crackIAS.com Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2019-01-01 SEBI RULES FOR PHYSICAL SETTLEMENT OF DERIVATIVES Relevant for: Indian Economy | Topic: Issues relating to Growth & Development - Capital Market & SEBI

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has directed exchanges to move stock derivatives in a phased manner to physical settlement mechanism based on their respective daily market capitalisation averaged for December 2018.

In a circular, SEBI has said that all stock derivatives that are cash-settled would be ranked in descending order based on the above criteria and thereafter, the bottom 50 stock derivatives would be moved to physical settlement from April 2019 expiry. “... the next 50 stocks from the bottom shall move to physical settlement from July 2019 expiry onwards, and the remaining stocks shall move to physical settlement from October 2019 expiry onwards,” it said.

On March 28, SEBI decided to move towards physical settlement for all stock derivatives.

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crackIAS.com Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2019-01-01 ASI DECLARED 6 MONUMENTS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE IN 2018 Relevant for: History & Culture | Topic: Promotion and Preservation of Culture Incl. UNESCO

Works of art:The ancient Neemrana Baori, with 170 steps, in Rajasthan is a much-revered holiday destination; and right, the Bombay High Court premises at Nagpur.Special arrangement

The 125-year-old Old High Court Building in Nagpur, Maharashtra, and two Mughal-era monuments in Agra — Haveli of Agha Khan and Hathi Khana — are among the six monuments declared protected and of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 2018.

Heritage sites

The ancient Neemrana Baori in Rajasthan's Alwar district; the Group of Temples at Ranipur Jharail in Odisha's Bolangir; and the Vishnu Temple in Kotali, Pithoragarh district, Uttarkhand, are the three other monuments that have been listed.

In 2016 and 2017, no new monument was included in the list of sites of national importance. The last monument to be included in the list, in 2015, was the Vishnu Temple in Nadavayal in Kerala's Wayanad district.

The list was presented in the Lok Sabha on December 24, 2018, by the Ministry of Culture in response to a question by the Shiv Sena MP from Ramtek, Krupal Balaji Tumane. Replying to the question, the Ministry said that the ASI takes up a survey for documenting/reporting ancient monuments/sites through exploration, and that a village-to-village survey and conservation of monuments is a continuous process.

According to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, an “Ancient Monument means any structure, erection or monument, or any tumulus or place of interment, or any cave, rock-sculpture, inscription or monolith which is of historical, archaeological or artistic interest and which has been in existence for not less than 100 years."

There were 3,686 centrally protected monuments/sites under the ASI in the country; the number has now increased to 3,693. Uttar Pradesh (745 monuments/sites), Karnataka (506) and Tamil Nadu (413) have the highest number of ASI-maintained sites.

According to information available with the Ministry of Culture, about 321 of these centrally protectedcrackIAS.com monuments/sites have been encroached upon.

END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2019-01-01 LS PASSES MEDICAL COUNCIL BILL Relevant for: Health, Education & Human Resources | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues

The Lok Sabha on Monday passed the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill to allow a panel of eminent professionals to run the scam-tainted Medical Council of India (MCI) so that medical education can be regulated in the best manner.

The Bill seeks to replace an ordinance issued in September 2018.

Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda said this Bill superseded the MCI and the powers of the council had been vested in a Board of Governors (BoG). The BoG will have all eminent personalities and include directors of AIIMS and PGI, Chandigarh. This board will continue to perform till a council is constituted, according to Mr. Nadda.

A separate Bill to replace the MCI with the National Medical Commission is pending in Parliament. “This Bill has been issued so that medical education can be regulated in the best manner,” he said.

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crackIAS.com Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2019-01-01 MAINSTREAMING VICTIMS OF CRIMES Relevant for: Indian Polity & Constitution | Topic: Judiciary in India: its Structure, Organisation & Functioning, Judges of SC & High Courts, Judgements and related Issues

The term victim came to be defined in criminal law only in 2009 in India. The victim of a crime is never heard as a victim during the trial of a case, but as a witness.

In Mallikarjun Kodagil (Dead) v. State of Karnataka (2018), the Supreme Court stressed the need to have a victim impact statement “so that an appropriate punishment is awarded to the convict”. This throws up many issues that are of interest to the victims of crimes.

The term victim came to be defined in criminal law only in 2009 in India. The victim of a crime is never heard as a victim during the trial of a case, but as a witness. As the victim is represented by a prosecutor, her concerns as well as the impact of her victimisation remain unexpressed. By and large, the police, prosecutors and courts do not have any substantive legal obligation towards crime victims. Indifference to crime victims remains deep-rooted in the accused-centric criminal justice system. ‘Secondary victimisation’ takes place when the agencies of the criminal justice system treat victims of crime unfavourably, or marginalise them during the trial.

The trial process is organised in such a manner that the personal appearance of the victim at all the crucial stages is restricted. The victim is not present when charges are framed against the accused, when the accused is discharged, when bail is granted, when parole is considered, and when punishment or compensation is decided. On the other hand, the accused is always required to be present during all these stages. Crimes are registered in the form of sections of the Indian Penal Code (in numbers) which do not mean anything to the victims of crime in terms of their impact. Crimes do not impact all victims in the same manner. There is no way to assess the impact suffered by a victim. And whatever little is tried in this direction is always through a third party, such as a prosecutor or judge, who is invariably incapable of registering the aftermath of victimisation.

The UN 1985 Declaration of Basis Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power effectuated a movement for victim empowerment. That led to significant reforms in the criminal process. It enabled victims to have rights and reasonable protections, and assistance and participation in the system. It also made a powerful plea to provide a voice to the victims of crime during the trial stage.

A victim impact statement is an answer to most of these concerns. It has the potential to alter the course of things for victims of crime in India. Victim impact statements are written or oral statements by crime victims, about how the crime has impacted them. Often, the family members and friends of victims also make written and verbal statements. Victim impact statementscrackIAS.com could provide information about the damage caused to victims by the crime, which is information that would otherwise not be available to the courts. Details of the financial impact of the crime — lost wages, medical or counselling expenses, transportation costs and damage to property, including a request for compensation or restitution — can also be included. Generally a victim is assisted to submit a detailed form, which is standardised for this purpose, through a prosecutor.

Hearing the victim in person or through a victim impact statement at the stage of sentencing could be crucial. After a criminal defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty and is convicted, a judge decides on the appropriate punishment. The decision about punishment is a complex one. The judge needs to consider the adequacy of the sentence as Indian laws do not follow a fixed punishment model. Instead, there is a scale of punishment and the court decides the quantam of punishment according to this scale. The Criminal Procedure Code, in Section 235(2), places a mandatory duty on the court to hear the accused on the question of sentence. The idea is to collect personal information and consider it while specifying the quantum of punishment. While this practice is laudable, it causes a huge disadvantage to the victim of the crime as the trial court is under no legal obligation to hear the victim. A victim impact statement will help the court take a balanced view at this stage. Hearing the victim during the sentencing will help the court decide the quantum of punishment as well as assess the amount of compensation to be ordered. The U.S., Canada, Australia, and many countries in Europe have made victim impact statements mandatory. It is time for India to do so too. The victim has a right to speak and the nation has a responsibility to listen.

G.S. Bajpai is Chairperson, Centre for Criminology and Victimology, National Law University Delhi & Editor, Journal of Victimology & Victim Justice

Section 69 of the IT Act allows for disproportionate state action, and is antithetical to the right to privacy

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crackIAS.com Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2019-01-01 A LIBERAL MOVE: ON RAJASTHAN GOVT SCRAPPING EDUCATIONAL CRITERIA FOR LOCAL POLLS Relevant for: Indian Polity & Constitution | Topic: Devolution of Powers & Finances upto Local Levels and Challenges therein - Panchayats & Municipalities

Among the first decisions taken by Ashok Gehlot’s government after assuming power in Rajasthan was to scrap minimum educational requirements for candidates contesting local body elections. This is a progressive move and will restore the right to contest, at least in theory, to a large section of the population in the State, where the literacy rate, according to the 2011 Census, was 52% for women and 79% for men. The previous government headed by Vasundhara Raje had stipulated, first through an ordinance in December 2014 and then through the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Act passed in 2015, educational prerequisites to stand for local polls. It was made mandatory for candidates contesting for the post of sarpanch to have cleared Class 8, and for those in the fray in zila parishad and panchayat samiti elections to have passed Class 10. The move was ill-considered from the very beginning. At the time, the amendment was seen as a bid by the then BJP government to lower the average age of those in the fray based on the assumption that its voters tended to be younger. It was, however, an act of paternalism that militated against the basic assumptions of a liberal democracy. It penalised the people for failure to meet certain social indicators, when in fact it is the state’s responsibility to provide the infrastructure and incentives for school and adult education. And it defeated the very purpose of the panchayati raj institutions, to include citizens in multi-tier local governance from all sections of society. These requirements had the effect of excluding the marginalised.

The Rajasthan government’s decision should also force a rethink in Haryana, where the newly sworn-in BJP government had, also in 2015, legislated a series of eligibility requirements for panchayat elections, including education levels and a functional toilet in the candidate’s home. The Haryana Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Act, 2015 was upheld that year by the Supreme Court in Rajbala v. State of Haryana. And the temptation to expand educational eligibility requirements remains. Union Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi, for instance, has previously spoken of persuading other Chief Ministers to take the cue from Rajasthan and Haryana, as an incentive for women to study. The decision of the new Congress government in Rajasthan should force a recasting of the debate on finding ways and means by which elected bodies are made more representative. In a liberal democracy, governments must desist from putting bars on who may contest, except in exceptional circumstances, such as when a candidate is in breach of particular laws. To mandate paternalistically what makes a person a ‘good’ candidate goes against the spirit of the attempt to deepen democracy by taking self-government to the grassroots. India crackIAS.comand Pakistan should adopt a more humane approach to each other’s prisoners END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2019-01-01 NASA SPACESHIP ZOOMS TOWARD FARTHEST WORLD EVER PHOTOGRAPHED Relevant for: Science & Technology | Topic: Space Technology & related matters

A NASA spaceship is zooming toward the farthest, and quite possibly the oldest, cosmic body ever photographed by humankind, a tiny, distant world called Ultima Thule some four billion miles (6.4 billion kilometers) away.

The US space agency will ring in the New Year with a live online broadcast to mark historic flyby of the mysterious object in a dark and frigid region of space known as the Kuiper Belt at 12:33 am January 1 (0533 GMT Tuesday).

A guitar anthem recorded by legendary Queen guitarist Brian May -- who also holds an advanced degree in astrophysics -- will be released just after midnight to accompany a video simulation of the flyby, as NASA commentators describe the close pass on www.nasa.gov/nasalive.

Real-time video of the actual flyby is impossible, since it takes more six hours for a signal sent from Earth to reach the spaceship, named New Horizons, and another six hours for the response to arrive.

But if all goes well, the first images should be in hand by the end of New Year’s Day.

And judging by the latest tweet from Alan Stern, the lead scientist on the New Horizons mission, the excitement among team members is palpable.

“IT’S HAPPENING!! Flyby is upon us! @NewHorizons2015 is healthy and on course! The farthest exploration of worlds in history!” he wrote on Saturday.

Scientists are not sure what Ultima Thule (pronounced TOO-lee) looks like -- whether it is round or oblong or even if it is a single object or a cluster.

It was discovered in 2014 with the help of the Hubble Space Telescope, and is believed to be 12-20 miles (20-30 kilometers) in size.

Scientists decided to study it with New Horizons after the spaceship, which launched in 2006, completed its main mission of flying by Pluto in 2015, returning the most detailed images ever taken of the dwarf planet. “At closestcrackIAS.com approach we are going to try to image Ultima at three times the resolution we had for Pluto,” said Stern.

“If we can accomplish that it will be spectacular.”

Hurtling through space at a speed of 32,000 miles (51,500 kilometers) per hour, the spacecraft aims to make its closest approach within 2,200 miles (3,500 kilometers) of the surface of Ultima Thule.

The flyby will be fast, at a speed of nine miles (14 kilometers) per second. Seven instruments on board will record high-resolution images and gather data about its size and composition.

Ultima Thule is named for a mythical, far-northern island in medieval literature and cartography, according to NASA.

“Ultima Thule means ‘beyond Thule’ -- beyond the borders of the known world -- symbolizing the exploration of the distant Kuiper Belt and Kuiper Belt objects that New Horizons is performing, something never before done,” the US space agency said in a statement.

According to project scientist Hal Weaver of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, mankind didn’t even know the Kuiper Belt -- a vast ring of relics from the formation days of the solar system -- existed until the 1990s.

“This is the frontier of planetary science,” said Weaver.

“We finally have reached the outskirts of the solar system, these things that have been there since the beginning and have hardly changed -- we think. We will find out.”

Despite the partial US government shutdown, sparked by a feud over funding for a border wall with Mexico between President Donald Trump and opposition Democrats, NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine vowed that the US space agency would broadcast the flyby.

Normally, NASA TV and NASA’s website would go dark during a government shutdown.

NASA will also provide updates about another spacecraft, called OSIRIS-REx, that will enter orbit around the asteroid Bennu on New Year’s Eve, Bridenstine said. ksh/ia

Military communication satellite GSAT-7A, due to be launched on December 19 evening from Sriharikota, is expected to add a new space-based dimension

END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com crackIAS.com Source : www.economictimes.indiatimes.com Date : 2019-01-01 INDIA'S EXTERNAL DEBT DECLINES 3.6% TO $510.4 BILLION AT SEPT-END Relevant for: Indian Economy | Topic: Issues relating to Growth & Development - Foreign Capital, Foreign Trade & BOP

The country's external debt fell by $19.3 billion, or 3.6 per cent, to $510.4 billion during the six- month period ended September, due to a decrease in commercial borrowings, non-resident Indian (NRI) deposits and valuation effect. "At end-September 2018, India's external debt witnessed a decline of 3.6 per cent over its level at end-March 2018, on account of a decrease in commercial borrowings and non-resident Indian (NRI) deposits.

"The decrease in the magnitude of external debt was primarily due to valuation gains resulting from the appreciation of the US dollar against the Indian rupee and major currencies," the RBI said Monday.

Valuation gains due to the appreciation of the dollar vis-a-vis the rupee and major currencies were placed at $25.4 billion.

"Excluding the valuation effect, the increase in external debt would have been $6.1 billion instead of a decrease of $19.3 billion at end-September 2018 over end-March 2018," it added.

The debt was $529.7 billion at the end of March 2018.

Commercial borrowings continued to be the largest component of external debt with a share of 37.1 per cent, followed by NRI deposits (23.9 per cent) and short-term trade credits (19.9 per cent).

At the end of September 2018, long-term debt (with original maturity of above one year) was placed at $406.1 billion, recording a decline of $21.4 billion over its level at the end of March 2018.

According to the standard practice, the country's external debt statistics are released with a lag of one quarter.

US dollar-denominated debt continued to be the largest component of India's external debt with a share of 49.7 per cent at September-end, followed by the rupee (36.1 per cent), SDR (5.3 per cent), the yen (4.7 per cent) and the euro (3.2 per cent). The country's external debt fell by $19.3 billion, or 3.6 per cent, to $510.4 billion during the six- month period ended September, due to a decrease in commercial borrowings, non-resident Indian (NRI) deposits and valuation effect. "At end-September 2018, India's external debt witnessedcrackIAS.com a decline of 3.6 per cent over its level at end-March 2018, on account of a decrease in commercial borrowings and non-resident Indian (NRI) deposits.

"The decrease in the magnitude of external debt was primarily due to valuation gains resulting from the appreciation of the US dollar against the Indian rupee and major currencies," the RBI said Monday.

Valuation gains due to the appreciation of the dollar vis-a-vis the rupee and major currencies were placed at $25.4 billion. "Excluding the valuation effect, the increase in external debt would have been $6.1 billion instead of a decrease of $19.3 billion at end-September 2018 over end-March 2018," it added.

The debt was $529.7 billion at the end of March 2018.

Commercial borrowings continued to be the largest component of external debt with a share of 37.1 per cent, followed by NRI deposits (23.9 per cent) and short-term trade credits (19.9 per cent).

