heritage' scheme of the Tourism Ministry had run into controversy recently when the maintenance of Red Fort was entrusted to Dalmia Bharat Group, a cement company, but the deal was proceeding as per plan. The Taj Mahal is now on the list of monuments under the scheme.
95. WORLD CUSTOMS ORGANIZATION India assumes vice-chairmanship of the Asia-Pacific Region of the World Customs Organisation (WCO). It will be heading the Region for a period of 2 years from 2018 to2020. The World Customs Organization (WCO) is an intergovernmental organization headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The WCO maintains the international Harmonized System (HS) goods nomenclature and administers the technical aspects of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreements on Customs Valuation and Rules of Origin. The WCO’s primary objective is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of member customs administrations, thereby assisting them to contribute successfully to national development goals, particularly revenue collection, national security, trade facilitation, community protection, and collection of trade statistics.
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The WCO is noted for its work in areas covering the development of international conventions, instruments, and tools on topics such as commodity classification, valuation, rules of origin, collection of customs revenue, supply chain security, international trade facilitation, customs enforcement activities, combating counterfeiting in support of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), drugs enforcement, illegal weapons trading, integrity promotion etc.
96. CENTRAL ADOPTION RESOURCE AUTHORITY (CARA) Emphasizing child safety and adoption, the Minister of Women and Child Development drew the attention to compulsorily register all the child care institutions in the State and link them with CARA for proper monitoring. This is done in the ambit of rising incidences of Child Trafficking and illegal adoptions. Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is a statutory autonomous body of Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India. It functions as the nodal body for the adoption of Indian children and is mandated to monitor and regulate in-country and inter-country adoptions. CARA is designated as the Central Authority to deal with inter-country adoptions in accordance with the provisions of the Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption, 1993, ratified by Government of India in 2003. CARA primarily deals with the adoption of the orphan, abandoned and surrendered children through its associated /recognised adoption agencies.
97. SURGE OF TRASH LAYS SIEGE TO GOLCONDA The Golconda Fort in Hyderabad is a standing monument to medieval art, craftsmanship, techniques of warfare, and construction know-how. But today the iconic heritage site is sinking under filth and garbage, so much so that tourists walk through its precincts with handkerchiefs to their noses. A rancid smell pervades the entire 13 sq km fort area. Even the Fort's moat serves a function never imagined by its original architects - it is a massive garbage bin.
98. DETAILS OF 2015 NAGA AGREEMENT EMERGE The government has informed a Parliamentary panel that it signed a framework agreement with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) after it agreed on a settlement within the Indian federation with a "special status". R. N. Ravi, interlocutor for the Naga talks, told the committee that it was a departure from their earlier position of "with India, not within India," and that the government called it a framework agreement and signed it. This is the first time that details of the agreement signed at the residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 3, 2015, have emerged.
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The details are part of the 213th report on the security situation in the Northeastern States tabled by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs in the Rajya Sabha. The committee was also informed that the "contours" had not been spelt out in the framework agreement that was "just about the recognition of the uniqueness of the Naga history by the Government of India", and some special arrangements will have to be made for the Nagas. "On being asked what the special arrangement will be, the Committee was told that with respect to Nagaland... Article 371A of the Constitution makes it clear that they are special and a special status has been accorded to them. A similar kind of status, with some local variation, and some change to the Nagas in the neighbouring States can be explored," the report said. According to the report, Mr. Ravi also informed the committee that the Nagas had now reached a common understanding with the government that "boundaries of the States will not be touched" and "some special arrangements would be made for the Nagas, wherever they are." Initially, the Nagas had stuck to the idea of unification of Naga inhabited areas, resolutely maintaining their stand of ‘no integration, no solution.' The NSCN-IM has been fighting for ‘Greater Nagaland' - it wants to extend Nagaland's borders by including Naga-dominated areas in neighbouring States.
99. NAGA PEACE ACCORD AWAITS CONSENSUS ON SIGNATORY A Naga peace accord, which has been hanging fire since a framework agreement was signed with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) [NSCN-IM] in 2015, is almost ready but the government has to decide on the signatory. Multiple stakeholders There is confusion on who will sign the agreement on behalf of the Naga groups and a decision on this could take some time. After signing an agreement with the NSCN-IM, the largest group representing the Nagas, the Centre signed a preamble in November 2017 with six Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) to hold further discussions to find a solution to the long-standing Naga issue. Special status promised There is understanding that while there will be no redrawing of the maps for Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur to merge the Naga inhabited areas with Nagaland for a Greater Nagaland or Nagalim, Nagas living in these States would get “special rights” on “land and resources.” When the Centre signed an agreement with NSCN-IM in 2015, most Naga groups weren’t aware. Negotiations with both camps are going on simultaneously. If there was integration of Naga inhabited areas, then there would be one pact. Since that looks like a remote possibility at this stage, the Centre should recognise the rights of the Nagas in other States.
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The details of the agreement were made public for the first time as part of the 213th report on the security situation in the northeastern States, tabled by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs in the Rajya Sabha. The report said the NSCN-IM had agreed for a settlement within the Indian federation with a “special status.” The NSCN-IM has been fighting for ‘Greater Nagaland’ or Nagalim — it wants to extend Nagaland’s borders by including Naga-dominated areas in neighbouring Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, to unite 1.2 million Nagas. Home Ministry officials informed the parliamentary panel that in Nagaland, the insurgent groups have been extorting and collecting taxes from many sources including government departments. NSCN-IM has had the largest extortion network spanning almost all of the villages of Nagaland. It also emerged as the biggest supplier of arms in the Northeast. Arms were smuggled from China, through Bangladesh and sold to insurgent outfits across the region.
100. FEAR OVER TOURIST CENTRE CLOSE TO BUDDHIST SITE The inauguration of a plaque and the laying of a foundation stone for the construction of a tourist amenities centre close to the second century BCE Buddhist site at Thotlakonda in Visakhapatnam, has worried heritage conservationists and members of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). The proposed centre includes an amphitheatre, rest rooms and information centre. Experts say the buildings will mar the heritage site. Protected area The Thotlakonda site was first discovered in 1976. In 1978, the A.P. government declared the entire site of 3148.45 acres under Mangamaripeta village a protected monument. Later, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) demarcated about seven acres consisting of the stupa area as the core area and fenced it. The agency also fenced another 120 acres as protected area. The conservationists contend that the new buildings are not only coming up within the protected 120 acres but just about 40 metres from the core area. In 2016, the AP High Court passed an order stating that ‘Pending further orders, no construction or development activity of any sort shall be permitted within the boundaries of the ancient site of Thotlakonda as detailed in the GO 627 of 1978. The court order clearly indicates that no construction activity should be taken up on the entire hill, as it is declared protected area.
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There had been no violations and the construction activity was being taken up 100 metres from the core area. According to a Supreme Court judgment in regard to the Jantar Mantar case in New Delhi in 2006, a distance of 100 metres has to be counted from the outer boundary wall of the monument which has protected area of 5.39 acres and not just the physical structures of the observatory.
101. FOR THIRD TIME, KERALA TOPS LIST OF BEST GOVERNED STATES Kerala topped the Public Affairs Index 2018 for the third time, for being the best governed large State in the country. Tamil Nadu and Telangana stood second and third respectively. The index on the quality of governance, released by Bengaluru-based think tank Public Affairs Centre, was based on 10 themes, 30 focus subjects and 100 indicators. Various indicators included power, water, road and housing, health, education, women and children, social protection, delivery of justice, law and order, fiscal management, employment, public distribution system, economic freedom, environment, transparency and accountability. The Centre added a new chapter in the index this year, Children of India, which included themes such as early childhood development, education, adolescence, protection, institutional structure and governance.
102. NILGIRI MOUNTAIN TRAIN GETS A COOL, NEW LOOK When it comes to the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) which figures in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites Southern Railway seems to prefer pride to profit. And the latest in its efforts to add to the allure of the train service is the addition of a refurbished 25-year-old coach, which promises an uber cool ride for the passengers. The coach (NMR-87) has themed vinyl wrappings, chairs with reclining facility, LED illumination, two-floor luggage racks and decorative vinyl stickers on the exteriors symbolising the charm of the NMR. The NMR trains are operated by oil-fired X-Class steam locomotives between Mettupalayam and Coonoor.
103. MAGSAYSAY FOR ‘3 IDIOTS' MUSE Sonam Wangchuk, a 51-year-old educational reformer from Ladakh, widely regarded as the inspiration for Aamir Khan's character, Phunsuk Wangdu in the film ‘3 Idiots,' is one of two Indians named for the 2018 Ramon Magsaysay Awards. Mr. Wangchuk was a 19-year-old engineering student at the NIT, Srinagar, when he took up tutoring.
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The other is Bharat Vatwani, a psychiatrist who works for mentally ill street people in Mumbai. Mr. Wangchuk and Mr. Vatwani are among six winners of the award, which "celebrates greatness of spirit and transformative leadership in Asia."
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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
INDIA AND PAKISTAN 1. INDIA BACKS FATF'S GREY-LISTING OF PAKISTAN The Indian External Affairs Ministry welcomed the grey-listing of Pakistan by the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and expressed hope that Pakistan would prevent terror acts emanating from its territory. Being on the grey list will require Pakistan to meet additional guarantees while borrowing finance from international donors such as the International Monetary Fund. Pakistan had been on the grey list between 2012 and 2015 but was taken off the list. But subsequent terror attacks on Indian targets by groups such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), headed by Hafiz Saeed, and Jaish-e-Mohammed, led by Masood Azhar, revived the international demand to place the country back on the list. Pakistan has given a high-level political commitment to address the global concerns regarding its implementation of the FATF standards for countering terror financing and anti- money laundering, especially in respect of UN-designated and internationally proscribed terror entities and individuals. The freedom and impunity with which the designated terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and entities like Jamaat-ud-Dawaa, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed continue to operate in Pakistan is not in keeping with such commitments.
INDIA AND CHINA 2. CHINA EYES INDIAN PHARMA AS U.S. TRADE TURNS CLOUDY China is preparing to give swift regulatory approvals to India-manufactured drugs, the head of an Indian export promotion group said, as Beijing looks for new commercial partners ahead of what could be a protracted trade war with the United States. Indian firms are looking to fill gaps in Chinese demand for generic drugs, software, sugar and some varieties of rice. India dominates the world’s generic drugs market, exporting $17.3 billion of drugs in
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the 2017/18 (April-March) year, including to the U.S. and the EU. But only 1% of that went to China, the world’s second-largest market for pharmaceuticals, industry data shows. Internally Chinese authorities have issued instructions that EU-approved Indian suppliers should be granted the industrial drug license in an expeditious manner. The EU is already one of India’s key export markets for medicines, and accounted for about 15% of overall drug exports in 2016/17. Swift regulatory approvals in China would allow Indian companies to boost revenue at a time when pricing scrutiny and regulatory troubles have hurt U.S. sales. In May 2018, China exempted import tariffs on 28 drugs, including all cancer drugs, a move that would help India reduce its trade imbalance with China.
3. INDIAN FIRMS FLOUTING NORMS TO IMPORT CHINESE GOODS Companies in India are side-stepping the anti-dumping measures imposed by the government by deliberately misclassifying items imported from China. The report also notes that the government has been reluctant to review the effectiveness of its anti-dumping measures. This mis-declaration while importing the goods which otherwise have been put under anti- dumping measures nullify the whole effort to protect the domestic industry from unfair trade practices. The Standing Committee named the steel industry as one of the major offenders in this regard, saying that there have been complaints from the domestic steel industry that Chinese non-alloy steel is being imported by being declared as alloy steel. The committee noted that though nearly 75-80% of Chinese steel imports are covered under the anti-dumping duty, the import of such steel products has increased 8%.
INDIA AND BANGLADESH 4. INDIA TO HELP REPATRIATE ROHINGYA Promising to help repatriate Rohingya to Myanmar, Home Minister Rajnath Singh told Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that India would provide relief supplies for the refugees in Bangladesh and build homes for them in Rakhine state of Myanmar. India was prepared to "step up" assistance to approximately 7,50,000 Rohingya refugees who had fled the violence in Myanmar, and provide food, medical or relief supplies needed. India has offered to supply and construct prefabricated homes in Rakhine for the returning refugees.
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INDIA AND MYANMAR 5. INDIA DENIES SHIFTING PILLARS ALONG MYANMAR BORDER India has not shifted pillars demarcating the international border with Myanmar. Media reports stated that certain boundary pillars in the Manipur sector of the India-Myanmar international boundary have been allegedly shifted. Bilateral border surveys were conducted in keeping with the India-Myanmar Boundary Agreement of 1967.
6. IN MANIPUR, INCURSIONS ON THE BORDER Border disputes in the northeast are usually associated with China's claim on Arunachal Pradesh and alleged intrusion by Chinese soldiers. The 1,643-km border with Myanmar along Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram often has more to do with smuggling of drugs, gold and wildlife body parts, as well as raids by the northeastern extremist groups from their hideouts beyond the boundary. The spotlight is on this frontier for alleged incursions by Myanmar soldiers. Villagers along Manipur's border say incursions are nothing new. Myanmar soldiers have earlier raided region in Tengnoupal district of Manipur, and made 62 tribal families flee. They dismantled the Indian boundary pillar number 82 and planted their own. Latest incident was reported from where border pillar 81 used to stand. Notably, only a 10-km stretch (Moreh area) of the India-Myanmar border is fenced. The External Affairs Ministry has said India has not shifted pillars demarcating the border with Myanmar and the boundary is settled and there is no confusion over its alignment. Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has said his government has formed a high-power committee to investigate the incursions; it will seek a fresh survey if any discrepancy is found. India and Myanmar (former Burma) have ratified the 1896 boundary line via the Rangoon Agreement on March 10, 1967.
INDIA AND SRI LANKA 7. INDIA SEEKS LANKA HELP FOR JVS India has sought Sri Lanka’s cooperation in swift completion of joint ventures, amid anxiety in South Block over apparent delays in taking India-assisted projects in the island forward. The key Indian projects in Sri Lanka are the proposed joint venture to run the Mattala airport in the island’s Southern Province; an LNG
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terminal near Colombo, and the joint development of the oil storage facility in the eastern port town of Trincomalee. India had offered to help revive and run Mattala airport, the loss-making airport near Hambantota, where China has a 99-year-old lease on a huge port, and discussions were on to finalise the joint venture. India is building about 60,000 houses in the war-torn northern and eastern parts of the island nation. The Tamils in Sri Lanka looked up to India, which had been a party to the Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987, that recommended devolving some power to the provinces, including Tamil- majority areas. Sri Lanka awaits experts' report for India JV The Sri Lankan government is awaiting a report from experts to finalise its joint venture with India, to run the loss-making Mattala airport in the island's Southern Province. Once the report is out, the proposal will be taken to the Cabinet for clearance. According to the proposed joint venture between the Airports Authority of India and the Airport & Aviation Services in Sri Lanka, India will own a 70% stake and pump in $225 million to revamp and run the airport, while the Sri Lankan side will invest the rest. As per the draft agreement, fine-tuned over three formal rounds of negotiations in Colombo, India will operate the airport on a 40-year lease. Opposition forces, aligned to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, staunchly opposing the deal that they claim amounts to the "sale of national assets" to foreigners. Ever since Mr. Rajapaksa built the airport in 2013, at an initial cost of about $200 million, the facility has been incurring huge losses and has made international headlines as the "world's emptiest airport". With a current operational cost of LKR 250 million (roughly $1.56 million) per month, without a single flight, the airport offers little commercial logic. All the same, its proximity to Hambantota, less than 30 km away, where China holds a 70% stake in the massive port it helped build, appears to be reason enough from India's strategic standpoint. As part of its ambitious One Belt One Road initiative, China is investing heavily in the island.
SRILANKA 8. EU WARNS SRI LANKA OVER DEATH PENALTY Ambassadors from the European Union (EU) warned Sri Lanka against ending its 42-year moratorium on capital punishment and said that the island risked losing trade concessions if it went ahead. Recently, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena said that repeat drug offenders would be hanged as part of his administration's new crackdown on narcotics.
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The diplomatic missions have requested the President to maintain the moratorium on the implementation of the death penalty and to uphold Sri Lanka's tradition of opposition to capital punishment. Diplomats said they expected Mr. Sirisena to roll back the decision, but should the island go ahead, it would lose preferential access for its exports to the 28-member EU bloc. The Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) - a favourable tariff scheme to encourage developing nations to respect human rights - restored by the EU in May 2017 after a seven- year hiatus.
9. CHINA OFFERS FRESH GRANT OF $295 MN TO SRI LANKA Chinese President Xi Jinping has offered Sri Lanka a fresh grant of two billion yuan ($295 million), as Beijing tries to expand its influence in the island-nation. The grant offer comes at a time when a Chinese firm is facing heavy criticism for allegedly financing the last election campaign of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Mr. Sirisena had at the start of his term suspended most of the Chinese-backed infrastructure projects started under Mr. Rajapaksa over suspected corruption, overpricing and for flouting government procedures. But more than a year later, the Sirisena government allowed Chinese projects to resume after a few changes in some of them.
BHUTAN 10. CHINA, BHUTAN DISCUSS BOUNDARY DISPUTE China and Bhutan have discussed their boundary dispute during the visit of Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou. Mr. Kong also invited Bhutan to take part in Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during the visit.
INDIA AND TAIWAN 11. TAIWAN PROTESTS AGAINST USE OF ‘CHINESE TAIPEI' ON AI WEBSITE The resident trade representative of Taiwan expressed deep disappointment with the Air India changing ‘Taiwan' into ‘Chinese Taipei' on its website. He said the change of name on the website of the state-owned carrier might impact freedom of doing business. It is seen as a gesture of succumbing to the unreasonable and absurd pressure from China.
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The decision of Air India is consistent with international norms and own position on Taiwan since 1949. India and Taiwan do not have full-fledged diplomatic ties. Both sides maintain trade representatives in each other's capitals. However, the move by Air India comes a year after India hosted a delegation of Taiwanese legislators that had drawn angry response from China. In 2016, a delegation of Indian MPs had visited Taiwan.
UAE 12. CHINA, UAE SEAL ECONOMIC DEALS AS XI VISITS ABU DHABI China and the United Arab Emirates signed a raft of economic agreements as President Xi Jinping held "extensive talks" in that will strengthen political ties. China and the UAE had already agreed to oil and trade deals in the run up to Mr. Xi's visit. This takes the total number of memoranda of understanding and deals struck this month to 13. A strategic cooperation framework between state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) and China National Petroleum Company was among the deals signed.
INDIA AND SOUTH KOREA 13. MODI, MOON INAUGURATE WORLD'S LARGEST MOBILE FACTORY' IN NOIDA Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in inaugurated Samsung's mobile manufacturing plant, touted as the biggest in the world, in Noida. With this plant, set up on an investment of Rs. 4,915 crore, the South Korean electronics major plans to make India an export hub, with 50% of its overall production coming from here in the next three years from the present 10%. Samsung said it would almost double its manufacturing capacity to 120 million by 2020 from 68 million now. Speaking at the event, Mr. Modi said the government's ‘Make in India' initiative was not just an economic policy measure, but also a commitment of better ties with friendly nations like South Korea.
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He added that 30% of phones made at the Noida plant would be exported. The move comes at a time when companies globally are seeking to grab a pie of the exploding smartphone market in India, which is the world's fasted growing smartphone market, where shipments grew 14% to 124 million in 2017, as per IDC. It overtook the U.S. in 2017 to become the world's second-largest smartphone market after China.
14. DELHI, SEOUL PLEDGE TO DOUBLE TRADE India and South Korea vowed to more than double trade from $20 billion to $50 billion by 2030, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with the visiting President Moon Jae-in. India has been worried about its trade deficit with South Korea that stood at $12 billion in 2017, while Korean businessmen have complained about problems in the "ease of doing business". The two sides signed 11 MoUs and agreements, including a statement on expanding the 2010 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, railway safety research, cyber strategy, and cultural exchanges, and a joint vision statement that committed to more military exchanges and enhancing defence projects together. Praising each other for their roles in keeping their respective regions "peaceful," Mr. Modi and Mr. Moon also committed to strengthening the "special strategic partnership" in the region. Praising South Korean President Moon Jae-in for his role in talks with North Korea, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is also a stakeholder and beneficiary of the Korean peninsula peace process. The bilateral vision document also committed to building a "peaceful, stable, secure, free, open, inclusive and rules-based region," incorporating President Moon slogan of "3Ps: People, Prosperity and Peace".
INDIA AND YEMEN 15. INDIA ON GULF OUTREACH AS INJURED YEMENI SOLDIERS READY TO FLY IN India has teamed up with the United Arab Emirates in providing major humanitarian and post-traumatic medical support to the soldiers of Yemen who were injured in the ongoing war against the rebels of that country. The operation has been intensified in the backdrop of the visit by Foreign Minister of UAE Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed. The UAE is expected to fly in 63 injured Yemenis and 27 caregivers and support staff.
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This is an initiative to showcase medical diplomacy of India and humanitarian work by the government of UAE and Red Crescent. The civil war in Yemen between the government of the country and the rebels of the Houthi community has become a major international conflict. India evacuated its citizens from Yemen under an evacuation move titled ‘Operation Rahat' in 2015 after an Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia and UAE intervened in Yemen. So far, India has treated victims from Iraq and Syria on a bilateral basis. However this is the first time that such an operation is being conducted through support from a third country - the UAE.
INDIA AND SAUDI ARABIA 16. MOU BETWEEN THE ICAI AND SOCPA The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval for the MoU signed in 2014 and approval for renewal of MoU between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) & Saudi Organisation for Certified Public Accountants (SOCPA). The aim is to work together to develop a mutually beneficial relationship in the best interest of ICAI members, students and their organizations. The MoU will provide an opportunity to the ICAI members to expand their professional horizons and simultaneously ICAI will become an entity to aid and strengthen capacity building of local nationals. The MoU will further enable ICAI to promote the Accounting and Auditing profession and all matters that might lead to the development of the profession and improve its status.
INDIA AND IRAN
17. THE LOW-DOWN ON INDIA-IRAN OIL TRADE Iran has always been one of India's main suppliers of oil, second only to Iraq and Saudi Arabia, with exports that totalled more than 27 million tonnes in 2017. The figures make India Iran's biggest buyer after China, and as a result, a target for the U.S. which has declared a campaign to "isolate Iran" after the Trump administration withdrew from the multilateral nuclear deal.
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For India, which has been told along with other buyers to take oil imports to "zero" by the cut-off date of November 4, its decisions on procuring Iran oil this point onwards is not so much about securing energy as it is about securing India's standing in the world. If it rejects U.S. pressure, it risks sanctions as well as incurring the displeasure of its all- powerful friend and defence partner. If it yields, it risks its relationship with traditional partner Iran, access to important trade routes through Chabahar and the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC), as well as its international reputation. Ties with the U.S. are under strain over several issues, including U.S. trade tariffs and India's defence procurement from Russia, and a major divergence on Iran will exacerbate the problem with India's biggest trading partner and fastest growing defence partnership. Moreover, in an increasingly globalised world, where Indian companies compete, any U.S. sanctions will make it hard for refiners, insurers and transport companies to facilitate oil trade, even if India wishes to continue it. On the other hand, India's investment in the Iranian relationship has increased, making a turnaround much more difficult. Just five months ago, New Delhi rolled out the red carpet for Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and committed itself to increasing its oil off-take by 25% in 2018, as part of easing negotiations for the Farzad-B gas fields India is keen to buy a stake in. India has also committed itself to investing $500 million to build berths at Chabahar's Shahid Beheshti Port, and $2 billion to build a rail line through the Zahedan province to Afghanistan, in an effort to circumvent trade restrictions by Pakistan. Iran's other oil importers, China and Turkey, have said they will not accept the U.S.'s diktat.
18. IRAN WILL END SPECIAL PRIVILEGES TO INDIA Iran will end "special privileges" to India if Delhi tried to replace Iranian crude with supplies from Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the United States. India's investment promises in the port of Chabahar have not been delivered. Iran comes as a "blessing" to India in Delhi's quest to access the markets of the emerging economies in the Central Asian region but hinted that Tehran is not satisfied with India's investment levels in the port of Chabahar. In the previous round of U.S. sanctions between 2012 and 2015, Iran did its best to ensure security of oil supply to India. However, if India were to replace Iran with countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, U.S. and others for 10% of its oil demand then it may have to revert to dollar-denominated imports, which mean higher CAD and deprivation of all other privileges Iran has offered to India. The response comes days after India was asked by the U.S. administration of President Donald Trump to drastically cut down crude supply from Iran.
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19. INDIA CUTS IRANIAN OIL IMPORTS IN JUNE AHEAD OF U.S. SANCTIONS Indian refiners cut imports of Iranian oil in June 2018 as they started weaning their plants off crude from the country to avoid sanctions by the United States that are set to take effect in November 2018. India’s monthly oil imports from Iran declined to 5,92,800 barrels per day (bpd) in June, down 16% from May. The United States in May 2018 said it would reimpose the sanctions after withdrawing from a 2015 agreement with Iran, Russia, China, France, Germany, and Britain, where Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear activities in return for the lifting of earlier sanctions. The Government of India, Iran’s top oil client after China, asked refiners recently to prepare for drastic reductions or even zero Iranian oil imports. The first set of sanctions will take effect on August 6 and the rest, notably in the petroleum sector, following a 180-day” wind-down period” ending on November 4. The Indian refiners will want to comply with the limits to maintain their access to the U.S. financial system.
20. IRAN SOFTENS STAND A day after threatening to cut special privileges for India, Iran toned down its rhetoric and said that it “understands” the challenges Delhi is facing on the energy front. An official statement from the Embassy of Iran conveyed that Tehran has always welcomed Indian initiatives in the port of Chabahar and urged Delhi to fast-track investments in the connectivity project.
21. INDIA, IRAN PLEDGE TO MAINTAIN TRADE LEVELS Striking a defiant note against the U.S.'s demands to "zero" out oil imports and end engagement with Iran, Indian and Iranian officials said they would "maintain the momentum" of bilateral cooperation between them. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will also travel to Tehran for the next Joint Commission meeting in November 2018, an official statement said, which is the month U.S. sanctions on energy trade would go into effect. On May 8, the United States pulled out of the 6-nation JCPOA, and decided to reimpose sanctions on Iran, due to be implemented in two batches; on August 6 and November 4, with U.S. officials asking all countries including India to bring oil imports from Iran to zero.
IRAN 22. NUCLEAR DEAL PARTNERS OFFER SUPPORT TO IRAN Iran's remaining partners in the 2015 nuclear deal vowed to keep the energy exporter plugged into the global economy despite the U.S. withdrawal and sanctions threat. Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif praised them for their "will to resist" U.S. pressure, two months after President Donald Trump walked away from the landmark accord.
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Britain, France and Germany along with Russia and China met with Iran in Vienna to offer economic benefits and assurances that would lessen the blow of sweeping U.S. sanctions announced by Mr. Trump. They said they remained committed to the accord and to building trade and investment links with Iran, including "the continuation of Iran's export of oil and gas" and other energy products. This is the first time they have shown this level of commitment, but we will have to see in the future what they really want to do and what they can do.
23. IRAN HAS NO INTENTION TO LEAVE SYRIA Iran has no intention of leaving Syria regardless of U.S. and Israeli pressure, reaffirming a tough stance on the issue expected to top the agenda of the upcoming U.S.-Russian summit. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier told Russian President Vladmir Putin that Israel wants Iran to leave Syria. The high-level talks precede 17 July 2018 summit in Helsinki between Mr. Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, who are set to discuss the Iranian presence in Syria. Both the U.S. and Israel want Iran to pull out of Syria, while Russia has warned it would be unrealistic to expect Iran to fully withdraw from the country.
ISRAEL 24. ISRAEL ADOPTS JEWISH NATION LAW Israel's Parliament adopted a law defining the country as the nation state of the Jewish people, provoking fears that it could lead to discrimination against Arabs. The "nation state law" approved by the Israeli Parliament declares that Israel is the historic homeland of the Jews and that they have a "unique" right to self-determination there. Arab lawmakers and Palestinians said it legalised "apartheid." Others said it neglected to specify equality and Israel's democratic character, implying the country's Jewish nature comes first. Arab Parliament members, who called the legislation "racist", ripped up copies of the Bill in the chamber of the Knesset, Israel's Parliament, after it was passed. Arab citizens account for some 17.5% of Israel's more than eight million population. They have long complained of discrimination.
SYRIA 25. SYRIA GETS AID FROM RUSSIA, FRANCE Humanitarian aid sent by France and Russia arrived in Syria as the two countries’ leaders discussed a joint mission to distribute much-needed relief supplies in a ravaged former rebel enclave. The joint humanitarian aid operation the first between Russia and a Western country was agreed by Russian
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President Vladimir Putin and French leader Emmanuel Macron during talks in Saint Petersburg in May. A Russian Antonov-124 Ruslan military cargo plane carrying more than 40 tonnes of medical aid and humanitarian supplies arrived at the Russian military base in Hmeimim after departing from the central French city of Chateauroux. It will be distributed under the supervision of the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid (OCHA).
26. SYRIAN ‘WHITE HELMET' MEMBERS FLEE TO JORDAN Hundreds of members of Syria's "White Helmet" civil defence group have fled advancing government forces and been spirited over the border into Jordan with the help of Israeli soldiers and Western powers. Israel's Army said that Washington and European governments had asked it to move the White Helmets and their families out of southwest Syria overnight as there was "an immediate threat to their lives". The evacuees - who operated in rebel-held areas in Syria and ran an emergency rescue service during years of bombing attacks by Damascus and its allies - will be resettled in Britain, Germany and Canada within three months. The source said 422 people were brought from Syria, over the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights frontier and into Jordan.
INDIA AND RUSSIA 27. INDIA GOING AHEAD WITH S-400 BUY India is going ahead with the purchase of S-400 air defence systems from Russia despite American concerns, and has told the U.S. that it is for them to address concerns over its recent Russia sanctions. Meanwhile, the 2+2 talks between the Defence and External Affairs Ministers and their U.S. counterparts, which was postponed in early July, is likely to be held in the first week of September. The U.S. has passed the CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) that proposes to impose sanctions on nations that have significant defence relations with Russia. While the U.S. administration has said waivers will be incorporated in it to protect friends and allies, it is yet to be done. This has generated significant concern in India which is heavily dependent on Russia for military hardware.
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In June 2018, India and Russia had concluded commercial negotiations for the purchase of five S-400 systems worth over Rs. 39,000 crore. The deal is expected to be announced later this year. On the foundational agreement, Communications, Compatibility, Security Agreement (COMCASA) — which will enable Indian military to obtain encrypted communication systems from the U.S., Ms. Sitharaman indicated that no agreement has been reached yet.
28. RUSSIAN SPIES HID BEHIND BITCOIN IN HACKING CAMPAIGN In early 2016, Russian intelligence officers obtained a new pool of the virtual currency bitcoin. They quickly put the digital money to work. The Russian spies used some of the bitcoins to pay for the registration of a website, dcleaks.com, where they would later post emails that had been stolen from Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign. When the operatives needed a computer server to host the dcleaks site, they paid for that with bitcoins as well. The transactions were detailed in an indictment from the Justice Department, in which prosecutors accused 12 Russian operatives of interfering in the 2016 presidential campaign through a sophisticated hacking scheme. First released in 2009 by its mysterious creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, bitcoin was designed to operate without any central authority that could block transactions or verify the identities of the people involved. All bitcoin transactions and wallets are recorded on a database known as the blockchain, by a network of computers that anyone can join. The unusual structure has long made bitcoin a primary means of payment for drugs on online black markets, and more recently as a method for making ransom payments.
AFRICA 29. XI VISITS AFRICA AS CHINA SEEKS TO DEEPEN ECONOMIC RELATIONS Chinese President Xi Jinping was in Africa on a four-nation visit seeking deeper military and economic ties while his rival in a bitter trade war, the Donald Trump administration, shows little interest in the world’s second most populous continent. This is Mr. Xi’s first trip abroad since he was appointed to a second term in March with term limits removed. Base in Djibouti China is already Africa’s largest trading partner, and it opened its first military base on the continent in the Horn of Africa nation of Djibouti. After surpassing the U.S. in arms sales to Africa in recent years, China this month hosted dozens of African military officials for the first China-Africa defence forum.
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Mr. Xi’s Africa visit is to highlights China’s sweeping “Belt and Road” initiative that envisages linking Beijing to Africa, Europe and other parts of Asia via a network of ports, railways, power-plants and economic zones. While such high-profile projects bring badly needed infrastructure and generate economic growth, U.S. officials and others have warned that African nations are putting themselves into debt to China. Its government, banks and contractors loaned more than $94 billion to African governments and state-owned companies from 2000 to 2015, according to the China Africa Research Initiative at Johns Hopkins University. Africa’s natural resources are a major draw for China’s economy. China’s voracious appetite for resources such as timber and ivory, however, has taken its toll on Africa’s environment.
INDIA AND AFRICA 30. PACKED AGENDA FOR PM ON AFRICA TRIP India will sign a defence framework agreement with Rwanda when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Kigali along with his tour of Uganda and South Africa from July 23 to 27. In South Africa, he will attend the BRICS summit. The defence agreement is expected to enhance ties between the two countries, which became Strategic Partners in January 2017, and will be accompanied by a number of agreements on dairy cooperation, leather exports, agriculture and cultural ties. Mr. Modi is expected to gift 200 cows to a model village in Rweru, and will visit the genocide memorial centre in Kigali, remembering the one million Rwandans killed in the Hutu-Tutsi conflict during the 1994 pogrom. India was expected to enhance the Lines of Credit for Rwanda, which have already topped $400 million for development cooperation. Significantly, India has yet to set up a long-promised embassy in Kigali, despite specific promise to do so in a joint statement after a meeting between President Paul Kagame and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2017 in Delhi. Officials said that a High Commissioner had now been appointed, and the resident mission would be set up “soon”.
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31. MODI MEETS RAMAPHOSA AMID Prime Minister Narendra Modi met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as part of multiple bilaterals scheduled on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg even as local media reported that he had come close to pulling out of the summit. A report suggested that Johannesburg had sent Energy Minister Jeff Radebe at the last moment to defuse a diplomatic crisis that erupted after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of the country wrote to Mr. Modi saying it was investigating the charges by the Muslim Lawyers Association over human rights violations in Kashmir. It was reported that Mr. Radebe explained to New Delhi that the NPA was not empowered to press charges as the Indian Prime Minister was protected by the Geneva Convention governing international summits. Ministry of External Affairs has not commented on this episode so far.
32. PM IN AFRICA AMID A FALL IN TRADE The visit of the Prime Minister to three countries is a reflection of the intensity of our engagement and the priority we attach to our relations with African countries. Despite the ramping up of high-level visits, various studies and statistics show that Indian interest in the Africa growth story has not kept pace, and even declined through most of the period. The greatest slump appears to have been in investment figures. According to the “World Investment Report for 2018”, issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Indian FDI in Africa in 2016-17 at $14 billion was even lower than it was in 2011-12 at $16 billion. In fact, with the exception of the 2015 figures, which jumped due to a single investment of $2.6 billion by ONGC Videsh Ltd. for a stake in the Rovuma gas field of Mozambique in 2014, Indian investment in Africa has steadily decreased year-on-year since 2014. On investment, apart from our traditional investors, few companies are looking at the African continent with any degree of seriousness. So while the government remains gung-ho, it has found it difficult to take the private sector along. While one of the issues has been the investment climate in African countries itself, which has seen FDI flows drop 21% in 2016-17 according to UNCTAD, India is the only one of the big investors in Africa to have reduced its investment. China, for example, increased from 2011-12, when its investment levels were identical to India’s at $16 billion, to a massive $40 billion in 2016-17. Narrow focus A similar slump both in actual and comparative terms has been seen in India-Africa trade figures from 2013 to 2017, when export and import figures fell from $67.84 billion to $51.96 billion.
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The China-Africa bilateral trade, in comparison, has hovered around the $170 billion mark. In 2017-18, where only April-October figures have been released, the figure was $34.65 billion, indicating this year may finally see an increase. One of India’s biggest problems has been its concentration on East African trade and investment opportunities, as well as a dependence on petroleum and LNG. India’s exports to African countries have also been dominated by petroleum products, and a diversification is needed to broaden economic engagement.
33. MODI MEETS RWANDAN PRESIDENT India extended $200-million lines of credit to Rwanda as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with President Paul Kagame. Mr. Modi announced that India would soon open its mission in Rwanda. The two countries signed agreements on leather and allied areas and agricultural research. Modi gifts 200 cows to Rwanda Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented 200 cows to poor villagers in Rwanda to support President Paul Kagame’s ambitious initiative for poverty reduction and tackling childhood malnutrition. The Girinka (meaning ‘May you have a cow’) programme started in 2006 to provide one cow to every poor family for their nutritional and financial security. Girinka is an ambitious projects that provides both nutritional and financial security to the poor.
34. INDIA PROUD TO BE AFRICA’S PARTNER Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined 10 guiding principles for deepening India’s engagement with Africa to help in its economic growth and tackle challenges such as terrorism and climate change. Mr. Modi addressed the Parliament of Uganda, the first by an Indian Prime Minister. He said Uganda, also known as the “Pearl of Africa”, was a land of immense beauty, great wealth of resources and rich heritage. He said the two nations were connected to each other by ancient maritime links, the dark ages of colonial rule, the shared struggle for freedom and the uncertain paths as independent countries in a divided world.
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He said India’s engagement with Africa would be guided by 10 principles and described them in detail. Some areas of co-operation include: combating terrorism and extremism; keeping our cyberspace safe and secure; supporting the UN in advancing and keeping peace keep the oceans open and free for the benefit of all nations. India will harness its experience with digital revolution to support Africa’s development; improve delivery of public services; extend education and health; spread digital literacy; expand financial inclusion; and mainstream the marginalised. support our industry to invest in Africa. work together to improve Africa’s agriculture. The world needs cooperation and not competition in the eastern shores of Africa and the eastern Indian Ocean. That is why India’s vision of Indian Ocean security is cooperative and inclusive, rooted in security and growth for all in the region, apparently referring to China’s manoeuvres in the Horn of Africa, including opening its first so-called support base on the continent in Djibouti in 2017.
INDIA AND MALDIVES 35. ISLAND TROUBLE: TWO CHOPPERS, DELAYED VISAS Bilateral relations between India and the Maldives are on the brink once again as the deadline for India to withdraw its two helicopters has passed and the issue of visas for thousands of Indian job-seekers remains unresolved. The visas of more than 26 Indian Navy personnel operating the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) were valid till June 30. However, Male has refused to extend their visas and has already asked India to take back the two ALHs. The two helicopters were gifted by India in 2013 and one was operated by the Indian Coast Guard and the other by the Indian Navy. The validity for the Coast Guard helicopter had expired earlier this year, but the helicopter still remains there.
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36. INDIA TO BRING BACK COPTERS India is preparing to bring back the two helicopters it had gifted to the Maldives, in a sign that it is hoping to use dialogue as the way forward in resolving issues with Male after months of strain in ties, caused by a squeeze on work permits to Indians and unhappiness over the Maldivian election process. According to an official source, the government has in principle decided to withdraw the helicopters, as well as accompanying personnel from two atolls in the Maldives, which has been the consistent demand of the Yameen government for the last few months. The helicopters were gifted in 2013 and the agreement for the first one, operated by the Indian Coast Guard, expired earlier in 2018 but the helicopter has remained there. The agreement for the second one operated by the Indian Navy expired on June 30. About 28 Navy personnel are still in Maldives with expired visas awaiting instructions to return. However, India will continue to raise its concerns over the conduct of elections in the Maldives, which it believes it is entitled to as a "SAARC country and as a neighbour."
U.S.A 37. DNA TESTS BEING USED TO REUNITE CHILDREN WITH PARENTS U.S. officials have resorted to DNA testing on up to 3,000 detained children, who remain separated from their migrant parents, as President Donald Trump's administration struggles to rapidly reunite families at the centre of a border crisis. The controversial, newly announced procedures are part of the government efforts to meet rapidly approaching court-imposed deadlines for reuniting children with their parents, and come as the President, himself, once again demanded swift action by Congress to fix the country's "insane" immigration laws. Normally used as a last-resort means of identification - if birth certificates or other documents are unavailable - DNA testing is being used to speed the process to meet a judge's order to reunite families by June 26.
38. HOW TRUMP'S POLICY DECISIONS UNDERMINE INDUSTRIES "The assault on the American auto industry is over," President Donald Trump declared last spring in Detroit, promising auto executives that he would throttle back Obama-era regulations on vehicle pollution. The moment embodied one of Mr. Trump's main political promises - to promote pro- business policies that unshackle industry and the economy. Even as the President's pro-business stance is broadly embraced by the corporate community, in some significant cases the very industries that Mr. Trump has vowed to help say that his proposals will actually hurt them. They also warn that policies designed to aid one group will eat into someone else's business in ways that policymakers should have anticipated. China's threat to impose tariffs on U.S. soybeans - in direct response to Mr. Trump's tariffs on other Chinese-made products - is already having a negative effect on the prices farmers see.
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In recent days, Canada imposed its own retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. General Motors warned that Mr. Trump's threat of tariffs on imported cars could backfire, killing American jobs and leading to "a smaller GM". They also fear that Mr. Trump's recent threats to impose tariffs on imports of European autos could trigger a trade war, raising prices for all vehicles.
39. TRUMP SERVES ULTIMATUM TO NATO Donald Trump claimed a personal victory at a NATO summit after telling European allies to increase spending or lose Washington’s support, an ultimatum that forced leaders to huddle in a crisis session with the U.S. President. Mr. Trump emerged declaring his continued commitment to a Western alliance built on U.S. military might that has stood up to Moscow since Second World War. Washington founded NATO in 1949 to contain Soviet expansion. People present said he had earlier warned he would “go it alone” if allies, notably Germany, did not make vast increases in their defence budgets for next year. Mr. Trump, asked if he thought he could withdraw from NATO without backing from Congress, said he believed he could but it was “unnecessary”. Mr. Trump hailed a personal victory for his own strategy in complaining loudly that NATO budgets were unfair to U.S. taxpayers, and the emergence of what he said was a warm consensus around him. NATO members have committed to spending at least 2% of their national income on defence by 2024, though the terms allow for stretching that in some cases to 2030. The U.S., the biggest economy, spent 3.6% last year, while Germany, the second biggest, paid out just 1.2% and only a handful of countries met the 2% target. Several diplomats and officials said that Trump’s undiplomatic intervention — including pointing at other leaders and addressing Ms. Merkel as “you, Angela” — had irritated man.
40. SPEND 4% OF GDP ON DEFENCE U.S. President Donald Trump shocked allies at a fraught NATO summit in Brussels, Belgium by suddenly demanding that members double their defence spending commitments. Mr. Trump’s surprise demand came after he clashed with Chancellor Angela Merkel, calling Germany a “captive” of Russia because of its gas links and singling out Berlin for failing to pay its way. Germany, Europe’s biggest economy, spends just 1.24% on defence, compared with 3.5% spent by the U.S. The summit in Brussels is shaping up as the alliance’s most difficult in years, against a backdrop of deepening transatlantic tensions in fields ranging from trade to energy and defence.
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NATO allies agreed at their Wales summit in 2014 to try to spend 2% of GDP on defence within 10 years, but the White House said Mr. Trump suggested that was not enough. All 29 NATO leaders, including Mr. Trump, also backed a joint statement committing themselves to greater “burden sharing” and to the alliance’s founding commitment that an attack on one member is an attack on them all with no mention of the 4% demand. Mr. Trump ramped up his rhetoric ahead of the talks, explicitly linking NATO with the transatlantic trade row by saying the EU shut out U.S. business while expecting America to defend it. EU President Donald Tusk stepped up to the fight with his own salvo against Mr. Trump, telling him to “appreciate your allies” and reminding him that Europe had come to its aid following the 9/11 attacks.
41. MATTIS SEEKS WAIVERS FROM SANCTIONS U.S. Defence Secretary Jim Mattis has sought waivers from sanctions on some countries making a transition from their military dependence on Russia, asserting that it will allow them to build closer security ties with America and strengthen U.S.' allies in key regions. Mr. Mattis' statement did not mention India, but for all practical purposes he has been seeking waivers for India from the punitive Countering America's Adversaries through Sanctions Act, or CAATSA, under which sanctions kick off on countries that purchase significant military equipment from Russia. Though the Act targets Russia, it is having its unintended consequences on India, which is planning to buy five S-400 Triumf air defence systems for around $ 4.5 billion from Russia which U.S. officials say could be considered a significant military purchase. Mr. Mattis demanded that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo be empowered with the authority of issuing waivers to certain countries when it comes to the U.S. sanctions on Russia under CAATSA. Senator Mark Warner, who is a strong proponent of CAATSA, said the lawmakers were looking into it and did not want India to suffer its unintended consequences.
42. U.S., EU AGREE TO EASE TRADE TENSIONS U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker agreed on a plan to defuse the festering trade dispute between the two major economies. Germany's Economy Minister described the agreement - which means Washington will not follow through with a threat to impose tariffs on autos that would hurt the dominant German car industry - as a "breakthrough" that "can avoid trade war." The pair - who met for more than two hours of talks at the White House - also said they would work to "resolve" the existing duties on steel and aluminium imposed by Washington, which had angered key allies, including the European Union.
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The leaders agreed to "launch a new phase" in the relationship and "to work together towards zero tariffs, zero non-tariff barriers, and zero subsidies on non-auto industrial goods," Mr. Trump said. In addition, the EU has made a commitment to buy U.S. soybeans and natural gas. EU already imports 35% of its natural gas from U.S. producers. Mr. Trump also won a commitment to work together to reform the World Trade Organization to address some of his complaints about China on theft of U.S. technology, the behavior of state-owned enterprises, and overcapacity in steel. He has long complained that the WTO has been unfair to the United States, despite the fact that the U.S. has won most of the disputes against China and others. The U.S. and the EU account for about $1 trillion in transatlantic trade.
U.S. AND CHINA 43. U.S., CHINA FIRE FIRST SHOTS IN TARIFF WAR The U.S. and China launched tit-for-tat tariffs on each other's imports, the opening shots in what Beijing called "the largest trade war in economic history." On 6 July 2018, the U.S. pulled the trigger on 25% duties on $34 billion in Chinese machinery, electronics and hi-tech equipment, including autos, computer hard drives and LEDs. The Foreign Ministry in Beijing said retaliatory measures "took effect immediately," of 25% tariffs on an equal amount of goods. U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to hit $450 billion in Chinese goods, the vast majority of imports. Months of dialogue between the two economic superpowers appeared to have failed, with Mr. Trump warning just hours before the tariffs came into effect that Washington was ready to target more Chinese goods. Mr. Trump has for years slammed, what he describes as, Beijing's underhand economic treatment of the U.S. U.S. Tariffs will obstruct economic recovery China warned that the U.S.'s move to impose tariffs on Chinese goods would trigger market turmoil across the globe, obstruct economic recovery, and pose a "grave threat" to the security of industrial value chains. A statement by the Chinese Commerce Ministry warned that the U.S. was indulging in "bullying". Beijing has declared retaliatory tariffs after the U.S. announced a 25% additional levy on Chinese products worth $34 billion. U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to incrementally increase tariffs on the entire range of Chinese exports, worth more than $500 billion, in case Beijing retaliated. The new U.S. market restrictions are likely to have a downstream impact in other countries, as China-based export firms outsource parts and sub-assemblies from other world locations.
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The latest set of levies target 818 Chinese product lines in industries such as aerospace, information and communications technology, robotics, industrial machinery, new materials and automobiles, USTR list released earlier had stated. In mid-June, the Chinese Commerce Ministry had declared that 545 types of U.S. products of equal value, including soyabeans, automobiles and seafood, would face an additional tariff of 25%. By restricting its market for high-end products, the U.S. hopes that this would deter its companies, with cutting edge technology, from investing in China. The U.S. has earlier charged Beijing of forcing American companies to part with their intellectual property, which can be funnelled into the Made-in-China 2025 project, as a precondition for doing business in China. Ready to tax all Chinese imports U.S. President Donald Trump said that he is willing to hit all Chinese goods imported to the U.S. with tariffs if necessary. "I'm ready to go 500," the Republican leader said, referring to the $505.5 billion in Chinese imports accepted into the U.S. in 2017. After weeks of apparently fruitless negotiations, the U.S. imposed 25% tariffs on approximately $34 billion of Chinese mechanical and technological products in July 2018 - sparking an immediate response from Beijing, which said it would hit back dollar for dollar. China accused the U.S. of starting the "largest trade war in economic history." Mr. Trump said China, the EU and others had been "manipulating their currencies and interest rates lower" while the dollar gained in strength, eroding "our big competitive edge." He said the American Federal Reserve's course of tightening monetary policy "now hurts all that we have done." Fed has raised the benchmark lending rates twice this year, after three increases in 2017, and two more rate hikes are expected this year as the central bank removes stimulus from the economy to keep a lid on inflation. The chance inflation might accelerate has increased after the massive tax cut Mr. Trump championed, which has raised the U.S. debt and budget deficit. China waging cold war against U.S. China is waging a “quiet kind of cold war” against the United States, using all its resources to try to replace America as the leading power in the world. Rising U.S.-China tension goes beyond the trade dispute playing out in a tariff tit-for-tat between the two nations. There is concern over China’s pervasive efforts to steal business secrets and details about high-tech research being conducted in the U.S. The Chinese military is expanding and being modernised and the U.S., as well as other nations, have complained about China’s construction of military outposts on islands in the South China Sea.
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China challenges U.S. tariff threat at WTO China announced that it filed a World Trade Organization (WTO) challenge to U.S. President Donald Trump's latest tariff threat, stepping up its diplomatic efforts to counter U.S. pressure in a spiralling technology dispute. The Trump administration has criticised the WTO as unable to deal with the problems posed by China. But it might help Beijing rally support from governments that criticised Mr. Trump for going outside the WTO to impose tariffs on Chinese and other imports. The move is unusually swift, coming less than one week after the U.S. proposed 10% tariffs on a $200 billion list of Chinese goods. Those wouldn't take effect until at least September. China's lopsided trade balance means it will run out of U.S. imports for penalty tariffs before Washington does. The U.S. had earlier imposed 25% tariffs on $34 billion of Chinese goods in response to complaints that Beijing pressures companies to hand over technology. Beijing responded immediately by imposing identical penalties on a similar amount of American imports. It has criticised the latest tariff threat but has only about $80 billion of annual imports left for penalties. Beijing is trying to recruit support, so far in vain, from Europe, South Korea and other governments.
U.S.A AND RUSSIA 44. PUTIN AND TRUMP WON'T DISCUSS CRIMEA The Kremlin said that Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump can discuss "all other issues" except Crimea, at their highly anticipated first summit. Mr. Putin has "repeatedly stated and explained that Crimea cannot be and will never be on the agenda because it is an inseparable part of Russia". Mr. Trump refused to rule out accepting Russia's annexation of Crimea when he meets Mr. Putin for a first one-on-one summit of the two leaders in Helsinki on July 16. Mr. Trump has reluctantly approved the dispatch of U.S. anti-tank missiles to support Ukraine forces.
45. PUTIN IS NOT AN ENEMY U.S. President Donald Trump said that he sees his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin as a “competitor”, not an “enemy”, days before they meet for a high-stakes summit. Mr. Trump said he would be discussing the civil war in Syria, the conflict in Ukraine, as well as allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election. The U.S. President was also asked if he would be prepared to recognise Crimea as part of Russia after it was annexed from Ukraine by Moscow in 2014.
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46. U.S. INDICTS 12 RUSSIAN OFFICERS FOR HACKING Twelve Russian intelligence officers were indicted by a U.S. grand jury for interfering in the 2016 presidential election. The development comes just three days before President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Announced by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, the charges were drawn up by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, the former FBI director who is looking into Russian interference in the November 2016 vote. Eleven of the defendants are charged with conspiring to hack into computers, steal documents, and release those documents with the intent to interfere in the election. One of those defendants and a 12th Russian are charged with conspiring to infiltrate computers of organisations involved in administering elections.
47. TRUMP SEES NO REASON TO BELIEVE RUSSIAN MEDDLING Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin held a historic summit at Helsinki on 16 July 2018, vowing to forge a reset of troubled relations between the world's greatest nuclear powers. Mr. Trump, bent on forging a personal bond with the Kremlin chief despite allegations of Russian meddling in U.S. politics, went into the summit blaming the "stupidity" of his predecessors for plunging ties to their present low. Mr. Trump said he had raised the issue of alleged Russian meddling in U.S. elections. Mr. Putin denied any such interference, saying the allegations were "complete nonsense." The pair sat down to discuss everything from Syria, Ukraine and China to trade tariffs and the size of their nuclear arsenals. Mr. Trump admitted that Russia remains a foe, but he put Moscow on a par with China and the European Union as economic and diplomatic rivals. Mr. Putin praised cooperation between Russian and U.S. security services, adding that he favoured continued cooperation in "the fight against terror and ensuring cybersecurity".
U.S.A AND BRITAIN 48. TRUMP STOKES BREXIT TURMOIL Donald Trump began a protest-laden trip to Britain by questioning whether Prime Minister Theresa May will deliver on UK voters’ intentions when they decided to quit the European Union. The convention-shredding U.S. President ignored diplomatic niceties ahead of touching down for the four-day visit by rebuking his beleaguered host as she battles to stop her government falling apart over Brexit. Despite a series of diplomatic spats between Britain and Mr. Trump, Ms. May is hoping for a quick trade deal with the U.S. after it leaves the EU.
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49. CHINA PRESSES EUROPE FOR ANTI-U.S. ALLIANCE ON TRADE China is putting pressure on the European Union (EU) to issue a strong joint statement against President Donald Trump's trade policies at Sino-European summit in Beijing on July 16-17. China has proposed an alliance between the two economic powers and offered to open more of the Chinese market in a gesture of goodwill. One proposal has been for China and the EU to launch joint action against the U.S. at the World Trade Organisation but the EU, the world's largest trading bloc, has rejected the idea of allying with Beijing against Washington. Instead, the summit is expected to produce a modest communique, which affirms the commitment of both sides to the multilateral trading system and promises to set up a working group on modernising the WTO. The past two summits, in 2016 and 2017, ended without a statement due to disagreements over the South China Sea and trade. Despite Trump's tariffs on European metals exports and threats to hit the EU's automobile industry, Brussels shares Washington's concern about China's closed markets and what Western governments say is Beijing's manipulation of trade to dominate global markets. A report by New York-based Rhodium Group, a research consultancy, in April 2018 showed that Chinese restrictions on foreign investment are higher in every sector save real estate, compared to the European Union, while many of the big Chinese takeovers in the bloc would not have been possible for EU companies in China. China has promised to open up. But EU officials expect any moves to be more symbolic than substantive. Trump has split the West, and China is seeking to capitalise on that. It was never comfortable with the West being one bloc. Another official described the dispute between Trump and Western allies at the Group of Seven summit in June 2018 as a gift to Beijing because it showed European leaders losing a long-time ally, at least in trade policy.
U.S.A AND NORTH KOREA 50. U.S., N. KOREA HOLD TALKS AT DMZ VILLAGE U.S. and North Korean military officials met in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas, to discuss the return of remains of U.S. soldiers killed in the 1950-53 Korean War. The repatriation of U.S. remains was one of the agreements reached during an unprecedented summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in June 2018 in Singapore.
INDIA AND U.S.A 51. INDIA, U.S. SET TO MEND TRADE TIES The ongoing negotiations between India and the U.S. on multiple trade tussles are progressing smoothly and a deal could be announced when an Indian delegation visits America in mid-July.
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The deal is likely to involve bringing down the duty on high-end Harley-Davidson motorcycles to zero, addressing an issue that President Donald Trump continues to raise publicly and privately about trade relations with India. India imports only a few dozen fully assembled motorcycles in the high capacity category that attracts highest duties. As part of a package deal, America is likely to maintain the Generalised System Preferences (GSP) for India, which allows many exporters to enjoy lower tariffs on specific exports to the U.S. India is likely to change the price restrictions imposed on medical devices imported from America to trade margin rationalisation, a more acceptable global practice being demanded by American manufactures. The USTR has launched a process to terminate the GSP status for India, partly in response to complaints from U.S. manufacturers of medical devices. The U.S. had invoked Section 232 (b) of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to impose 25% duties on steel and aluminium from India. India had taken the issue to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The U.S. is also challenging India at the WTO for its export subsidy programmes. American companies are also protesting data localisation requirements that India has announced. Even partial resolution of the pending trade issues could infuse fresh new energy in bilateral ties, which have taken a hit by the abrupt postponement by the U.S., of the 2+2 dialogue between the Defence and Foreign Ministers of both countries.