At the end of September 2018, long-term debt (with original maturity of above one year) was placed at $406.1 billion, recording a decline of $21.4 billion over its level at the end of March 2018.

According to the standard practice, the country's external debt statistics are released with a lag of one quarter.

US dollar-denominated debt continued to be the largest component of India's external debt with a share of 49.7 per cent at September-end, followed by the rupee (36.1 per cent), SDR (5.3 per cent), the yen (4.7 per cent) and the euro (3.2 per cent).

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crackIAS.com Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2019-01-01 YEAR-ENDER 2018 OF MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES Relevant for: Indian Economy | Topic: Food processing and related industries in India: scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements and supply chain management

Ministry of Food Processing Industries Year-ender 2018 of Ministry of Food Processing Industries

Ministry of Food Processing Industries issues guidelines for OPERATION GREENS

Union Minister SmtHarsimratBadal calls for cleanliness to be given utmost importance across food processing sector

Union Minister Smt. HarsimratKaurBadal inaugurates PMKK Patiala

SmtHarsimratBadal speaks with Chief Minister of Kerala; assures all assistance to the State from her Ministry

International Conference on Recent Advances in Food Processing Technology (iCRAFPT) gets underway at IIFPT, Thanjavur

NIFTEM has potential to become Harvard of food processing sector: Union Minister SmtHarsimratKaurBadal

Food Processing Ministry to collaborate with international labscrackIAS.com for wider acceptability of NIFTEM approved products

PradhanMantriKisan SAMPADA Yojanais expected to benefit 20 lakh farmers and generate 5,30,500 employments by the year 2019-20

Allocation for Ministry of Food Processing has been doubled in the Budget 2018-19 to Rs. 1400 Crores: Smt. HarsimratKaurBadal

Posted On: 31 DEC 2018 5:20PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Food Processing Industry under the leadership of Union Minister Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal is leading the food processing industry in India from the front. The efforts of the Ministry have led to a FDI in the food processing sector in India rising by 24 per cent in 2017- 18. Highlights of the major achievements are as follows

1. Mega Food Parks:

Ministry of Food Processing Industries is focusing on boosting the food processing industry so that agriculture sector grows exponentially and become a major contributor to doubling the farmer’s income and aid ‘Make in India’ initiative of the government. To give a major boost to the food processing sector by adding value and reducing food wastage at each stage of the supply chain with particular focus on perishables, Ministry of Food Processing Industries is implementing Mega Food Park Scheme in the country. Mega Food Parks create modern infrastructure facilities for food processing along the value chain from farm to market with strong forward and backward linkages through a cluster based approach. Common facilities and enabling infrastructure is created at Central Processing Centre and facilities for primary processing and storage is created near the farm in the form of Primary Processing Centers (PPCs) and Collection Centers (CCs). Under the Scheme, Government of India provides financial assistance uptoRs. 50.00 Crore per Mega Food Park project.

Five Mega Food Parks were inaugurated during this period taking the total number of Mega

Food Parks in the country to 14.These include

● Himalayan Mega Food Park at Kashipur in Udham Singh Nagar district in UttarakhandGreentech Mega Food Park at Roopangarh Village in Ajmer, RajasthanSatara Mega Food Park in Satara District, MaharashtraPaithan Mega Food Park in Aurangabad District in MaharashtraGujarat Agro Infrastructure Mega Food Park crackIAS.com 2. Creation/Expansion of Food Processing Preservation Capacities(CEFPPC)- 134 projects have been approved under the scheme till date

3. Intergrated Cold Chain – Ministry of Food Processing Industries is implementing the Scheme of Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure as one of the component of Pradhan Mantri Kisan SampadaYojana with the objective of arresting post-harvest losses of horticulture & non- horticulture produce and providing remunerative price to farmers for their produce. The integrated cold chain and preservation infrastructure can be set up by individuals, groups of entrepreneurs, cooperative societies, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), NGOs, Central/State PSUs, etc. The scheme is primarily private sector driven and proposals under this scheme are invited through Expression of Interest (EOI).

81 projects have been approved by Inter Ministerial Approval Committee (IMAC).

4. Creation of Backward and Forward Linkage-70 projects have been approved under the scheme till date

5. Agro processing Clusters-33 projects have been approved under the scheme till date

Towards cleanliness

Efforts towards cleanliness were undertaken under SwachhtaPakhwada which was observed from 16th to 31st October. On the first day the Minister launched the campaign with the inauguration of a book “Waste to Wealth Technology” prepared by Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu. During the campaign industry bodies like ASSOCHAM, FICCI, DICCI, PHDCCI, AIFPA and CII organised Swachhta Awareness Programme and training camps for street vendors on food safety across New Delhi. The Minister conferred prizes to cleanest Mega Food Parks and Cold Chains.

Standing with Kerala in trying times

The Ministry made big efforts to reach out to the flood affected people of Kerala during the devastating floods. The Minister promptly called a meeting of industry representatives and sought a cohesive effort towards relief for the state. The Minister spoke with Chief Minister of Kerala and promised all assistance from the Ministry. Following the call from the Minister, food processing companies made generous contributions to relief efforts. Extension of time for completion was accorded to two Megal Food Parks under implementation in the state.

Advances in Food Processing Technology

International Conference on Recent Advances in Food Processing Technology (iCRAFPT) was organisedcrackIAS.com at Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology, Thanjavur in Tamilnadu. The conference saw encouraging participation from speakers, both national and international, and provided a strong platform for knowledge sharing and meaningful discussionn among the industry, academia, researchers and farmers which would potentially take the food sector growth to a newer heights. Over 09 overseas speakers, 77 Indian speakers, 18 food industry talks, 30 series lectures, 2 panel discussions, 8 student presentation, 605 poster presentation and 721 Abstract Publication took place in the conference which also saw release of new technologies and an expo of successful entrepreneurs groomed by IIFPT.

Collaboration with industry also got a fillip in the NIFTEM-Industry Forum organised at National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management in Sonepat in Haryana. The meeting aimed to identify challenges being faced by the Indian Food Industry, to bridge industrial and academic gap by industry oriented research projects, promote science & technology collaboration based on innovation by developing new technologies, new product development, refine exciting technological infrastructure which can be commercialized in future for the development of food processing sector. On the occasion, the Minister mooted the idea of a ‘Brand NIFTEM’ for processed food which would be healthier, fresher and cheaper. The Minister also highlighted that NIFTEM was a one of its kind institute and had the potential to become the Harvard of food processing technology and management sector.

Creation of facilities at NIFTEM:

The year saw NIFTEM expanding its infrastructure and adding an Incubation centre and Food Testing Laboratory to its repertoire. The laboratory would not only serve as a Centre for certification of food products but would also undertake research and innovation for solving the problems of the food industry and the other stakeholders of the food sector. The Center would work in unison with the regulators and the policy makers for providing them all support for developing standard test protocols for various parameters of quality essential for domestic and international market and would serve as the National Reference facility in the years to come.

Modalities of Operation GREENS:

Operation Greens was announced in the Budget speech of 2018-19 with an outlay of Rs 500 crores to stabilize the supply of Tomato, Onion and Potato(TOP) crops and to ensure availability of TOP crops throughout the country round the year without any price volatility.

A major step was taken when the Ministry declared a two pronged strategy for operationalization of the scheme which comprises of

1. Short term Price Stabilisation Measures consisting of a provision of 50% of the subsidy on

● Transportation of Tomato Onion Potato(TOP) Crops from production to storage;Hiring of appropriate storage facilities for TOP Crops;

2. and Long Term Integrated value chain development projects.

● Capacity Building of FPOs & their consortiumQuality productionPost-harvest processing facilitiesAgri-LogisticsMarketing / Consumption PointsCreation and Management of e- platformcrackIAS.com for demand and supply management of TOP Crops. The Ministry declared that organisations eligible for the grant would include State Agriculture and other Marketing Federations, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO), cooperatives, companies, Self-help groups, food processors, logistic operators, service providers, supply chain operators, retail and wholesale chains and central and state governments and their entities/organizations.

Better connectivity for grievance redressal:

The Ministry launched an in-house tollfree Interactive Voice Response service at 1-800-111175. People applying under various provisions of PradhanMantriKisan SAMPADA Yojana can call on this number and get their queries resolved by the concerned department.

International Outreach

MoFPI has made numerous forays even at the international level by way of participation in international events and hosting of international dignitaries and representatives of foreign companies at the Ministry; prominent among these being the inauguration of SIAL Paris by Union Minister in October. Bilateral meeting was also held with the French Agriculture minister for mutual cooperation. The Minister also met representatives from French company, Soufflet and CEO Cemafroid, international experts in cold chain, refrigeration & air conditioning and discussed possibilities for collaborations and support in developing cold chain equipment testing laboratories in India.

Apart from this, representatives and delegations from various nations called on the Minister to discuss opportunities of investment and participation in food processing sector.

Budget Provisions:

Allocation for Ministry of Food Processing Industries was doubled in the Budget 2018-19 to Rs. 1400 Crores and Rs. 500 crore was allocated for ‘Operation Greens’ to address price volatility of perishable commodities like Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP). The Ministery also initiated a proposal for the setting up of a Specialized Agro Processing Financial Institutions to unlock finance for establishing food processing industries. These institutions would help overcome the deterrents faced while installing food processing projects that are capital intensive and have long gestation period, by ensuring timely, accessible and affordable credit to this sector.

Skill Development

The Ministry launched a new sub-scheme i.e. Scheme for Human Resources and Institution – Skill Development (SHRISD) for assisting skilling infrastructure and Development of Course Curriculum with a budget outlay of Rs.27.50 Crore from 2017-18 to 2019-20 with following two components

1. Development of Course Curriculum / Training Module in English, Hindi and translation of the same in recognized regional languages based on the Qualification Packs (QPs) validated by National Skill Development Corporation( (NSDC) as National Occupational Standards.

Grants-In-Aid is provided to the eligible Institutions upto a maximum of Rs.5.00 lakh per QP for development of training module both in print and multimedia for each job role and, up to a maximum of Rs. 0.50 lakh per QP is provided for the translation of already developed training modulescrackIAS.com in recognized regional languages as per 8th schedule. 2. Establishing Training Centre (TC) / Expansion of Existing Training Centre to impart skill/ training on various job roles in food processing as per the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF).

Grants-In-Aid is provided at the rate of 50% of cost of plant & machineries required for a National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) validated training module subject to maximum of Rs. 15 lakh per training module and limited to maximum two training modules per Training centre(TC).

The Minister also launched PradhanMantriKaushal Kendra in Patiala where 1000 students will get free training in skill Development every year in the multiple courses.

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crackIAS.com Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2019-01-01 DEFENCE EXPENDITURE AS PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE Relevant for: Indian Economy | Topic: Issues relating to Growth & Development - Public Finance, Taxation & Black Money incl. Government Budgeting

Ministry of Defence Defence Expenditure as Percentage of Total Expenditure

Posted On: 31 DEC 2018 3:51PM by PIB Delhi

Details of defence expenditure vis-à-vis Central Govt. Expenditure from 2014-15 to 2017-18 is as follows:

(Rs in Crore)

Def. Exp % of Year Defence Expenditure* Total CGE (Actuals) CGE 2014-15 285103.95 16,63,673 17.13 2015-16 294054.93 17,90,783 16.42 2016-17 377542.01 19,75,194 19.11 2017-18 380690.97 22,17,750 17.16 *including Defence Pension.

It is true that the Defence expenditure as per percentage of Central Government. Expenditure has fallen, however, the Defence expenditure in absolute terms has been showing a steady increase.

The projections made by the Services are forwarded to Ministry of Finance for favourable consideration as it is the nodal Ministry for allocation of funds. Based on the overall resource position, funds are allocated by Ministry of Finance. While distributing these allocations among the Services, it is ensured that sufficient funds are available to meet critical requirements.

Also depending on expenditure during the year and additional requirements projected, funds are sought at Supplementary/ Revised Estimate (RE) stage. The allocated funds are optimally and fully utilized towards operational activities. Further, if required, schemes are reprioritized to ensure that urgent and critical capabilities are acquired without any compromise to operational preparedness.

This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri TiruchicrackIAS.com Siva in Rajya Sabha today.

Nampi/DK/HS

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crackIAS.com Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2019-01-01 INDO-US 2+2 DIALOGUE Relevant for: International Relations | Topic: India - USA

Ministry of Defence Indo-US 2+2 Dialogue

Posted On: 31 DEC 2018 3:49PM by PIB Delhi

Joint statement on the inaugural India-U.S 2+2 Ministerial dialogue: Minister of External Affairs Smt Sushma Swaraj and Minister of Defence Smt Nirmala Sitharaman welcomed Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis to India on September 6, 2018 for the inaugural India-U.S. Ministerial 2+2 Dialogue. They welcomed the launch of the 2+2 Dialogue as a reflection of the shared commitment by Prime Minister Modi and President Trump to provide a positive, forward-looking vision for the India-U.S. strategic partnership and to promote synergy in their diplomatic and security efforts. They resolved to continue meetings in this format on an annual basis.

Celebrating over 70 years of diplomatic cooperation, the Ministers reaffirmed their view that India and the United States, as sovereign democracies founded on the values of freedom, justice, and commitment to the rule of law, must continue to lead global efforts to promote peace, prosperity, and security.

Recognizing their two countries are strategic partners, major and independent stakeholders in world affairs, the Ministers committed to work together on regional and global issues, including in bilateral, trilateral, and quadrilateral formats. The two sides further decided to establish secure communication between the Minister of External Affairs of India and the U.S. Secretary of State, and between the Minister of Defense of India and the U.S. Secretary of Defense, to help maintain regular high-level communication on emerging developments.

Strengthening the Defense and Security Partnership:

The Ministers reaffirmed the strategic importance of India’s designation as a Major Defense Partner (MDP) of the United States and committed to expand the scope of India’s MDP status and take mutually agreed upon steps to strengthen defense ties further and promote better defense and security coordination and cooperation. They noted the rapid growth in bilateral defense trade and the qualitative improvement in levels of technology and equipment offered by the United States to India in recent years. They welcomed the inclusion of India by the United States among the top tier of countries entitled to license-free exports, re-exports, and transfers under License Exception Strategic Trade Authorization (STA-1) and also committed to explore othercrackIAS.com means to support further expansion in two-way trade in defense items and defense manufacturing supply chain linkages. They welcomed the signing of a Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) that will facilitate access to advanced defense systems and enable India to optimally utilize its existing U.S.-origin platforms. The Ministers also announced their readiness to begin negotiations on an Industrial Security Annex (ISA) that would support closer defense industry cooperation and collaboration.

Recognizing their rapidly growing military-to-military ties, the two sides committed to the creation of a new, tri-services exercise and to further increase personnel exchanges between the two militaries and defense organizations. The Ministers reviewed the recent growth of bilateral engagements in support of maritime security and maritime domain awareness, and committed to expand cooperation. Toward that end, the Ministers committed to start exchanges between the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and the Indian Navy, underscoring the importance of deepening their maritime cooperation in the western Indian Ocean.

Acknowledging the unique role of technology in the India-U.S. defense partnership, the Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continue to encourage and prioritize co-production and co- development projects through the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), and to pursue other avenues of defense innovation cooperation. In this regard, they welcomed the conclusion of a Memorandum of Intent between the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Indian Defence Innovation Organization – Innovation for Defence Excellence (DIO-iDEX).

Welcoming the expansion of bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation, the Ministers announced their intent to increase information-sharing efforts on known or suspected terrorists and to implement UN Security Council Resolution 2396 on returning foreign terrorist fighters. They committed to enhance their ongoing cooperation in multilateral fora such as the UN and FATF. They reaffirmed their support for a UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism that will advance and strengthen the framework for global cooperation and reinforce the message that no cause or grievance justifies terrorism. The Ministers denounced any use of terrorist proxies in the region, and in this context, they called on Pakistan to ensure that the territory under its control is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries. On the eve of the 10-year anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai attack, they called on Pakistan to bring to justice expeditiously the perpetrators of the Mumbai, Pathankot, Uri, and other cross-border terrorist attacks. The Ministers welcomed the launch of a bilateral dialogue on designation of terrorists in 2017, which is strengthening cooperation and action against terrorist groups, including Al- Qa’ida, ISIS, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizb-ul Mujahideen, the Haqqani Network, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, D-Company, and their affiliates. The two sides further reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing and future cooperation to ensure a stable cyberspace environment and to prevent cyber-attacks.

Partners in the Indo-Pacific and Beyond:

The Ministers reviewed cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, noting that the common principles for the region articulated in the India-U.S. Joint Statement of June 2017 have been further amplified by President Donald Trump at Danang, Vietnam on November 10, 2017, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Singapore at the Shangri-La Dialogue on June 1, 2018. Both sides committed to work together and in concert with other partners toward advancing a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, based on recognition of ASEAN centrality and on respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, rule of law, good governance, free and fair trade, and freedom of navigation and overflight. Noting the importance of infrastructure and

Connectivity for the Indo-Pacific region, both sides emphasized the need to work collectively with other partner countries to support transparent, responsible, and sustainable debt financing practicescrackIAS.com in infrastructure development. The Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to a united, sovereign, democratic, inclusive, stable, prosperous, and peaceful Afghanistan. The two sides expressed support for an Afghan- led, Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process. The United States acknowledged India’s longstanding and ongoing contributions of economic assistance to Afghanistan and also welcomed India’s enhanced role in Afghanistan’s development and stabilization.

India welcomed the recent U.S.-North Korea summit. The two sides pledged to work together to counter North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction programs and to hold accountable those countries that have supported them. The United States welcomed India’s accession to the Australia Group, the Wassenaar Arrangement, and the Missile Technology Control Regime and reiterated its full support for India’s immediate accession to the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Promoting Prosperity and People-to-People Ties:

The Ministers recognized the importance and the potential for increasing bilateral trade, investment, innovation, and job creation in both countries. Both sides committed to further expanding and balancing the trade and economic partnership consistent with their leaders’ 2017 joint statement, including by facilitating trade, improving market access, and addressing issues of interest to both sides. In this regard, both sides welcomed the ongoing exchanges between the Ministry of Commerce of India and the Office of the United States Trade Representative and hoped for mutually acceptable outcomes.

Both sides looked forward to full implementation of the civil nuclear energy partnership and collaboration between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and Westinghouse Electric Company for the establishment of six nuclear power plants in India.

Observing the strong ties of family, education, and business, and the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation that unite their people, the Ministers highlighted the unmatched people-to-people ties between their countries and recognized the benefits to both nations and the world from these ties, including the free flow of ideas and collaboration in health, space, oceans, and other areas of science and technology.

The next 2+2 meeting is to be held in the United States in 2019.

This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Binoy Viswam in Rajya Sabha today.

Nampi/DK/HS

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END Downloaded from crackIAS.com crackIAS.com© Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2019-01-01 13 CENTRALLY ASSISTED STATE FOOD CRAFT INSTITUTES ARE CURRENTLY FUNCTIONAL IN THE COUNTRY: SHRI K J ALPHONS Relevant for: World & Indian Geography | Topic: Factors responsible for location of Tertiary sector Industries incl. Tourism in world & India and related issues

Ministry of Tourism 13 centrally assisted State Food Craft Institutes are currently functional in the country: Shri K J Alphons

Posted On: 31 DEC 2018 4:49PM by PIB Delhi

There are 13 centrally financial assisted State Food Craft Institutes (FCIs) which are presently functional. State/UT wise list of these 13 FCIs is as below.

State wise details of functional FCIs:

Sl. No. State Name of the Institute 1 Assam Food Craft Institute, Nagaon 2 Himachal Pradesh Food Craft Institute, Dharamsala 3 Food Craft Institute, Leh Jammu & Kashmir 4 Food Craft Institute, Jammu 5 Karnataka Food Craft Institute, Mysuru* 6 Food Craft Institute, Jabalpur Madhya Pradesh 7 Food Craft Institute, Rewa 8 Meghalaya Food Craft Institute, Tura* 9 Punjab Food Craft Institute, Hoshiarpur 10 Food Craft Institute, Ajmer Rajasthan 11 Food Craft Institute, Udaipur 12 Uttar Pradesh Food Craft Institute, Aligarh crackIAS.com13 West Bengal Food Craft Institute, Darjeeling

* Functional from temporary campus building.

Setting up of a new Food Craft Institute at Deoghar in Jharkhand was sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in 2017-18. No proposal to start the teaching session at Food Craft Institute, Deogarh has been received from the State Government of Jharkhand.

This information was given by Shri K. J. Alphons, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

*****

NB/JP

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crackIAS.com Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2019-01-01 YEAR END REVIEW – 2018 MINISTRY OF DEFENCE Relevant for: Science & Technology | Topic: Defence relatred developments

Ministry of Defence Year End Review – 2018 Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 31 DEC 2018 4:20PM by PIB Delhi

It was an eventful year for Ministry of Defence. Government of India took policy decision to set up two Defence Production Corridors, one each in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Tamil Nadu. These would go a long way in making India self-reliant in defence production through ‘Make in India’ initiatives. It was also a year of another milestone for women empowerment in the country when the first-ever all-women crew circumnavigated the globe in an indigenously built 56-foot Indian Navy Sailing Vessel, ‘INSV Tarini’. The achievement can be gauged from the fact that Prime Minster Shri Narendra Modi started his address to the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort on the 72nd Independence Day this year mentioning the feat only. He aptly said, “We have been celebrating this festival of independence, at a time when our daughters from states of Uttarakhand, Himachal, Manipur, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have come back after circumnavigating the seven seas. They have come back amongst us by (unfurling tricolour in seven seas) turning the seven seas into the colour of our Tricolour.”

The 10th edition of biennial 'DefExpo' was organised from April 11-14, 2018 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu successfully. It was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on April 12, 2018. The tagline of the event was ‘India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub’. India joined the elite group of nation which have developed the Air-to-Air refuelling system for military class aircraft when Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) 'Tejas' successfully completed mid-air refuelling trial by wet (actual) engagement, transferring 1,900 kgs fuel from IAF IL78 mid-air refuelling tanker on September 10, 2018. Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman launched ‘Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti’ on November 27, 2018. The main idea behind this is to migrate from the culture of seeking Transfer of Technology (ToT) from foreign sources to generating Intellectual Property in India, to achieve the goal of self-reliance in Defence sector.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the Combined Commanders’ Conference at Air Force Station, Jodhpur on September 28, 2018 and also launched ‘Parakram Parv’, there. Ministry of Defence enhanced financial decision-making powers of the Vice Chiefs of the three Services by five times to Rs 500 crores in order to expedite the decision making process involved in the revenue procurements of the Armed Forces. Raksha Mantri took this important decision to augment the arms and ammunition reserves of the Armed Forces to enhance their operational preparedness.Minister of External Affairs Smt Sushma Swaraj and Minister of DefencecrackIAS.com Smt Nirmala Sitharaman and Secretary of State of the United States Mr Michael Pompeo and Secretary of Defence Mr James Mattis had inaugural India-US Ministerial 2+2 Dialogue in New Delhi on September 6, 2018.

The four span of temporary bridge on the old Ferozpur-Lahore highway over river Satluj River (Hussainiwala Barrage) connecting Hussainiwala Enclave from Ferozpur has been replaced by constructing a new bridge. The bridge was dedicated to the nation by Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman on August 12, 2018. Hussainiwala is the place where freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, who made supreme sacrifice for their motherland, were cremated. Whenever the nation has faced calamities, the Armed Forces have been standing firm with helping hand in trying times. This year was no different. Armed Forces played pivotal role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) during natural disasters that include cyclone‘Titli’, Kerala floods, cyclone ‘Gaja’ saving many lives, livestock and property.

Department of Defence Production

1. Government of India has decided to set up two Defence Production corridors, one each in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Tamil Nadu. The Prime Minister during the UP Investors Meet held on February 21 to 22, 2018 alsoannouncedsettingup of onesuchcorridorintheBundelkhandRegionofUP.Forsettingup oftheproposedCorridorinUP, six nodalpointshavebeenidentifiedviz.Aligarh,Agra, Chitrakoot, Jhansi, Kanpur and Lucknow. The proposed corridors in TamilNadu are: Chennai, Coimbatore,Hosur,SalemandTiruchirappalli. The scheme envisages support to 06 to 08 Defence Testing Infrastructure (DTI), depending upon the requirement of the lab, to be set up with a total assistance grant ofRs 400 crore. The assistance for individual DTI set up under the scheme shall be 75 per cent of the approvedprojectcost.TheimplementationoftheschemewillbethroughaSpecialPurpose Vehicle(SPV)whichwillcarryoutthebusinessofsettingup,operatingandmaintainingthe DTIorthroughaGovernmentagency. 2. The 10th edition of 'DefExpo' was organised from April 11 to 14, 2018 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The DefExpo 2018 was formally inaugurated by the Prime Minister on April 12, 2018. It for the first time projected India's Defence manufacturing capabilities to the world. This was also reflected in the tagline for the Expo i.e. ‘India: The EmergingDefenceManufacturingHub’. 3. Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) a scheme of Department of Defence Production (DDP), formulated in collaboration with Start Up India and Atal Innovation Mission, with the objective of bringing Start-ups to solve problems of defence production, innovate new technologies required by defence forces and reduce dependence on imported technology was launched by the PM during DefExpo 2018 on 12.04.2018. iDEX is aimed at creation of an ecosystem to foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging Industries including MSMEs, Start-ups, Individual Innovators, R&D institutes and Academia and provide them grants/funding and other supporttocarryoutR&D. 4. Asregardslandsystems,OFBunveiledits155mmx52CalibreMountedGunSystem (MGS) and also showcased it prime product 155mm x 45 Calibre 'Dhanush' Artillery gun, Tank T-90, crackIAS.comT-72 Bridge Layer Tank as part of live demonstration equipment. OFBdisplayed its various weapon systems along with ammunition and related accessories. The other attractions of OFB pavilion was its AK-630 Naval gun, CRN-91, 20mm Anti Material Rifle "Vidhvansak", 7.62x51 mm Assault Rifle, 7.62x39mm Assault Rifle "GHAATAK", JVPC, 12 Bore Pump Action Gun, Assault Rifle 5.56mm INSAS IC, .32 revolver and dummy of large,mediumandsmallcalibreammunitionaswellasspecialprotectiveclothing. 5. A Defence Investor Cell has been made functional in Department of Defence Production (DDP).Itwill playanimportantroleinactingasone-step solutionforalltypesof defence production related queries. Nodal Officers have been designated, subject wise to respondtothequeries. 6. A new and simplified Make-II procedure has been launched in January 2018 for simplification of collaboration between Government and Private Indian Industry for indigenousdesign,developmentandmanufactureofdefenceequipment. 7. Maiden flight of indigenously developed Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) integrated on LCH has been conducted successfully by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on January 31, 2018. The flight was of 20 min duration and engagement of this system wasflawlessthroughouttheflight. 8. TheimproveddesignofHTFE-25(Core-2)enginerunwassuccessfullycarriedoutby HAL on January 10, 2018. The HTFE-25 Core-2 light up was flawless in the very first attempt. Its engine has an improved HP Compressor spool configuration to cater to upcomingtwin-spoolFullEnginedevelopment. 9. 3rd Scorpene Submarine of Project-75, 'Karanj' was launched by Mazagon Dock ShipbuildersLimited(MDL)on31.01.2018. 10. DDPhasdeclared236itemsasNon-coreintwophaseswhicharebeingproducedby OrdnanceFactoryBoard(OFB).Incontinuationtothesame,39moreitemshavebeenadded to the list on 16.01.2018. Therefore, we have now 275 items in total which have been declared asNon-coreandtheseitemscanbeprocuredbytheIndianDefenceForcesdirectly from the trade without seeking No Objection Certificate (NOC) from OFB. 11. AoN (Acceptance of Necessity) has been accorded for procurement of 7.44 lakh nos of Assault Rifles, 3.64 lakh nos of Close Quarter Carbines and 0.41 lakh nos of Light Machine Gun from the Indian Defence Industry. Twenty-five per cent of the above quantities have been reserved for OFB and the remaining 7 per cent will be procured from Indian Defence Industry throughcompetitivebiddingwhereinOFBwould beallowedtoparticipate. 12. Raksha Mantri and Telangana Minister for Industries and Information and Technology, Shri KT Rama Rao inaugurated the Tata Boeing Aerospace facility, a joint venture between Boeing Corporation and the Tata Group firm Tata Advanced Systems (TASL), for manufacturing of the fuselage for the AH-64 Apache combat helicopters at Hyderabad on March 1, 2018. The Company expects to begin commercial supply from its newly- opened facility by the end of the year. 13. The 3rd submarine of the Scorpene/Project-75 (Karanj), was launched by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) on January 31, 2018. 14. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka commissioned GSL built 'SLNS Sindurala' in Sri Lanka Navy on 19 April 2018 at Colombo Port. With delivery of this vessel on 22 March 2018, GSL has successfully completed this prestigious export project for constructing two largesizedAdvancedOffshorePatrolVessels(AOPVs)forSriLankaNavy. 15. All the DPSUs have migrated their website from.(dot)com to.(dot)in. 16. An Intellectual Property Rights Facilitation Cell has been created in DGQA with members crackIAS.comdrawn from OFB and DPSUs to facilitate innovations from the Ordnance FactoriesandDPSUs. It is established to create a structured mechanism and to boost IP culture which would enhance the intellectual capital i.e., vital for encouraging in house R&D in these organisations. Some of the role and responsibilities of the IPF Cell are to provide general advisory about IPRs, such as patents, trademarks, designsandcopyrightsetc.Forinitiating,theIPRtrainingandlecturesarebeing conducted. 17. As per provisional figures, Value of Production in respect of OFB and DPSUs has been increased by 8.21 per cent CAGR in Financial Year 2017-18 to Rs 58,759 crore against Rs 55,357 crore last FY (Rs in crore) S I DPSU 2016-17 2017-18 CA GR . 1 OFB 14825 14,829 9.28% 2 HAL 17104 17,200 1.83% 3 BEL 9244 10,667 17.01 4 BEML 2624 3,196 7.12% 5 BDL 4661 4,584 18.28% 6 MDL 3523 4,250 5.76% 7 GRSE 928 1,343 -5.92% 8 GSL 1030 1,370 33.95% 9 HSL 618 590 27.90% 1 MIDHANI 800 730 4.48% 0 TOTAL 55357 58,759 8.21%