52. IN TIGHTROPE WALK, INDIA SCHEDULES TALKS WITH IRAN AND U.S. Ahead of the first set of U.S. sanctions on Iran kicking in on August 6, the Union government is planning to hold talks with senior Iranian and American officials back-to-back. USA withdrew from the multilateral nuclear deal with Iran, JCPOA, which the U.S. withdrew from in May 2018. India would seek a waiver from sanctions for its investment in the Chabahar port. The first set of U.S. sanctions will target Iran’s automotive sector, trade in gold, and other key metals.
53. MATTIS, POMPEO TO TRAVEL TO INDIA IN SEPTEMBER FOR 2+2 The first 2+2 dialogue between Defence and Foreign Ministers of India and the U.S. will take place in September 2018 in New Delhi. The dialogue was scheduled for July 6 in Washington, but was postponed due to changes in Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's schedule. Mr. Pompeo was in Pyongyang for denuclearisation talks with the North Korean regime on July 6.
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Defense Secretary James Mattis had offered to host Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the same day, but India did not warm up to the idea of a truncated meeting. Negotiations are under way on the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA). A communications agreement is key to the forward movement of the pending proposal for India to buy armed drones from American company General Atomics. India has reservations about the standard text of the COMCASA agreement that the U.S enter into with allies. While the U.S. would prefer the standard agreement, it is open to an India- specific agreement as well. Both sides have exchanged drafts of the agreement, and negotiators are hopeful of its conclusion in time for the dialogue. Two U.S delegations are in India this week - one on Iran sanctions and the other on U.S.- India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI).
54. INDIA TO HOST U.S. FOR 2+2 TALKS India will host the inaugural round of the two-plus-two dialogue with the United States on September 6. The dialogue will be led by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman from the Indian side and the Secretary of State Mike R. Pompeo and Secretary of Defence James Mattis from the U.S. This new dialogue format is in pursuit of agreement reached between India and the U.S. during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington D.C. on June 25-26 2017. The 2+2 meeting will cover a broad range of bilateral, regional and global issues of shared interest, with a view to strengthening strategic and security ties between the two countries.
PERU 55. INCAN BURIAL SITE UNCOVERED IN PERU Archaeologists in Peru have uncovered an extensive Incan burial site inside an adobe pyramid in a coastal desert valley far from the Andean heart of the empire. The two dozen cave-like tombs here have human remains and pottery. The finding was a reminder of the vast terrain - from the Pacific coast to the high Andes - that the Incan Empire, using a network of roads and a labour-based tax system, controlled before the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.
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The so-called Pyramid of the Bees where the tombs were found, were one of the several adobe structures at the site.
INDIA AND EUROPE 56. RS. 809 CRORE FRENCH LOAN FOR 15 SMART CITIES PROJECTS Four months after Agence française de développement (AFD), the French development bank, signed a €100 million loan agreement for Smart Cities Mission, the Centre has announced a new challenge process to select 15 projects for the funding. The loan, which amounts to Rs. 809 crore, will be given for projects in one of the four sectors: sustainable mobility, public open spaces, urban governance and ICT and organisational innovation in low-income settlements. Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs said that cities would not get automatic funding, but would rather be expected to compete for it. The challenge process would be conducted by the National Institute for Urban Affairs. The duration of the programme will be three years, till 2020-21. AFD will extend grants ranging from Rs. 20 crore to Rs. 80 crore for each of the selected projects. The grant is likely to cover 50-80% of the cost, with each city expected to raise at least 20% of the money on its own. The repayment of the principal and the interest will be shared equally by the Central and State governments. Several other Smart Cities initiatives were launched, including an internship and fellowship programme, and a digital payment initiative that is being implemented in the form of a 100- day challenge.
57. GERMANY CAN EXTRADITE PUIGDEMONT Catalonia’s deposed leader Carles Puigdemont said that he and other separatists would “fight until the end” after a German court decided to allow his extradition, but not on the severe charge of rebellion demanded by a Spanish judge. He is wanted by Spain over his role in Catalonia’s failed independence bid in October 2017. The court in Schleswig-Holstein gave its green light to the extradition of the 55-year-old for misuse of public funds but not rebellion, which carries up to 25 years in jail. German prosecutors must now decide whether to transfer him to Spain. If Mr. Puigdemont is extradited, the Supreme Court in charge of the case will not be able to try him for rebellion, which would be a severe setback for Spain. Mr. Puigdemont is one of 13 separatist leaders accused of rebellion, four of whom are in self- exile in various European countries. The other nine are in custody in Spain awaiting trial.
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BRITAIN 58. 80% CHANCE OF BRITAIN LEAVING EU, SAYS CAMERON Former British Prime Minister David Cameron said there is 80% chance that his country would leave the EU on the basis of an agreed deal and 20% chance that the deal would be brought to some form of political blockage. "It really is a trade off between economic benefit and perceived political independence... I say perceived because I do not buy the argument...," Mr. Cameron said. He advocated the option of a soft Brexit by staying close to the single market and added that a ‘harder Brexit' would create more friction. Mr. Cameron, who demitted office after the Brexit referendum in 2016, said he wanted his country to be part of the EU. During the discussion, he defended his decision to hold the referendum and said that the issue of Brexit was poisoning Britain's politics. He said the rational argument was staying inside the EU and fighting for change. In hindsight, emotional arguments trumped some of the rational arguments, he added.
59. FARC REBELS APOLOGISE TO THE NATION Former rebel FARC commanders in Colombia have appeared at a historic tribunal where for the first time they were made to answer for kidnappings and forced disappearances. The tribunal opened under a truth and reconciliation system agreed with the government to recognise the hundreds of thousands of victims of more than a half century of confrontation. During their long and failed struggle for power, the FARC resorted to abductions for economic and political purposes. Thousands of hostages, including military, police and politicians were kept for years deep in the jungle before being rescued or released, with many others perishing in captivity. The prosecution has documented 8,163 victims of kidnapping involving the rebels. The Special Jurisdiction for Peace (known by its Spanish abbreviation JEP) is examining the period between 1993 and 2012. FARC pledged to confess their crimes and make reparations to the victims as part of the 2016 agreement that disarmed 7,000 fighters and led to the group becoming a political party.
60. KOREAN MOUNTAIN TEMPLES, JAPAN’S CHRISTIAN SITES ADDED TO UNESCO LIST Seven ancient Korean mountain temples and a dozen Christian locations in parts of southern Japan were among those selected for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Korean temples The Korean temples — Seonamsa, Daeheungsa, Beopjusa, Magoksa, Tongdosa, Bongjeongsa, Buseoksa — typify the way Buddhism emerged in the country with indigenous beliefs and styles.
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International Relations
They were all established during the Three Kingdoms period that lasted until the 7th century AD. UNESCO made the announcement at a meeting in the Bahraini capital Manama. These mountain monasteries are sacred places, which have survived as living centres of faith and daily religious practice to the present. Japan’s Christian past In Christian locations in parts of southern Japan, where members of the faith were once brutally persecuted, also found a place in the World Heritage list. The 12 sites include Oura Cathedral, a Catholic church in Nagasaki that is dedicated to 26 Christians who were executed for their beliefs over four centuries ago. Christianity in Japan dates back to 1549, when European Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier arrived in the country with two companions and the religion began spreading in western Japan. As more missionaries arrived and the faith spread, Japanese military leaders became increasingly suspicious of its growing influence and a crackdown against Christians began from 1589. The Christians commemorated at Oura — 20 Japanese and six foreigners — were executed in Nagasaki in 1597 as the persecution intensified. For Japanese converts, hiding their religion became a matter of life and death for the next 250 years, with Christianity banned and Japan closed to the outside world. As they practiced their faith but tried to blend in, the Christians created a blended religion that incorporated elements of Buddhism. It wasn’t until 1865 that these “hidden Christians” or Kakure Kirishtan became known outside of their communities. A group of nervous peasants approached a French priest at Oura Cathedral and one woman whispered “our hearts are the same as yours”, prompting the discovery of what turned out to be tens of thousands of Japanese Christians who had kept their faith a secret. Gothic-style Oura, which was built in 1864 by French priests and was known by locals as the “French temple,” is the oldest Christian-related building in Japan. It was designated a national treasure by the government in 1933, but was partly damaged by the atomic bomb dropped by the U.S. on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. Saudi Arabia.s Al-Ahsa Oasis Authorities in Riyadh, as well as Muscat, have put tourism high on their economic agendas as Gulf states look to diversify their oil-dependent economies. Saudi Arabia’s lush Al-Ahsa oasis is dotted with yet-to-be-excavated archeological sites, and carries traces of human occupation dating back to Neolithic times. Al-Ahsa “was a commercial centre for the Hajar territory of Bahrain.
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Oman’s ancient city of Qalhat Archaeological evidence shows that it exchanged products from southern Arabia and Persia as well as throughout the Arabian Peninsula. Oman’s Qalhat also dates back to pre-Islamic times. The port city on Oman’s Indian Ocean coast was once a key hub for trade in goods, including Arabian horses to Chinese porcelain, according to the Omani submission.
61. IAF PARTICIPATION IN EX PITCH BLACK 2018 The Indian Air Force for the first time is participating with fighter aircraft in Exercise Pitch Black 2018 (PB-18), which is scheduled in Australia. It would aim to undertake simulated air combat exercises in a controlled environment and mutual exchange of best practices towards enhancing IAF operational capability. Ex Pitch Black is a biennial multi-national large force employment warfare exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The IAF contingent consists of 145 air-warriors including Garud team, 04 X Su-30 MKI, 01 X C-130 and 01 X C-17. The contingent will assemble at Air Force Station Kalaikunda and depart for the exercise on 19 Jul 18 from India to Australia via Indonesia. During the flight from India to Australia and back, Su-30 MKI will carry out air to air refueling with IL-78 tankers. After completion of the exercise, on its return leg from Darwin to Subang, Su-30 MKI will be refueled in air for the first time by RAAF KC-30A. The exercise will provide unique opportunity for exchange of knowledge and experience with these nations in a dynamic warfare environment. Participation in multinational air exercise assumes importance in view of the continued engagement of the IAF with friendly foreign countries. Over the last decade, IAF has been actively participating in operational exercises hosted by various countries, wherein collaborative engagements undertaken with the best air forces in the world.
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ECONOMY
1. A YEAR ON, GST GEARS UP FOR THE LONG HAUL One year after its implementation, the Goods and Services Tax system is functioning well and has resulted in increased tax compliance across the country. GST has clocked an average revenue collection of approximately Rs. 90,000 crore a month in the first year, with the same crossing Rs. 1 lakh crore in April. As many as 12 crore returns have been filed till date and 380 crore invoices processed. The taxpayer is now better informed and the errors in filing have also reduced substantially. Some persistent problems Passing on of the benefits of input tax credits, What is Input Tax Credit? The confusion surrounding TDS and TCS, Inputs are materials or services that a Some elements being kept out of GST- that still manufacturer purchase in order to affect several growing sectors. manufacture his product or services which In the FMCG and pharma sectors, companies that is his output. need to pass on the GST benefits to the end Tax credit means the tax a producer was consumers and various companies have been able to reduce while paying his tax on issued notices from anti-profiteering authorities. output. Another issue they point out is that aviation Input tax credit means that when a turbine fuel is still outside the purview of GST manufacturer pays the tax on his output, he which has increased costs for the aviation sector. can deduct the tax he previously paid on the State Of GST input he purchased. Here, while paying the Revenue from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) tax on his output, he can deduct or take will exceed Rs. 1.1 lakh crore monthly, Finance credit for the tax he paid while purchasing Minister said, inputs. adding that he expects about Rs. 13 lakh crore of revenue from the new tax regime over this financial year. The government’s ‘GST Day’ celebrations took place on 1 July 2018 to mark one year of the indirect tax regime. The Finance Minister said there was scope for further rationalisation of the tax rates if tax compliance improved and the e-waybill system settled down.
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2. ‘THIRD EYE' TO MONITOR TRADERS ON GSTN India has deployed business intelligence or ‘third eye' technology in its Goods and Service Tax Network to detect defaulters and will install radio frequency identification tags on trucks transporting goods to check on compliance in the e-way bill process. In the third phase of IT development, they have sent to States the GSTR 3 and GSTR 1 forms. They both have to match. If there is a discrepancy then the third eye will detect. Notices will be served. The Law Advisory Committee set up by the Ministry of Finance has suggested increasing the threshold of the composition scheme to Rs. 1.5 crore from the current Rs. 1 crore. The GST Council will take a call on when to amend. It has also recommended a special class of dealers for the reverse charge mechanism, For service providers, the norm suggested is between 10% (of turnover) or Rs. 5 lakh whichever is lower. Another suggestion of the committee was that if restaurants, travel firms, healthcare companies and beverage outlets provide transport for women in the night shifts, they can avail of input tax credit.
3. GST COMPENSATION GIVEN TO STATES WAS ONLY RS. 5,000 CRORE The compensation payable to the States for revenue loss arising from the GST is just Rs. 5,000 crore, far lower than was estimated, Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) according to Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian. GSTN was set up as not for profit, non- In an interview, the outgoing CEA also batted Government, private limited company in for the lateral entry of talent into the 2013. government, saying that it was a “no brainer” It was established primarily to provide IT in a situation where demand for talent infrastructure and services to Central and outstripped supply within the government. State Governments, tax payers and other However, it wasn’t sufficient to get the talent stakeholders for implementation of Goods from outside, but to ensure that the person and Services Tax (GST). could also effectively work with and within the Currently its 24.5% is owned by central bureaucracy. government and similar percentage is held Mr. Subramanian added that while it was by state governments collectively. difficult to ascertain its exact contribution, The remaining 51% owned by five private demonetisation “certainly did” contribute to financial institutions ICICI Bank, NSE, the deceleration in the economy. HDFC Ltd, HDFC Bank and LIC Housing Finance Ltd. 4. MANUFACTURING PMI AT 53.1, HIGHEST SINCE Its revenue model after Goods and Services DECEMBER Tax (GST) was rollout out consisted of User Manufacturing activity saw its best Charge to be paid by stakeholders who will performance in six months in June 2018, due to use the system and making it self-sustaining strong output levels and new order numbers. organization.
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The Nikkei India Purchasing Managers' What is the 'Purchasing Managers' Index? Index recorded a reading of 53.1 in June 2018, The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) is an compared to 52.2 in May 2018. indicator of economic health for A reading over 50 indicates expansion, while manufacturing and service sectors. one below 50 denotes a contraction. The purpose of the PMI is to provide information about current business 5. SERVICES PMI RETURNS TO GROWTH IN JUNE conditions to company decision makers, Following a marginal contraction in May 2018, analysts and purchasing managers. the services sector returned to growth during June 2018 and registered the fastest rate of expansion in a year, supported by a robust increase in new business orders. The seasonally adjusted Nikkei India Services Business Activity Index rose from 49.6 in May to 52.6, registering the fastest growth since June 2017. In PMI parlance, a print above 50 means expansion, while a score below that denotes contraction. Meanwhile, the seasonally adjusted Nikkei India Composite PMI Output Index, that maps the manufacturing and the services industry, rose from 50.4 in May to 53.3 in June. The latest reading is the strongest since October 2016, indicative of a solid rate of expansion.
6. INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR GROWTH DIPS TO 10-MONTH LOW OF 3.6% IN MAY The growth in eight infrastructure industries dropped to a 10-month low of 3.6% in May 2018 due to a decline in production of crude oil and natural gas. The eight core sectors, which also include coal, refinery products, fertilizers, steel and cement, had expanded by 3.9% in May 2017. This is the lowest growth rate since July 2017 when infrastructure industries had expanded by 2.9%.
7. GST COUNCIL MAY MULL TAXING NATURAL GAS The 28th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax Council will likely discuss the inclusion of natural gas in GST, the rationalisation of tax rates on more items, including sanitary pads and handicraft items, and the simplifying of the returns filing procedure.
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Tax analysts said there have been powerful lobbies approaching the government to reduce the tax rates on construction material such as paints, cement, and marble. The rate rationalisation committee has been discussing several products, a few specific products where a lot of lobbying has been going on, such as paints and cement, and marble, where they want the rate to be reduced from 28% to 18%.
8. OVER 50 PRODUCTS CHEAPER AS GST COUNCIL SLASHES RATES The Goods and Services Tax Council, at its 28th meeting, reduced the rates on more than 50 products, including sanitary pads, small televisions, washing machines, and GST Council The GST council is the key decision- refrigerators. making body that will take all important The council also simplified the return filing decisions regarding the GST. process for small businesses. The GST Council dictates tax rate, tax While GST on sanitary pads was cut from 12% exemption, the due date of forms, tax to zero, rakhis were exempted from the tax. laws, and tax deadlines, keeping in mind Small televisions, washing machines, fridges special rates and provisions for some and kitchen appliances such as mixers and states. juicers have their tax rates slashed from 28% The predominant responsibility of the to 18%. GST Council is to ensure to have one Out of the 49 items currently taxed at the uniform tax rate for goods and services highest rate of 28%, rates on 17 have been across the nation. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is reduced to 18%. governed by the GST Council. Consumer-durable makers welcomed the Article 279 (1) of the amended Indian government’s move, saying it will help Constitution states that the GST Council domestic manufacturing and create more has to be constituted by the President employment opportunities. within 60 days of the commencement of the Article 279A. 9. WHAT IS THE GDP DEFLATOR? According to the article, GST Council will The GDP deflator, also called implicit price be a joint forum for the Centre and the deflator, is a measure of inflation. States. It consists of the following It is the ratio of the value of goods and services members: an economy produces in a particular year at The Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley will be the Chairperson current prices to that of prices that prevailed As a member, the Union Minister of during the base year. State will be in charge of Revenue of This ratio helps show the extent to which the Finance increase in gross domestic product has The Minister in charge of finance or happened on account of higher prices rather taxation or any other Minister than increase in output. nominated by each State government, as members.
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Since the deflator covers the entire range of goods and services produced in the economy as against the limited commodity baskets for the wholesale or consumer price indices it is seen as a more comprehensive measure of inflation. Real vs nominal GDP price deflator measures the difference between real GDP and nominal GDP. Nominal GDP differs from real GDP as the former doesn’t include inflation, while the latter does. As a result, nominal GDP will most often be higher than real GDP in an expanding economy. The formula to find the GDP price deflator: GDP price deflator = (nominal GDP ÷ real GDP) x 100 WPI, CPI A consumer price index (CPI) measures changes over time in the general level of prices of goods and services that households acquire for the purpose of consumption. However, since CPI is based only a basket of select goods and is calculated on prices included in it, it does not capture inflation across the economy as a whole. The wholesale price index basket has no representation of the services sector and all the constituents are only goods whose prices are captured at the wholesale/producer level. Changes in consumption patterns or introduction of goods and services are automatically reflected in the GDP deflator. This allows the GDP deflator to absorb changes to an economy’s consumption or investment patterns. Often, the trends of the GDP deflator will be similar to that of the CPI. Specifically, for the GDP deflator, the ‘basket’ in each year is the set of all goods that were produced domestically, weighted by the market value of the total consumption of each good. Therefore, new expenditure patterns are allowed to show up in the deflator as people respond to changing prices. The theory behind this approach is that the GDP deflator reflects up-to-date expenditure patterns. GDP deflator is available only on a quarterly basis along with GDP estimates, whereas CPI and WPI data are released every month.
10. SCRAPPING GST ON SANITARY PADS MAY NOT AID LOCAL MAKERS The Union government’s decision to scrap the goods and services tax (GST) on sanitary napkins is unlikely to result in a proportionate reduction in costs. While imports would benefit from zero GST on the product, domestic manufacturers would suffer a huge disadvantage vis-à-vis imports as it would result in the complete denial of input tax credit, leading to an increase in the procurement cost. The reduction of GST from 12% to 5% would have actually helped the industry. Ideally, reduction of GST to 5% tax could have helped the companies to recover the part of the input tax credit. But by making it zero, imported items would become cheaper as the input tax credit will be added to the cost of the domestic manufacturers. A nominal tax is always better when the input tax credit is higher.
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11. JAITLEY SLAMS ACTION AGAINST BANKERS Union Minister Arun Jaitley spoke strongly against actions against officials of banks by investigative agencies, and said the Prevention of Corruption Act (POCA) was "badly drafted", needing urgent amendments. He went on to say that in a federal structure, the State police could not investigate central government functionaries. The statement was in reference to the recent arrest of Bank of Maharashtra officials made by the Pune police; the Minister however, did not name any official. In June 2018 CBI filed a charge sheet against two former Canara Bank chairmen and managing directors, A.C. Mahajan and S. Raman, for cheating the bank. While Mr. Mahajan retired from Canara Bank in July 2010, Mr. Raman retired in September 2012.
12. GOVERNMENT TAPS RBI TO TRACK ALL TRANSACTIONS In a move aimed at widening the crackdown on black money and following the money trail flowing in and out of thousands of shell companies, the Centre is planning to set up an information technology (IT)-based mechanism to keep a tab on all non-cash financial transactions in the country. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had been asked to develop the IT infrastructure for this purpose. Currently, the idea is to make the RBI the sole repository of such information, which will not be made available to other agencies such as the income tax department and the enforcement directorate as a default. Such agencies may be required to make specific requests to the central bank if they want information on a particular set of entities. Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, banks and financial institutions are already required to alert the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), under the Finance Ministry, to any suspicious transactions, cash or otherwise. Cash transactions of more than Rs. 10 lakh (including a series of transactions integrally connected to each other and exceeding Rs. 10 lakh in a month), need to be reported to the FIU. All suspicious transactions have to be reported to unit within seven days after it is concluded that those are suspicious in nature.
13. RBI FLAGS STATES’ FISCAL STRESS The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has pointed to the fiscal stress that States are facing due to several factors including farm loan waivers, and said higher borrowing by them could crowd out private investment. In a report ‘State Finances: A Study of Budgets of 2017-18 and 2018-19,’ the central bank noted that States’ consolidated gross fiscal deficit (GFD) overshot the budget estimates in 2017-18 due to shortfalls in own tax revenues and higher revenue expenditure.
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While States budgeted a gross fiscal deficit to gross domestic product (GFD-GDP) ratio of 2.7% in 2017-18, revised estimates reveal GFD-GDP ratio of 3.1%. The deterioration was located in the revenue balance. In contrast, the capital account has helped to contain the GFD. Since the combined GFP to GDP was at 6.4% as compared with the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Committee’s (FRBM) medium-term target of 5%, there is a risk that private investment gets crowded out of the finite pool of financial resources. Risks are also likely to emanate from possible higher pre-election expenditure in more than 10 States and implementation of the balance pay commission awards, particularly to the extent that they are not fully provided for under the budgeted expenditure. While States together have projected a revenue surplus and a lower consolidated GFD of 2.6% of GDP in 2018-19, 11 States have budgeted for fiscal deficits above the threshold of 3% of GDP.
14. THREE LAKH CSC VLES TO BE ENGAGED AS BANKING CORRESPONDENTS Common Service Center (CSC), a Special Purpose Vehicle under the Ministry of Electronics & IT, has entered into an agreement with HDFC Bank to enable its three lakh Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) managing the CSCs to operate as Banking Correspondents. VLEs of CSC will work as Banking Correspondent of HDFC Bank and support the government initiative to promote financial inclusion and make banking services more accessible in rural areas. This agreement is expected to be a game changer as it would significantly contribute to Government’s objectives of enabling Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of various schemes. Women, senior citizens and persons with disability will especially get benefitted through this initiative. This will facilitate withdrawal and deposit of government entitlements such as payments under MGNREGA as well as various social welfare schemes like widow pension, handicapped and old age pension, etc. The HDFC BC (CSC) under this arrangement will also function as Business Facilitator (BF). This will help and support the citizens, especially merchants, youth, entrepreneurs, farmers and women avail loan facility from the Bank to support in their economic uplift. Apart from this, HDFC Bank will support CSC SPV in converting 1000 identified villages into Digi Gaon (Digital Villages) within this financial year. CSC SPV is implementing Digi Gaon initiative in rural and remote villages of the country where citizens can avail various online services of the central and State government. The Digi Gaons are positioned to promote rural entrepreneurship and building rural capacities and livelihoods through community participation and collective action for engendering social change through a bottom-up approach with key focus on the rural citizen. Under its’ commitment to enhancing women’s health and hygiene, HDFC Bank will also support CSC SPV by funding Stree Swabhiman Sanitary Napkin Manufacturing Units.
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CSC SPV, through its initiative ‘Stree Swabhiman’ is striving to create a sustainable model for providing affordable and accessible sanitary products close to the homes of adolescent girls and women in rural areas.
15. BE CAUTIOUS IN SHIFTING TO DBT, RBI TELLS STATES Acknowledging that problems have been experienced by three Union Territories (UTs) in the implementation of direct benefit transfer (DBT) for food subsidy, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has advised States that are planning to shift to cash transfer to be cautious while effecting the migration. In RBI report they referred to problems such as inadequacy of transfers to maintain pre-DBT consumption levels, insufficiency of last-mile delivery mechanisms and a weak grievance redressal system. At present, three UTs - Puducherry, Chandigarh and urban areas of the Dadra and Nagar Haveli - are implementing the mode of cash transfer, under which 9.31 lakh beneficiaries receive Rs. 12.82 crore every month through their bank accounts. The beneficiaries have the choice of buying food grains from the open market. In view of complaints of the poor finding it difficult to get rice under the DBT, the Puducherry government, early this year, approached the Centre to permit it to revert to the old system of supplying rice. The RBI has stated that the cash transfer mode reduced the need for physical movement of food grains. Further, given the wide inter-State and intra-State variations in food consumption habits, the DBT provides "greater autonomy" to beneficiaries to choose their consumption basket, apart from enhancing dietary diversity. Another reason for promoting the concept of DBT is to reduce the leakage in the PDS, as the Central government has to absorb a huge food subsidy bill under the existing system of distribution of food grains in fulfilment of provisions of the National Food Security Act. During 2017-18, the Centre provided the Food Corporation of India and States about Rs. 1.42 lakh crore towards the distribution of subsidised food grains. As for the processes to be followed by States prior to DBT execution, the RBI has referred to certain pre-conditions mentioned in the Central government's 2015 food subsidy rules. These include complete digitisation and de-duplication of the beneficiary database and seeding of bank account details and Aadhaar numbers in the digitised database.
16. EXPECT MORE PSU BANKS TO RECEIVE CAPITAL According to the ICRA the Centre's decision to infuse Rs.11,336 crore capital in five public sector banks (PSBs) is critical for servicing their debt instruments such as Additional Tier 1 bonds (AT-1), Upper Tier 2 and Innovative Perpetual Debt instruments. The finance ministry approved capital infusion in five banks - Punjab National Bank (Rs.2,816 crore), Indian Overseas bank (Rs.2,157 crore), Andhra Bank (Rs.2,019 crore), Corporation Bank (Rs.2,555 crore), and Allahabad bank (Rs.1,790 crore).
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The Centre has budgeted capital ICRA infusion of Rs.65,000 crore in PSBs. ICRA Limited (formerly Investment Information While many PSBs are looking to divest and Credit Rating Agency of India Limited) was set up in their non-core assets and raise capital 1991 by leading financial/investment institutions, from the markets, the timing and commercial banks and financial services companies as certainty is difficult to predict. an independent and professional investment Information and Credit Rating Agency. 17. CRYPTOCURRENCY TRADE BRACES FOR RBI BAN The Supreme Court refused to stay the RBI's directive to banks instructing them to stop all business with entities dealing in cryptocurrencies, which means the ban would come into effect from July 6, as originally planned. The RBI's directive and the Supreme Court's judgment have elicited mixed reactions from industry players and analysts, with some saying this would be a big blow to the industry, while others see some hope in the form of a consolidated cryptocurrency policy. In light of the Supreme Court's action, cryptocurrency exchange Zebpay began warning its customers about an eventuality where it might not be able to honour rupee withdrawal requests. Some cryptocurrency operators are, however, more optimistic about the situation. A regulatory framework being set up in relation to the cryptocurrency market in India. This framework would not have been in the process of development if the government had the intention to ban cryptocurrencies entirely.