18. All DPSUs have registered on Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) platform which enables buyers to negotiate better terms with MSME vendors and facilitates financingofTradereceivablesofMSME. 19. AcomprehensiveCyberSecurityFrameworkforDDPhasbeenformulatedtoensure a strong, robust and resilient Cyber Security environment within DDP and organizations under it. The Framework is based on a comprehensive risk management approach and its governancebyconsideringCyberSecurityrisks.Asacapacitybuildingactivity,workshopforCIS Osofvarioussubordinateoffices ofDDPisproposedtobeconductedonNovember 19,2018in NewDelhi. 20. On 26/06/2018, the Department of Defence Production notified a simplified procedureforissueofAuthorisationforexportofdefenceitems.Thesimplificationsinclude thefollowing:- In repeat orders of same product to the same entity, consultation process has been done away with and permission is issued immediately.Fortherepeatorderofsameproducttodifferententity,theconsultationearlierdone withallstakeholdersisnowlimitedonlywithMEA.In Intra-Company business (which is especially relevant for outsourcing of work by defence related parent company aboard to its subsidiary in India), the earlier requirement of getting End User Certificate (EUC) from crackIAS.comthe Government of importing country has been done away with and 'Buying' Company is authorized to issue theEUC.The legitimate export of the parts and components of small arms and body armour for civil use are now being permitted after prior consultation with MEA.For export of items for exhibition purposes, the requirement of consultation with stakeholders has been done way with (except for select countries).Delegation of powers to DRDO, DGOF, and CMD's of DPSUs for exploring export opportunities and participation in globaltenders. 21. Ordnance Factory in Avadi, Chennai 'Engine Factory Avadi (EVA)' has successfully indigenised two tank heavy vehicle engines viz. 1000 HP engine V92S2 engine for T-90 Bhisma Tank and V-46-6 engine for T-72 Ajeya Tank and its variants which were hitherto imported. The cost ofindigenised engine is nearly 50 per cent of imported engines andbasedoncommitteddemandofIndianArmy.Thiseffectisexpectedtosave Rs800 croretoGovernmentovernext10years. 22. Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman launched 'Defence India Startup Challenge' in Bengaluru on 4, August 2018 with the overall objective of making India self-reliant for meeting the requirements of national defence. In addition, following initiatives were launched by RM in thisevent. SPARK: Support for Prototype & Research Kickstart (in Defence)Framework for iDEXPartners'PromotionofStartupsunderMake-IIprocedureof DPP2016' 23. As a major boost to Defence export, the Department of Defence Production notified an Scheme for Promotion of Defence Exports on 04.10.2018. The Scheme provides two options: Ministry of Defence will certify products "Fit for Indian Military Use" if technically qualified during procurement process but not eventually selected for procurement.Potential Defence Exporters can get certification of products by Ministry of Defence (against a given set of specifications) even if product is not required by Indian Defence Forces. The scheme is expected to address a long-standing demand of defence and aerospaceindustry. 24. It has been decided to hold the 12th edition of "Aero India 2019" at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, from 20 to 24 February, 2019. This five-day event will combine a major trade exhibition for the aerospace and defence industries with public air shows. Aero India is a flagship event of MoD held every two years. As envisaged in Digital India Programme of Government of India, Aero India portal www.aeroindia.gov.inis the single window online facility for all interfaces with industry and public. It has made an arrangement for registration by participants, booking of space by exhibitors, bookings of meetings/venues, etc. completely online through website (https://aeroindia.gov.in/AeroIndia).The payments being received for these booking are totally online and the exhibitors are able to monitor online the space booked by them. This has made the system easy and transparent with no room for interference from any one, which is similar to other world famousinternationaleventsbeingorganisedthesedays.Till31st October,almost70 per cent ofthe space available at the venue is already booked. Since, early bird discount was offered up to that date. 25. HAL's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) 'Tejas' has successfully completed mid-air refuelling trial by wet (actual) engagement, transferring 1900 kgs fuel from IAF IL78 mid-air refuelling tanker on September10, 2018. The refuelling was carried out at an altitude of 20,000 feet and aircraftspeedof270knotstorefuelalltheinternaltanksanddroptanks.Withthis,Indiajoinsthe elite group of countries who have developed the Air-to-Air (AAR) refuelling system for military class ofaircraft. 26.crackIAS.comIn order to simplify Defence Exports, DDP has further amended the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on 01.11.2018. This is third such amendment which has significantly enhanced ease-of-doing business in defence exports. A new software for submission of application by the Industry and for processing the application in the Department has also been launched in the month of October, 2018. The digitally signed export authorisation is accessible to the exporters. The new online system also provides for online consultation with the stakeholders including MEA, DRDO, Indian Army, Air Force andNavy. 27. Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman launched ‘Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti’ on November 27, 2018. It is part of the ongoing initiatives to enhance self-reliance in defence, the Department of Defence Production has instituted a new framework titled ‘Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti’ which aims to provide a boost to the Intellectual Property Rights culture in indigenous defence industry. The main idea behind this is to migrate from the culture of seeking Transfer of Technology (ToT) from foreign sources to generating Intellectual Property in India, to achieve the goal of self-reliance in Defence sector. 28. Ministry of Defence enhancedfinancial decision-making powers of the vice chiefs of Tri- Services by five timesin order to expedite the decision making process involved in the revenue procurements of the Armed Forces. With the new delegation, the Vice Chiefs will be able to exercise financial powers upto five times more than the existing powers with an enhanced ceiling of Rs. 500 crores. This is likely to give another fillip to the capacity of the three Armed Forces.Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman took this important decision to augment the arms and ammunition reserves of the Armed Forces to enhance their operational preparedness. 29. Minister of External Affairs Smt Sushma Swaraj and Minister of Defence Smt Nirmala Sitharaman and Secretary of State of the United States Mr Michael Pompeo and Secretary of Defence Mr James Mattis had inaugural India-US Ministerial 2+2 Dialogue in New Delhi on September 6, 2018. Celebrating over 70 years of diplomatic cooperation, they reaffirmed their view that India and the US, as sovereign democracies founded on the values of freedom, justice and commitment to the rule of law, must continue to lead global efforts to promote peace, prosperity and security. Recognising their two countries are strategic partners, the Ministers committed to work together on regional and global issues, including in bilateral, trilateral and quadrilateral formats. The Ministers reaffirmed the strategic importance of India’s designation as a Major Defense Partner (MDP) of the United States and committed to expand the scope of India’s MDP status and take mutually agreed upon steps to strengthen defence ties further and promote better defence and security coordination and cooperation.

Indian Army

1. Internal Security Situation in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K): The security situation in J&K despite a lot of challenges has been brought under control. Relentless operations by the Army both, along the Line of Control (LoC) and in the hinterland have thwarted the designs of giving a fillip to the proxy war being waged against India. Army along with CAPF and JKP continues to put in pressure to bring back normalcy to the Kashmir Valley.

2. Internal Security Situation in North East: Intelligence based operations have been launched along the Inda-Myanmar border to maintain peace in the region and to effectively neutralise the terrorists. Indian Army has continued the people friendly operations to help the locals.crackIAS.com 3. Situation along LAC: Indian Army is well poised all along the LAC and status quo is being ensured.

Training Events & Military Exercises

4. lndo-French Joint Military Exercise: lndo-French joint military exercise was conducted at Mailly Le Camp, France from January 28 to February 04, 2018. The aim of the exercise was to acquaint both forces with their operating procedures for counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations under UN mandate. 5. lndo-Malaysian Joint Military Exercise: The first ever joint exercise between Indian and Malaysian armies 'HARIMAU SHAKTI - 2018' was held from April 30 to May 13, 2018 in the forests of Sengai Perdik Hulu Langat, Malaysia. 4 grenadiers from Indian Army and 1 Royal Ranger Regiment and Royal Malay Regiment participated in the exercise. The first ever such exercise between the two countries aimed at training of troops in counter insurgency operations in jungle terrain. It has laid the groundwork for future editions.

6. lndo-Nepal Joint Military Exercise: 'SURYA KIRAN - XIII' was conducted in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand from May 30 to June 12, 2018. The battalion level exercise focused on counter terrorism operations in mountainous terrain.

7. lndo-Thailand Joint Military Exercise: lndo-Thai Joint Military Exercise 'MAITREE' was held in Thailand from August 06-19, 2018. The exercise was aimed at training the troops in counter insurgency & counter terrorism operations under the United Nations mandate. Both sides jointly trained, planned and executed a series of well-developed tactical drills for neutralization of likely threats that may be encountered in urban warfare scenario.

8. Multinational Joint Military Exercise SCO Peace Mission 2018: India participated for the first time in the fifth edition of the joint multinational military exercise SCO Peace Mission between August 24-29, 2018. The joint exercise exhibited the combat power and dominance of the participating armies over extremist groups in simulated realistic situation.

9. lndo-US Joint Military Exercise: The 14th edition of lndo¬ US Joint military Exercise 'YUDHABHYAS 2018' was conducted at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand from September 16 to 29, 2018. The two week-long event saw both the armies hone their tactical and technical skills in countering insurgency and terrorism in a UN peacekeeping scenario involving a combined deployment at a brigade level. The Indian contingent was represented a battalion from Garud Brigade, Surya Command while the US contingent was from 1st Infantry Battalion of 23 Infantry Regiment, 2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team and 7 Infantry Division.

10. lndo-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise: The third edition of joint military training exercise between Indian Army and Kazakhstan Army was held at Otar Military station, Kazakhstan. Ex KAZIND 2018, a 14 day long joint exercise was conducted from September 10 to 23, 2018. The Kazakh contingent was represented by Military Base 85395 while the Indian side was represented by 5 Ladakh Scouts Regiment. Both sides jointly trained, planned and executed a series of well developed tactical drills for neutralisation of likely threats that may be encountered in urban warfare scenario.

11. Multinational Joint Exercise of BIMSTEC Nations: Military field training exercise for BIMSTEC nations, MILEX-2018, was conducted between September 10-16, 2018. Aaim of the exercise was to collectively train BIMSTEC nations in planning and conduct of counter terrorist operations in a semi urban focus of the exercise was to train and equip the contingents to undertakecrackIAS.com joint counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations in urban and semi-urban terrain. Training contingents comprised of platoon strength from 1st Gorkha Rifles of the Army and 32 Regiment from Japanese ground Self Defence Forces.

12. lndo-Japan Joint Military Exercise: The first of its own kind, an lndo-Japan joint military exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN 2018 was conducted at CIJWS, Vairengte from November 01 to 14, 2018. The primary aim was to in and equip the contingents undertake joint counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations in urban and semi urban terrain. The training contingents comprised of platoon strength from 1st Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army and 32 Regiment from the Japanese ground Self Defence Forces. 13. lndo-Russia Joint Military Exercise: Tenth edition of lndo-Russian joint military Exercise INDRA was conducted at Sabina Military station from November 18 to 28, 2018. The aim of the exercise was to practice joint planning and conduct to enhance interoperability of the two armies in peace keeping and enforcement environment under the aegis of United Nations.

14. lndo-Maldives Joint Military Exercise: Ninth edition of lndo-Maldives joint military exercise EKUVERIN 2018 was conducted at Maafilaafushi, Maldives between December 14-29, 2018. The Indian Army contingent comprised of officers and troops from the MADRAS Regiment while Maldives was represented by officers and marines of MNDF. The primary focus of the exercise was to train and equip the contingents to undertake joint counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations in rural/ urban environment.

15. Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai training Afghan lady officers: As part of a continued effort of training being imparted by the Army to women officers from abroad, the women officers of the Afghan Army and Air Force were trained on basic military aspects including physical training, weapon training, tactics, communication skills and leadership at OTA, Chennai from November 26 to December 22, 2018.

16. lndo-China Joint Military Exercise: 7th Sino -India joint exercise Hand-in-Hand 2018 was held from December 10 to 23, at Chengdu, China. Company size contingents of 11 SIKHLI from Indian Army and a regiment from Tibetan Military District of People's Liberation Army participated in the exercise. The Indian contingent was led by Col Puneet Pratap Singh Tomar, Commanding Officer, 11 SIKHLI, while the Chinese contingent was led by Col Zhou Jun. The exercise will consist of a balance of indoor classes and outdoor training activities: The aim of the exercise is to build and promote close relations between armies of both the countries and to enhance ability of the joint exercise commander to take military contingents of both nations under command. The exercise will involve tactical level operations in an international counter insurgency/counter terrorism environment under UN mandate.

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief

17. Floods in North Eastern States of India (June 2018): Army columns were deployed for rescue and relief operations during floods and landslides in the north eastern states of Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. Approximately six lakh people were affected by the floods. A total of 430 people in Manipur and 930 people in Tripura were rescued by Assam Rifles and Indian Army.

18. Kerala Floods (August 2018): Army columns were deployed for rescue and relief operations in the devastated flood affected areas Kerala's Kannur, Wayanad Kozhikode Malappuram, ldukki and Ernakulam districts. Indian Army deployed ten columns and ten Engineering Task Force (ETF) teams with 60 boats and 100 life jackets. Army also constructed 13 temporarycrackIAS.com bridges to reconnect 38 remote areas and evacuated 3,627 people. Sports & Adventure

19. Asian Dragon Boat Championship: Naib Subedar Suraj Singh Negi participated in the 5th Asian Dragon Bat Championship at Dali, China between May 05-08, 2018 as captain of 10 metre mixed 500 metre event and won bronze medal for the country.

20. Youth Olympic Games: Jeremy Lalrinnuga, trained in Boys Sports Company, Army Sports Institute Pune created history by lifting total of 274 kilogramme of weight and winning first ever Gold medal for India in 62 kg weight category in the 3rd Youth Olympic Games at Buenos Aires, Argentina. 21. Asian Yoga Sports Championship: Gunner (Operator) Sandeep Chate of Artillery Regiment bagged a Gold representing India and beating 15 other participants from different countries at 8th Asia Yoga Sports Championship held at Thiruvananthapuram between September 27-30, 2018.

22. Junior Asian Athletics: Recruit Ajeet Kumar of Madras Engineers Group, Bangalore won Gold in 5,000 meter race in Junior Asian Athletics Championship held at Gifu.

Miscellaneous Events

23. President awards Padma Shri Sepoy Murlikant Rajaram Petkar (Retd): President Shri Ram Nath Kovind presented Padma Shri to Sepoy Murlikant Rajaram Petkar, retired war veteran of victorious 1965 war on March 20, 2018, who later won Paralympic Gold in 50 metre free style swimming. He sustained grave injuries, including multiple gunshot wounds but trained relentlessly and achieved inspiring glory.

28. Visit of President to Siachen Glacier: President Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Supreme commander of armed forces, visited the world's highest battlefield, Siachen Glacier on May 10, 2018. He addressed troops at the Siachen Base camp and profusely praised the efforts of the soldiers deployed in the harsh climatic conditions assuring that their interests are paramount in the heart of the nation.

24. Army's Kashmir Super-30 (Medical) Initiative: On June 12, 2018; a prestigious centre for Kashmir Super 30 (medical) project was inaugurated by the Chinar Corps commander, Srinagar. The project has been conceptualised by the Army which is a residential programme providing coaching and guidance to children for medical coaching and guidance to children for medical entrance exam for 12 months.

25. Samba Super 40: Samba Super 40 Project under the aegis of Gurj Div was initiated to provide quality training to young NOA/CDS aspirants of Samba area as per UPSC curriculum. The project involved identification, screening and selection of potential candidates. Extensive interactions were done by Army officers of Samba brigade at Samba, Vijaypur and Kathua schools and colleges. 36 students were shortlisted out of which two boys and one girl have cleared the written exam. They will now be coached further for SSB.

26. Rescue by Indian Army in Arunachal Pradesh: Indian Army rescued locals and tourists in 320 vehicles who were stuck in sub-zero temperature on March 12, 2018 in an unexpected heavy snowfall near Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh. Three teams of Indian Army worked relentlessly till the last person and vehicle were brought to safety.

27. Celebration of Parakram Parv:Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the Combined Commanders Conference at the Air Force Station in Jodhpuron September 28, 2018 and alsocrackIAS.com launched ‘Parakram Parv’ there.He also paid homage to martyrs at Konark War Memorial in the city. In the visitors’ book, the PM wrote that the country is proud of the Armed Forces who are dedicated and committed to protecting the Motherland. Raksha Mantri Shrimati Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated 'Parakram Parv' celebrations at India Gate on September 29, 2018. The ceremony was attended by military and civil dignitaries and large number of school children and NCC cadets. Similar celebrations were observed at various locations around the country.

Indian Navy Overseas Operations

1. Western Fleet (WF) Overseas Deployment (OSD): Western Fleet ships comprising Mumbai and Trikand were deployed for Western FleetOverseas Deployment from April 15 to May 23, 2018. During the deployment, the ships along with P8I aircraft participated in Phase III of EX-VARUNA, at/off Reunion Island, from May 01-07, 2018. Western Fleet ships comprising Kolkata and Trikand participated in exercise IBSAMAR at Simons Town, South Africa from October 01-13, 2018. 2. Malabar 18 and RIMPAC: Eastern Fleet ships comprising Sahyadri, Kamorta and Shakti were deployed for Eastern Fleet Overseas Deployment. The ships along with P8I aircraft participated in Exercise Malabar at Guam. On completion of Malabar 18, Kamorta and Shakti returned Visakhapatnam on July 07, 2018. Sahyadri thereafter participated in exercise RIMPAC at Hawaii and Kakadu at Darwin and finally arrived at Visakhapatnam on September 29, 2018. 3. International Fleet Review at Jeju:Eastern Fleet ship INSRana was deployed for Eastern FleetOverseas Deployment from September 17 to November 24, 2018. The ship participated in International Fleet Review at Jeju, South Korea between October 08-15, 2018. The ship participated in IND-INDO Bilateral exercise at Surabaya, Indonesia from November 12-16, 2018. 4. Overseas Deployment of 1 Training Squadron (1TS): Ships of 1 Training Squadron consisting of IN Ships Tir, Sujata, Sudarshini, Shardul and ICG Ship Sarathi were deployed in South-East Asia as part of training deployment from September 20 to October 22, 2018. The ships visited Lumut, Malaysia, Singapore and Jakarta, Indonesia. During the deployment IN ships Tir, Sujata and Shardul were diverted off Palu, Indonesia, to provide relief assistance to the Tsunami affected Island of Sulawesi. Naval Operations/activities

5. Mission Based Deployments: Mission Based Deployments were implemented by Indian Navy (IN) in a phased manner, with an aim to safeguard national maritime interests and maintain continuous/near continuous presence in areas of significant maritime importance in the IOR. These deployments are in consonance with the PM's vision of 'Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)'. Since the inception of Mission Based Deployment in June 2017, IN ships and aircraft are being regularly deployed in the Gulf of Oman/Persian Gulf, Gulf of Aden/Red Sea, South and Central Indian Ocean Region (IOR), off Sunda Strait, Andaman Sea/ approaches to Malacca Strait and Northern Bay of Bengal. 6. IN Operational Exercises: In order to remain combat ready at all the time IN crackIAS.comconducted Command level operational exercises ENCORE-18 (Eastern Naval Command), XPL-18 (Western Naval Command) and SHIKSHA-18 (Operational level war gaming exercise). These exercises also saw participation from the Army, Air Force and Coast Guard. The exercises facilitate refining of IN war plans, address Op Logistics issues and provide platform for smooth transition from peace to conflict. Foreign Cooperation

7. Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): The IONS presently has 24 member countries with eight countries with observer status. Iran is the current ‘Chair’ of IONS. The construct has become an important Maritime construct to promote maritime cooperation amongst the member countries. During the Conclave of Chiefs held in Tehran in April 2018, it was decided to conduct the IONS Anti-piracy exercise by Iran in 2019 and India assumed Chairmanship of IWG Information Sharing and Interoperability (IS&I). Indian Navy also conducted commemorative activities for IONS 10th anniversary between November 13-14, 2018 at Kochi. Events included commemorative Seminar, Tall ship sail together from Kochi to Muscat and release of Special Day cover. Chiefs of 11 navies and 27 countries participated in the event. 8. MILAN-18: MILAN-18 was conducted at Port Blair from March 06-13, 2018. More than 30 delegates from 16 countries and 11 ships from eight countries participated in the MILAN. A Table-Top Exercise focussing on ‘Enhancing Regional Cooperation for Combating Unlawful Activities at Sea’ and a seminar on the theme ‘In pursuit of Maritime Good Order – Need for Comprehensive Information Sharing Apparatus‘ was conducted during the ‘Harbour Phase’. In the ‘Sea Phase’ participating ships undertook various exercises aimed at harnessing inter-operability in a variety of maritime scenarios including ‘Search and Rescue’ and ‘Maritime Interdiction Operations’. 9. Supply of 2nd Dornier to Seychelles: Second Dornier aircraft was handed over to Seychelles Air Force on June 25, 2018 at a ceremony held in New Delhi. Deputy Chief of Naval Staff represented IN along with other Flag Officers during the ceremony. The first Dornier was supplied to Seychelles in January 2013. 10. 37th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica: Hydrographic survey team consisting of one Long Hydrography course qualified officer and one Hydrographic sailor participated in the 37th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica from December 2017 to March 2018 for surveying India Bay area. Important Events of Interest

11. MLAs/MPs/State Government Officials Day at Sea: Prime Minister during Combined Commanders’ Conference 2015 directed IN to conduct day at sea for MP/MLA and State Government officials of the Coastal states of India. Till date, familiarisation sorties have been conducted for the states of West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. MLAs/ MPs/State Government officials ‘Day at Sea’ for Maharashtra was conducted on April 08, 2018, off Mumbai. A total of 146 MPs/MLAs/State Government officials including the Chief Minister embarked five IN ships for the ‘Day at Sea’. 12. North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission: The 18th North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission (NIOHC) Conference was conducted from April 09-12, 2018 at Vasco-da-Gama, Goa by the Indian Naval Hydrographic Department (INHD). The Conference was chaired by VAdm Vinay Badhwar, NM, Chief Hydrographer and crackIAS.comChairman NIOHC. A total of 64 foreign delegates from International Hydrographic Organisation, Member States/countries and industries participated. 13. Artificial Intelligence:In pursuance of Govt. of India’s initiative for harnessing technological advancements in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), a Task Force to study strategic implementation of AI for National Security and Defence was set up by MoD/DDP in February 2018. The Task Force consisted of eminent personalities from DRDO, BARC, IITs, Defence PSUs, industry and members from the three services. The Task Force report, which was submitted to Raksha Mantri on June 30, 2018, broadly included AI ‘Use Cases’ for implementation by three services, allocation of a portion of defence budget for AI projects, building up AI expertise and setting up AI command structure. INon its part has divided the AI use cases on the basis of short, medium and long term basis for implementation and is progressing four AI based proof-of-concept projects. 14. Navika Sagar Parikrama: INSV Tarini returned to India on May 21, 2018, on completion of the first Indian all-women circumnavigation of the globe. This is the first-ever Indian circumnavigation of the globe by an all-women crew.The vessel was flagged-in by Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman at Goa. The crew met Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiin New Delhi on May 23, 2018 and President at Rashtrapati Bhawan on June 01, 2018. The vessel covered 22,300 Nm during the voyage and met all the following criteria of circumnavigation. The expedition was in consonance with the National policy to empower women to attain their full potential. It also depicted ‘Nari Shakti’ on the world platform and helped discard the societal attitudes and mindset towards women in India by raising visibility of their participation in challenging environs. Also, the indigenously built 56-foot sailing vessel, INSV Tarini showcased the ‘Make in India’ initiative on the International forum. SAR and HADR

15. Diving and Rescue Assistance: The Navy continued to provide rescue assistance to local authorities for Search and Rescue (SAR) of personnel having fallen into water bodies or drowned therein. In the on-going year, assistance has been provided for 110 requests. For SAR of a boat capsized in Godavari river on May 15, 2018, extensive air searches were provided by two Chetak helicopters, one UH3H and one DO. 16. CycloneBerguitta – Mauritius: A Tropical depression ‘Berguitta’ crossed Mauritius on January 18, 2018. Based on request from HCI, Mauritius and MoD directives, INS Sarvekshak handed over relief materiel comprising provisions, clothing items and medicines to the Government of Mauritius on January 27, 2018. 17. Transhipment of Humanitarian Aid to Chittagong:IN ship Airavat was deployed for transhipment of Humanitarian aid to Chittagong from 05 – 14 May 18. A total of 345 tons of relief material was handed over to the Bangladesh Government. 18. Very Severe cyclone'Titli': On October 11, 2018, information was received at Eastern Naval Command, Vishakhapatnam regarding landfall of Very Severe cyclone'Titli' at Srikakulam. Based on assistance sought by the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, IN provided HADR and SAR assistance including air dropping of 3,000 food packets and 5,500 kgs of relief material at various locations, in coordination with the State administration. The IN teams were de- inducted on October 15, 2018. 19.crackIAS.comGolden Globe Race: Commander Abhilash Tomy participated in the Golden Globe Race 2018, which is a 30,000 nautical mile solo sailing race around the world. It was started on July 01, 2018 from Les Sables-d’Olonne, France. On September 21, 2018, whilst Cdr Abhilash Tomy was contesting in the 3rd position, his yacht ‘SV Thuriya’ dismasted in rough seas in the Indian Ocean, injuring him. He was stranded 3,200 km off the coast of Western Australia after the incident. In a joint rescue operation (India, France and Australia), led by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Canberra, Cdr Tomy was rescued on 24 Sep 18 by the French fishing vessel Osiris and brought to Ile De Amsterdam for receiving medical care. IN ship Satpura embarked Cdr Tomy from Ile De Amsterdam and brought him back to India. International Level Sports Championships

20. Hong Kong Gymnastics Championship: Rakesh Patra, (CPO PT), participated in Honk Kong Gymnastics Competition held between January20-21, 2018 and won 03 Gold medals. 21. President Cup:NT Lalbiakkima, SEA II (GS), of Navy Boxing team represented the country during President Cup held between June04-11, 2018 at Astana, Kazakhistan and won Bronze medal. 22. International Masters, Dubai: Rohit Kumar, PO ELA (R) and Surjeet, PO (GS), of Navy Kabaddi team represented the country in International Masters, Dubai from June 22-30, 2018 and won Gold medal. 23. Asian Wrestling Championship: Sachin Rathi, Sea II (GW), of Navy Wrestling team won Gold medal during the Junior Asian Wrestling Championship held from July 20-22, 2018 at New Delhi. 24. 2018 World Wrestling Championship: Vijay, SEA II (GW), won silver medal the World Wrestling Championship held between September 17-23, 2018 at Tranav, Slovakia. Mountaineering Adventures

25. All Women Expedition to Mt Deotibba: An all women Naval Mountaineering Expedition to Mt Deotibba was successfully conducted from May 28, 2018. Mt Deotibba is the second highest peak (6,001 mtr) in the Pir-Panjal range of Himachal Pradesh. The expedition has laid foundation for all women mountaineering team to scale many more challenging peaks in the near future. The team summited the peak on June 10, 2018. 26. Mt Menthosa (6,443 mtr) Expedition: A ten member mountaineering expedition to Mt Menthosa was flagged off from Kochi on Sep 21, 2018. The team successfully submitted the peak on Oct 16, 2018. The team comprised of three officers and seven sailors.

THE INDIAN AIR FORCE

AcquisitioncrackIAS.com 1. Rafale: Rafale is an omni-role fighter aircraft which will provide long range capability to engage targets in depth and will provide a strong weapons and systems capability edge over our adversaries. The weapon package includes air-to-air Beyond Visual Range (BVR) METEOR missile and long range SCALP precision guided air-to-ground weapon. In addition, the Rafale for IAF has specific enhancements, including capability for high altitude engine start for undertaking high altitude operations.

2. Hercules C-130J-30:C-130J is a medium sized, all weather transport aircraft capable of inter theatre and intra theatre airlift operations. It is capable of delivering combat troops/personnel or cargo by airdrop or air-landed operations. IAF has also enhanced the night operational capability of the aircraft by procuring latest generation Night Vision Goggles.

3. Chinook Heavy Lift Helicopters:Fifteen Chinook Heavy Lift Helicopters will be delivered to the IAF from March 2019 onwards. A team of aircrew and ground crew have commenced training on the Chinook in USA.

Upgrades

4. Mirage-2000 Upgrade:Upgrade of Mirage-2000 aircraft is being undertaken by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The upgrade programme includes a new, more powerful upgraded radar, new avionics suite and integration of weapons. The upgrade was undertaken in two phases. Initial Operation Clearance (IOC) Design and Development (D&D), was completed at OEM facilities’ in France and the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) D&D was completed in March 2018.

5. MiG-29 Upgrade:The MiG-29 Upgrade Contract was signed with the OEM for upgrade and life extension of MiG-29 aircraft. The first phase of the project was Design & Development (D&D), which was completed on six aircraft in Russia. The second phase was Series Upgrade of the remaining aircraft at the Base Repair Depot of the Indian Air Force. The upgraded aircraft are now being used for routine operations in frontline squadrons. The upgraded aircraft is equipped with state of the art avionics, an array of smart air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons and in-flight refuelling.

6. UAV Upgrade: A combined case for upgrade of Heron UAV systems for three Services (IAF-10) is in progress and IAF is the lead service. Identification of Friend or Foe and Traffic Collision Avoidance System are some features that will be part of the upgrade. Contract negotiations have been concluded.

Operations

7. Aircraft Accident Rates: The annual aircraft accident rates, calculated as number of Cat I accidents per 10,000 hours of flying during the financial year, have shown a progressive decline over the years. Cat I accident rates observed over past forty eight

years are as follows:

8. Flying Effort: There has been an increase in flying effort and reduction of accident rate, which indicates proactive safety measures undertaken by the IAF. Financial year wise flying effortscrackIAS.com by IAF for the past ten financial years are as follows:

Make Projects

9. AEW&C (Indigenous):The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) sanctioned the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Project on October 06, 2004. Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) was designated as nodal agency to indigenously design and develop operational AEW&C systems for IAF. The AEW&C System is a system of systems consisting of Primary Radar (PR), Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR), Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system, and Communication Support Measures (CSM) system, Self-Protection Suits (SPS), Mission Communication System (MCS) and Data Links on board Embraer-145 aircraft. The aircraft is capable of air-to-air refuelling for achieving extended endurance.

10. AWACS (India): Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS-India) consists of sensors mounted on a transport aircraft for locating airborne and sea surface targets and picking up hostile emissions. The aircraft sensors provide comprehensive information to the onboard mission controllers and ground stations through a sophisticated communication data link. The system provides advance warning for approaching low flying hostile targets.

Exercise

11. Ex Gagan Shakti:IAF conducted PAN India Exercise Gaganshakti 2018 between April 08-22, 2018. The aim of the exercise was real time coordination and employment of air power in a short and intense battle scenario. A major highlight of the exercise was a very high availability and reliability of all combat assets including aircraft, missile systems and radars. High tempo operations also enabled the IAF to ascertain sustainability of the logistics chain.

12. Ex Pitch Black-2018(OUT EX): Ex Pitch Black (Ex PB) is a biennial exercise conducted by Royal Australian Air Force. Ex PB-18 was the inaugural exercise for IAF conducted from Jul 19 to August 18, 2018, at Darwin, Australia. IAF participated with 04 x Su-30MKI, 01 x C-17 and 01 x C-130J aircraft along with 145 IAF personnel. Hop exercise was conducted at Subang, Malaysia during the transit to Malaysia.

13. International Army Games-2018 (OUT EX): Two observers (each) represented IAF in “UAV Competition” at Kazakhstan from 06-08 Aug 18 and in “Ex Aviadarts (Air to Ground firing competition)” at Russia from August 03-04, 2018.

14. Ex Aviaindra-2018 [Phase-I (IN Ex) & Phase-II (OUT Ex)]: The exercise was planned in two phases. Phase-II was held at Lipetsk, Russia between September 17-28, 2018 and Phase-I was held at Jodhpur, India from December 10-21, 2018. Russian IAF participated with 30 members during the exercise.

15. Ex Cope India-18: United States Air Force and Indian Air Force participated in an exercise, ‘Cope India’. It was conducted at Kalaikunda and Panagarh from December 03-14 18. USAF participated with 12X F15 C/D and 03XC-130. Observers from Japan Air Self Defence Force also participated in the exercise.

HADR 16. crackIAS.com HADR Seminar: HQ Western Air Command conducted a seminar on Human Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) in May 2018. It was attended by representatives of the Army, HQ Integrated Defence Staff and State Disaster Management Authorities of J&K, HP, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Delhi.

17. Annual Jt HADR Exercise:Based on the directions of Prime Minister, Annual Jt HADR exercise was conducted at Allahabad between September 25-26, 2018. Scenario of earthquake along Dehradun, Bareilly and Gorakhpur axis was simulated as part of the exercise. The exercise was conducted by IAF and various agencies involved in HADR operations including NDMA, NDRF, state govt and other civil agencies till the municipal level participated in the exercise. 18. Flash Floods Maharashtra:On 07 Jul 18, helicopter undertook rescue of five stranded civilians near Chinchoti waterfall in Palghar, Maharashtra.

19. Flood Relief in Kerala. IAF launched rescue and relief operations after the devastating floods in Aug 2018. Fortyseven aircraft (05xC-17, 03xIL-76, 05xC-130 and 10xAn-32 and 24 helicopters) took part in the rescue and relief operations in Kerala. During the HADR mission, IAF ac airlifted 4,209 passengers and 1,554 T of load and flew 1,121 sorties and 1404 hrs.

Publicity Efforts

20. Maintenance of Career Website: IAF maintains a career website www.careerindianairforce.cdac.in, which contains all the induction and selection related information. The website is used for online registration and conduct of online examination. Information regarding various stages of selection process i.e., from releasing of advertisement to final merit lists are upgraded regularly on the website.