18. CRYPTOCURRENCIES WILL BOOST ILLEGAL TRANSACTIONS The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said dealing in cryptocurrency would encourage illegal transactions. The RBI had already issued a circular prohibiting use of these virtual currencies. Cryptocurrencies are “a stateless digital currency” in which encryption techniques are used for trading and these ‘currencies’ operate independently of a Central bank like the RBI, “rendering them immune from government interference.” Cryptocurrency A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. A cryptocurrency is difficult to counterfeit because of this security feature. A defining feature of a cryptocurrency, and arguably its most endearing allure, is its organic nature; it is not issued by any central authority, rendering it theoretically immune to government interference or manipulation. The first cryptocurrency to capture the public imagination was Bitcoin, which was launched in 2009 by an individual or group known under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. As of May 2018, there were over 17 million bitcoins in circulation with a total market value of over $140 billion. Bitcoin's success has spawned a number of competing cryptocurrencies, such as Litecoin, Namecoin and PPCoin.
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19. BANKS AGREE TO RESOLVE STRESSED ASSETS QUICKLY Leading lenders of the country signed an agreement among themselves to grant power to the lead lender of the consortium to draw up a resolution plan for stressed assets. The plan would be implemented in a time-bound manner before bankruptcy proceedings kick in, as was the mandate of the Reserve Bank. The move comes after the banking regulator, in its February 12 circular, dismantled all the existing resolution mechanisms, such as the joint lenders’ forum, and asked lenders to start resolution for the asset even if the default was by one day. It had also mandated that if the resolution plan was not finalised within 180 days, the account had to be referred for bankruptcy proceedings. The agreement, known as Inter-Creditor Agreement (ICA) was framed under the aegis of the Indian Banks’ Association and follows the recommendations of the Sunil Mehta Committee on stressed asset resolution. Lenders including State Bank of India, Bank of India, and Corporation Bank have already signed the pact. The ICA has been executed by 24 lenders, primarily those who have obtained their board approvals. Other lenders are expected to execute the ICA shortly after getting approval from the respective Boards. Non-banking financial companies are also expected to sign the agreement. 24 public, private and foreign banks have signed inter-creditor agreements under Sashakt to resolve stressed assets. This resolution over dissolution approach will strengthen banks & businesses, protect jobs & help economy grow even faster. The ICA is applicable to all corporate borrowers who have availed loans for an amount of Rs. 50 crore or more under consortium lending / multiple banking arrangements. The lender with the highest exposure to a stressed borrower will be authorised to formulate the resolution plan which will be presented to all lenders for their approval. The decision making shall be by way of approval of ‘majority lenders’ (i.e. the lenders with 66% shares in the aggregate exposure). Once a resolution plan is approved by the majority, it shall be binding on all the lenders that are a party to the ICA. Dissenting lenders can either sell their exposure to another lender at a 15% discount or buy the entire exposure of all the banks involved, at a 25% premium.
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20. FDI GROWTH HITS 5-YEAR LOW Foreign direct investment (FDI) in India seems to be petering out with the growth rate of inflows recording a five-year low of 3% at $44.85 billion in 2017-18. Foreign inflows in the country grew by 8.67% in 2016-17, 29% in 2015-16, 27% in 2014-15, and 8% in 2013-14. However, FDI inflows recorded a negative growth of 38% in 2012-13. According to experts, it is critical to revive domestic investments and further improve ease of doing business in the country to attract foreign investors. Sectors that receive maximum foreign inflows in the last fiscal include services ($6.7 billion), computer software and hardware ($6.15 billion), telecom ($6.21 billion), trading ($4.34 billion), construction ($2.73 billion), automobile ($2 billion) and power ($1.62 Asia Pacific Trade Agreement billion). The Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA), previously named the Bangkok Agreement, was 21. TARIFFS CUT ON ASIAN IMPORTS UNDER signed in 1975 as an initiative of ESCAP. Being APTA the oldest preferential trade agreement among The Centre has implemented the tariff developing countries in Asia-Pacific. concessions agreed to under the Asia APTA aims to promote economic development Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) by through the adoption of mutually beneficial cutting duties on the import of 3,142 trade liberalization measures that will items from the signatories to the accord, contribute to intra-regional trade expansion including China. and provides for economic integration through The results of the fourth round of coverage of merchandise goods, services, negotiations under the Asia Pacific Trade investment and trade facilitation. Agreement (APTA) [formerly Open to all developing member countries, the Bangkok Agreement] among six APTA is a truly region-wide trade agreement countries namely, Bangladesh, China, spanning East and South Asia, with potential to India, Lao PDR, Republic of Korea and Sri expand to other sub-regions, including Central Lanka, have been implemented with Asia and the Pacific. effect from July 1, 2018. APTA is the first plurilateral agreement among APTA is a preferential trade agreement, the developing countries in the region to adopt under which the basket of items as well common operational procedures for as the extent of tariff concessions are certification and verification of the origin of enlarged during the trade negotiating goods and it has the longest effective rounds that are conducted periodically. implementation period amongst the trade The fourth round of trade negotiations agreements in the entire Asia-Pacific. under the agreement was conducted on Notably, APTA is the only operational trade January 13, 2017. agreement linking China and India, two of the As a founding member of APTA, India is fastest growing markets in the world, and committed to strengthening the APTA other major markets such as the Republic of process through these concessions. Korea.
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22. CURRENCY DERIVATIVES Currency derivatives are considered to be one of the best options to manage any risk against foreign currency exchange rate volatility. What are currency derivatives? Currency derivatives are exchange-based futures and options contracts that allow one to hedge against currency movements. Simply put, one can use a currency future contract to exchange one currency for an another at a future date at a price decided on the day of the purchase of the contract. In India, one can use such derivative contracts to hedge against currencies like dollar, euro, U.K. pound and yen. Corporates, especially those with a significant exposure to imports or exports, use these contracts to hedge against their exposure to a certain currency. While all such currency contracts are cash-settled in rupees, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), early in 2018, gave a go-ahead to start cross currency contracts as well on euro-dollar, pound-dollar and dollar-yen. How can one trade in currency derivatives? The two national-level stock exchanges, BSE and the National Stock Exchange (NSE), have currency derivatives segments. The Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India (MSEI) also has such a segment but the volumes are a fraction of that witnessed on the BSE or the NSE. Why were such derivatives introduced on exchange platforms? Prior to the introduction of currency derivatives on exchanges, there was only the OTC – over the counter – market to hedge currency risks and where forward contracts were negotiated and entered into. It was kind of an opaque and closed market where mostly banks and financial institutions traded. Exchange-based currency derivatives segment is a regulated and transparent market that can be used by small businesses and even individuals to hedge their currency risks. Are the derivatives popular? The currency derivatives segment was unveiled in 2008 and since then, the volumes had registered a steady rise.
23. SEBI TO FLOAT PAPER ON FUND RAISING VIA BONDS The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) will soon come out with a consultation paper on making it mandatory for large corporates to meet one-fourth of their financing needs through the bond market as envisioned by the FY19 Union Budget. Noting that a lot needed to be done for increasing liquidity in the secondary market that the SEBI would move towards that direction in consultation with the RBI and the government. Secondary market products such as interest rate futures, credit default, swaps, repo and others had to be made more attractive to the participants for development of secondary market in corporate bonds.
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24. MEHTA PANEL RECOMMENDS SETTING UP AMC FOR LARGE, STRESSED LOANS The Sunil Mehta Committee, set up to look into the faster resolution of stressed assets, has recommended the creation of an asset management company for the resolution of stressed loans worth more than Rs. 500 crore. The committee had also laid out a plan to resolve SME loans within 90 days. The report comprises a bank-led resolution process and a five-pronged strategy to resolve stressed assets called Project Sashakt. In addition, the committee had recommended the setting up of a robust monitoring and review and exposure in the Rs. 50-500 crore categories is usually by multiple banks. In light of this, the committee recommended that such lenders enter into an inter-creditor agreement to authorise the lead bank to implement a resolution plan in 180 days. The lead bank would then prepare a resolution plan including empanelling turnaround specialists and other industry experts for operational turnaround of the asset.
25. RUPEE STILL OVERVALUED BY 5-7% India's rupee is currently overvalued by 5-7%, indicating that New Delhi is unlikely to support intervening in the market despite the currency shedding close to 7% against the dollar this year. The rupee fell to a record low of 69.0950 to the dollar. It is the worst performing currency in Asia in 2018. The rate of inflation in India has been much higher than the global rate and that is what determines the real effective exchange rate.
26. 3 M.P. CITIES TO RAISE FUNDS THROUGH MUNICIPAL BONDS After the successful municipal bond issue by Indore, cities like Gwalior, Bhopal and Jabalpur will also follow suit. Incidentally, it was the first such municipal bond listing on the National Stock Exchange. The issue size was Rs. 100 crore, with an additional greenshoe option of Rs. 70 crore. It was subscribed 1.26 times with bids received worth nearly Rs. 215 crore. Finally, bids worth Rs. 140 crore were retained.
27. INDIAN START-UPS MAKE A BEELINE FOR FUNDING AT RISE From tattooing to dress rentals to security solutions, there is an astounding variety of Indian start-up dreams searching for funding at ‘RISE 2018’, Asia’s largest tech event currently on in Hong Kong. By a rough count, as many as 200 Indian start-ups in alpha, beta and growth stages are at the ongoing event to secure funds either for kick-starting their entrepreneurial dreams or expanding their businesses.
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28. INDIA MAY LOSE U.S. TRADE SPAT IN WTO OVER EXPORT SUPPORT India could lose the trade dispute that the U.S. had filed in the WTO on export subsidies, because income levels in India had crossed the threshold for exports to be subsidised. While direct subsidy to exports cannot be given, the government can legitimately support regulatory compliances required in other countries. Support for input subsidy is also legitimate. Benefits to services' exports will remain untouched, and GST refunds to the exporters will continue as well. However, incentive only for exports is not eligible. There must be a cost incurred and then compensation. The government has already set up an expert group to look at WTO-compliant support to exports, and a draft set of schemes will be announced for discussion. The U.S., in March 2018, dragged India to the WTO's dispute settlement mechanism over export subsidies, saying that these incentives were harming American companies.
29. SAT REFUSES TO REVOKE RAP AGAINST SEBI The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) has refused to revoke its order in which it had sharply criticised the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for letting off Tata Finance Ltd. (TFL) despite finding serious violations in a 2001 preference share issue. We will be failing in our duty if these serious anomalies are not brought to the notice of SEBI with a view to ensure that such lapses do not occur again in the future. SEBI had filed an appeal with SAT asking that the tribunal expunge the adverse remarks made in an order issued by it on May 30. The tribunal had pulled up the capital markets regulator for not taking any action against Tata Finance despite senior SEBI officials finding serious violations in a preference shares issue that also led to the then managing director Dilip Pendse being barred from the capital markets for three years.
30. FDI INFLOWS Karnataka registered the biggest increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), as inflows from overseas jumped 300% in the 12 months ended March 2018. Tamil Nadu too saw a rebound reversing a slowdown in the preceding period, while Gujarat, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh all saw a drop in FDI inflows. While Karnataka received $8.58 billion in 2017/18, a sharp increase from the $2.13 billion in the previous fiscal, Tamil Nadu netted $3.47 billion, a 56% increase from the $2.22 billion in the prior period, as the State appeared to buck concerns about the investment climate. Other major States Maharashtra, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh saw a dip in FDI inflows. Data from the Mumbai office of the RBI, which covers Maharashtra, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, show inflows dropped to $13.4 billion in 2017/18 from $19.7 billion. FDI inflows into Gujarat fell almost 38% to $2.09 billion in 2017-18, from $3.37 billion. Andhra Pradesh saw FDI inflows drop 43% to $1.25 billion in 2017/18.
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Overall, sector-wise data show that computer software and hardware gained from a 68% jump in FDI last year to $6.15 billion. Interestingly, the services sector, which comprises finance, banking, insurance and outsourcing among others, remained the top recipient of FDI despite seeing a 23% decline in inflows at $6.71 billion.
31. KEARNEY'S FDI CONFIDENCE INDEX India in 2018 has fallen out of the top 10 destinations for FDI in terms of its attractiveness, according to an AT Kearney report, which says this could be due to teething troubles in the implementation of the goods and services tax and the government's demonetisation decision in 2016. India ranks 11 in the 2018 AT Kearney FDI Confidence Index, down from 8 in 2017 and 9 in 2016. That said, the report highlighted several of the reforms - such as removing the Foreign Investment Promotion Board and liberalising FDI limits in key sectors - that have maintained India's high rankings in terms of FDI attractiveness.
32. IRAN BECOMES INDIA’S NO. 2 OIL SUPPLIER Iran was the second-biggest oil supplier to Indian state refiners between April and June, replacing Saudi Arabia as companies took advantage of steeper discounts offered by Tehran. India, Iran’s top oil client after China, shipped in 5.67 million tonnes or about 4,57,000 barrels per day (bpd), of oil, from the country in the first three months of this fiscal year. Data shows that India imported about 3.46 million tonnes, or about 2,79,000 bpd, from Iran between April and June last year. State refiners, accounting for about 60% of India’s 5 million bpd refining capacity, had curbed imports from Iran last year in protest against Tehran’s move to grant development rights for the giant Farzad B gas field to other parties. The refiners — Indian Oil Corp, Chennai Petroleum Corp, Bharat Petroleum and its unit Bharat Oman Refineries Ltd., Hindustan Petroleum and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals — shipped in 9.8 million tonnes of Iranian oil in 2017/18, about a quarter less than a year ago. Doubling shipments For this fiscal year, the refiners had decided to almost double imports from Iran, which offered almost free shipping and extended credit period on oil sales. Iraq continued to be the top oil supplier to India in the April-June period. New Delhi shipped in 7.27 million tonnes of oil from Iraq, while shipments from Saudi Arabia totalled 5.22 million tonnes, making it the third largest supplier. Pressure to cut imports India and other major buyers of Iranian oil are under pressure to cut imports from the country after Washington in May withdrew from a 2005 nuclear deal with Tehran and decided to reimpose sanctions on the OPEC member.
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The first set of sanctions will take effect on August 6 and the rest, notably in the petroleum sector, following a 180-day”wind-down period” ending November 4.
33. INVEST INDIA Invest India and Business France has signed a MoU to promote investment facilitation and cooperation between startups of India and France. The goal will be to facilitate direct foreign investment by providing practical investment information to enterprises and support the companies pursuing those opportunities which contribute positively to economic growth of the two countries. Invest India is the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of India and acts as the first point of reference for investors in India. It is set up as a nonprofit venture under the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Government of India. Operationalized in early 2010, Invest India is set up as a joint venture company between the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce & Industry (35% equity), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) (51% equity), and State Governments of India (0.5% each). Thus, essentially, Invest India is a private company, unlike India Brand Equity Foundation – another investment promotion agency in India set up by the same Ministry – Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Invest India’s specialists provide multiple forms of support such as market entry strategies, deep dive industry analysis, partner search and location assessment, and policy advocacy with decision makers. Functions: The core mandate of Invest India is investment promotion and facilitation. It provides sector-specific and state-specific information to a foreign investor, assists in expediting regulatory approvals, and offers hand-holding services. Its mandate also includes assisting Indian investors to make informed choices about investment opportunities overseas. Its experts, specializing across different countries, Indian states and sectors, handhold investors through their investment lifecycle ⎯ from pre-investment to after-care.
34. IMF CUTS INDIA GROWTH FORECAST FOR 2018 BY A NOTCH TO 7.3% The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected a growth rate of 7.3% in 2018 and 7.5% in 2019 for India as against 6.7% in 2017, making it the fastest growing country among major economies. However, the latest growth rate projection for India is slightly less - 0.1 percentage point in 2018 and 0.3 percentage points in 2019 - than its April projections. India's growth rate is expected to rise from 6.7% in 2017 to 7.3% in 2018 and 7.5% in 2019, as drags from the currency exchange initiative and the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax fade, said the IMF's latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) update.
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The projection is 0.1 and 0.3 percentage points lower for 2018 and 2019, respectively, than in the April WEO, reflecting negative effects of higher oil prices on domestic demand and faster than-anticipated monetary policy tightening due to higher expected inflation, it International Monetary Fund said. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is Despite this slight downgrade in its projections, an organization of 189 countries, working India continues to outperform China, IMF's WEO to foster global monetary cooperation, update figures reflect. secure financial stability, facilitate Growth in China is projected to moderate from international trade, promote high 6.9% in 2017 to 6.6% in 2018 and 6.4% in 2019, employment and sustainable economic as regulatory tightening of the financial sector growth, and reduce poverty around the takes hold and external demand softens, the world. report said. Created in 1945, the IMF is governed by and accountable to the 189 countries that The IMF said global growth is projected to reach make up its near-global membership. 3.9% in 2018 and 2019, in line with the forecast of the April 2018 WEO.
35. WHY IS THE WTO FACING CHALLENGES? Union Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu stated that India does not subsidise its exports to the rest of the world. The Minister's statement comes in the wake of increasing criticism that financial incentives offered by the Indian government to domestic exporters are distorting international trade. Mr. Prabhu also warned that the very existence of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is currently under threat amid the rise in trade tensions between the U.S. and its major trading partners such as China, the European Union, Canada and others since the beginning of the year. U.S. President Donald Trump is trying to narrow his country's trade deficit with the rest of the world, particularly China. The trade deficit is the amount by which the value of imports into a country exceeds the value of its exports to other countries. The U.S. believes that sops offered to Indian exporters work against the interests of American companies that are unable to match the price of subsidised Indian goods. This further worsens America's trade deficit. In March 2018, the U.S. dragged India to the WTO for failing to curb export subsidies that it argues give an unfair advantage to Indian exporters. The WTO had earlier allowed India and a number of other low-income countries with an income per capita of under $1,000 to offer export subsidies. India, however, broke past this threshold in 2013. The Indian government encourages exports through special economic zones and schemes like the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS), which offer tax breaks to exporters.
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The WTO was formed in 1995 with the goal of regulating trade between countries through appropriate ground rules. Among other things, members of the WTO were supposed to adopt non-discriminatory trade practices that offered a level playing field for all businesses. The increase in trade tensions between countries has raised questions about the WTO's purpose and relevance. The international trade body has been used by politicians as a forum to voice and defend the needs of various special interest groups. India's politicians, for instance, have been keen on protecting the interests of their farmers through the minimum support price. Countries in the West have also tried to protect their farmers and industries through the heavy use of subsidies. Without these subsidies, the production and distribution of goods across the world would be determined purely based on market forces. Many critics have argued that a bureaucratic organisation like the WTO cannot fulfil the ideal of unfettered free trade between countries that can vastly improve global living standards. Instead, they argue that such a bureaucracy is likely to be captured by special interest groups whose demands will harm the free market. According to the World Bank, the tariff rates applied between 1996 and 2008 under unilateral and preferential trade agreements have actually been lower than under the WTO's multilateral framework.
36. UN MODEL EYED FOR CROSS-BORDER NORMS The government is looking at the possibility of adopting a United Nations legal model for cross-border insolvency cases as it works on strengthening the insolvency resolution framework. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) has sections pertaining to cross-border insolvency matters but are yet to be made operational. The Insolvency Law Committee, headed by Corporate Affairs Secretary Injeti Srinivas, is studying the feasibility of introducing cross-border insolvency provisions. The committee is looking at the adoption of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law model on dealing with cross border insolvency. The existing Code provides for two sections — 234 and 235 — relating to cross-border insolvency, which allows the Centre to enter into an agreement with a foreign country for enforcing the provisions of the Code, which is considered insufficient and time-taking. The UN model is adopted for cross-border insolvency matters, then sections 234 and 235 could be dropped from the Code as they pertain to only bilateral pacts.
37. LADAKH’S CONNECTIVITY CONUNDRUM Connectivity issues are troubling people living in areas bordering China in the Ladakh region.
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Leh Deputy Commissioner Avny Lavasa showed satellite images of the development on the Chinese side. Briefing the Minister on the connectivity issues, she said only Chinese telecom services were available, not those of Indian operators, in areas bordering China. Meanwhile, an official from Uttar Pradesh said a bridge was washed away within weeks of its construction as the Kosi river changed course. Under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP), the Union government plans to develop villages located 0-10 km from the international borders and make them “self- sustainable.” The BADP covers 111 border districts in 17 States to meet the needs of people living within 50 km of the international border. The Centre released Rs. 1,100 crore during 2017-18 for the development of the villages along the international border in 17 States. A Home Ministry spokesperson said 61 villages were identified for being developed as ‘model villages,’ with health centres, schools and drinking water supply, and Rs. 126 crore was released for this purpose. A total of Rs. 13,400 crore has been released since the programme was launched in 1986-87. Mr. Singh launched the BADP Online Management System for better planning, monitoring and implementation of various projects.
38. TELECOM FIRMS OPPOSE TRAI'S PUBLIC WI-FI MODEL Telecom operators have opposed public Wi-Fi model recommended by the sector regulator TRAI, saying it will adversely impact debt ridden industry and compromise national security. Based on existing rules for cyber cafes, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had recommended that a new set of players to be called Pubic Data Office Aggregator (PDOA) should be allowed to resell Internet services through yesteryear PCO type of set-up that will be called Public Data Offices. The proposal to sell internet services without a licence, will be a complete bypass of present licensing framework, detrimental to massive investments already made in spectrum, telecom infrastructure. However, a report said proliferation of public Wi-Fi can provide $3 billion potential revenue opportunity for telecom operators between 2017-2019, as it will help adding new customers and increasing data consumption by existing users. The study by Analysys Mason, commissioned by Google, found "a significant fraction of users" saying they would be interested in purchasing a new mobile broadband SIM card to continue accessing high speed Internet, after having experienced high speed Internet through high-speed wi-fi services from Google-Railtel.
39. U.S. TEAM BEGINS AUDIT OF DGCA United States aviation regulator, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has started a four- day audit of its Indian counterpart, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
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According to officials, it will cover three key areas - operations, airworthiness and pilots' licensing mechanism. The FAA audit comes months after a comprehensive safety oversight audit by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in November 2017. This is the third audit by the FAA since 2013, when the American regulator downgraded the safety ranking of the Indian aviation sector for failure to meet international norms. The FAA found deficiencies in 33 areas, including severe shortage of skilled manpower and lack of regulations and procedures on safety surveillance. The ranking was restored only in 2015.
40. COUNTER-DRONE STRATEGY FOR COUNTRY'S AIRPORTS IS READY Aviation security watchdog, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), has finalised a strategy to neutralise drones near airports, with the government set to unveil a framework to regulate unmanned aircraft systems in the country. The counter-drone plan prepared proposes neutralising drones through a "soft kill" approach which will include entrapping or jamming drones instead of destroying them. The strategy deals with drones operating near aerodromes as the body is mandated to ensure aviation security. The Ministry of Home Affairs may prepare a separate plan to deal with drone attacks in sensitive zones such as Parliament. The official added that a "soft kill" approach instead of a hard kill approach has been suggested because destroying a drone with a payload of explosives or biochemical will result in an attack and serve the purpose of their handlers. The Ministry of Civil Aviation had released draft rules for unmanned aircraft systems in November 2017 and proposed to ban their operation within 5 km radius of an airport and 50 km from an international border. It also barred drones within 5 km radius of Vijay Chowk in New Delhi. The BCAS will now conduct a trial to examine effective technology to neutralise drones, following which it will prepare technical specifications.
41. INDIAN RAILWAYS LAUNCHES “MISSION SATYANISHTHA” In first of its kind event held by any government organization, the Indian Railways organized a programme on Ethics in Public Governance and Launched “Mission Satyanishtha”. The issue of Ethics, Integrity and probity in public life has been a matter of concern all over the government sector. This mission aims at sensitizing all railway employees about the need to adhere to good ethics and to maintain high standards of integrity at work. Talks and Lectures on the subject are being organised all over the Indian Railways today for this purpose.
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The objectives of the Mission are: To train every employee to understand the need and value of ethics in Personal and Public life. To deal with ethical dilemmas in life and Public Governance. To help understand the policies of Indian Railways on ethics and integrity and the employee’s role in upholding the same. To develop inner governance through tapping inner resources.
42. MSP FOR PADDY HIKED BY RS. 200 In keeping with the promise made in Budget 2018 speech, the Union Cabinet has approved a hike in minimum support prices (MSPs) for kharif crops so that they are 50% higher than the cost of production, not including land costs. This includes a Rs. 200 per quintal increase in the MSP for paddy, which is likely to inflate the food subsidy bill by over Rs. 15,000 crore. The hike would boost farmers' income and purchasing capacity, and have a positive impact on the wider economy, even as he played down fears of rising inflation due to higher food prices. MSPs were announced for 14 commodities, with major hikes being seen in cereals such as bajra, jowar and ragi, as well as cotton. While paddy is the major kharif crop and is directly procured from farmers by the Food Corporation of India, there are no guaranteed mechanisms for procurement of most other crops. It will be useful for paddy farmers in States with strong procurement machinery. But if you are a farmer in Bihar, in Assam, in U.P., in the north-east, it will not help you at all. It has betrayed them yet again by announcing MSP for kharif crops based on A2+FL costs [which includes family labour, but not land costs] instead of the promised more comprehensive C2 costs [which includes land costs]. If MSP had been announced on C2 basis, then paddy price would have risen by at least Rs. 700 per quintal, but the government has only increased it by Rs. 200 per quintal. Give Legal backing to MSP The CACP, a government panel, which recommended minimum support prices for kharif crops that were approved by the Cabinet, has also recommended that the Centre bring out a legislation which would give that announcement some legal teeth by giving farmers the right to sell their produce at those prices. The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) is a statutory panel under the Ministry of Agriculture which makes the recommendations for MSPs for 23 kharif and rabi crops. Its suggestions are not binding on the government. In its report titled ‘Price Policy for Kharif Crops for the Marketing Season 2018-19,' the CACP notes that the procurement mechanism is broken for most crops and for most farmers.
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It has been observed that often farmers of remote areas do not have sufficient access to APMCs [Agricultural Produce Market Committees] and their potential market is local ‘haats' where their produce is sold below MSP. Strong procurement operations need to be expanded to neglected regions, particularly eastern and north eastern regions.
43. ALTERNATIVE CEREALS CAN SAVE WATER If Indian farmers were to switch from growing rice and wheat to ‘alternative cereals,' such as maize, sorghum, and millet, it could reduce the demand for irrigation water by 33%. For their analysis, the scientists considered water as well as cereal-production data from 1996-2009. In this time, cereal production grew by 230%. Although the combined production of alternative cereals was larger than that of wheat in the 1960s, their relative contribution to the cereal supply has steadily dwindled. Yet, alternative cereals disproportionately account for the supply of protein, iron, and zinc among kharif crops. The nub was that rice is the least water-efficient cereal when it came to producing nutrients, and was the main driver in increasing irrigation stresses. Replacing rice with maize, finger millet, pearl millet, or sorghum could save irrigation and improving production of nutrients such as iron by 27% and zinc by 13%. Alternative cereal production can help distribute nutrient production across the country and reduce the impact of a single local climate shock to national grain production.
44. FARM POLICIES OFF TARGET Despite the general perception that Indian farmers are beneficiaries of major subsidies, a new report says the overall effect of policy interventions between 2014 and 2016 is, in fact, a 6% annual reduction of gross farm revenues. Consumers, on the other hand, pay an average 25% less for commodities as a result of policy interventions. According to researchers at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) - an intergovernmental body of 36 developed countries - and the Indian think tank ICRIER, who analysed policies that affected the agricultural sector over the two-year period, government interventions were more consumer-centric than producer-centric. The report "Agriculture Policies in India", which was released recently, points out that Indian farmers face regulations and restrictions - both in the domestic market and also when they attempt to export their produce - which often lead to producer prices that are lower than comparable international levels. The researchers argue that "despite large subsidies for fertilizers, power and irrigation, which offset somewhat the price-depressing effect of market interventions, the overall effect of policy intervention over the 2014-16 period is a 6% annual reduction of gross farm revenues."
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While consumers have benefited from the government's efforts to keep prices low, a poorly targeted, inefficient and wasteful public distribution system means that malnutrition and food insecurity continue to persist. The report has several suggestions for policymakers, including reform of market regulations, strengthening initiatives such as eNAM and allowing private players to play a larger role in the sector. It also recommends a strengthening of the regulatory environment governing land issues, strengthening access to credit, especially long-term loans, and developing collective-action groundwater and watershed management and correcting measures - including electricity pricing - which incentivise the overuse of water. With regard to the PDS, the report suggests gradual reduction and a move towards cash transfers and allowing the private sector to manage remaining stock operations. To make trade work for Indian agriculture, import tariffs must be reduced and export restrictions relaxed to create a more stable and predictable market environment.