21. Print Advertisement: Advertisement for all the entries is released in Employment News, various magazines and also as newspaper advertisement in vernacular language on pan India basis.

Training

22. e-Training. In line with Digital India initiative of Government of India, IAF has taken a lead to bring about a paradigm change in the present training methodology for ab-initio air- warriors. Towards this, a pilot e-training project was introduced for 400 ab-initio trainees of Elect fit trade at Electrical and Instrumentation Training Institute (E & ITI) at Air Force Station Jalahalli, Bengaluru. Trainees and instructors were provided with ‘tablets’, integrated through a wireless network. Users are able to refer to training material loaded into a central server at their own place, within the Wi-Fi coverage area of the unit. The Pilot Project (Phase I) to implement e- training has proven to be very successful and is planned to be implemented at all training establishments and training institutes.

Women Empowerment

25. Induction of Women Pilots in the Fighter Stream. The IAF has been at the vanguard of providing greater opportunities to women and has pioneered the entry of women as officers in the flying and ground duty branches. Since 1993, women are being inducted as Short Service Commissioned officers in all branches and streams of the IAF except the fighter stream. The IAF has recently revised Short Service Commission (SSC) scheme to induct women into the fighter stream on an experimental basis for a period of five years. The first batch of three women officers were commissioned into the fighter stream in 2016. These three women fighter pilots are postedcrackIAS.com to frontline fighter squadrons. Miscellaneous

26. Vintage Flight. IAF maintain and operates Tiger Moth, Harvard and Dakota vintage aircraft. These aircraft represent an important part of Indian aviation and IAF heritage. These aircraft are presently operating in IAF colours and have regaled audiences all over the country, as they have been an integral part of most flypasts and air displays of National importance. Their presence over Indian skies serves to remind Indian Citizens of our rich aviation heritage and motivates countless youngsters to become a part of the IAF.

28 ATF Online Payment. CDA (AF) has started releasing payment online to M/s IOCL against the ATF bills received through ‘ATF DIP’ (OJAS) software and the same has been successfully implemented by IAF.

Indian Coast Guard

Operations

1. Extended EEZ surveillance: In addition to undertaking maritime surveillance in Maritime Zone of India, ICG ships and aircraft are also deployed for undertaking maritime surveillance of littoral states. In 2018, ICG undertook three extended EEZ deploymentsin the Maldivian EEZ, by ICG ship Sarathi in February-April, 2018 and ICGS Samarth in April-May, 2018 followed by one ICG Dornier Aircraft in July-August 2018.

Coastal Security

2. Coastal Security Exercises: Indian Coast Guard, in coordination with Navy, has been undertaking patrolling and surveillance of the entire coastline. Since 2009, a total of 180 Coastal Security Exercises have been conducted for ensuring effectiveness of the coordinated patrolling and validation of Standard Operating Procedure.

3. Coastal Security Operations: With the sustained impetus on Coastal Security total of 351 Coastal Security Operations have been conducted since 2009, in coordination with all stakeholders.

Search and Rescue

4. Indian Coast Guard is the national coordinating agency for maritime search and rescue in the vast 4.6 million square kiolometres of Indian Search and Rescue Region. Director General Indian Coast Guard is the Chairman of National Maritime Search and Rescue Board which is responsible to coordinate M-SAR related matters.

5. Distress Beacon Exercise: In order to enhance efficacy of M-SAR construct, series of Beacon exercises are being conducted. The 14th and 15th exercise was conducted on May, 23- 25 and September, 26-28, 2018 respectively. Active participation was witnessed from Defence and Civil and a total of 96 beacons were tested in 2018.

6. SAR Exercises:With imperatives to validate the National Maritime SAR plan and to exercise the resource agencies for enhanced operability towards collaborative approach for strengthening the maritime SAR mechanism, Maritime Search and Rescue exercises were conducted under the aegis of NMSAR Board. Large scale participation of National Maritime SAR BoardcrackIAS.com Member agencies, stake holders, resource agencies, national and international observers was witnessed during the exercises conducted in 2018 which are as under:-

(a) National Maritime Search and Rescue Workshop & Exercise (SAREX-18) conducted between January 16-17, 2018 off Chennai. The SAR exercise was in series of the biennial exercise conducted by ICG.

(b) Regional Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise Mar 19 & 21, 2018 off Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

7. Maritime SAR Workshop & Interactive Sessions: Under the aegis of NMSAR Board, ICG took the initiative of conducting Maritime SAR Workshop & interactive session for mariners, fisherman and stake holders. These initiatives were aimed towards building up a collaborative approach for strengthening safety of fisher-folks and mariners and enthusing safety consciousness among coastal communities.

8. SAR Communication Exercise:With a view to reinforce our operational linkages with leading Maritime SAR service providers in the Indian Ocean Region, MRCC (Mumbai), MRCC (Chennai) and MRCC (Port Blair) conducted Search and Rescue Communication Exercises (SARCOMEX) with friendly countries in the year 2018, that include Oman, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Qatar, South Korea, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Australia.

9. XVII National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board Meeting.The XVII National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSARB) meeting was held at Vigyan Bhawan Annex, New Delhi on Jul 05, 2018 under the chairmanship of Director General, ICG and Chairman, National Maritime Search & Rescue Board, Shri Rajendra Singh.The meeting was attended by all the board members alongwith other special invitees alongwith Fisheries department representatives from five States. Various issues related with safety of fishermen and mariners were reviewed and discussed. During the meeting annual NMSAR awards were also distributed by the Chairman, NMSAR Board. The ‘ICG SAR Award for Fisherman’ was awarded to Shri Milan Shankar Tare, Owner & Master of fishing boat ‘Dharti’ for saving 12 lives from sinking fishing boat ‘Shivneri’ 33 NM off Tarapur, Maharashtra.

Aid to Civil Authority

10. Ganesh Utsav-2018: During immersion ceremony of idols of Lord Ganesh along the Mumbai coast, CGRHQ (West) conducted 'Operation Utsav' from 13 - 23 Sep 18 to carry out surveillance and provide SAR cover during the ceremony. ICG ships and aircraft provided search and rescue cover to the devotees on September 14, 17, 19 and 23, 2018.

11. Assistance to Civil Authority - Kerala Flood:In response to the Kerala floods in August 2018, ICG launched a large scale Disaster Response & Relief Operation code named 'Op Rahat'. ICG mobilised eight ships, four Dorniers and three helicopters during the operation. Thirty six Disaster Response Teams, each comprising 7-9 ICG personnel were deployed in the flood affected districts of Kerala.

12. ICG Efforts Towards cyclone ‘LUBAN’ in Arabian Sea: Consequent to formation of cyclone Luban in South East Arabian Sea on October 01, 2018, ICG launched a large scale rescue and relief operation. CG Disaster Response teams were formed at Kochi and Gemini, life boats were kept standby for deployment at short notice. On an average 10-12 Ships, 05-06 Dornier aircraft and 01-02 helicopter were deployed for warning/ sensitizing fishermen at sea and guiding them to return harbour. 13. crackIAS.com ICG Efforts Towards cyclone ‘Titli’ in Bay of Bengal: ICG again launched a large scale rescue and relief operations during the onset of cyclone 'Titli', which formed in the Bay of Bengal on October 08, 2018. Three CG Disaster Response teams were employed at Gopalpur while 04 CGDRTs at Paradip and 06 CGDRTs at Haldia were kept standby. On an average 08 Ships and 03-04 Dornier aircraft were deployed for warning/ sensitizing fishermen at sea and guiding them to return harbour.

14. ICG Efforts Towards cyclone ‘Gaja’: Consequent to formation of low pressure in North Andaman sea around November 08-09, 18, Indian Coast Guard initiated series of pre- emptive measures from November 09, 2018 onwards to ensure safety of fishermen operating at sea. International Cooperation

15. Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs). India has acceded to various international conventions dealing with maritime safety and security and marine environment protection. Accordingly, ICG endeavours for making seas safe, secure and clean with its international partners. ICG has signed MoUs with the Bangladesh CG, Japan CG, Korea CG, Royal Oman Police CG, Sri Lanka CGand Vietnam CG for cooperation on CG-relevant maritime issues. In addition ICG and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency have established a communication link as part of MoU between the Ministries of Defence of both Governments. Bilateral Interactions

16. Signing of MoU between ICG and SLCG: A Memorandum of Understanding between ICG and the Coast Guard of Sri Lanka was signed on May 09, 2018 in Colombo for the establishment of a collaborative relationship to combat transnational illegal activities at sea and develop regional cooperation between the ICG and Sri Lanka Coast Guard.

Joint Exercise

17. Joint Exercise with Bangladesh Coast Guard: BCG ship Tajuddin visited Chennai between May 25-28, 2018 for joint exercise under the provisions of MoU. The ship also visited Vizag from May 30 to June 02, 2018 for professional interaction with ICG.

18. Joint Exercise with Japan Coast Guard: ICG-JCG annual joint exercise was conducted off/at Chennai between January 16-17, 2018. The JCG ship Tsugaru ship alongwith integral helicopter participated in the joint exercise.

Marine Environment

19. Signing of MoU for Cooperation on the response to Oil and Chemical Pollution in the South Asian Seas Region: Director General ICG on behalf of Government of India has deposited instrument of consent to Director General, South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP), Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 12, 2018 in respect of MoU for cooperation on the response to oil and chemical pollution in the South Asian Seas Region (comprising of maritime nations – India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka).

20. International Coastal Cleanup Day – 2018: Towards ongoing efforts of the Government for the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ and Prime Minister’s appeal for mass cleanliness and sanitation campaign, through “Swachhta Hi Seva”, the Indian Coast Guard conducted International Coastal Cleanup Day-2018 (ICC-2018) in all Coastal States/Union Territories on September 15, 2018. Nationwide, a total of 22,026 volunteers participated in the ICC-2018 campaign, which resulted in collection of 71,220 kilogrammes of marine litter. FisheriescrackIAS.com Protection 21. Apprehension of Foreign Fishing Vessels: Coast Guard apprehended 04 foreign fishing boats alongwith 26 foreign crew under the provisions of the MZI Act, 1981 since January 2018.

22. Repatriation of Indian and Foreign Fishing Boats: The repatriation operations are directly coordinated by the Coast Guard Headquarters which involves extensive committed liaison with MEA, the Indian High Commission in the respective countries, State Fisheries departments and District Administration. Coast Guard repatriated 11 Sri Lankan and 26 Pakistani fishermen from India and 155 Indian fishermen from Sri Lanka have been undertaken since January 2018. Aviation

23. 16 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) MKIII: Contract towards supply of 16 ALH MK-III has been concluded with M/s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on March 29, 2017 and successful ground run of first Green aircraft has been carried out in June 2018. Integration and certification of systems is in progress and delivery of first two helicopters is scheduled in March 2020. These helicopters are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and are capable of surveillance, interdiction, standoff support for ship boarding parties and pollution response from ships.

Defence Research and Development Organisation

1. Long Range Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile ‘Agni-5’: During the year, Agni-5 was successfully flight tested thrice in Jan, June& December 2018. A total of seven flight trials have been conducted so far and all the missions have been successful.

2. Ballistic Missile Defence (Programme AD):Interceptor missiles have been developed by DRDO as a strategic weapon against ballistic missile attacks. Successful trials of endo interceptor missile (AAD) and exo interceptor missile (PDV) were carried out in August 2018 and September 2018 respectively.

3. Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile ‘Astra’:Beyond visual range air-to-air missile ‘Astra’ possessing high single shot kill probability has been developed by DRDO to engage and destroy highly manoeuvring supersonic aerial targets. A series of flight trials of the missile by IAF were conducted at ITR, Balasore as part of final development trials of the missile in September/October 2018.

4. New Generation Anti-Radiation Missile (NGARM):DRDO is involved in the design and development of NGARM having a range of 100 km. AKU-58 launcher after suitable modification will be used for missile integration on Su-30 MKI aircraft. Successful static firing of integrated P-I & P-II rocket motor was conditioned at high & low temperatures in Jun & Jul 2018 respectively. Captive Flight Trials were also successfully conducted in September 2018.

5. Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM):MPATGM is a 3rd generation ATGM with 'Fire & Forget' and 'Top Attack' capabilities, which can be day and night. Design & development of MPATGM weapon system is undertaken for deployment by Infantry and Parachute Battalions of the Army. During the year, sub-systems for control flight trial were acceptance tested and lined up for missile integration which was followed by successful Program Control Flight Trials of the missile system in September 2018. 6. crackIAS.com Stand-off Anti-Tank (SANT) Guided Missile: During the year, SANT Guided Missile mission-01 campaign was conducted during May 2018 at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan during which successful firing of SANT from Mi-35 helicopter platform was demonstrated. SANT Release Flight Trials (RFT) with mathematical model of seeker was also conducted in Nov 2018 wherein safe separation from Mi-35, transfer alignment algorithm, launch release sequence and latex/roll control auto pilot algorithms was demonstrated.

7. Smart Anti Air Field Weapon (SAAW):SAAW is long-range, stand-off, precision air-to- surface weapon capable of engaging ground targets. Impact trial of SAAW was conducted in May 2018 to access penetration capability of SAAW in full configuration mode. Three tests of SAAW were also carried out during August 2018 from IAF aircraft. The weapon has undergone eight developmental flight trials till date.

8. Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) ‘TAPAS BH’:TAPAS-BH, a multi-mission UAV is being developed with an endurance of 24 hours to carry out the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) roles for the three Armed Forces. It is being designed to operate at 30,000 ft Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL) altitude and is capable of carrying Electronic Warfare and Electro-Optic & Synthetic Aperture Radar (EO & SAR) payloads. During the year, a total of 63 taxi trials (LSTT & HSTT) have been completed. The first block of User Configuration flights commenced in February 2018. As on date, 25 User configuration flight trials have been completed.

9. Guided Pinaka Rocket System:Guided Pinaka Rocket system is being developed by DRDO to engage targets from 20 km to 80 km range. The rocket uses propulsion system developed for Pinaka Mk-II rocket and has canard based aerodynamic control and Inertial Navigation System (INS)/Global Positioning System (GPS) based guidance. The system was successfully test fired from PXE, Chandipur in May 2018 and met all its mission objectives.

10. New Family of Munitions (NFMS):Six types of munitions are being designed and developed by DRDO viz. Soft Target Blast Munition 'NIPUN', Anti-Tank Point Attack Munition 'VIBHAV', Anti-Tank Bar Munition 'VISHAL', Directional Fragmentation Munition 'PARTH', Anti- Tank Munition 'PRACHAND' and Jumping Fragmentation Munition 'ULKA' to improve the existing munitions and enhance its performance. During the year, PSQR based User Trials of PRACHAND was completed.

11. Arjun Armoured Recovery and Repair Vehicle (Arjun ARRV):ARRV is intended for carrying out recovery, repair and replenishing functions pertaining to MBT Arjun in operational areas under a wide variety of field conditions. During the year, 1st prototype was successfully demonstrated during DRDO internal trials and 2nd prototype is under developmental trials.

12. Advance Light Towed Array Sonar (ALTAS):ALTAS is an efficient sensing system for detection, localization and classification of submarines operating especially in the below surface layer ocean conditions. It is useful in Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations and is the apt sensor for warships to locate silent submarines capable of launching high speed torpedoes. User Evaluation Trials of the system onboard INS Sharda are under progress. Almost 75 NSQR parameters including parameters pertaining to towing characteristics and functions of launch/recovery unit have been demonstrated during the trials.

13. USHUS – 2:USHUS-2 is submarine sonar to be installed onboard four EKM submarines considering the long term requirements of the submarine arm and to combat the component obsolescence in the existing Russian sonars onboard these submarines. Design and development of engineered model of USHUS-2 is carried out in NPOL and produced at M/s. BEL, Bengaluru. During the year, Sea Acceptance Trials (SATs) Phase-1 of USHUS-2 onboard INS SindhukesaricrackIAS.com was completed successfully in Russia. 14. Portable Diver Detection Sonar (PDDS):DRDO/NPOL is involved in the design and development of a PDDS system that is capable of detecting small targets such as divers and diver delivery vehicles in and around harbours. It will be deployable and retrievable as and when required. During the year, PDDS deployment system has been developed. Field evaluation of the deployment system will be by early 2019.

15. Advanced Light Weight Torpedo (ALWT):ALWT is an anti-submarine torpedo launched from ship, helicopter or fixed wing aircraft. It has dual speed capability and endurance of 25 km at low speed (25 knots) and 12 km at high speed (50 knots). During the year, discharge test of 70 kw battery was conducted with full torpedo assembled. Static test was conducted at sea off Vizag to prove operation of recovery aids used in ALWT viz. STRS, IPRS, Noise maker and BSAT. Automated electrical firing of it from single tube launcher and dynamic sea trials was conducted wherein torpedo made full run as per mission sequence.

16. Software Defined Radio (SDR):The development of a family of network-enabled, interoperable and modular SDRs is to provide wireless secure communication capability to both mobile and fixed forces as required by the Navy are: Naval Combat (SDR-NC), Tactical (SDR- TAC), Airborne (SDR-AR), Manpack (SDR-MP) and Hand held (SDR-HH). During the year, Acceptance Test (ATP) and User Evaluation Trials of SDR-TAC were completed on five ships at Vizag. Flight trials of SDR-AR for selected bands were also completed.

17. Air Defence Fire Control Radar (ADFCR) ‘Atulya’:ADFCR ‘Atulya’ in conjunction with anti-aircraft guns, forms a ground based air defence system whose main purpose is effective point defence against all air threats at short and very short ranges during day and night. During the year, DRDO evaluation of the radar system was completed and integrated test firing of ADFCR with guns and targets were carried out. 18. Air Defence Tactical Control Radar (ADTCR):ADTCR has been developed for Army AD for surveillance, tracking and Identification of Friend/Foe (IFF) of aerial targets and transmission of data to multiple Air Defence command posts/weapon systems. During the year, DRDO internal evaluation of ADTCR system was completed. All the PSQR parameters were complied and verified by demonstration/analysis. The system is ready for User trials.

Border Roads Organisation

Landmark events/achievements pertaining to Border Roads Organisation are as under:

At present, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working on 883 roads of length 27,404.18 kilometres, out of which 352 roads of length 7,991.98 kilometres are under maintenance only and balance roads are under construction/improvement to double lane. BRO is also maintaining seven airfields besides snow clearance of 126 roads (4,800 kms) to ensure connectivity of border regions with rest of the country.

(1) Achievements of work targets: BRO has achieved the following targets of road construction during the period from January 2018 to November 2018.

Item A/U Achievement upto November 20, 2018

Formation Works Kms Eqvt Cl-9 843.40 SurfacingcrackIAS.com Works Kms Eqvt Cl-9 1,716.24 Resurfacing Work Kms 1,945.37

Permanent Works Lakhs 1,19,248.28

Major Bridges Mtr 2,290.18

Tunnel Lakhs 31,531.28

2. Details of Important works undertaken during this FY are as under: (a) Connectivity on Op Critical ICBR up to Bidak (Km 16) on Tama Chung-Chung- Maja Road: A significant boost was given for this task last year by launching 200 ft Bailey bridge at Gelensiniak (the first single span bridge over the River Subansiri on October 24, 2017) which provided additional attack points to speed up the pace of work. Accordingly road connectivity to Bidakh established on January 30, 2018.

(b) Launching of 60 ft Bailey Bridge: Launching of 60 feet Bailey bridge at Km 31.36 on road Tama-Chung-Chung-Taksing was completed on January 31, 2018 by air lifting stores weighing almost 40 MT from Limeking, now the road will remain through for traffic even during the monsoon season.

(c) Re-launching of 190 ft TDR: Existing 190’ Double Double Bailey bridge (Cl-24) at Gangori Garh at Km 31 on Dharasu-Gangotri road on NH-34 collapsed on April 01, 2018 due to plying of heavy loaded civil vehicles. The alternative diversion was made operational using Hume pipes within 12 hrs and traffic was restored. Now Triple Double Reinforced 190 ft BB of Cl-40 was launched on April 20, 2018.

(d) Inauguration of Kawaranglui Bridge: Construction of Multi Span PSC Box Girder permanent bridge 72.50 m span over river Kawaranglui on road Lawngtlai-Dirtlang-Parva has been completed and inaugurated by Governor of Mizoram Lt Gen (Retd) Nirbhaya Sharma, on February 12, 2018.

(e) Inauguration of Theng Tunnel: To negotiate frequent landslides at Km 86.00 on road Gangtok-Chungthang, a Horse Shoe shaped tunnel of NHDL specification having length 542 m has been completed. This tunnel has been dedicated to the nation by Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr Subhash Bhamre on June 07, 2018.

(f) Inauguration of Damchu-Chukha Road in Bhutan: The Damchu-Chukha Road, 29.20 Km to Assian Highway Standards constructed by BRO, was formally inaugurated by His Excellency Lyonchhen Dasho Tshering Tobgey, Prime Minister, Royal Government of Bhutan on July 18, 2018. New road will reduce the travel time between Phuntsholing –Thimphu by one hour and reduce journey by around 19.5 Km of steep uphill driving.

(g) Inauguration of Hussainiwala Bridge: The four span of temporary bridge on the old Ferozpur-Lahore highway over river Satluj River (Historical Hussainiwala Barrage) connecting Hussainiwala Enclave from Ferozpur has been replaced by constructing a new bridge with load class 70 R at the cost ofRs 238 Lakh. The bridge was dedicated to Nation by Raksha MantriSmt Nirmala Sitharaman on August 12, 2018.Hussainiwala is the place where freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, who made supreme sacrifices for the motherland, were cremated. A memorial has been built as a mark of respect for these brave hearts, whom the whole nation can never forget. (h) crackIAS.com Approval of Alignment Plan Akhnoor – Poonch Road: Alignment Plan of the road has been approved by MoRT&H vide letter No RW/NH-12037/1214/Misc-New NHs/2014/NH- I/Zone-II dated 05 Sep 2018 Approved final alignment plan with feasibility report submitted by consultant to BRO on September 06, 2018.

(i) Launching of Composite Bailey Bridge: A composite br (BSB 400 ft+140 ft DSRBB & 2X130 ft DSRBBs) across the Lohit River was launched at Meshai/in Lohit Valley of Arunachal on Sep 25, 2018.

(j) Sela tunnels: Administrative Approval for design and construction of two tunnels of length 0.475 kilometre and 1.79 kilometre at Sela Pass along with the approach Roads of length 9.775 Km on B-C-T Road for Rs 687.11 crore has been accorded and further tendering action is under process.

(k) Chardham Projects: Prestigious Chardham Pariyojana Projects have been started. Preparation of DPRs for 18 packages on Chardham Roads through EPC Mode are under process. Out of which BRO has awarded contracts for 8 packages and balance are under progress.

(l) Progress on Indo-China Border Roads (ICBRs): Out of 61 ICBRs of length 3,418 kilometre have been entrusted to BRO, 28 roads have been completed. Work on the balance roads are in different stages of completion. However, out of 3418 kilometre overall completed length of ICBR is 2316.62 kilometre (68 per cent) and connected length is 3144 kilometre (90 per cent). The package wise status of connectivity of ICBRs are as under:

3. Moreover, Border Roads Organisation has taken initiative for updating the data of personnel by launching GREF Abhilekh Application. Lt Gen Harpal Singh, AVSM, VSM, DGBR implemented and launched the Mobile App ‘GREF ABHILEKH’ which will immensely benefit the 36,000 GREF Personnel serving in remote areas of our country. The Mobile App will provide real time personnel and career management information to all serving GREF Personnel. The App is compatible with all Android / Window / ioS based mobile phone.

Ex-Servicemen Welfare

Resettlement

1. Employment Generated by DGR: The details of employment generated by the DGR under various schemes during 2014 to 2018 (Till Nov 2018) are as under:

Job Vacs Location Date Participation (Approx) Secunderabad 20 Jan 2018 35 1552 1493 Kochi 08 Mar 2018 32 1400 765 Chandigarh 26 Jun 2018 30 1307 525 Mumbai 24 Oct 2018 35 1095 1874 Chennai 14 Nov 2018 49 1056 6025 Nagpur 29 Nov 2018 36 567 3280 Pune 06 Dec 2018 31 9001 709 Bangalore 26-28 Dec 18 Scheduled to be organised. 2. crackIAS.com Achievements in DGR Resettlement Training Courses The details of resettlement training imparted for Officers & JCOs/OR during the last five years (FY) are as under:

Sl No. Category 2018-19 (a) Officers 360 Junior Commissioned Officers/Other (b) 3,434 Ranks Total 3,794 * Courses at Regimental Centres being conducted by Service HQs.

3. ESM Healthcare

● Orders issued for empanelment of 85 medical facilities with ECHS vide letter No. 22B(l5)/2017/WE/D(Res-I) dated January 04, 2018. ● Sanction issued for shifting of polyclinic from Shimla to Ranrnur with the approval of Raksha Rajya Mantri vide letter No.22D(29)/2017/WE/D(Res) dated March 26, 2018. ● Orders shifting the PCs from Along and Khonsa to Tenga and Twang in Arunachal Pradesh issued vide letter No. 22D(29)/2017/WE/D(Res-I) dated May 7, 2018. ● The Orders regarding supply of medicines to ECHS beneficiaries was amended making it easier for empanelment of Authorised Local Chemists in smaller towns & cities, rural areas and remote and far flung areas vide letter No. 22D(02)/2016/WE/D(Res-I) dated June 25, 2018. ● Vide letter No. 18(54)/2018/WE/D(Res-I) dated August 2, 2018 the system of referral was changed by the Government to exclude name of the empanelled centre of ECHS and enable ECHS beneficiaries to go to any ECHS empanelled centre of their choice. ● Vide letter No. 22D(l8)/2017/WE/D(Res-I) dated Aug 7, 18 the travelling allowance Rule for medical treatment of ECHS beneficiaries was liberalised to include journeys by the private car and taxis. ● Vide letter No. 22B(06)/2017/WE/D(Res-I) dated August 8, 2018 ECHS beneficiaries have been permitted to avail medical facilities under the alternative system of medicines Ayush in Government Ayush Hospitals/Colleges/National Institutes of Ayush/all government dispensaries/Distt. Hospitals/Sub Distt. Hospitals/PHC/CHC/Municipality Hospitals funded by Central/States/Local Government and having facility for treatment in Ayush system of medicines. ● Vide letter No. 18(77)/2017/WE/D(Res-I) dated September 18, 2018 sanction of the competent authority was granted to make the provisions of the OM No.4-24/96- C&P/CGHS(P)/EHS dated May 7, 2018 of MoH&FW applicable to ECHS beneficiaries in r/o dependent unmarried sons of ECHS beneficiaries beyond 25 years of age w.r.t. definition of 'permanent disability'. ● Vide letter No. 18(107)/WE/D(Res-I) dated September 28, 2018 approval of the Government was granted for establishment of a new type D ECHS polyclinic at Indore, Madhya Pradesh. ● Raksha Rajya Mantri inaugurated the Polyclinics at Tenga and Tawang on October 16, 2018. With operationalisation of both PCs all 426 PCs sanctioned by MoD will have become functional. WelfarecrackIAS.com Measures 4. Financial Assistance

An amount of Rs. 46,16,84,000/- (Rupees forty six crores sixteen lakh eighty four thousand only) was disbursed to 14,205 beneficiaries under the welfare schemes of the RMEDF in the year 2018-19. This has resulted in much higher user satisfaction amongst the ESM, and much fewer complaints.

● 57,545 beneficiaries were disbursed an amount of Rs. 146.99 crore during 2014-15 to 2017- 18 under PM's Scholarship Scheme (PMSS). 11,572 beneficiaries were disbursed Rs 29.79 crore (March-December 2018) under PM's Scholarship Scheme (PMSS). ● Disbursal of Central share to States/UTs amounting to total of approx. Rs 25.67 crore (March-December 2018) out of Defence Services Estimates. 5. Pension

(i) Inclusion of Line of Actual Control (LAC) for the purpose of Liberalised family pension:

Vide Govt. order No. 2(3)/2012/D(Pen/Pol).Vol. II dated 7.3.2018, following amendments have been carried out under Category D of Para 1 clause (iii) of Ministry's letter No. 2(1)/2011/D(Pen/Policy) dated 3.2.2011:

"Accidental death/injury sustained due to natural calamities such as flood, avalanches, landslides, cyclone, fire and lightening or drowning in river while performing operational duties/movement in action against enemy forces and armed hostilities in operational area to include deployment on International Border or Line of Control or Line of Actual Control."

(ii) Enhancement of Ex-gratia ad-hoc allowance:

Vide Govt. order No. 1(5)/2017/D(Pen/Policy) dated April 9, 2018, it has been decided to sanction enhancement, on compassionate grounds, ex-gratia ad-hoc allowance to following category of pensioners/ family pensioners from Rs 3,500/- per month to Rs 9,000/- pm with effect from January 1, 2016.

a. Armed Forces pensioners/family pensioner migrated from Pakistan. b. Burma Army pensioners/family pensioner who are Indians and drawing their pension in India. c. Burma Army pensioners of Nepalese origin who are drawing pension in Indian and Indian Embassy, Pension Paying Offices in Nepal. (iii) Revision of Non-practicing Allowance (NPA):

Vide Govt. order No. 1(7)/2014-D(Pen/Policy) dated May 24, 2018, it has been decided that all kind of pension/family pension in respect of Medical officers of Armed Forces who retired/died during January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017 and were drawing NPA at old rates on the date of retirement/death, shall be further revised w.e.f. 1.7.2017 by adding NPA@ 20 per cent to the basic pay on the date of retirement.

(v) Orders for delinking of qualifying service in the cases of PSU Absorbee:

Vide Govt order No. 1(04)/2007/D(Pen/Pol) dated June 20, 2018, it has been decided that while determining the revised pension of those Defence pensioners who had drawn lump sum payment on absorption in Public Sector Undertaking/Autonomous Bodies after expiry of commutation period of 15 years from the date of payment of 100 per cent lump sum amount, with effectcrackIAS.com from January 1, 2006, the pension/family pension shall also be revised in accordance with the provisions contained in this Ministry's letter dated September 30, 2016.

National Cadet Corps

Activities & Achievements

1. Training of the cadets is the core function of National Cadet Corps (NCC). Training curriculum has been designed to achieve the objectives, which have been delivering desired results. However, in the recent past there has been a growing perception that our training philosophy has to be suitably modified to accommodate the changing aspirations of our youth, and expectations of our society from our youth. The activities of the NCC as follow:

2. Institutional Training: This forms the major portion of the total training peculiar to Army Wing, Naval Wing and Air Wing and is carried out in schools and colleges. Respective services provide all facilities for contact programmes/affiliated training.

3. Camp Training: Camp training constitutes the most important part of NCC training. Every cadet in the NCC is expected to attend at least two camps. Therefore, nearly 70 per cent of the enrolled strength gets this opportunity every year. Various camps conducted during the year are Annual Training Camps (organised at state level), Centrally Organised Camps including 35 Ek Bharat Shrestitha Bharat (EBSB) camps, Six Leadership Camps, Thal Sainik Camp, Vayu Sainik Camp, Nau Sainik Camp, Eight Rock Climbing Camps and the Republic Day Camp (RDC).

4. Army Wing Activities: There are 677 Army units covering all the States and Union Territories. In addition to Institutional Training, NCC Army Wing cadets are also given an opportunity to live and work in regular service units in the form of Attachment Training. Every year 440 officers and 20,000 cadets including 60 women officers and 560 senior wing girl cadets get attached to various units of the Army for a duration of two weeks. Around 1,000 senior wing girl cadets are also attached with various military hospitals every year. In addition, every year 120 SD cadets are given attachment training with Indian Military Academy, Dehradun and 48 SW girl cadets are given attachment training with Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai. This year during the ThalSainik Camp, conducted at New Delhi between September 17-28, 2018; a total of 1,360 cadets (680 SD and 680 SW) participated.