45. IN KNOTTY PROBLEMS The outcry and ban against plastic bags and single-use plastic packaging holds potential for the jute sector. But the more than 100-year-old sector, supporting five million families at the farm and the industry-level, may not be in a position to benefit from this opportunity, right away. The availability of quality raw jute and shrinking acreage on the one-hand and the failure of most jute mills to modernise has left the sector dependent on government-support like packaging reservations. Only a section of the industry has diversified into non-packaging segments. An initiative has been taken to develop thin and slim jute shopping bags "that can be rolled into a ladies handbag." West Bengal is India's single largest raw jute cultivator producing almost 75 % of the crop in Nadia, Dinajpur, Murshidabad and North 24 Parganas districts but acreage had stagnated amid low productivity and falling prices of the cash crop. The 2017-18 crop is estimated at about 76 lakh bales says the Union Textile Ministry which has noted a 9.5 % drop in the acreage. The Ministry also said that with raw jute prices remaining below the support price in 2017- 18, area-under-cultivation may stagnate in 2018-19. Primitive, labour-intensive cultivation methods and retting (drenching raw jute in water to extract the fibre) - a crucial determinant in raw jute quality - creates problems. I-CARE programme unveiled by the National Jute Board and the Jute Corporation of India seeks to address this issue by introducing a pilot project on retting technologies aimed at increasing farmers' returns.
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46. NITI AAYOG PARTNERS WITH GNFC LTD NITI Aayog and Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GNFC) have signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) to work towards implementing a Proof-of-Concept (“PoC”) application using Blockchain Technology for fertilizer subsidy management. They will jointly develop the use case, undertake research, interact with multiple stakeholders, develop Blockchain solutions, exchange learnings, organize forums, and disseminate learnings across their networks. This will enable NITI Aayog to suggest policy recommendations and actions in strengthening the subsidy mechanism, making it more transparent and immune to leakages. Fertilizer units manufacture approximately 31 MT of fertilizers across country, where total approximately Rs. 70,000 Cr. of subsidy is disbursed to the manufacturing units. The subsidy disbursal takes two to three months’ time. There are multiple entities involved in the verification process, and the transaction process is very cumbersome which has the potential to be automated to give significant efficiency gains. Blockchain platform has inherent characteristics of distributed computing and ledger keeping of transactions i.e. confidentiality, authenticity, non-repudiation, data integrity, and data availability. Overall implementation ensures that there is no dependence on intermediary agencies to prove the validity of transactions and resulting subsidy claims. The blockchain based process will also use Smart Contracts which will enable quick and accurate reconciliation of transactions between multiple parties with minimal human intervention. Implementation platform is such that process transparency is evident, transactions cannot be altered and audit trails of transactions are available.
47. A CLEAN COOKING STRATEGY In its drive towards sustainability and energy security, India must ensure an awareness of better cooking fuel choices. Energy use, a key indicator of living standards across the world, is also instrumental in raising it. The choice of cooking fuel in households (especially rural) has a huge impact on living conditions especially for women and children. On an average in India, household spending on cooking fuel accounts for around 5-6% of its total expenditure. Factors such as socio-economic (availability and easy access, also determined by household income and price of fuel, education and awareness), culture or lifestyle, and, to a large extent, government policies also influence cooking fuel choice. Affordable, reliable and clean energy for cooking is essential not only for reducing health and environmental impacts but also helping women to do more productive work and developing the rural economy.
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Among the various fuel options available (firewood, pellet, biogas, kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas or LPG, piped natural gas or PNG) biogas accounts for the lowest effective greenhouse gas emission; PNG and then LPG are next. In order to ensure access to clean energy a key focus area for poverty alleviation the government launched a flagship programme, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana in May 2016 with a cumulative target of providing LPG connections to more than eight crore families. Further, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has been holding auctions across cities for distribution of gas for cooking through PNG.
48. SOLAR IMPORT DUTY TO DRIVE COSTS, LOCAL FIRMS MAY NOT GAIN The Directorate General of Trade Remedies' recommendation to impose a 25% safeguard duty on solar component imports is a double-edged sword, as it will spur domestic manufacturers of these components, but will also raise costs for projects planned on cheaper, imported components, by about 15-20%. The DGTR, after hearing an application from the Indian Solar Manufacturers Association, recommended a safeguard duty on solar component imports from China and Malaysia of 25% for the first year, 20% for the first half of the second year, and 15% for the last six months of the second year. Currently, 85-90% of solar modules used in India are imported from China and Malaysia. The Solar Power Developers Association, in its argument to the DGTR, said the duty would put more than Rs. 1 lakh crore worth of solar power projects in jeopardy, as firms had committed to ongoing projects of about 27 GW.
49. AN INDEX TO DETERMINE THE VALUE OF COAL BLOCKS With the coal sector opening up for commercial mining, changes are round the corner, including a revenue-sharing model with States. Major changes in the coal block auction system have been suggested by the high-powered committee set up in 2017 to review the current process. The recommendations, submitted this month, rest on four tenets - ensuring transparency and fairness, equity, early development of coal blocks and simplicity of implementation of the recommendations. These suggestions coincide with the opening up of the coal sector for commercial mining. The proposed changes aim at introducing flexibility in the number of bidders, penalties for defaulting on milestones (and revoking bank guarantees), project execution, and relaxation to captive miners to sell some of the coal in the market. The panel has recommended developing a Coal Index for determining the value of blocks and a revenue-sharing model with the States. Currently, the valuation is on the basis of the notified price of Coal India Ltd. The committee has suggested scrapping the current practice of cancelling an auction if the number of bidders drop below three, saying that a single-bid should be accepted if biddings
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failed to find eligible bidders, provided the offered price was benchmarked to the reserve price. In the previous auctions, majority of the blocks could not be allocated as the number of eligible bidders was less than three. The number of milestones are now eight versus 20 earlier, with the panel suggesting that only a default in achieving critical milestones should attract penalty against the earlier penalty for each default. If accepted, the changes would mark a major shift in the current system which was put in place after the cancellation of 204 coal-block allocations and introducing a system of auctioning the mineral blocks. Triggering euphoria and intense competition since their introduction, the e-auctions failed to sustain interest after several blocks were taken at high prices. Even companies which bought the blocks found it cheaper to import coal to meet their requirements rather than developing the mines. There were no takers for subsequent blocks, forcing the Centre to do a rethink. The Expert Committee to ‘report on the challenges faced by the current auction system and recommend changes' was headed by Pratyush Sinha with bureaucrats, ex-bureaucrats and one ex-chairperson each from the SBI and the Union Bank. Aggressive bids by some of the bidders during auctions, subsequent decline in coal prices in international markets as well as in e-auctions, and weak financial health of some of the coal- block winning companies are other reasons for slower ramp-up of production from these mines. Absence of end-use condition in the guidelines is a significant positive for commercial miners, who were not eligible to participate in the coal-mine auctions conducted in 2015. However, given the issues related to land acquisition and regulatory clearances, production levels from private commercial miners are not expected to rise significantly in the short- to medium term.
50. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RULES AMENDED The Union Ministry of Finance has amended Intellectual Property rules to revoke the power vested with Customs authorities to seize imported products based on complaints of patent infringement. On June 22, the Ministry made two amendments to the Intellectual Property Rights (Imported Goods) Enforcement Rules, 2007. Firstly, the Intellectual Property Rights (Imported Goods) Enforcement Amendment Rules, 2018, omits all reference to the Patents Act, 1970. Another amendment incorporates further conditions that oblige the right-holder to notify the Commissioner of Customs of any amendment, cancellation, suspension or reaction that concern Intellectual Property rights, and require the Customs authorities to accordingly amend, suspend or cancel the corresponding protection provided by them.
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Now, the amended law will permit the Customs authorities to cancel his patent from its records based on the order passed by the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB).
51. ANDHRA PRADESH, TELANGANA AND HARYANA TOP RANKERS IN EASE OF DOING BUSINESS The State reform exercise under Ease of Doing Business in India is creating a lot of interest in other countries like Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia which proves that such reforms are imperative for improving the business and regulatory environment. Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, released the final rankings of States in Ease of Doing Business. The top rankers are Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Haryana. Jharkhand and Gujarat stood fourth and fifth respectively. It is for the first time that DIPP has introduced taking feedback to ensure that the reforms have actually reached ground level. Another practice introduced in the current reform exercise was handholding support provided by the higher scoring States. DIPP, Ministry of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the World Bank conducted an annual reform exercise for all States and UTs under the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP). The aim of this exercise is to improve delivery of various Central Government regulatory functions and services in an efficient, effective and transparent manner. States and UTs have conducted reforms to ease their regulations and systems in areas such as labour, environmental clearances, single window system, construction permits, contract enforcement, registering property and inspections. States and UTs have also enacted the Public Service Delivery Guarantee Act to enforce the timelines on registrations and approvals. The current assessment under the BRAP 2017 is based on a combined score consisting of Reform evidence score that is based on evidence uploaded by the States and UTs and Feedback score that is based on the feedback garnered from the actual users of the services provided to the businesses.
52. CABINET RELAXES NELP, PRE-NELP PACT RULES The Union Cabinet approved the policy framework to streamline production sharing contracts signed in the pre-New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) and NELP periods. Key decisions under the framework include increasing the exploration period granted for blocks in the northeast, and easing the sharing of royalties with the developers of the blocks. Based on recommendations in ‘Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for North East', government has extended timelines for exploration and appraisal period in operational blocks of north eastern region of India considering geographical, environmental and logistical challenges. The exploration period has been increased by two years and appraisal period by one year. The Centre has also allowed marketing, including pricing freedom for natural gas to be produced from discoveries which are yet to commence production as on July 1, 2018.
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The government has created an enabling framework for sharing of statutory levies including royalty and cess in proportion to the participating interest of the contractor in Pre-NELP Exploration Blocks, and the same has been made cost recoverable with prospective effect.
53. RECONSTITUTION OF NATIONAL BAMBOO MISSION The restructured National Bamboo Mission (NBM) has been launched this year with the approval of Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) for implementation. To increase the area under bamboo plantation in non-forest Government and private lands to supplement farm income and contribute towards resilience to climate change as well as availability of quality raw material requirement of industries. The bamboo plantations will be promoted predominantly in farmers’ fields, homesteads, community lands, arable wastelands, and along irrigation canals, water bodies etc. To improve post-harvest management through establishment of innovative primary processing units near the source of production, primary treatment and seasoning plants, preservation technologies and market infrastructure. To promote product development keeping in view market demand, by assisting R&D, entrepreneurship & business models at micro, small and medium levels and feed bigger industry. To rejuvenate the under developed bamboo industry in India. To promote skill development, capacity building, awareness generation for development of bamboo sector from production to market demand.
54. ATAL INNOVATION MISSION & MYGOV LAUNCHES “INNOVATE INDIA PLATFORM” “#Innovate India Platform” is collaboration between the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and MyGov, a citizen centric platform of the Government of India. It will serve as the common point for all the innovation happening across the nation. The #Innovate India MyGov-AIM portal creates the much-needed innovations platform for registering both grassroots and deep-tech innovators at a national level. With the launch of the platform Indians will be able to upload and rate their/organizations innovation on the platform. The citizens can access the platform on https://innovate.mygov.in/innovateindia/. The platform is open to all Indian citizens The users can View, comment, share, and rate the innovations crowd sourced on the #Innovate India platform View the leaderboard which is calculated based on the votes on each innovation. Citizens can share their/organizations/someone else’s innovation on the platform by login to the MyGov website These innovations can also be shared on various social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter.
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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. PSLV BAGS FIRST AUSTRALIAN ORDER The Indian PSLV launcher has broken into a rising Australian space market and bagged its first small but promising order from Down Under. Fleet Space Technologies, an IoT (Internet of Things) startup, disclosed that its first 10-kg nanosatellite Centauri I would fly to space on a PSLV later in 2018. The prospect for the PSLV is in the fact that Adelaide-based Fleet plans to put up a constellation of an unstated number of tiny satellites - all of which will need a suitable, timely launch vehicle to take them to space. It is developing a series of 10-kg nanosatellites about the size of a shoebox to enable low-cost connectivity for agriculture, logistics, mining and other industries. Australia is in the throes of setting up its space agency and an industry around it. Adelaide in South Australia is the current hub of this activity. The second nanosat, Centauri II, is to be launched on the U.S. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket later this year. The PSLV's three versions can lift satellites of 1,000-1,750 kg to distances of around 600 km in pole-to-pole orbits. A neat launch record has made the booster a trusted and affordable space vehicle for small satellites. Since its first commercial launch in 1999, the PSLV has put in orbit 237 small satellites of 28 countries, About half of them are from the US.
2. AGNI-V TO BE PART OF NUCLEAR ARSENAL SOON India’s longest-range ballistic missile, Agni-V, will be inducted into the nuclear arsenal very soon. The Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) with a range of over 5,000 km can reach most parts of China. The official said the missile features the latest technologies for navigation and improved accuracy. Earlier variants of the Agni family of long-range missiles have already been deployed. In June 2018, the canisterised variant of the missile was successfully test-fired by the user, the Strategic Forces Command (SFC). The Agni series of missiles constitute the
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backbone of India’s nuclear weapons delivery, which also includes the Prithvi short-range ballistic missiles and fighter aircraft. The submarine-based nuclear arsenal, which assures second strike capability in the face of the proclaimed no-first-use policy, is taking shape. While one nuclear ballistic missile has been inducted, more submarines and longer range submarine-launched ballistic missiles are under various stages of development.
3. CHINA AIMS TO OUTSTRIP NASA WITH SUPER-POWERFUL ROCKET China is working on a super-powerful rocket that would be capable of delivering heavier payloads into low orbit than NASA. By 2030, the Long March-9 rocket under development will be able to carry 140 tonnes into low-Earth orbit - where TV and earth observation satellites currently fly. This compares to the 20 tonnes deliverable by Europe's Ariane 5 rocket or the 64 tonnes by Elon Musk's Falcon Heavy, which in February 2018 catapulted one of the U.S. entrepreneur's red Tesla Roadster car towards Mars. It would also outstrip the 130 tonnes of NASA's Space Launch System, which is due to become operational in 2020. The Long March-9 rocket could be used in manned lunar landings, deep space exploration or constructing a space-based solar power plant. In addition, China is working on a reusable space rocket, which is expected to make its maiden flight in 2021. The first stage and the boosters will be retrieved after a vertical landing. China is pouring billions into its military-run space programme, with hopes of having a crewed space station by 2022, and of sending humans to the Moon in the near future. The Asian superpower is looking to finally catch up with the U.S. and Russia after years of belatedly matching their space milestones. China is also planning to build a base on the moon.
4. ASTRONOMERS CAPTURE IMAGE OF A PLANET'S BIRTH Astronomers say they've captured the first confirmed image of a planet forming in the dust swirling around a young star. They said the planet appears as a bright spot in the snapshot taken using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile. The planet is located about three billion km from the star PDS 70, as a gas giant bigger than Jupiter. It has a cloudy atmosphere and a surface temperature of 1,000 degrees Celsius.
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5. ISRO TO TEST ITS ASTRONAUT ESCAPE FEATURE Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has scheduled a ‘pad abort test' of an experimental space crew capsule as an important cog of its plan to send Indians to space one day. The launch pad abort test, or PAT, involves aborting a space capsule at launch to save the inmates. ISRO's Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad has provided devices that enable satellite communication and navigation of this flight. With the pad abort test, ISRO aims to prove its technology that will safely parachute future astronauts down in case their space vehicle develops snags while taking off. The test is one of the many main and supporting technologies that the space agency is developing ahead of its ambitious Human Space Flight Programme (HSP). According to information put together from multiple sources, a roughly 3,770-kg trial crew module, aided by four solid-fuelled rockets built around it, will be flown up to a distance of 2.4 km. On firing, the module will be jettisoned and demonstrate a safe descent with the help of parachutes - all this in around three minutes.
6. HYBRID ROCKET TECH IN FUTURE Future Indian space missions, such as a distant human flight, and returnable and reusable launch vehicles, will draw heavily from aircraft technologies. Calling it a healthy marriage of complex rocket science and artful aircraft technologies, the space agency was looking at the prospect of winged space planes that mix rocket science with plane technology, perhaps after a decade. Such a hybrid scene has already opened in a small way with the May 2016 test flight of bringing back a small experimental winged space vehicle. While American launch agency SpaceX has retrieved the first stage of its rocket, ISRO would like to go beyond this and attempt getting back the second stage also, in the true national spirit of thrift. Such a concept would need space planes. For this, ISRO would tap the expertise of aeronautical engineers and the Indian Air Force. The agency is routinely updating a 2004 proposal for an aspirational human spaceflight programme (HSP). He clarified that an HSP is not even before the Space Commission, it is not approved and is distant, that any thoughts and technologies about it were still evolving, and ISRO would talk to supporting agencies only when it took a specific form.
7. SIX BIDS TO SUPPLY 110 FIGHTERS FOR IAF Six global aircraft manufacturers have responded to a Request for Information (RFI) from the Indian Air Force to supply 110 fighter aircraft. The deadline for the RFI was July 6.
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All six manufacturers have earlier bid for the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA), which was cancelled in 2015. Officials confirmed that six bids have been received, of which Lockheed Martin F-16 and SAAB Gripen are single-engine fighters, while Boeing F-18, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon and United Aircraft Corporation MiG-35 are twin-engine ones. The bids will be evaluated after which the IAF will issue the Request For Proposal (RFP) with the exact specifications of the aircraft to be procured. The RFP is expected by early next year. The RFI, issued on April 6, states that the government plans to buy 110 fighters jets, of which 85% will have to be built in India under the ‘Make in India' programme in partnership with a "Strategic Partner/Indian Production Agency." The procurement will be processed through the Strategic Partnership (SP) model under the Defence Procurement Procedure. However, the SP model itself needs some clarification which could delay the process. Air Force sources expressed confidence that the technical evaluation and trials can be completed very quickly, as all the aircraft have been extensively tested earlier. Earlier, the IAF was looking for a single-engine jet to replace the MiG-21s and MiG-27s being phased out of service, but the RFI did not specify it, opening up the contest to both single-and twin-engine jets. Officials said both configurations were equally competent and the final choice would depend on the price and extent of technology transfer. According to informal estimates, the entire cost could be worth over $15 billion. Single-engine aircraft will cost lower than the twin-engine jets, both in unit and operational costs. The move comes almost two decades after the IAF began the last major effort to acquire fighters in large numbers. The effort culminated in the global tender for 126 fighters under the MMRCA deal which was cancelled in 2015 after the Modi government decided to buy 36 Rafale fighters from France under a government-to- government deal.
8. TEJAS PRICE COMES UNDER SCRUTINY The Defence Ministry has appointed a committee to look into the costing of products and military platforms manufactured by defence public sector undertakings (DPSU). The first project to be reviewed is the indigenous light combat aircraft, Tejas, being manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL). This development comes after the cost quoted by the HAL turned out to be higher than those of many imported fighters. Also several platforms manufactured under licence in India have been found to be more expensive than the imported platforms.
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The IAF has committed to inducting 123 Tejas jets in various configurations. Of these, 40 have already been ordered and negotiations are under way for 83 Mk-1A variants featuring specific advancements. However, the HAL has quoted over Rs. 463 crore for each aircraft, while the advanced twin- engine Sukhoi-30assembled in India costs just over Rs. 400 crore. This price is also a steep rise in comparison to the LCA Mk1 variant for which the HAL quoted Rs. 100 crore.
9. THE LOWDOWN ON TRIUMF SYSTEM S-400 Triumf is one of the world's most advanced air defence systems that can simultaneously track numerous incoming objects - all kinds of aircraft, missiles and UAVs - in a radius of a few hundred kilometres and launch appropriate missiles to neutralise them. The system is a large complex of radars, control systems and different types of missiles. The highly automated S-400 has radars that can pick up an incoming object up to a 1,000 kilometres away, track several dozen incoming objects simultaneously, distribute the targets to appropriate missile systems and ensure a high success rate. The command post detects, tracks and identifies the target. Then the tracked object is taken over by manned anti-aircraft missile systems of the complex, which launch the counter attack. A single unit, consisting of eight launchers, 112 missiles and command and support vehicles, costs at least $400 million (Rs. 2,500 crore). The development of S-400 (NATO name SA-21 Growler) was started towards the end of the Soviet Union in the 1980s and was disrupted by the collapse of the Communist bloc in 1991. Russia has also deployed at least two S-400 systems in Syria, much to the concern of observers who fear the system could contribute to a global conflict breaking out in Syria. It is now bang in the middle of the ongoing stand-off between Russia and Western nations. Among the countries under pressure from the U.S. not to buy this weapon are India and Turkey. USA believes that S-400 could access sensitive U.S. military technologies in service with the potential buyers.
10. BRAHMOS TESTED IN EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS The supersonic cruise missile BrahMos was successfully test-fired, under extreme weather conditions, as part of the service life extension programme for the Army. BrahMos has again proved its all-weather capability, flying in sea state 7, with waves as high as nine metres.
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BrahMos, a joint venture between India and Russia, has been demonstrated in various Sea state is the degree of turbulence at sea, configurations in land-attack, anti-ship and from generally measured on a scale of 0 to 9 the air. according to average wave height. The Army and the Navy have already inducted the missile, while the air-launched variant is undergoing trials. It has a strike range of around 290 km and is described as the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile.
11. UPGRADED VIKAS ENGINE - WITH MORE THRUST - WILL BOOST ISRO'S ROCKETS All three satellite launch vehicles of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are set to add muscle to their spacecraft lifting power in upcoming missions in 2018. The space agency has improved the thrust of the Vikas engine that powers all of them. The agency said the high-thrust engine qualified after a ground test lasting 195 seconds. The main beneficiary of the high-thrust Vikas engine is said to be the heavy-lifting GSLV- Mark III launcher, which ISRO expects will put 4,000-kg satellites to space. This would be the third Mk-III and the first working one to be designated MkIII Mission-1 or M1. The first MkIII of June 2017 started with a 3,200-kg satellite and the second one is being readied for lifting a 3,500-kg spacecraft. The Vikas engine will improve the payload capability of PSLV, GSLV and GSLVMk-III launch vehicles. The Vikas engine is used in the second stage of the light lifting PSLV; the second stage and the four add-on stages of the medium-lift GSLV; and the twin-engine core liquid stage of Mk-III. ISRO will phase out Vikas by replacing it first in Mk-III with a cleaner and safer semi- cryogenic engine. The semi-cryo engine is ready for trial; its stage has just been approved.
12. ISRO ROPES IN 3 PARTNERS The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has roped in three partners to help it assemble 27 satellites at a quick pace over the next three years. In Bengaluru, its nodal satellites division URSC (U.R. Rao Satellite Centre) signed separate three-year contracts with Alpha Design Technologies P Ltd and its six consortium members; with defence public enterprise Bharat Electronics Ltd; and with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, Hyderabad. Each partner will work with the URSC to produce three small to medium satellites each year, or a total of 27 spacecraft by July 2021, it is learnt. About 50 members from each partner will separately work with URSC engineers to complete the project. All but the last member were already involved in building two 1,400-kg navigation satellites IRNSS-1H and 1I for ISRO in 2017.
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13. EINSTEIN WAS RIGHT A consortium of astronomers said they had for the first time confirmed a prediction of Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity by observing the gravitational effects of a supermassive black hole on a star zipping by it. The German-born theoretical physicist had posited that large gravitational forces could stretch light, much like the compression and stretching of sound waves we perceive with the change of pitch of a passing train. Researchers from the GRAVITY consortium led by the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics realised that they had a "perfect laboratory" to test Einstein's theory with the black hole Sagittarius A* in the centre of the Milky Way. Black holes are so dense that their gravitational pull can trap even light, and the supermassive blackhole Sagittarius A* has mass four million times that of our sun, making it the biggest in our galaxy. Astronomers followed the S2 star as it passed close to the black hole on May 19 at a speed in excess of 25 million kmper hour. They then calculated its velocity and position using a number of instruments and compared it with predictions made by Einstein that the light would be stretched by the gravity, in an effect called gravitational redshift. Newtonian physics doesn't allow for a redshift. "The results are perfectly in line with the theory of general relativity" and are "a major breakthrough towards better understanding the effects of intense gravitational fields," said the research team. This is the first time observers have been able to measure such an effect. The European Southern Observatory, whose Very Large Telescope in Chile was used to make the observations. Astronomers already use another effect predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity - that a black hole can bend passing light. This is called gravitational lensing. Researchers have used it to peer behind black holes.
14. NEW ALGORITHM THAT MAY PREDICT YOUR INTELLIGENCE Scientists have developed a machine-learning algorithm that may tell how smart you are by looking at a scan of your brain. The new tool can predict a person’s IQ from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans of their resting state brain activity. About Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) Functional magnetic resonance imaging or functional MRI (fMRI) measures brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow. This technique relies on the fact that cerebral blood flow and neuronal activation are coupled. When an area of the brain is in use, blood flow to that region also increases.
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15. NOVEL NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNIQUE CAN COMBAT BRAIN DISEASE A new molecular imaging method can monitor the success of gene therapy in all areas of the brain that may allow physicians to tackle brain conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis, a new study suggests.
16. STUDY LINKS DIABETES TO AIR POLLUTION Outdoor air pollution even at levels deemed safe may be associated with an increased risk of diabetes globally, with India being at a greater risk due to lack of air cleaning policies. The findings showed that air pollution contributes to development of diabetes by reducing insulin production and triggering inflammation, which prevents the body from converting blood glucose into energy that the body needs. The overall risk of pollution-related diabetes is tilted more toward lower-income countries such as India that lack the resources for environmental mitigation systems and clean-air policies. This is important because many industry lobbying groups argue that current levels are too stringent and should be relaxed. Evidence shows that current levels are still not sufficiently safe and need to be tightened. The researchers estimated that pollution contributed to a little more than three million new diabetes cases globally in 2016, which represented about 14% of all new diabetes cases globally that year. Nearly 10 million years of healthy life were lost in 2016 due to pollution-linked diabetes, representing about 14% of all years of healthy life lost due to diabetes from any cause. According to the U.N. 2018 Sustainable Development Goals Report, an estimated 4.2 million people died as a result of high levels of ambient air pollution. Poverty-stricken countries facing a higher diabetes-pollution risk include Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea and Guyana, while richer countries such as France, Finland and Iceland experience a lower risk.
17. NIPAH OUTBREAK FROM FRUIT BATS The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed that fruit bats were the primary source of the Nipah outbreak in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts, where 17 people died due to the virus earlier this year. Initially, a Central medical team had ruled out bats as the primary source of the infection after samples collected from bats in two Kerala districts tested negative.
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Later, another medical team, in its report to the Union Health Ministry, said bats could not be ruled out as the samples were collected from insectivorous bats, which were not known to be Nipah carriers. In the second round, samples from 55 fruit bats were collected and sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune. An ICMR official said the samples from fruit bats tested positive for the virus, confirming that they were the source of Nipah infection in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts. The natural host of the virus are fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, Pteropus genus. Intermediate hosts of this instance were found to be pigs.
18. INDIAN-ORIGIN SCIENTIST GETS FUNDING FOR PROJECT An Indian-origin scientist, Professor Ravinder Dahiya, a faculty at the University of Glasgow's School of Engineering, working on a project to create a robotic hand covered in so-called "Brainy Skin" that mimics the human sense of touch has won 1.5 million pounds in funding for the project. The futuristic "thinking skin concept" is inspired by the real skin. The super-flexible, hypersensitive skin may one day be used to make more responsive prosthetics for amputees, or to build robots with a sense of touch. Brainy skin is critical for the autonomy of robots and for a safe human-robot interaction to meet emerging societal needs such as helping the elderly, said Professor Dahiya. Along with his Bendable Electronics and Sensing Technologies (BEST) team, the scientist has plans to develop ultra-flexible, synthetic "Brainy Skin" that thinks for itself. Brainy Skin reacts like human skin, which has its own neurons that respond immediately to touch rather than having to relay the whole message to the brain. This electronic thinking skin is made from silicon-based printed neural transistors and graphene - an ultra-thin form of carbon that is only an atom thick, but stronger than steel. The new version in the making is said to be more powerful, less cumbersome and would work better than earlier prototypes. The research, dubbed neuPRINTSKIN (Neuromorphic Printed Tactile Skin), received 1.5 million pounds in funding from the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC). The team's work means tactile data is gathered over large areas by the synthetic skin's computing system rather than sent to the brain for interpretation. This breakthrough in the tactile sensing research will lead to the first neuromorphic tactile skin, or brainy skin.
19. CREATE LEPROSY AWARENESS The Supreme Court directed the government to constitute a separate wing devoted to create and extend public awareness that leprosy is curable and not contagious, considering the advance made in modern medical science.
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A three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra ordered All India Radio and Doordarshan to air programmes nationally as well as regionally in the States. It was the primary duty of the state to erase the stigma against those suffering from leprosy and nudge them back into the mainstream. Earlier, the court had asked the Centre and the States to remove references to leprosy as a disability from statute books. Stressing the need for awareness campaign right up to the ‘gram panchayat' level, the Bench said such measures would eventually help in eradicating the disease and ending ‘discrimination' of sufferers.
20. EMERGING ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN LEPROSY A six-year study carried out across 19 countries has now shown that antimicrobial resistance is emerging in leprosy cases. This global data shows that a total of 8% of the Mycobacterium leprae bacterial strains studied showed gene mutations conferring resistance towards drugs such as rifampicin, dapsone and ofloxacin. Rifampicin resistance was observed in about 5% of the relapse cases and in 2% of the new ones. India and Brazil topped the list with more than 10 rifampicin-resistant cases each. Molecular methods Assessing antimicrobial resistance has not been possible so far as M. leprae does not grow in vitro. Currently, there are only two techniques for studying M. leprae - the mouse foot-pad technique and genetic analysis. As the former is time-consuming, used molecular methods for detecting the resistance genes. Global data showed that among the 1,932 (1,143 relapse and 789 new) cases studied, 3.8% showed gene mutations showing resistance to rifampicin. The number was 4.5% for dapsone and 1.1% for ofloxacin. Certain cases showed resistance to more than one drug. Globally, 20 cases showed rifampicin and dapsone resistance, four showed ofloxacin and dapsone resistance. Interestingly there were no cases of resistance to rifampicin and ofloxacin together. More studies are needed to know in depth about this. In India, the study was carried out in five laboratories across the country. Among the 382 cases studied from India, 4.7% showed resistance to rifampicin, 6.4% dapsone resistant and 4.4% ofloxacin resistant. In 1982, the multi-drug strategy was adopted to treat leprosy just when resistance to the then used drug, Dapsone was emerging. Unlike the routine regime (rifampicin, dapsone and clofazimine) administered once a month and given free of cost, the alternative drug regime (minocycline and ofloxacin) given to drug- resistant patients is a daily dose, prescribed for two years, and is very expensive.
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The government has no provision to provide this free of cost. Now, with the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, it also stresses the need for immediate notice, routine investigation and establishment of proper treatment guidelines by the government. This is also a call for vigilance on the global use of antimicrobial agents, because ofloxacin resistance probably developed in relation to the general intake of antibiotics for other infections as it is not part of the multidrug combination used to treat leprosy. Ofloxacin resistant cases were found to be the highest in India among the 19 countries studied. Antimicrobial resistance monitoring is now one of the core areas in the Global Leprosy Strategy for 2016–2020 and WHO has recently released an updated guide on surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in leprosy.
21. GETTING THE GENERIC DRUG PLAN RIGHT In India, many doctors rely on branded drugs due to the goodwill and trust built over the years as they ensure quality, efficacy and accessibility. The brand producing a new molecule gets a patent to be able to have selling rights. Once a drug loses its patent protection, it can then be produced by several other drug manufacturers and is called a ‘generic'. A generic drug is defined as a drug product that is comparable to a brand/reference-listed drug product in dosage, strength, route of administration, quality and performance characteristics and intended use. Branded generics are those that are given a unique name by their marketers to enable doctors and patients to identify a product they can trust from the ocean of numerous alternatives. Though efforts have been made to draw the government's attention to the substandard quality of some generic drugs floating across the country there is still no clarity on the definitions of all three categories. The government's decision to ask doctors to prescribe a generic name has made things complicated Current regulations allow doctors to prescribe branded as well as generic drugs, but one needs to understand that generic drugs can also be produced by brands (branded generic). Hence the latest regulation needs a lot more clarity before it is rolled out. In such a scenario, if a doctor prescribes ofloxacin for example, a consumer will go to a chemist who will give him neither the most expensive nor the cheapest one. Those are not his criteria as there are some chemists who will look to have a higher margin. This is often because chemists do not have a way to know about the differences in quality as patients do not come back and inform them about their recovery. The government should ensure that all pharmacies have qualified pharmacists and that basic quality is maintained for all generics produced in India.
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In short, there should be a sort of star-rating for quality certification, helping people to understand the quality of the generic. The government's intention to promote generics will reach its goal only if these three important factors (clarity in definition, safe quality and standardised quality certifications along with qualification of pharmacists) are considered.
22. NOVEL TRIAL WIPES OUT 80% OF HARMFUL MOSQUITOES More than 80% of a dengue fever-spreading mosquito has been wiped out in an Australian town during a landmark trial, offering hope for combating the dangerous pest globally. Researchers from Australia's national science body CSIRO bred millions of non-biting male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in laboratory conditions at James Cook University (JCU) in a project funded by Google's parent company Alphabet. The insects were infected with the Wolbachia bacteria, which renders them sterile. They were then released into the wild at trial sites around the Queensland town of Innisfail where over three months they mated with females who laid eggs that did not hatch, causing the population to plummet. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is one of the world's most dangerous pests. It is responsible for infecting millions of people around the world each year.
23. PIGMENT IN GOA MUSHROOM MAY HELP FIGHT CANCER The mycological laboratory of the Department of Botany, Goa University reported the discovery of a new pigment from local wild mushrooms. They reported a new sulphur-rich melanin biopigment of immense bioindustrial, biomedical (anti-cancer, anti-tumour) and biotechnological potential from local Roen alamis (wild variety of Goan mushrooms that grows on termite hills) or Termitomyces species. This discovery shows the chemical nature of the brown or black pigment in these wild edible mushrooms.
24. WHY IS THERE A ROW OVER AYUSHMAN BHARAT RATES? Ayushman Bharat, the world's largest health insurance scheme aimed at covering 50 crore Indians, is facing teething troubles. In May 2018, the government published the rates that insurance companies would pay hospitals for the 1,350 procedures covered under the scheme. These rates have become a sticking point for hospitals, which have criticised them as arbitrary and low.
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Doctors have also criticised the clustering of medical conditions in the rate list. For example, treatment for tuberculosis and HIV with complications will be reimbursed at the same rate of Rs. 2,000 a day. This is irrational. "HIV complications can be pretty serious. Cryptococcal meningitis requires costly anti-fungals." For now, the government is committed to the launch date of Ayushman Bharat on August 15.
25. FDA APPROVES DRUG TO TREAT SMALLPOX The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first drug with an indication for treatment of smallpox on July 14. Smallpox, a contagious and sometimes fatal infectious disease, was declared eradicated in 1980 by the World Health Organization. However, there have been longstanding concerns about smallpox. TPOXX (tecovirimat) is a small-molecule antiviral treatment for smallpox, the first therapy specifically approved for this indication. To address the risk of bioterrorism, Congress has taken steps to enable the development and approval of countermeasures to thwart pathogens that could be employed as weapons. TPOXX's effectiveness against smallpox was established by studies conducted in animals infected with viruses that are closely related to the virus that causes smallpox. TPOXX also received Orphan Drug designation. This provides incentives to assist and encourage development of drugs for rare diseases and a Material Threat Medical Countermeasure Priority Review Voucher, which provides additional incentives for certain medical products intended to treat or prevent harm from specific chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.
26. GLOBAL TRAIL: TRAMADOL HIGH ON DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENDA Late in 2017, officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence had been tracking a large export consignment of Tramadol, a synthetic opioid, a prescription painkiller that was listed in the Schedule-H of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. For several months, drug enforcement agencies from various countries had been telling their Indian counterparts how there was widespread diversion of Tramadol tablets originating from pharmaceutical units in India. Intelligence reports from international drug enforcement agencies indicated the opioid was getting into the hands of Islamic State fighters in Syria and insurgents in African countries, who had taken to using the drug both as a pain suppressant and resilience booster. Tramadol is often used to mitigate pain during cancer treatment. But, studies show that there is also a great possibility of Tramadol being abused as a replacement for heroin and other opioids. The drug triggers a feeling of euphoria, numbness, relaxation and out-of-body experience.
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27. SC DECLINES TO STAY NEW RULES ON TOBACCO PRODUCTS The Supreme Court declined to stay the operation of new amended rules of the Union Health Ministry directing the manufacturers to have graphic warning images on packets of cigarettes and other tobacco products and helpline numbers for those who wanted to quit the habit. A Bench led by Chief Justice Dipak Misra refused to grant interim stay on Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Second Amendment Rules, 2018, which would come into effect from September 1, 2018. The new rules which have two images depicting the manifestation of cancer as a specified health warning would appear on the package consecutively during the rotation period with an interregnum period of 12 months.
28. NANO-BUBBLES TRIGGERED BY X-RAY CAN TARGET CANCER Scientists have developed nano-bubbles that can deliver drugs in the body when triggered by standard X-rays and may pave the way for a new range of cancer treatments. The tiny bubbles, known as liposomes, are commonly used in pharmacology to encapsulate drugs, making them more effective in the treatment of disease. Researchers were able to engineer these liposomes to discharge their drug cargo on-demand, once activated by standard X-rays. Initial testing has shown this technique to be highly efficient in killing bowel cancer cells. "Made out of similar material as cell membranes, these ‘bubbles' are relatively simple to prepare, can be filled with appropriate medications and then injected into specific parts of the body," said a researcher involved. The radiation from the X-ray causes the verteporfin to react and to produce highly reactive singlet oxygen, which then destabilises the liposomal membrane, causing the release of the drug, researchers said.
29. NANOVESICLES USED TO IMPROVE CANCER DRUG DELIVERY By encapsulating the poorly water-soluble anticancer drug Alisertib in polysaccharide nano- sized balls or vesicles, researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune have been able to increase its uptake by breast cancer cells and achieve greater ability to restrict cancer cell growth. Better uptake of the drug when encapsulated meant lower concentration of the drug was sufficient to restrict cancer growth significantly better than the free drug. The drug by targeting AU`RKA now selectively inhibits RalA protein thereby disrupting cancer cells’ ability to grow without anchorage (anchorage independent growth). Anchorage independence in tumors is what allows cells to spread and grow at new sites in the body — metastasis. Target protein Since producing inhibitors against RalA protein is challenging and the existing inhibitor is not specific (targets both RalA and RalB), the researchers chose to target Aurora Kinase A (AURKA) instead.
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Aberrant AURKA activity has been implicated in cancer formation, and its inhibition could potentiate the effect of chemotherapies. When AURKA is silenced, RalA protein, which is present downstream, gets automatically (and selectively) inhibited. The researchers embedded breast cancer cells in 3D gels (collagen or agarose) and incubated them with nanovesicles containing the drug and a florescent dye. In 15 days the breast cancer cells grew into a colony in the 3D gel. About 75% of the encapsulated drug was retained in the nanovesicle and carried into cancer cells during the 15-day period. While the free drug did not inhibit the colony forming ability of cancer cells, the number of colonies was significantly reduced in the presence of nanovesicles loaded with the drug. The encapsulated drug produced 94% inhibition of the target AURKA leading to 25% inhibition of RalA; the drug did not affect RalB. As a result, there was 38% inhibition of anchorage independent growth of cancer cells. In comparison, at 50%, the Ral inhibitor achieved greater inhibition of RalA than the encapsulated drug but the inhibition was not specific — RalB was inhibited by 64%. The inhibition of anchorage independent growth was only 33%. What was interesting is that besides being specific to RalA, the encapsulated drug achieved greater inhibition of anchorage independent growth than the Ral inhibitor. This despite the Ral inhibitor achieving double the inhibition of RalA than the encapsulated drug. For this study, the nanovesicles were encapsulated with only one drug (Alisertib) in the hydrophobic envelop while a fluroscent dye was loaded in the hydrophilic core. But the 2014 study (published in the journal Nanoscale ) by the team showed that loading the nanovesicles with two drugs enhances the therapeutic efficacies against cancer cells. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic anticancer drugs loaded in the envelop and core of the nanovesicle respectively performed better than free drugs and synergistically killed breast and colon cancer cells. Fabricating nanovesicles To make the nanovesicles self-assemble, they undertook some modifications to the dextran polysaccharide using a molecule from cashew nut shell extract. Since both are from bio-based nanosystems, the nanovesicles are not toxic to cells, and possibly human, and are biodegradable. The nanovesicle is bilayered and is held together to form a stable vesicle through hydrophilic-hydrophobic interactions. Since the nanovesicles are about 120 nanometre in size, they are easily taken up by cancer tissue but not normal tissue. Also, nanovesicles with the drugs loaded become water dispersible thus increasing the uptake by cancer cells. The drug-loaded nanovesicles are cleaved by esterase enzyme once inside the cell.
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30. CHOLESTEROL HELPS BACTERIAL TOXINS KILL CELLS Researchers have found that cholesterol present in cell membrane plays a crucial role in stabilising and binding together the pore-forming toxin cytolysin A. The pore-forming toxins form the largest class of bacterial proteins causing virulence that kills human cells. The cytolysin A toxin is secreted by E. coli, Shigella and Salmonella. The toxin secreted by E. coli bacteria is water-soluble and binds to the cell membrane. The binding of the water-soluble toxin to the cell membrane does not depend on cholesterol present in the membrane surface. In fact, the binding drops in cholesterol-containing membranes. Binding is only a part of the pore forming process and cholesterol has no role to play. Toxin movements Once the toxin gets bound to the cell membrane, it does not stay in one place. Instead, it keeps moving around the cell membrane surface. Using a powerful microscope that allows them to look at single molecules tagged with a fluorescent tag, the researchers could actually see the toxin proteins moving around. Unlike the usually observed Brownian movement, these proteins tend to move around fast and then slow down before picking up speed and moving fast again. This happens even when no cholesterol is present. The structure capable of puncturing the cell membrane is supposed to slow down the protein movement. So this suggested that the structure of the bound protein is similar to the water-soluble protein and different from the structure that pierces the cell membrane. Cholesterol interaction In the presence of cholesterol, the protein stops moving quickly. Using molecular dynamic simulations, they found cholesterol interacting with the protein just as they suspected. The interaction was with the region on the protein that is responsible for forming the pore. Binding to cholesterol per se does not stop the motion of the protein. But on binding to cholesterol, the structure of the protein undergoes a change resulting in slowing down of the motion. The change in the speed of motion happens even in the absence of cholesterol due to the change in structure of the protein. But in the absence of cholesterol, the protein is unable to maintain the structure required for pore formation. The structure of the toxin is stabilised in the presence of cholesterol and that is essential for pore formation. This is a clever strategy by the bacteria to use the toxin to specifically target only human/animal cells while the bacteria themselves are protected from the toxicity since cholesterol is absent in bacterial membranes. To be able to rupture the cell membrane, the proteins bound to cholesterol have to come together to form a ring-like structure comprising 12 molecules.
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The coming together of the molecules to form the ring-like structure is also enhanced in the presence of cholesterol. Computer simulations showed that when two pore-forming protein molecules come together there is a small pocket where the cholesterol goes and interacts with the proteins. So cholesterol provides additional support to hold the two molecules together. Studies by other groups have shown that cancer cells in mice can be reduced dramatically by using cytolysin A toxin.
31. GIVING SHAPE TO THE TB FIGHT Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the world's biggest global health crises; 1.7 million people died of the disease in 2016. New data suggest that the global scope of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is much larger than previously estimated, in turn requiring concerted international efforts in combating this deadlier form of the disease. BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) together account for over 40% of TB and over 50% of drug-resistant TB cases. To fast-track progress in tackling TB, the United Nations is to hold the first-ever UN high- level meeting, on September 26 in New York. Countries negotiating the final declaration text are coming under significant pressure by the United States to drop all references to protecting the rights of countries to take fully legal actions to access affordable medicines for their people. One of the final sticking points remains the language on public health safeguards enshrined in the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Agreement on Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). This allows governments, among other things, to issue ‘compulsory licences' to override patents in the interest of public health, so that they can allow generic versions of medicines to be produced or imported and more people can receive needed treatment. The affordability of medicines and use of TRIPS flexibilities has been agreed upon in multiple international fora, including the UN high-level declaration on anti-microbial resistance. But the U.S., backed by its powerful big pharma lobbies, is pushing to remove any mention of the need for medicines to be affordable. The U.S. is exerting extreme pressure on the ‘Group of 77' bloc - of developing countries - by refusing to sign the declaration at the U.N. General Assembly in September if language such as the paragraph that "recognises the importance of affordable medicines" and "urges countries to enforce intellectual property rules in ways that promote access" is included. Countries, including those in the Group of 77, and BRICS that have a high burden of drug- resistant TB, need to urgently stand up right now against the bullying that aims to keep newer oral TB medicines out of the hands of the people in their countries who need treatment.
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32. FISH SAMPLES TEST POSITIVE FOR FORMALIN As many as 11 out of 30 samples of fish species purchased from Chinthadripet and Kasimedu, the two major fish markets in Chennai, on two different days, have tested positive for formalin, a cancer-inducing chemical used illegally to preserve fish. The carcinogen that is used widely as a preservative and disinfectant. Formalin causes irritation in the eyes, throat, skin and stomach. In the long run continued exposure causes harm to the kidneys, liver and can even cause cancers. Formaldehyde has the potential to cause blood cancer in human beings. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) officials have been undertaking tests at fish markets and harbours across the State to test for formalin following a scare in neighbouring Kerala that fish sourced from here were chemically contaminated.
33. FORMALDEHYDE IS NATURALLY FOUND IN FISH Claiming that formaldehyde was inherently present in fish, fruits, vegetables and even mushrooms, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar told the Assembly that the government was willing to consider extending the 15-day ban on "import" of fish from other States "to remove fear and confusion" among people. He was replying to a calling attention motion on the issue of "formalin in fish", agitating the on-going monsoon session for three consecutive days with the Opposition forcing adjournments. "Formaldehyde is documented to be naturally present in many common food items, including fruits and vegetables (approximately 20 to 60 mg per kg in fruits and vegetables), meats (approximately 5-20 mg per kg), fish (approximately 5 to 140 mg per kg), crustacean (approximately 10 to 100 mg per kg) and mushrooms (approximately 60 mg in fresh ones and as high as 400 mg per kg in dried shitake mushrooms)," Mr. Parrikar said in a written statement. Citing laboratory tests, he said traders were not using formalin to preserve fish in the coastal State.
34. SETBACKS IN QUEST FOR A CURE TO AIDS Scientists reported several setbacks in the quest for a cure to AIDS, highlighting concerns about inconclusive evidence that links a promising new drug to birth defects. According to research presented at the 22nd International AIDS Conference in Amsterdam, four cases of "neural tube" defects were recorded among the pregnancies of 426 HIV-positive women in Botswana who took the drugdolutegravir before conception. Neural tube defects cause severe brain and spinal deformities in the first weeks after conception, and often lead to stillbirth. Four birth defects in 596 pregnancies was "still seven times higher than other groups, and statistically significant", she added.
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Dolutegravir is a relatively new HIV-suppressor with fewer side-effects and believed to be less likely to spark drug resistance in patients. Botswana was the first country to introduce dolutegravir as a first-line antiretroviral drug for all who need it, including women of child-bearing age. Pending clarification, global health agencies have advised that HIV-positive women planning a family should use other antiretrovirals instead. For scientists, "cure" means weakening HIV to a point where it poses no harm to the infected person and cannot be transmitted to others - allowing people to stop lifelong treatment. "A cure remains a top scientific priority.
35. SPECIAL AYUSH CLINICS FOR THE ELDERLY The Government provides optimum services to the elderly under AYUSH system of medicines. As Health is a State subject, the opening of a special clinic for elder persons in villages comes under the purview of the respective State/UT Government. Under Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM), there is a provision of financial assistance to the States/UTs for setting up of up to 50-bedded integrated AYUSH Hospitals and for the establishment of AYUSH facility in Primary Health Centres (PHCs). Under NAM there is a provision of the supply of essential drugs to the AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries through which the public including elderly persons can avail free services. In addition, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), an autonomous organization under Ministry of AYUSH is providing health services to the elderly persons through its 23 Clinical units (Special Geriatric Clinics) located throughout the country. Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, an autonomous organization under Ministry of AYUSH is providing health services to the elderly persons through its 23 research centres and 8 peripheral Out Patient Departments (OPDs) located throughout the country. Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS), an autonomous organization under Ministry of AYUSH is also providing Geriatric special Out-Patient services. Further, National Institute of Siddha (NIS), an autonomous organization under Ministry of AYUSH also conducts a special OPD for elderly persons where Geriatric patients are exempted from payment of Indoor-Patient Department (IPD) charges.
36. POSHAN ABHIYAN (NATIONAL NUTRITION MISSION) The Government of India has set-up POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) which was launched by the PM Modi on 8thMarch, 2018 from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. The programme through use of technology, ha a targeted approach and convergence strives to reduce the level of Stunting, Under-nutrition, Anemia and Low Birth Weight in Children, as also, focus on Adolescent Girls, Pregnant Women & Lactating Mothers for holistically addressing malnutrition. POSHAN Abhiyaan aims to ensure service delivery and interventions by use of technology, behavioural change through convergence and lays-down specific targets to be achieved across different monitoring parameters over the next few years.
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To ensure a holistic approach, all 36 States/UTs and 718 districts will be covered in a phased manner by the year 2020. Never before has nutrition been given such prominence at the highest level in the country. As part of this Abhiyaan, initiative to mobilize a peoples’ movement or Jan Andolanon Nutrition, the MoWCD has developed a Caller Tune and Ring Tone to popularize and create a connect with the Abhiyaan’s goal of Sahi Poshan Desh Roshan. It was decided that the activities to be carried in the month of September to celebrate as National Nutrition Month and this will be celebrated every year.
37. BREAKTHROUGH IN STEM CELL PROLIFERATION A major obstacle in using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to treat a variety of diseases has been successfully overcome by a team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. The team led by Dr. Abhijit Majumder from the institute's Department of Chemical Engineering found hydrogel plate made of polyacrylamide was a perfect replacement for conventionally used plastic culture plates. When grown on plastic culture plates, the mesenchymal stem cells become large and flat, and also irregular in shape. The cells stop multiplying and growing (reach senescence) after a certain number of cell divisions. Unlike the plastic plates, the hydrogel ensured that stem cells multiplied and retained the stem cell-like nature (stemness) for up to 51 days (20 generations) and differentiated into bone, cartilage or fat cells.
38. SCIENTISTS DECODE HOW MUSTARD PLANTS TOLERATE SALT High salinity is one of the major problems in agricultural fields and many countries, including India, use an organic sulphur compound thiourea to minimise the negative effect of salt stress. Now, using molecular biology tools, scientists from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai have reported how this treatment altered the plant RNA and hormones to facilitate this survival in mustard plants grown with high salt stress. Anthropogenic factors, irregular irrigation and proximity to the sea can cause high salinity in the agricultural fields and this induces redox imbalance and damages the plant. Various studies have shown that thiourea is a good redox stabiliser as it scavenges multiple reactive oxygen species including hydrogen peroxide. The researchers carried out studies to understand how this thiourea activates the tolerance mechanisms.
39. GOOGLE EXPORTS INDIA PUBLIC WI-FI MODEL Technology giant Google has taken its public Wi-fi model from India to other countries such as Indonesia and Mexico.
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After providing public Wi-Fi at 100 stations initially, the company now sees it as a product - the Google Station. Google had collaborated with Railtel in 2015 to deploy free public Wi-Fi at 400 railway stations in India. In India, the technology giant is in discussions with multiple entities, including telecom operators, for deployment of public Wi-Fi across the country. A study by Analysys Mason, commissioned by Google, showed deployment of public Wi-Fi is expected to connect 40 million new users to the Internet by 2019, and translate into tangible benefits to GDP by about $20 billion. As per estimates, India currently has about 36,000 commercial hotspots, compared to emerging markets like China, which has more than 6.1 million, and Indonesia and Mexico (having more than 1.65 lakh each). Despite strong growth in the Internet user base (316 million at the end of 2017), mobile broadband penetration in India still remained low at 31%.
40. IN AI, RADIOLOGY FINDS A NEW ALLY Reading a chest X-ray is tough. So much so that even radiologists get it right only around 70- 80% of the time. qXR, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to interpret chest X-rays, was developed by the Mumbai-based Qure.ai, a health-care technology company. It was trained on over 1.5 million X-rays to detect 15 chest abnormalities, ranging from tuberculosis to potentially cancerous lung nodules. The AI was calling the X-rays correctly around 90% of the time. The qXR also has an ability to explain, in the way human radiologists do, why it interpreted the X-ray the way it did. Even the most sophisticated AIs frequently cannot do this - a problem known as AI's "black box". The "black box" is inherent in advanced AI techniques such as deep-learning. This is how deep-learning works: to teach a computer to think like humans, researchers use a network of mathematical functions (called an artificial neural network) which mimics the biological brain. Next, they input data into this network. In qXR's case, these were chest X-rays and radiologist interpretations of them. When the network is exposed to millions of such X-rays and interpretations, it builds its own rules for translating the images into interpretations. The resulting AI can now read new X-rays and spot abnormalities accurately. But even though such AIs can be highly competent, they are often unable to communicate the rules they used to arrive at the interpretation. This ‘black box' in AI functioning affects several products today. For example, in early 2017, Stanford University researchers in the U.S. trained a neural network to identify cancerous skin lesions as accurately as dermatologists could. Yet, when they asked the AI what part of a mole looked cancerous, it couldn't answer.
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qXR is designed to avoid this problem. For example, if it detects a pleural effusion (build-up of fluid in the lungs), it tells the radiologist where in the X-ray the abnormality lies. Given its potential, NITI Aayog recently began talks with Qure.ai for a pilot tuberculosis (TB) screening project as part of its Aspirational Districts programme. Under the programme, the government will work to raise living standards in 112 Indian districts. TB screening projects are critical for India, which has an estimated 2.7 million TB cases every year. Many of these patients do not get a diagnosis early enough, because they lack access to health care. When they do consult doctors, the doctor may fail to spot the disease in a chest X-ray if she isn't trained. So, an AI that can distinguish likely TB cases from normal X-rays and send the likely patients for further testing can save radiologists a lot of time. But there will be substantial challenges in deploying qXR across rural India, given the lack of digitisation in hospitals. The problem is that rural centres do not digitise X-rays, without which the AI can't function. Qure.ai is working to fix this.
41. CENTRE PLANS STRONGER DEFENCES FOR KEY DATA Worried about sensitive information making its way to the Internet, the Home Ministry is upgrading policy to secure government data and control access to it. Earlier the files were locked in a cupboard and accountability could be fixed, but with the advent of Digital India, there was ambiguity over a number of issues. Home Minister Rajnath Singh directed that the National Information Security Policy and Guidelines (NISPG) be upgraded and updated for the government sector. In 2013, cybersecurity, which was the sole preserve of the Home Ministry, was moved to the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) under the Prime Minister's Office. The critical infrastructure was moved to the National Technical Research Organisation and the non-critical part to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITy).
42. USERS OWN DATA, NOT ENTITIES STORING THEM Telecom regulator TRAI said each user owned his or her data collected by or stored with the entities in the digital ecosystem that includes devices and applications. The entities, it stressed, are mere custodians of the data, while pointing out that the existing framework for protecting the personal data of telecom users is not sufficient. In its recommendations on ‘privacy, security and ownership of the data in the telecom sector', the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has said the right to choice, consent, data portability, and the right to be forgotten ought to be given to consumers.
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Along with running consumer awareness programmes, the regulator has suggested that multilingual, easy to understand, short templates of agreements or terms and conditions be made mandatory. It has also recommended prohibiting use of "preticked boxes" to gain users' consent. TRAI suggested that device manufacturers incorporate provisions so that users can delete pre-installed applications if they so decide. Additionally, the regulator has suggested that all entities in the digital ecosystem that control or process users' personal data such as devices, operating systems, browsers as well as applications, be brought under a data protection framework. "Till such time a general data protection law is notified by the government, the existing rules/licence conditions applicable to TSPs for protection of users' privacy be made applicable to all the entities in the digital ecosystem," it suggested. The government has formed a committee, headed by former Supreme Court judge B.N. Srikrishna, under the Ministry and Electronics and IT, which is working on the country's first data protection framework.
43. QUANTUM COMPUTERS HAVE AN EDGE OVER CLASSICAL ONES Computing may itself be a complex world for many, but classical computational complexity is an area literally booming with research. Quantum computers add a new dimension to this field in the form of quantum complexity. It's a complex story that begins with complexity classes. First, computing problems have degrees of hardness associated with them. The class in which you place a problem is related to the efficiency of the algorithm used to solve it, namely, the number of operations a computer must make to arrive at the solution. Think of a set of Russian Matrioshka dolls: the biggest doll contains a smaller one which in turn contains a smaller one and so on. The hierarchy of complexity classes can be viewed as a set of Matrioshka dolls.
44. MICROSOFT URGES REGULATION OF FACE-RECOGNISING TECHNOLOGY Microsoft's chief legal officer called for regulation of facial recognition technology due to the risk to privacy and human rights. Imagine a government tracking everywhere you walked over the past month without your permission or knowledge. Imagine a database of everyone who attended a political rally that constitutes the very essence of free speech. It could become possible for businesses to track visitors or customers, using what they see for decisions regarding credit scores, lending decisions, or employment opportunities without telling people.
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He said scenarios portrayed in fictional films such as Minority Report, Enemy of the State, and even the George Orwell dystopian classic 1984 are "on the verge of becoming possible." Microsoft and other tech companies have used facial recognition technology for years for tasks such as organising digital photographs. But the ability of computers to recognise people's faces is improving rapidly, along with the ubiquity of cameras and the power of computing hosted in the Internet cloud to figure out identities in real time. While the technology can be used for good, perhaps finding missing children or known terrorists, it can also be abused.
45. GOOGLE UNVEILS AI CHIPS Google is going beyond building artificial intelligence (AI) chips for its data centres. Google announced two new products aimed at helping customers develop and deploy intelligent connected devices at scale. The first one was ‘Edge TPU,' a new hardware chip, so small that four of them can fit on a U.S penny. Edge TPU is Google's purpose-built application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) designed to run AI at the edge. It delivers high performance in a small physical and power footprint, enabling the deployment of high-accuracy AI at the edge, according to the company. The other product announced was ‘Cloud IoT Edge,' a software stack that extends Google Cloud's powerful AI capability to gateways and connected devices.
46. PRASADAM WILL BE OFFERED FIRST TO FSSAI, THEN GOD Soon, the sacred offerings made to the deities, such as laddus, ‘murukku,’ ‘vadai,’ and ‘adhirasam’ will get third party validation of their safety and quality in the form of certification by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The 47 major temples in Tamil Nadu plan to sell prasadam in food grade containers that will have ‘best before’ dates. Already, the Sri Dandayudhapani Temple in Palani has gone in for licensing of its ‘Panchamirtham.’ This famous prasadam now comes packed in containers, along with labelling that enumerates the ingredients, weight, price, FSSAI licence number, and other details stipulated by the Food Safety Department (FSD). The HR and CE Department has directed temples that sell prasadam over the counter to go in for licensing from the FSD, which will test samples to provide a ‘best before’ date. There would also be regular inspections from the FSD to ensure quality and quantity in the prasadam being sold. Prasadam in temples are usually made by contractors who get the tender for a year.
47. SPIKY-HEADED DINOSAUR WITH MENACING TAIL ATE ONLY PLANTS With its head and snout covered in bony armour shaped like cones and pyramids, a spiky tank-like dinosaur unearthed in southern Utah was not just another pretty face.
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Scientists have announced the discovery of fossils of a dinosaur named Akainacephalus johnsoni that lived 76 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period. It was a four-legged, armour-studded animal with a menacing club at the end of its tail but ate only plants. It was a member of a dinosaur group called ankylosaurs, among the most heavily armoured animals ever on the earth. Akainacephalus was a medium-sized ankylosaur, about 16 feet long, with a short boxy head covered in bony armour and a beak and small teeth for cropping vegetation. It had a short neck and wide torso, walked on four short stout legs, and may have whacked predators with its bony tail club. It inhabited a warm, humid environment.
48. ‘RENT-A-LAB' POLICY TO BRING REVENUES TO INSTITUTIONS The government has proposed a new policy that could transform scientific instruments in government labs into lucrative assets generating a steady rental income. It plans to hire out to researchers all lab equipment that cost more than Rs. 10 lakh. This would also reduce the amount of time such expensive instruments remain idle. To promote ease of access, sharing and monitoring, the granting agencies will henceforth tabulate and put all equipments funded by it costing more than Rs. 10 lakh on the Internet, to be accessed by researchers. The policy, called the Scientific Research Infrastructure Management and Networks (SRIMAN), wouldn't, "for the present," apply to strategic sectors. The policy is open to public comments for a month. The new system, according to the policy, envisages institutions declaring on a website how often their instruments would be available for use by those outside the department or university. Those who would like to use, for example, a DNA-sequencing machine, would have to pay a fee and specify the purpose and time they would want it for. Currently, the practice of researchers bidding for time-slots to use lab instruments is typically seen more with very expensive equipment, such as radio telescopes and particle- accelerators, which cost crores of rupees. A biologist with a government lab, who didn't want to be identified, said the policy had set a "low bar (Rs. 10 lakh) for instruments" and that could mean that the government could potentially deny funds to buy equipment to researchers. Rs. 5-10 lakh is no longer a prohibitive cost for the kind of research and results expected today. Because the bar is so low, a researcher could be asked to spend time scouring for minor equipment [to lease].
49. STATE TO TAP BENEFITS OF SALICORNIA Blessed with the abundant crop of Salicornia, a plant that grows in salty marshes in the mangrove wetlands, the State government has intensified the efforts to tap commercial benefits from the plant through cultivation as well as extraction of the substitute to salt with low sodium content.
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Recently, the State government has documented the presence of the Salicornia along the coastline of Krishna district, exploring the possibilities to extract the salt substitute through various methods. Experts at the Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Gujarat, have expressed consent to provide all the support.
50. ARMY TO GET ARTILLERY GUNS FROM SEPTEMBER From September, the Army will be inducting two types of artillery guns into its arsenal. These will be the first induction of heavy artillery since the Swedish Bofors guns imported in the 1980s. The Army will start taking delivery of the K9 Vajra-T tracked self-propelled artillery guns from South Korea in September and the first regiment of 18 guns is expected to be ready by the third quarter of 2019. At the same time, it will also receive four M777 ultra-light howitzers from the U.S. The Army will get 10 guns this year from September. All the 100 guns will be delivered by November 2020. In April 2017, the Indian engineering conglomerate Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Hanwa Techwin of South Korea signed a contract to manufacture the K9 Vajra-T guns. The K9 was shortlisted by the Army after extensive trials and the deal is worth about Rs. 4,500 crore for 100 guns. K9 Vajra-T is a 155-mm, 52-calibre self-propelled artillery gun with a maximum range of 40 km, customised from the original K9 Thunder gun. The fire control system has been customised for desert conditions to the requirements of the Army. The first 10 guns will be imported from South Korea and the rest manufactured by L&T in India. The M777 induction process is progressing on schedule after a brief delay. The Army will shortly resume user trials after which it will take formal delivery. In 2016, India signed a deal for 145 M777 ULHs with the U.S. under the Foreign Military Sales programme at a cost of $737 million. The M777 is a 155-mm, 39-calibre towed artillery gun and weighs just four tonnes, making it transportable under slung from helicopters.
51. MEDICAL TOURISTS FLOCKING TO INDIA A rare combination of advanced facilities, skilled doctors, and low cost of treatment has made India a popular hub of medical tourism, attracting a large number of foreign patients every year. The total number of such visitors in 2017 was 4.95 lakh, Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge) K.J. Alphons, said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. This number had stood at around 2.34 lakh in 2015, and 4.27 lakh in 2016.
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Bangladesh and Afghanistan continued to be the top countries from where the maximum number foreign tourist arrivals (for medical purpose) was seen. In 2017, about 2.21 lakh tourists from Bangladesh are estimated to have come to India for medical reasons, compared to 1.20 lakh in 2015 and 2.10 lakh in 2016. Other countries from where large numbers of medical tourists came to India include Iraq, Oman, Maldives, Yemen, Uzbekistan and Sudan.
52. LITHIUM-ION BATTERY FACTORY Raasi Group in partnership with the CSIR-CECRI is planning to set up a 1 GW lithium ion battery manufacturing plant in Krishnagiri. The company is co-developing lithium ion cells. The proposed unit would be the country’s largest indigenous lithium ion battery manufacturing plant. What is Lithium-ion battery? Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) are a family of rechargeable batteries having high energy density and commonly used in consumer electronics. Unlike the disposable lithium primary battery, a LIB uses intercalated lithium compound instead of metallic lithium as its electrode. Usually, LIBs are significantly lighter than other kinds of rechargeable batteries of similar size. LIBs are heavily used in portable electronics. These batteries can be commonly found in PDAs, iPods, cell phones, laptops, etc.
53. IISC'S RARE FEAT IN TEST FOR SUPERCONDUCTIVITY For the first time, researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru have been able to achieve superconductivity at ambient temperature and pressure. A material is said to exhibit superconductivity when it is able to conduct electric current with practically zero resistance. So unlike the conventionally used materials such as copper and steel, a superconductor can carry a current indefinitely without losing any energy. A large number of materials have been found to undergo normal to superconducting transitions. But such transitions require extremely low temperature and/or extremely high pressure. Achieving this transition at ambient temperature and pressure therefore gains great significance. A team, led by Professor Anshu Pandey from the Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit at IISc, observed superconductivity in nano-sized films and pellets made of silver nanoparticles embedded in a gold matrix. Superconductivity was observed at minus 37 degree Celsius. The resistance observed is very low - 10-4 ohms - but not zero.
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"Though they didn't observe perfect Meissner effect, they did observe samples becoming strongly diamagnetic, which is consistent with superconductivity," said Dr. Baskaran, a SERB Fellow. A diamagnetic material is repelled by magnetic field and is consistent with superconductivity.
54. ‘MADE IN INDIA’ TANK ENGINES HANDED OVER TO THE ARMY Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman handed over two fully indigenous battle tank engines produced by the Engine Factory Avadi (EFA), a unit of Ordnance Factory Board, to Vice-Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Devraj Anbu. The engines, V-46-6 and V92S2, power the T-72 Ajeya and the T-90 Bhishma tanks. The “indigenisation of two of the three types of tanks used by the Army, had made the Army battle-ready”. The effort has resulted in savings for the exchequer to the tune of Rs. 33 lakh for the T-90 engine and Rs. 9.75 lakh for the T-72 engine.
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ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
1. IS BIOPLASTIC A SOLUTION TO PLASTIC POLLUTION? According to peer-reviewed U.S. journal Science, eight million tonnes of plastic are dumped into the earth’s oceans and seas each year 250 kg every second. The British government in April 2018 said it planned to ban the sale of single-use plastics, including straws. The European Union followed suit in late May 2018. There are alternatives to plastic straws, but they are much pricier. The five-star Monte Carlo Palace hotel in Monaco has introduced biodegradable straws. Others are using raw pasta and bamboo sticks. Experts, meanwhile, warn that biodegradable plastics may not be a miracle solution anyway. A separate collection system for bioplastic waste would need to be set up in order for the shift to really work, and that would involve millions in investment from States. Activists, however, fear that biowaste may end up in the oceans — much like plastic has for decades. Over periods of days, weeks or even months, a bioplastic item could present just as much threat to marine life as a conventional plastic item.
2. CHUCK THAT PLASTIC FOR A BAMBOO SIPPER Lal Ji Singh, a scientist from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has come out with a green alternative to use-and-throw plastic drinking straws, by tapping bamboo. The bamboo species Schizostachyum andamanicum, endemic to the islands looks ideal for the purpose. Discovered on the island about two decades ago, this bamboo is characterised by thin large hollow erect culm (stem) with long internodes. He registered the invention with the patent office under the title Reusable Straw and Its Manufacturing, Not only is a ‘bamboo straw' biodegradable, it can be reused for years. It costs just 50 paise per piece.
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3. ICAT RELEASES FIRST BS-VI ENGINE CERTIFICATE ICAT has completed the first BS-VI certification for a heavy-duty engine model for M/s Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicle Limited. The engine has been developed and manufactured indigenously by Volvo Eicher in India. The successful completion of the compliance test of the engine, much ahead of the implementation date of 1 April 2020, gives sufficient time for product stabilization in terms of making it more robust and cost competitive for the end consumers. The pro-active approach from the Government of India has made the country leapfrog from the conventional BS-IV to directly adopt BS-VI emission norms as the next level for regulatory framework in India. The BS-VI emission standards are much more elaborate in their scope and integrate substantial changes to existing emission standards ensuring cleaner products to the consumer. Besides the more stringent limits on the gaseous emission components, the particulate matter (PM) limits have also been significantly reduced along with the introduction of particle number (PN) limits. About International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) ICAT is a division of NATRiP implementation society (NATIS), under the administrative control of the Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Government of India. ICAT is the first of new world-class centers established under the National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRiP) with the main objective of carrying out Research & Development besides extending homologation facilities in the field of Automotive Engineering. ICAT is one of the prime testing agencies recognized by the Government of India as one of the accredited ‘Type Approval and Homologation’ agencies in India under Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR). It has also been recognized as Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), since Feb 2010, by BIS for Tyre Testing, Safety Glasses and by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for emission and noise testing of generator sets.
4. CHINA FIRMS USING OZONE-HARMING GAS An environmental pressure group, Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), claimed that Chinese factories are illegally using ozone-depleting CFCs, which have recently seen a spike in emissions that has baffled scientists. It said 18 factories in 10 Chinese provinces they investigated admitted to using banned chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
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The majority of Chinese companies manufacturing foam - in high demand as an insulator in the booming construction sector - continue to use CFC-11 because of its better quality and lower price. CFCs are chemicals that deplete the ozone layer, the thin gaseous shield that protects life on Earth from dangerous solar rays. They were banned under the internationally binding 1987 Montreal Protocol and production of CFCs officially stopped in developing countries in 2010. Chinese authorities previously said the country successfully ended the industrial practice of using CFCs in 2007. Traders cited by EIA also said that Chinese companies export the banned CFC agents by mislabelling them as Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) compounds and other chemical blends.
5. SC DECRIES PATHETIC STATE OF TAJ The Supreme Court condemned the apathy shown by authorities to the cause of protecting the iconic Taj Mahal, saying the preservation of the monument may be a “hopeless cause.” The authority in charge of the Taj Trapezium Zone was still entertaining applications from industrialists to expand their factories into the protected zone despite a long-standing moratorium from the Supreme Court. The court directed the chairman of the authority to appear before it on the next date, June 31. In May 2018, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said unwashed socks worn by visitors and rampant algae seem to turn the Taj Mahal from its natural white to yellow, brown and green. The ASI, charged with the maintenance of the historic monument, said numerous footfalls everyday had taken a toll on the Taj. It was not possible to distribute socks to all visitors. River Yamuna, which used to flow nearby, had dried up. Encroachments and industries had cropped up in the neighbourhood of the white marble mausoleum.
6. SC LASHES OUT AT CENTRE ON POLLUTION The Supreme Court's Green Bench of Justices Madan B. Lokur and Deepak Gupta is hearing the issue of ban on import of petcoke - a toxic fuel used in hazardous industries. The court has been urging the government since December 2017 to move forward towards a nationwide ban on the use of petcoke and furnace oil to power up industries, in a bid to fight pollution. The court had by then, in October 2017, already ordered a ban on the industrial use of petcoke and furnace oil in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. The ban on use came after an EPCA Report, including the ban on sale, distribution and use of furnace oil and petcoke in the NCR. Their use is already prohibited in Delhi. The court had even highlighted how petcoke is being imported from countries like the United States and China, which have already stopped using them after due consideration of its harmful effects on human beings and environment.
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7. NGT SAYS NO EFFECTIVE STEPS TAKEN TO CLEAN RIVER GANGA Expressing displeasure over the steps taken to clean the river Ganga, the National Green Petcoke Tribunal (NGT) asked the Uttarakhand Petroleum coke, or petcoke, is a government to take "effective measures" and byproduct from the refining of crude oil. take into account the views of the general It consists mostly of carbon, with variable public. amounts of sulfurs and heavy metals. A Bench headed by NGT chairperson Adarsh It has many industrial uses, including the Kumar Goel said that the information provided production of batteries, steel, and "on paper" was different from the "ground aluminum. reality". Lower grade petcoke, which contains Taking note of the compliance report higher concentrations of sulfur, is used as submitted by the State government, the green fuel in coal-fired power plants and panel said, "Though the compliance affidavit cement kilns. may claim that all steps have been taken, the Lower grade coal is estimated to object of the directions in letter and spirit and represent 75% to 80% of all petcoke the effect on the ground is not adequate." produced. Noting that "rigorous monitoring" is required, the NGT further directed district Ganga committees to furnish reports every fortnight.
8. ARSENIC CONTAMINATION IN PADDY IS RISING IN BENGAL A recent publication by researchers reveals not only rise in arsenic contamination of paddy plants from ground water in West Bengal, but also that concentration of ‘arsenic accumulation’ depends on the variety of paddy and its stage in the crop cycle. The study highlights the processes and dependencies of arsenic trans-location in rice from contaminated irrigation water. Samples for the study were taken from the Deganga block in the State’s North 24 Parganas district, an area that’s worst affected by ground water arsenic contamination. The study found that arsenic contamination in paddy was higher than in previous studies. The study shows that arsenic uptake in the paddy plant reduces from root to grain, and that its concentration is related to the variety of the rice cultivated. The study was carried out on two commonly consumed rice varieties — Minikit and Jaya — and the latter were found to be more resistant to arsenic. The highest concentration was observed in the initial or vegetative state in the first 28 days. It reduced during the reproductive stage (29-56 days) and again increased in the ripening stage. The uptake of arsenic is faster in young roots in a vegetative state than in older tissues with higher concentrations of iron in root soil in the reproductive phase. The disposal of the contaminated rice straw which is used as animal fodder or burnt or sometimes left in the field itself to serve as fertiliser.
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9. KOALA BEAR GENOME DECODED FOR FIRST TIME The koalas of Australia been an unsolved mystery among scientists for their strange eating habits - they enjoy the leaves of eucalyptus that would be toxic or even fatal to most mammals - and their exceptional parental care. Now an international team of scientists has successfully sequenced the whole genome of the marsupial and answered all the burning questions about the critter. The whole genome was found to consist over 26,000 genes. They found expansions within a particular gene family (P450 gene) and report that these genes help the Koala detoxify the eucalyptus leaves. These genes were found to be expressed in many tissues, especially the liver, indicating its role in detoxification. They also found novel lactation proteins in the Koala bears. They report that these proteins protect the young ones in the pouch and help it develop a strong immune system. Koala bears are born after just 34-36 days of gestation without an immune system and spend almost six months developing in the pouch. The koala bear has a highly specific diet and habitat loss and clearing of native vegetation has brought down its population.
10. WINGED GUESTS ARRIVE AT BHITARKANIKA FOR NESTING With the onset of the monsoon season, residential water birds have begun thronging the Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha's Kendrapara district. The birds visit the park in large numbers during this time of the year for nesting and breeding. The arrival of the water birds at the wetland has re-established Bhitarkanika as a prominent heronry (breeding ground) of the State. The birds build nests and lay eggs atop the mangrove trees. The Bhitarkanika National Park is one of the largest habitats of endangered estuarine crocodiles in the country as well.
11. TEST-TUBE EMBRYOS MAY SAVE NORTHERN WHITE RHINOS Months after the death of Sudan, the world's last male northern white rhino (NWR), scientists have grown embryos containing DNA of his kind, hoping to save the subspecies from extinction.
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With only two northern white rhinos known to be alive today - both infertile females - Najin and Fatu, the daughter and granddaughter of Sudan, living in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a Kenyan national park, the team hopes their novel technique will lead to the re- establishment of a viable breeding population. The hybrid embryos were created with frozen sperm from dead NWR males and the eggs of southern white rhino (SWR) females, of which there are thousands left on Earth. The eggs were harvested from rhinos in European zoos. The team now hopes to use the technique to collect eggs from the last two northern white rhinos as well.
12. PIR PANJAL HIMALAYAS YIELD NEW ANT SPECIES A new ant species, discovered from the southern foothills of Pir Panjal Himalayas in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, by Dr. Himender Bharti from the Ant Systematics and Molecular Biology Lab in the Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala, has been named Leptogenys bhartii. Dr. Bharti and his students have discovered 77 new ant species from India, of which 22 are from the Western Ghats. In addition, he has discovered four new species from Southeast Asia - Vietnam, Malaysia and China.
13. GOLDEN JACKAL FACES THREAT IN ITS HABITAT Destruction of mangrove cover in the Bandar Reserve Forest (BRF) in Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, is forcing the golden jackal (Canis aureus) out of its habitat, triggering a conflict with the local communities. The conservation status of the animal is the ‘least concern' and it preys on wild crab and fish. Amid uproar over the aqua ponds, the Vigilance authorities in 2017 recommended to the State government to hand over the 24,363 acres under the BRF and the BRF extension (I to IV) to the Forest department for protection. Since 1970 (G.O.No. 2204), the BRF has been in the hands of the Revenue department as the final notification to de-reserve the forest land (25,259 acres) was still pending owing to various reasons. The Revenue authorities, on the other hand, are helpless in preventing the encroachment of the mangrove along the Machilipatnam coastline.
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14. HARRIERS DECLINE AS GRASSLANDS DISAPPEAR Harrier birds, a migratory raptor species that regularly visits vast swathes of India, are declining. This may foretell lurking dangers to the country's grasslands. The "poorly studied" species is the focus of a study by two researchers from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE), who compared previous records of sightings with more current observations to determine what many had feared. Every winter, several species of harrier birds travel thousands of Kilometers to escape frigid Central Asia for the grasslands of the subcontinent. While a general declining trend was observed in all the monitored sites, researchers noted the most dramatic changes at the Rollapadu Bustard Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district, one of the largest. The gravest concern is the loss of grasslands, either to urbanisation or to agriculture. Excessive use of pesticides in farms in and around the roosting sites could also be a reason for the lowered population counts. In crops such as cotton, the use of pesticides kills grasshoppers, the harriers' primary prey, and could lead to mortality of the birds themselves as they are on the top of the food chain. Globally, of the 16 harrier species, only two are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, even though most of them are declining.
15. COLLARED A DHOLE In a first, wildlife scientists have collared a dhole, the Indian wild dog, with a satellite transmitter to study the habits of the endangered species. With less than 2,500 individuals surviving in the wild globally, the dhole is already extinct in about 10 Asian countries. It took a team of scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) over 10 days to track down a pack of 14 dholes in Bishanpura meadow in the Mukki range of the Kanha National Park. The team tranquilised an adult female, tested its health and fixed a tracking collar around its neck as the rest of pack cautiously observed from a distance. Conservation ecologists believe the renewed efforts can help protect dholes.
16. NATIONAL MOTH WEEK The National Moth Week, which encourages people to observe and document moths in backyards and neighbourhoods, is underway across the world, and India’s citizen scientists are also taking part.
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The main aim of the National Moth Week, initiated in 2012 by scientists in America, is to increase awareness on moths. India is home to more than 10,000 moth species, including the large and flamboyant Indian moon moth Actias selene. Important food sources for many animals, moths can be indicators of ecosystem health.
17. THESE BEAUTIFUL STRANGERS NOW THRIVE IN INDIA Tamil Nadu has the highest number of exotic plants among 471 aliens. As many as 471 plant species that are alien or exotic not native to India are ‘naturalised,’ for they can thrive in the country’s wildernesses by forming stable populations. This list of naturalised exotic or alien species, ranging from the common guava ( Psidium guajava ) to prolific invasives such as lantana ( Lantana camara ), has been compiled in a recent study published in Biological Invasions , an international journal dedicated to the patterns and processes by which organisms invade ecosystems they are not usually found in. Ecosystem altered Naturalised species reproduce naturally in the environments they colonise. Invasive species do this so prolifically that they alter the workings of the natural ecosystems they colonise or invade. Lantana, for instance, replaces undergrowth and prevents native under shrubs and plants from surviving. Tamil Nadu leads The team also developed the first lists of naturalised plants for each State; these lists reveal that 110 alien plants now naturally occur in more than 31 States in India. At 332, Tamil Nadu has the highest number of naturalised exotics, followed by Kerala (290), while Lakshadweep has the least (17). The distribution across Indian States of over 20 of these naturalised species (in the list of 471) is unknown. A majority of these naturalised plants are herbs such as the invasive Siam weed Chromolaena odorata , native to south and central America.
18. INDIA HAS POTENTIAL TO BE THE GLOBAL LEADER IN TIGER CONSERVATION As the world celebrates Global Tiger Day on July 29, there are number of such success stories of tiger conservation that India can boast of.
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A few months ago, the first successful inter-state translocation of a pair of tigers was carried out from tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh to Satkosia in Odisha. The results of the ongoing All India Tiger Assessment, 2018, are expected by the end of the year. As per the assessment of the Status of Tigers, Co-predators and Prey (2014), the number of tigers in the country is estimated at 2,226 as compared to the 2010 estimate of 1,706. India being home to 70% of the tiger population in the world can be a global leader in tiger conservation. The Ministry of Environment recently said that 45% of the tiger deaths between 2012 and 2017 could be attributed to unnatural reasons. Of the 45%, 22% of the deaths were due to poaching, 15% due to seizures of body parts and the remaining could be attributed to road and railway accidents. Over the past few years, instances of tigers travelling hundreds of kilometres looking for territory has come to the fore. In 2017, 115 tigers died and in 2016, the number of deaths was 122.
19. ARUNACHAL STARES AT WATER SCARCITY Arunachal Pradesh is staring at scarcity of water, the very resource that is expected to make the frontier State India's hydroelectric powerhouse. More than 200 rivers and streams across Arunachal Pradesh have dried up. The scenario could be as grim as Shimla, the capital of another "presumably water-abundant" Himalayan State that underwent a severe water crisis recently. The drying up of water bodies to rampant destruction of forests besides thinning glaciers in the Eastern Himalayas due to climate change. The State's forest cover has decreased from 82% to 79% and catchment areas of many rivers are under threat because of jhum (slash-and-burn) cultivation and landslides. The water scarcity has undermined the State's much-vaunted hydropower potential, which the Parliament's Standing Committee on Energy said is 25,962 MW. But only about 405 MW had been commissioned till 2017.
20. CLIMATE CHANGE THREATENS NILGIRI TAHR Nilgiri tahr, the endangered wild mountain goats – found only in high altitudes in India’s Western Ghats — could be losing their footing with increasing climate change.
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Even under moderate scenarios of future climate change, tahrs could lose approximately 60% of their habitats from the 2030s on, predict scientists. They found that tahr strongholds such as Chinnar, Eravikulam and Parambikulam in Kerala will still be stable habitats under different climate change scenarios. However, other regions, including parts of Tamil Nadu’s Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and the wildlife sanctuaries of Peppara, Neyyar, Schenduruny and Srivilliputhur, could experience severe habitat loss in future. There are only around 2,500 tahrs left in the wild and their population “small and isolated, making them vulnerable to local extinction” shows a “decreasing” trend, as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
21. INDIA TO GIVE FLASH-FLOOD WARNING TO ASIAN NATIONS India has been designated as a nodal centre for preparing flash-flood forecasts by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). That means India will have to develop a customised model that can issue advance warning of floods in Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand. The IMD would be working to customise a weather model, developed by the United States and donated to the WMO, to warn of flash floods at least six hours in advance. Using a combination of satellite mapping and ground-based observation, this system - called the Flash Flood Guidance System - aims to provide forecasts six hours in advance. Like India, several southeast Asian countries depend on the monsoon and are prone to its vagaries. The proposed model would provide forecasts by computing the likelihood of rainfall and the soil moisture levels to warn of possible floods. Though Pakistan was among the list of countries that would benefit from the forecast, it had refused to participate in the scheme. India currently has a warning system for tsunamis that also doubles up a warning system for several Asian countries. The Central Water Commission, which monitors India's dams, warns of rising water levels in the reservoirs, which are usually taken to be signs of imminent floods. The organisation has recently tied up with Google to develop a software application to visualise rising water levels during heavy rains. The WMO says flash floods account for 85% of flooding incidents across the world, causing some 5,000 deaths each year.
22. WESTERN GHATS FOURTH BEST TOURIST SPOT IN ASIA Older than the Himalayas and well known for its rich and unique flora and fauna, the Western Ghats has figured in Lonely Planet's top five "2018 Best in Asia" list, a collection of 10 of the best destinations to visit in the continent for the year.
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One of the Hottest Biodiversity Hotspots and UNESCO World Heritage site, the Western Ghats has came fourth in the list of the Lonely Planet, considered a Bible by travellers worldwide. Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), which has started blooming after 12 years in the famed hill station of Munnar, painting the hills in purple livery from August to October 2018, has found mention in report. Traversing Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra, Western Ghats supports the life of 7,402 species of flowering plants, 1,814 species of non-flowering plants, 139 mammal species, 508 bird species, 179 amphibian species, 6000 insects species and 290 freshwater fish species. The panel of travel experts have named Busan, South Korea, Uzbekistan and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to the first three spots.
23. INDIA TO EXPAND POLAR RESEARCH TO ARCTIC AS WELL Three decades after its first mission to Antarctica, the government is refocusing priorities to the other pole - the Arctic-because of opportunities and challenges posed by climate change. This month, it has renamed the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR) - since 1998, charged with conducting expeditions to India's base stations to the continent - as the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research. It's also in talks with Canada and Russia, key countries with presence in the Arctic circle, to establish new observation systems, according to a source. Now, India only has one Arctic observation station near Norway. While annual missions to maintain India's three bases in Antarctica will continue, the new priorities mean that there will be more expeditions and research focus on the other poles. Climate change, said the source, person familiar with deliberations, was a decisive factor in India re-thinking priorities. Sea ice at the Arctic has been melting rapidly - the fastest in this century. That means several spots, rich in hydrocarbon reserves, will be more accessible through the year via alternative shipping routes. India is already an observer at the Arctic Council - a forum of countries that decides on managing the region's resources and popular livelihood and, in 2015, set up an underground observatory, called IndARC, at the Kongsfjorden fjord, half way between Norway and the North Pole.
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Mains Special Paper-II
MAINS SPECIAL PAPER – II
1. REFORMING HIGHER EDUCATION The draft Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill is now in the public domain. The HECI will replace the main regulatory authority, the University Grants Commission (UGC). This is being done to provide for more autonomy and facilitate the holistic growth of this sector and offer greater opportunities to Indian students at more affordable cost. The new commission will cover all fields of education except medical and, presumably, agriculture, and institutions set up under the Central and State Acts, excluding those of national importance. Point of departure The main point of departure in the proposed Bill is a clear separation between academic functions and grant-giving ones. HECI will deal with academic functions & Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) with grant-giving ones. The academic functions include promoting the quality of instruction and maintenance of academic standards and, fostering the autonomy of higher education institutions for a comprehensive and holistic growth of education and research in a competitive global environment in an inclusive manner. The need for a single regulatory body arose largely in the context of multiple bodies set up over the years trying to cope with the ever-increasing complexity of the sector. Problem of plenty The regime of multiple regulators started in the mid-1980s and various professional bodies also started asserting themselves as regulators from around the early 1990s when the country embraced the new challenges of liberalization, privatization, and globalization. The heavy hands of multiple regulators (like the UGC and All India Council for Technical Education), together with the empowerment of professional bodies (like the Bar Council of India and Council of Architecture) have not yielded the desired dividends. Mushrooming of institutions and a steady decline of standards in most of them have not done much good to the image of the government and the architecture of regulation. Question of funds The proposed Bill has to be situated in the context of certain new initiatives like granting near complete autonomy to the Indian Institutes of Management, providing graded autonomy to other institutions to free them from the clutches of regulations to enable them to develop into institutions of excellence. On the one hand, the HECI is being conceived as an overarching regulator and on the other, it is sought to develop mechanisms so that more institutions are encouraged to move out of its regulatory ambit.
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The new setup As regards the structure of the HECI there will be a chairperson, vice-chairperson and 12 members. The chairperson will be of the rank of Secretary to the Government of India. The secretary of the HECI will be an officer of the rank of joint secretary and above or a reputed academic and will serve as its member-secretary. The secretary, higher education is envisaged to don many hats, serving as a member of the search-cum-selection committee of the chairperson and vice-chairperson, then processing their appointment as a key functionary of the government, and finally acting as a member of the HECI. Such multiplicity of roles may create difficulties and conflict of interest. Despite some apparent infirmities, the proposed Bill shows the resolve of the government to move forward in reforming the sector. Major issues like making the universities the hub of scientific and technological research, restoring the value of education in social sciences and the humanities, ensuring that poor and meritorious students can afford to be educated in subjects of their choice, improving the quality of instruction to enhance the employability of the students, addressing the concerns of faculty shortage, etc. need to be addressed.
2. TRAFFICKERS, PEDDLERS, MULES OR USERS? The Punjab government has recommended to the Union government the death penalty for first-time offenders convicted for drug trafficking and smuggling. The assumption is that harsher measures can help deal with the State’s drug problem. High rate of conviction The law on drugs is covered by the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act). The Act’s primary objective is to deter drug trafficking. It uses every trick in the book to achieve this: strict liability offences, mandatory minimum sentences, even the death penalty for certain repeat offences. The law also provides a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years for offences involving commercial quantities of drugs. Deterrence by harsh punishments has consistently failed. In 2015, 41.7% of all prisoners in Punjab were in jail for various offences related to this law. An executive notification passed by the Department of Revenue in 2009 led to a major change in how commercial quantities under the Act were determined. This notification assigns punishment based on the weight of the whole drug and not just pure content. As a result, sentencing in pharmaceutical drug cases changed drastically across Punjab. A case in Patiala where unauthorised possession of 20 bottles of cough syrup led to a 10-year prison sentence drives home this claim.
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The law also seeks deterrence through strict liability provisions. Under the law, proving possession alone is sufficient, the prosecution does not have to prove intent to lead to a conviction. The police in Punjab follow a template charge-sheet format, just to prove possession. They rarely examine the intent of the criminal act. The Act is also blatantly unforgiving of anyone found in possession of any drug. The way investigation is conducted right now, it is impossible to tell whether the person is a peddler or smuggler, or an addict feeding his habit. Section 27 of the Act makes consuming any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance a criminal offence. Criminalising addiction stigmatises it, which automatically inhibits addicts from coming forward for treatment. Playing to the gallery The Cabinet’s proposal to make the law even harsher may alleviate people’s concerns for the time being, but it will not yield the results the state, as well as its people so desperately, seek. The state should consider decriminalising addiction and developing an effective treatment strategy by consulting experts, partner agencies and users, and allocate adequate resources.
3. FAULT LINES IN A ‘LANDMARK’ JUDGMENT The verdict on the SC/ST Atrocities Act marks the collapse of the constitutional scheme to protect the weaker sections. The verdict had framed guidelines on how to deal with a person accused under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. No sensible person can question the need to protect those who are innocent from arbitrary arrest. The demand for “an inbuilt provision” to protect those falsely accused under the Act was first raised by a parliamentary committee in December 2014 and the apex court did so in March 2018. The judgment is concerned with a limited aspect of the Act protecting innocent officers and employees in government and private sectors from the misuse of the Act. One must consider why a fence was put up in the first place before pulling it down. Mirror infractions The court appears to have mistaken a large number of acquittals in atrocities cases to be false cases. Similarly, there is no precise data on the scale and extent to which the Act has been misused by SC/ST employees. The bench obviously saw a broader pattern of misuse of the Act. Reasons for acquittal are Police apathy, the social and the economic might of the accused, the dependence of SC/STs on those accused.
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Procedural lapse The court’s single-minded mission to end “terror in society” rendered it oblivious to the constitutional procedure to be followed in making policies that affect the SC/STs. Article 338 clause 9 stipulates: The Union and every State Government shall consult the Commission [National Commission for Scheduled Castes] on all major policy matters affecting Scheduled Castes. Article 338A, which created the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, provides the same procedure (as per Clause 9) in the case of STs. When the court wears the policy-making hat in matters related to SC/STs, it too is constitutionally-bound to consult these commissions. The judgment has ended up conveying a false and dangerous message that the Atrocities Act is “a charter for exploitation or oppression,” and “an instrument of blackmail or to wreak personal vengeance”. The task of balancing the rights of innocent persons facing false accusations and the need to accord legitimacy to the Atrocities Act requires compassion, equanimity, reverence for the Constitution and awareness.
4. GOVERNMENT-MUKT GOVERNANCE Despite the astonishing pace of digitisation in India, it continues to rank a relatively low 96 in the United Nation’s E-Government Development Index, whose 2018 rankings were released recently. With an EGDI index score of 0.5669, India is just above the world average of 0.55. India’s score is also shy of Iran (0.6083) and even in the SAARC region, Sri Lanka is ahead of India. The UN E-Government Development Survey is the only global initiative to measure and track how governments are faring on the e-governance front. The report looks at how e-government can facilitate integrated policies and services across the three dimensions of sustainable development. In areas like public health and land records, the progress has stopped with putting up some downloadable forms online. Many government departments still insist on physical forms and signatures, despite the near universalisation of an identity instrument like Aadhaar, which allows simple and foolproof authentication. India does rank very high in one sub-index. It moved up 12 places in the E-Participation Index, from 27 in 2016 to 15 in 2018. The EPI looks at issues like e-information, e-consultation and e-decision making to arrive at a score. India’s high ranking does signify two things: that the government is making more information available online and that more people are in a position to access that information, and also electronically participate in policy formation and decision-making
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The reason the UN compiles this index and urges member countries to focus on e- government initiatives is that there is a clear link between greater e-governance and easier public access to government services and a reduction in poverty and inequality. One of the biggest reasons our poverty alleviation measures have failed to achieve the desired impact (apart from corruption and leakage) is inefficient targeting, and lack of information with the intended beneficiaries about plans and schemes meant to assist them. Knowledge is power, but access to knowledge is another kind of power and this is where digital can be a great disruptor. With the India Stack (Aadhaar, UPI, etc. aimed at ensuring presence-less, cashless and paperless service delivery), and the ongoing mobile and broadband revolution, India can become a world leader in e-governance.
5. THE BILATERAL LIMITS OF HYPE: ON INDIA-U.S. RELATIONS The postponement of the India-U.S. 2+2 dialogue between the Foreign and Defence Ministers of both countries, that had been scheduled for July 6 has to be seen with the personality of Mr. Trump. Mr. Trump has set his eyes on spectacles that suit him. His every move on the global stage enrages his domestic political opponents and the professional strategic community alike and he is happy, as this keeps his political base constantly on the boil. North Korea, Syria, Afghanistan, trade deficit, and all global challenges before America are the faults of his predecessors, he repeatedly tells supporters. Impact on ties China today threatens the dominance of the U.S., but America’s security establishment and political elite are obsessed with Russia. India gets caught in that internal American fight too. An American law now requires the President to impose sanctions on any country that has significant security relations with Russia. India and China are in the same basket for Mr. Trump on many issues that agitate him. His administration considers India and China as violators of intellectual property laws, as countries that put barriers to trade and subsidise exports and use state power to control markets. Amongst all adversaries, the Pentagon and the U.S. arms industry work in India’s favor. War against legacy India-U.S. relations will be better off without hype and grand theories, often encouraged by the government. The U.S. has overlapping interests with China, and India has overlapping interests with both. Avoiding the hyperbole could help manage India’s troubles with Pakistan and China better.
6. FREEDOM FROM BEING ‘INDIA-LOCKED’: ON NEPAL-INDIA RELATIONS Towards China 2.0 The visit had much significance as Mr. Oli had made his first visit as Prime Minister to China in March 2016, as Nepal was just recovering from the Indian blockade that had paralyzed lives.
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The visit was hailed as a great success. Whipping up anti-India sentiments as Nepali nationalism has been common since the Shah Kings and Rana rulers. The blockade of 2015 was different in nature. Nepalis, who had been hit by a major earthquake in April 2015, were still recovering and India started a blockade, due to its reservations about the constitution Nepal was adopting. An entire generation of young Nepalis, who were already alienated from India due to the opening of newer education destinations, saw the blockade as a move against a neighbour which had not got its act right. Nepal has historically remained ‘India-locked’, rather than being termed landlocked, as it is dependent on India for transit to the seas. Being landlocked is not much of an issue as one can get sea-locked, like the Maldives, but to be completely dependent on a single country for transit rights now became an issue to resolve. During his visit to China in 2016, Mr. Oli, for the first time, managed to push the agenda of a trade and transit agreement with China on the lines with special agreements with India. With Southeast Asia well covered and inroads made in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, for China, Nepal is the obvious next country for engagement. With India opting out of the BRI, Nepal continues to remain the best conduit for Indian markets for China. Nepal will be connected with China through a railway network in addition to roads. Rail and road networks will provide Nepal an alternative for petroleum products that continue to remain the highest imported product. Nurturing the alternative Nepal is a place of opportunity for people from the border towns of India. The perspective has to change in New Delhi to factor in Nepal’s concerns on the open border. It is time for India to be proactive and redefine its engagement rather than continue to be reactive. The way India has been flexible with the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) meetings is a good signal. The onus is on India to rethink on a long-term basis how to recalibrate its relationship with Nepal. India needs to continue to understand that there is another opportunity to rewrite bilateral and geopolitical history. It should not be squandered. India needs to also realize the new reality that its monopoly over geopolitics in Nepal is over, and there is another relationship that Nepal is nurturing.
7. RHETORIC AND REALITY: ON THE UNHRC AND HUMAN RIGHTS The withdrawal of the U.S. from the UNHRC in June this year sent shock waves through the international community, foreign-policy think-tanks and human rights non-governmental organisations.
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However, some feel this was the right decision and are now advocating withdrawal by other countries; this includes those in India. The main criticism against it is that it is made up of states not known for their human rights records; that many are in fact egregious violators of human rights. C Current members include Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom — a few of the 47 states elected by the General Assembly, based on geographic quotas. Integral to rights system The ‘Universal Periodic Review’ process, where all states are scrutinized, is currently in its third cycle (2017-2021). No state is exempt from this process, including Security Council members. Politics is unavoidable, with states using the opportunity to highlight the records of other states. An overly simplistic reading of the HRC paints this as purely partisan theatre, which is not the entire picture. What gets lost in all the rhetoric regarding the HRC is the actual track record — the overt manner in which a human rights agenda and the evolution of human rights norms are facilitated. Resolutions adopted have highlighted egregious violations despite efforts to the contrary by some members of the HRC such as Syria, Yemen, Myanmar, and North Korea. Subject areas that have been the source of much controversy have been addressed at the HRC, including LGBTIQ rights and discrimination on the basis of religion. The HRC is also a forum to monitor international obligations of a state based on international law that states themselves have undertaken. Multiple strands It is also worth pointing out that the role of the Office of the OHCHR is often confused with the HRC. It is a separate institution which presents reports independent of the HRC, the recent report on Kashmir being an example (which has turned out to be tampered on facts). Hence, there are multiple strands in the monitoring functions of human rights by UN institutions, one of which is the HRC. In the promotion of human rights, all these play a critical role. The factor that precipitated US withdrawal is the alleged targeting of Israel by the HRC. Discussions and reform proposals are already in the works, with engagement by states and human rights organisations indicating a consensus building approach. However, while committing to reform, the impatience of the current U.S. administration and its disdain for multilateralism has resulted in the impetuous decision to withdraw. By ceding a role at the HRC, a state reduces its ability to influence the agenda, and if it is so inclined, a genuine engagement in the monitoring of human rights. Withdrawal is not a feasible option.
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Not just states but also individuals who are in need of a more robust defence of their rights stand to lose much. It is worth instead contemplating the need to reduce rhetoric and, rather, increase substantive engagement with issues concerning the rights of individuals.
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Mains Special Paper-III
MAINS SPECIAL PAPER-III
1. THE PARADOX OF JOB GROWTH Latest employment estimates by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) are off the mark, and confined to the economy’s organized or formal sector, accounting at best for 15% of the workforce. The CSO’s press release titled “Payroll Reporting in India: An Employment Perspective – April 2018”, has claimed that 4.1 million new jobs were created in the economy’s formal sector during eight months since last September. The CSO release defines jobs as ones that provide at least one government financed (or mandated) social security benefit such as Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), National Pension Scheme, or Employees’ State Insurance Scheme. NITI Aayog and official economists have also put out similar estimates since early this year, inviting widespread scepticism among knowledgeable people. As the formal sector accounts for just about 8-15% of India’s workforce (depending on the definitions used), the official estimates are completely silent about the majority of the workforce engaged in the informal sector. Lack of credibility The estimates are based on administrative records of implementing the social security schemes, whose completeness, consistency and accuracy are unknown. Since a formal (organised) sector worker, in principle, can legitimately access (or subscribe to) more than one social security scheme, double counting is a distinct possibility. The official data also suffers from a conceptual problem. The social security databases, by design, are lists of workers enrolled in the schemes, as an entitlement or as voluntary subscribers — not employment registers. These schemes are applicable to establishments above a certain size (of employment), and to certain kinds of enterprises. For instance, in the factory sector, those employing 20 or more workers are mandated to provide EPF to all the workers (with a matching contribution by the employer). So, if in a factory, employment goes up from 19 to 20 workers, it comes under the purview of the EPF, to be provided to all the 20 workers. The EPF enrolment increases by 20 workers, but the additional job created is just for one worker. A comparison The formal sector stands at the apex of India’s labour market pyramid, agriculture being at the bottom, employing 50% of the workforce. The remaining workers are in the non-farm informal sector, spread across rural and urban areas. This sector has grown in recent decades at the expense of the other two sectors mentioned above.
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Nearly half of the informal labour workers are self-employed in household (or own account) enterprises, often engaging unpaid family labour. Varying degrees of under-employment or disguised unemployment are the defining feature of informal labour markets. Since 1972-73, the five-yearly Employment-Unemployment Surveys (EUS)conducted by the National Sample Survey (NSS) have been the mainstay for analysing labour market trends. The last round of the EUS was in held in 2011-12. Now, there is no reliable way of updating employment trends. The EUS has been replaced with an annual Period Labour Force Survey, and a time use survey but these are yet to be released. Some answers GDP growth figures are probably overestimated on account of the mis-measurement of GDP in the new National Accounts Statistics (NAS) series. The economy is probably growing much slower. In manufacturing, in the last few years, the growth rates reported by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), and the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) are consistently lower than those reported by GDP in manufacturing, suggesting an overestimation of manufacturing value added in the NAS. Demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) seem to have dented informal sector production and employment. The recent output growth rates are probably overestimated after the latest revision of the National Accounts Statistics a few years ago, on account of the questionable methodologies and databases used. The faulty barometer of economic well-being seems to be misleading the nation.
2. OVERDUE CORRECTION: ON REVISITING THE COMPANIES ACT The Centre has announced the constitution of a committee to revisit several provisions of the Companies Act, 2013. This 10-member committee appointed by the Corporate Affairs Ministry has been tasked with checking if certain offences can be ‘de-criminalised’. This is being done as some of the provisions in the law are so tough that even a spelling mistake or typographical error could be construed as a fraud and lead to harsh strictures. The Uday Kotak panel has been tasked to assess whether some of the violations that can attract imprisonment (such as a clerical failure by directors to make adequate disclosures about their interests) may instead be punished with monetary fines. It will also examine if offences punishable with a fine or imprisonment may be re-categorised as ‘acts’ that attract civil liabilities. The committee has also been asked to suggest the broad contours for an adjudicatory mechanism that allows penalties to be levied for minor violations, perhaps in an automated manner, with minimal discretion available to officials.
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The government hopes such changes in the regulatory regime would allow trial courts to devote greater attention to serious offences rather than get overloaded with cases as zealous officials blindly pursue prosecutions for even minor violations. Industry captains had red-flagged the impact of such provisions on the ease of doing business, and investor sentiment in general. The rethink is perhaps triggered by the fact that private sector investment is yet to pick up steam and capital still seeks foreign shores to avoid regulatory risks. The 2013 law entailed the first massive overhaul of India’s legal regime to govern businesses that had been in place since 1956 and was borne of a long-drawn consultative process. The decision to build in harsh penalties and prison terms for corporate misdemeanours in the 2013 law was influenced by the high-pitched anti-corruption discourse that prevailed in the country at that moment in time. But a trust deficit between industry and government owing to stray incidents of corporate malfeasance should not inhibit normal business operations.
3. THE DREAM OF BEING AN AI POWERHOUSE In a recent discussion paper, NITI Aayog has chalked out an ambitious strategy for India to become an artificial intelligence (AI) powerhouse. AI is the use of computers to make decisions that are normally made by humans It works on Machine learning which is the set of technologies used to create AI ML takes reams of historical data as input, identifies the relationships among data elements, and makes predictions NITI Aayog envisions AI solutions for India on a scale not seen anywhere in the world today, especially in five key sectors — agriculture, healthcare, education, smart cities and infrastructure, and transport. Lack of data The first problem is data. Machine learning, the set of technologies used to create AI, is a data-guzzling monster. It takes reams of historical data as input, identifies the relationships among data elements, and makes predictions. More sophisticated forms of machine learning, like “deep learning”, attempt to mimic the human brain. And even though they promise greater accuracy, they also need more data than what is required by traditional machine learning. Unfortunately, India has sparse data in sectors like agriculture, and this is already hampering AI-based businesses today. Domain knowledge If the government is serious about AI solutions powering agriculture or healthcare, it must collect and digitize better under its existing programs. To close the skill gap, NITI Aayog suggests setting up a network of basic and applied AI research institutes.
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These should collaborate closely with agricultural universities, medical colleges and infrastructure planners. NITI Aayog’s ambitious road map does not mention deadlines or funding. Without these, it lacks accountability so this should be announced first. The NITI Aayog report talks about collaboration. But unless collaboration is the basis for the new crop of institutes, these institutes won’t make a difference. The government must make haste and specify its commitments on these fronts.
4. GEARING UP FOR SPACE WARS: ON AMERICA’S PLANS TO BUILD SPACE WEAPONS The announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump in June about the creation of a “space force” or a sixth branch of the American armed forces has taken many by surprise within and outside the U.S. The imperative by America to build space weapons is not new and has had its roots going back to the Cold War. The creation of the new force represents an important shift at an institutional level. Domestic impact The purpose being deny the Russians and the Chinese advantages in space. The intention is to see that the U.S. establishes and maintains dominance in space. China and Russia’s responses China’s space military programme has been dedicated to building “Assassin Mace” technologies (an array of kinetic and non-kinetic means of attack). Implications for India Beijing’s reaction could be much stronger than its seemingly muted official response. It possesses a formidable space military programme that far exceeds current Indian capabilities. New Delhi would do well to come out with an official white paper on space weapons. The government needs to engage with multiple stakeholders directly about the role space weapons will play in India’s grand strategy.
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Multiple Choice Questions
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
1. Consider the following statements about Select the correct answer using the codes Delimitation Commission of India: given below: 1) It is a high power body whose orders (a) 1 only have the force of law. (b) 2 only 2) This law can be challenged in any (c) Both 1 and 2 court. (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 5. Which among the following ministry has (a) 1 only launched DISHA? (b) 2 only (a) Ministry of water Resources (c) Both 1 and 2 (b) Ministry of Railways (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) Ministry of Power (d) Ministry of Rural Development 2. “cVIGIL” is an app launched by which
among the following? 6. Relief and Rehabilitation of Migrants and Repatriates covers which among the (a) Railways following? (b) Election Commission 1) Displaced Person (c) UPSC 2) Civilian victims of terrorist (d) CBI 3) Refugees
Select the correct answer using the codes 3. Consider the following statements about given below: National Commission for Safai (a) 1 and 2 only Karamcharis: (b) 2 and 3 only 1) It is a constitutional body. (c) 1 and 3 only 2) It is working for the welfare of Manual (d) 1, 2 and 3 Scavengers. Select the correct answer using the codes 7. Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0. is launched by given below: which among the following? (a) 1 only (a) Ministry of Information Technology (b) 2 only (b) Ministry of HRD (c) Both 1 and 2 (c) Ministry of Defence (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) Ministry of Home
4. Consider the following statements about 8. Which among the following has been National Commission for Protection of replaced as Higher Education Commission Child Rights: of India? 1) It is a statutory body. (a) UGC 2) This commission works under the (b) National Architecture University Ministry of Women and Child (c) IIT Development. (d) AIIMS
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Multiple Choice Questions
9. Consider the following statements about 13. Consider the following statements: Institute of Cost Accountants of India: 1) Asia – Pacific Trade Agreement is an 1) It was established by Cost and Works initiative of ESCAP. Accountants Act 1959 as an 2) Aim of this agreement is to promote autonomous professional Institute. economic development through the 2) The headquarters of ICAI is situated in adoption of mutually beneficial trade Kolkata. liberalization measures that will Select the correct answer using the codes contribute to intra-regional trade given below: (a) 1 only expansion and provides for economic (b) 2 only integration through coverage of (c) Both 1 and 2 merchandise goods, services, (d) Neither 1 nor 2 investment and trade facilitation. Select the correct answer using the codes 10. Who among the following organized the given below: Global Mobility Summit? (a) 1 only (a) NITI Aayog (b) 2 only (b) Ministry of Home (c) Both 1 and 2 (c) Ministry of External affairs (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) Ministry of Information Technology
14. Consider the following statements: 11. Behdienkhlam festival is celebrated by 1) Functional magnetic resonance which among the following state? (a) Meghalaya imaging or functional MRI (fMRI) (b) Manipur measures brain activity by detecting (c) Nagaland changes associated with blood flow. (d) Assom 2) This technique relies on the fact that cerebral blood flow and neuronal 12. Consider the following statements: activation are coupled. 1) Inputs are materials or services that a Select the correct answer using the codes manufacturer purchase in order to given below: manufacture his product or services (a) 1 only which is his output. (b) 2 only 2) Tax credit means the tax a producer (c) Both 1 and 2 was able to reduce while paying his tax (d) Neither 1 nor 2 on output.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 15. POSHAN Abhiyan is related with (a) 1 only (a) Nutrition (b) 2 only (b) Sanitation (c) Both 1 and 2 (c) Generic drug (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) Water
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Multiple Choice Questions
16. What is Salicornia? 21. Which state government has constituted (a) A plant Heritage Cabinet to preserve the history (b) Disease caused by bacteria and culture of state? (c) Viral disease (a) Chhatisgarh (d) Cold blooded animal (b) Odisha (c) Assam 17. Consider the following statements: (d) Tripura 1) Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) are non- rechargeable batteries. 22. Which of the following missiles of India is 2) LIBs are used in portable electronics. a “supersonic cruise missile”? Select the correct answer using the codes (a) Agni-V given below: (b) BrahMos (a) 1 only (c) Prithvi-III (b) 2 only (d) Aakash (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 23. Myanmar has become the 68th signatory to the Framework Agreement of the 18. The Victorian Gothic and Art Deco International Solar Alliance (ISA). Where is Ensemble of which Indian city has recently the headquarters of ISA? declared as a UNESCO World Heritage (a) Australia Site? (b) France (a) Pondicherry (c) Belgium (b) Panaji (d) India (c) Kochi
(d) Mumbai 24. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will soon
issue new 100 Rupee notes with motif of 19. Who will chair the first meeting of the which UNESCO World Heritage site? Cauvery Water Management Authority (a) Sanchi Stupa (CWMA)? (b) Rani Ki Vav (a) Kavindra H Dholakia (c) Hampi (b) Suryanath Upadhyay (d) Konark (c) Bhagat Singh Koshyari
(d) S Masood Hussain 25. Which citizen centric platform has been
jointly launched by Atal Innovation 20. Which country is hosting the 17th World Mission (AIM) and MyGov? Sanskrit Conference (WSC-2018)? (a) Swachh India Platform (a) India (b) Educate India Platform (b) Brazil (c) Innovate India Platform (c) Australia
(d) Canada (d) Indian culture Platform
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Multiple Choice Questions
Answer
1 A 14 C 2 B 15 A 3 B 16 A 4 C 17 B 5 D 18 D 6 D 19 D 7 B 20 D 8 A 21 B 9 C 22 B 10 A 23 D 11 A 24 B 12 C 25 C 13 C
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