5. Naval Wing Activities: There are 62 Naval Units covering all States and Union Territories. Naval training activities conducted during the year included Sea Training and attachment, Naval Academy attachment, scuba diving, sailing expeditions, technical camps for engineering and electrical students at Technical College of Navy and the All India Yachting Regatta (INS, Chilika, Orissa). A Nau Sainik Camp is conducted to train 600 naval cadets each year at Karwar. This year a special training camp for yachting was organised in Goa.

6. Air Wing Activities: At present, there are 61 Air Squadron, including 50 Flying Squadron and 11 Technical Squadron. These Air Squadron cover most of our States and Union Territories. The major Air Wing activities include Microlite Flying, Aero Modeling and attachment training. A Vayu Sainik Camp conducted each year at Jodhpur to train 600 Air Force.

7. Social Service & Voluntary Community Development Programmes: The aim of Social Service and Community Development programmes is to sensitise the youth to the problems faced by society and help them to contribute positively towards solving them. The various Social Service and Community Development activities in which the cadets take part are: (a) crackIAS.com Environment Protection Project: Drives to generate awareness about ill effects of using plastic was conducted by all Directorates during the year, wherein NCC cadets actively participated in Tree Plantation drives/door to door campaigns/interaction with local residents to spread awareness. Over 1.25 lakh saplings were planted.

(b) Anti Drugs/Tobacco Programme: As part of National Drive approx. 78,000 NCC cadets participated in various Anti Drugs activities on June 26.

(c) Mission Indradhanush: To assist in the national goal of immunising children in the affected districts pan India NCC cadets have ensured this year atleast 14,700 children have been immunised. (d) International Yoga Day:In keeping up with its set tradition this year also on June 21 on International Yoga Day over 7 lakh cadets participated in the event in around 6000 different venues.

(e) Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: A massive focus is laid each year on swachhta based programmes throughout the different states. From September 15 to October 02, this year over 10.5 lakh cadets took part voluntarily in various cleanliness drives.

(f) Swasth Bharat Yatra: To commemorate 150 yrs of Mahatma Gandhi birth centenary, ‘Swasth Bharat Yatra’, a pan India Cyclothon and related events is being organised by FSSAI. The event is partnered by 14 Ministries of the UOI including MoD and the related departments of all State Govts and UT Administration. The “Yatra” envisages covering a distance of 18,000 kilometre split over six cycling legs of about 3,000 kilometre each. Each leg of yatra will cover approximately 50-60 kilometre each day with 25 cyclists each. The yatra will commence simultaneously from each of the six legs on Octber 16, 2018 and culminate simultaneously on January 27, 2019 at New Delhi.

(g) Disaster Relief: NCC has always extended a helping hand during natural and other calamities. Over the years, NCC cadets have rendered a yeoman service during floods, earthquakes, cyclones and other natural disasters. NCC cadets were actively involved in assisting the civil administration in relief operations during the Kerala floods and the damage due to cyclone in Kerala.

8. Youth Exchange Programme (YEP): The aim of YEP is a country to country exchange of cadets belonging to NCC/equivalent Govt/Youth Organisations of friendly countries and participation in NCC activities of the host country to create an increased awareness among participants and appreciation of each other's socio-economic and cultural realities. The exchange program acts as the 'third tier of diplomacy' by supplementing the efforts of our diplomats and leaders in building bonds with other friendly nations. Presently, the NCC has youth exchange with Eleven countries (Nepal, Bhutan, Singapore, Vietnam, Russia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Maldives and Kyrgyzstan) on reciprocation basis.

9. Sports: (a) All India Mavalankar Shooting Championship (2018). Firing being one of the core training activities of NCC, shooting discipline enjoys special place in NCC sporting activities. NCC conducts inter NCC State Directorate competition to select the NCC team which participates in the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) events like All India GV Mavalankar Shooting Competition (AIGVMSC). The NCC shooting teams have been performing well in this event for several years. This year 55 cadets participated and NCC shooting team won following medals in all India GV Mavlankar shooting Championship Competition 2018 :-

(i) Gold - 03 crackIAS.com(ii) Silver - 05 (iii) Bronze - 01

Total 09

(b) Subroto Cup Football Tournament: NCC teams in Jr Boys, Sub-Jr Boys and Junior Girls categories participated in the prestigious Subroto Cup Football Tournament 2018, where they played against some of the best National and International teams. This year, our Under 14, sub Jr Boys team from Odisha reached the finals. (c) Jawaharlal Nehru Hockey Cup: NCC teams in Junior Boys, Junior Girls and sub Jr Boys participated in the tournament. This year in Jr Boys category our team from Odisha also reached the finals.

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crackIAS.com Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2019-01-01 3,45,450 SHGS COMPRISING OF MORE THAN 34 LAKH WOMEN FORMED & 2,35,712 SHGS ASSISTED WITH REVOLVING FUND Relevant for: Government Policies & Welfare Schemes | Topic: Role of NGOs, SHGs, Donors & Charities, and Institutional & other Stakeholders in Development Process

Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs 3,45,450 SHGS comprising of more than 34 Lakh Women formed & 2,35,712 SHGS assisted with revolving fund

13 Lakh Urban Poor Imparted Skill Training & 4.5 Lakh provided Placement

Street Vendor Survey completed in 2,332 Cities--16,89,564 Street Vendors identified & 8,18,095 given ID cards

1,776 Shelters for Urban Homeless Sanctioned & 1,084 Shelters Operational

Centralised Web Portal(Paisa) launched for subvention of interest to DAY-NULM beneficiaries-- loans with interest subvention provided to 3,55,383 beneficiaries for Self- Employment & 4,67,355 loans disbursed to SHGS

Posted On: 31 DEC 2018 3:52PM by PIB Delhi

Formation of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their federations i.e. Area and City Level Federations (CLFs), is the backbone of DAY-NULM. These structures provide support to the poor women in meeting their social and financial needs. So far 3,45,450 SHGs comprising of more than 34 lakh women have been formed and 2,35,712 SHGs have been assisted with Revolving Fund under the NULM.crackIAS.com

Conscious of the issues of slums and poverty, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has channelized its efforts in promoting equitable growth in urban areas through Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM). The Mission addresses major social challenges of urbanization & economic growth such as urban poverty, unemployment and social exclusion through five key components: Social Mobilization and Institution Development (SM&ID), Employment through Skills Training & Placement (EST&P), Self-Employment Programme (SEP), Support to Urban Street Vendors (SUSV) and Scheme of Shelter for Urban Homeless (SUH). During the year: -

● Personalized After-training Rapid Assessment (PARAS) system has been launched to get direct feedback from skill trained candidates regarding quality of skill training through SMS/ online feedback. ● A centralised web portal named PAiSA, developed in collaboration with the Allahabad Bank, has been launched for subvention of interest to DAY-NULM beneficiaries under SEP componentthrough Direct Benefit Transfer mode. ● For skill training of DAY-NULM beneficiaries in construction sector under ESTP component, Memorandum of Understanding has been entered with National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) and SULM, Maharashtra. ● DAY-NULM, in collaboration with Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is facilitating City Livelihood Centres (CLCs) in standardization of products and their specifications, identification of products to be launched on e-marketplace and registration on GeM portal as ‘seller’. Also, it has been decided to develop two Model Shelters for urban homeless in each state, one in the state capital and one in another big city, having sizable population of urban homeless. Also, two ULBs in each state, one in a million plus city and one in another big city are to be developed as Model ULBs for urban street vendors.

Skill training and placement under the Mission is one of the vital cogs of Skill India Mission. So far, 8,89,844 persons have been trained & certified, and 4,64,178 candidates have been placed wagecrackIAS.com as well as self-employment. In order to improve skill training programmes based on direct feedback by the candidates through SMS/online mode, a Personalized After Training Rapid Assessment System (PARAS) has been introduced. City Livelihoods Centres (CLC) provide an interface between service providers, such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters, tailors, tutors etc., and service seekers i.e. households and local institutions. More than 350 CLCs are functioning, acting as aggregators for local urban services. CLCs also provide marketing support to SHGs to improve sales of their products. To promote self-employment, interest subvention is provided on bank loans over and above 7% ROI. So far Rs 16,160 crores has been sanctioned for 8,36,869 loan accounts. This comprises of 3,63,487 Individual and Group enterprises loans and 4,73,382 as SHG credit linkage accounts.

crackIAS.com The Street Vendors Act, enacted in 2014, is an inclusive initiative aimed at protecting the livelihoods of street vendors, giving them representation in a decision-making body that regulates conditions related to vending, and most importantly, seeks to include them within the social security safety nets. The SUSV component of DAY-NULM is aimed at bringing formal recognition to street vendors, in line with the spirit of the Act. The survey for identification of street vendors has been completed in 2,322 cities; 16,89,564 street vendors have been identified and 8,18,095 vendors have been given ID cards.

Homeless persons are a particularly vulnerable section of the urban poor population, often facing extreme living conditions, malnutrition and other health issues, as well as exclusion from society. The SUH component aims to provide shelters equipped with basic amenities to provide dignified living conditions and connect them to available safety nets. The SUH guidelines make it mandatory for local municipal bodies to conduct systematic third-party surveys to assess accurately the need for shelters at locations close to places of natural congregation. 1,776 shelters for urban homeless have been sanctioned so far, to create capacity for 89,000 urban homeless persons, and 1,084 shelters are currently functional.

New Initiatives During the Year

● For skill training of beneficiaries in construction sector, a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) and State Urban Livelihoods Mission, Maharashtra to train about 2,50,000 workers during a period of three years. ● The Maharashtra Mission has collaborated with National Employability Enhancement Mission (NEEM) to place the candidates as NEEM trainees with industry partners. NEEM is a scheme of MoHRD under which candidates are selected for providing on the job practical training to enhance their employability. •Πορταλ φορ Αφφορδαβλε Χρεδιτ ανδ Ιντερεστ συβϖεντιον Αχχεσσ (ΠΑιΣΑ), α χεντραλιζεδ ελεχτρονιχ πλατφορµ ωασ λαυνχηεδ φορ προχεσσινγ ιντερεστ συβϖεντιον ον βανκ λοανσ ον ∆ΒΤ µοδε το τηε βενεφιχιαριεσ.Συβϖεντιον ισ νοω προχεσσεδ ον α µοντηλψ βασισ, ασ αγαινστ θυαρτερλψ µοδε ιν τηε µανυαλ σψστεµ, ωιτη ΣΜΣ ιντιµατιον το τηε βενεφιχιαρψ. Το βεγιν ωιτη, 28 Στατεσ ανδ 30 Σχηεδυλεδ Χοµµερχιαλ Βανκσ αρε ονβοαρδεδ ον τηε πορταλ. Γοινγ φορωαρδ, αλλ παρτιχιπατινγ ΡΡΒσ ανδ Χοοπερατιϖεσ υνδερ τηε Μισσιον ωιλλ βε ονβοαρδεδ δυρινγ τηε χυρρεντ φινανχιαλ ψεαρ.

•ΜοΗΥΑ ισ οργανιζινγ α ∆ΑΨ−ΝΥΛΜ Πακηωαδα α φεστιϖαλ οφ υρβαν προσπεριτψ − Σηεηρι Σαµριδηι Υτσαϖ φροµ 1στ −15τη Φεβρυαρψ 2019, υνδερ ωηιχη νατιοναλ, στατε ανδ χιτψ λεϖελ εϖεντσ ωιλλ βε ηελδ δυρινγ τηε φορτνιγητ, φοχυσινγ ον υρβαν λιϖελιηοοδσ. Ατ τηε χιτψ λεϖελ σοµε οφ τηε εϖεντσ αρε στρενγτηενινγ σαφετψ νετ φορ τηε υρβαν ποορ, ραλλψ οφ ΣΗΓσ το σπρεαδ αωαρενεσσ αβουτ ∆ΑΨ−ΝΥΛΜ, δριϖε το φορµ ΣΗΓσ οφ ινφορµαλ σανιτατιον ωορκερσ, Σηεηρι Σαηβηαγιτα Μανχη (ΥΛΒ ΑΛΦ µεετινγσ, αδοπτιον οφ σηελτερσ βψ χολλεγεσ, λοαν χαµπσ βψ βανκσ, δριϖε το προϖιδε Ιδεντιτψ Χαρδσ το στρεετ ϖενδορσ ανδ ϑοβ µελασ αρε πλαννεδ. Ατ τηε στατε λεϖελ στρεετ φοοδ φεστιϖαλ ανδ εξηιβιτιον οφ ΣΗΓ προδυχτσ αρε πλαννεδ. Σωαχηητα Εξχελλενχε Αωαρδσ, Εξηιβιτιον οφ ΣΗΓ προδυχτσ, Στρεετ Φοοδ Φεστιϖαλ ανδ Ινδυστρψ Χονσυλτατιον το Στρενγτηεν Σκιλλ ∆εϖελοπµεντ αρε πλαννεδ ατ τηε νατιοναλ λεϖελ.

● The Mission in collaboration with Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is facilitating City Livelihood Centres (CLCs) in standardization of products and their specifications, identification of products tobe launched on e-marketplace and registration of CLCs on GeM portalcrackIAS.com as ‘seller’. As on date, 4 CLCs namely, Ahmedabad, Gangtok, Jaipur and Tirupati have been onboarded on the platform. By March end the target is to add more than 50 CLCs on GeM. ● Two Model Shelters for urban homeless are being developed in each state, one in the state capital and one in another big city, having sizable population of urban homeless. ● Two ULBs in each state, one in a million plus city and one in another big city are to be developed as Model ULBs for urban street vendors. ● To facilitate inter-se ranking of States/UTs performance in a transparent manner and to foster a spirit of competition among them, SPARK (Systematic Progressive Analytical Real Time Ranking) has been introduced. Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Kerala, the top three performers for 2017-18 were awarded for their performance in March 2018. For 2018- 19, SPARK awards will be given at the end of the year. ● Swachhata Excellence Awards were initiated to recognize and encourage the ALFs contributing positively in the field of sanitation and hygiene. 196 nominations from 130 cities across the county were received out of which 57 ALFs across 21 States/UTs were awarded during 2017-18. The awards for 2018-19 will be given in March 2019. ● The shelters are being geo tagged to provide specific information about their location. ● Real time Aadhaar authentication from UIDAI server has been made mandatory for getting benefits under DAY-NULM. ● Mobile verification of beneficiaries has now been made mandatory with OTP (One Time Password) validation. ● To standardize skilling under FSSM, sanitation sub-sector, three Qualification Packs (QPs) namely, Septic Tank Technician, Desludging Operator, FSTP O&M Technician have been developed. Once approved by NSDC, they will be rolled out across the country. DAY-NULM: - Sanchita’s Readymade Garments Business in Assam

Sanchita and her family of four had a meagre monthly income of Rs 3,000, with her husband being the only bread-earner. To increase family income Sanchita started to doorstep selling of readymade garments. However, her business was constrained due to lack of capital. Sanchita received subsidized loan of Rs 2 lakh from DAY-NULM with which she expanded her business. She is now able to earn net monthly profit of Rs 9,000. She now runs her business from home, having engaged more women to assist here in the venture. She has been successful in bringing more happiness for her family.

Preeti Sabat from Odisha - Rejection to Acceptance, Carving a Path:-Carving a path amidst a disturbed marital life is always a challenge and for a woman divorced at an early age, demands real grit and tenacity to come out of this kind of trauma. Preeti Sabat, 34, belonging Nabarangpur district Odisha, has one daughter. However, being divorced she had no income support. She started tailoring along with a small grocery shop in her house,crackIAS.com from which she was earning monthly paltry income of Rs. 3, 000 to Rs. 4, 000. Subsequently she came to know about DAY-NULM and became a member of SHG in the Nabarangpur Municipality. The SHG bank linkage helped here in getting loan of Rs 1 lakh which she was able to expand her business. She now earns Rs 10,000 per month. Preeti is glad that she is now economically independent and self-reliant.

Jairam Oraon, Ranchi- Skill Training for Automobile Repair

Jairam Oraon of Morabadi, Ranchi, belonging to a poor and marginalised family, lost his father at very young age. His family of 6 members had to live a tough life, and he had to quit school after matriculation so as to make a living. He was unable to get a job without adequate qualification or any technical know-how.

Through an advertisement on a public hoarding, he came to know about skilling provided under DAY-NULM. He contacted the DAY-NULM office and was counselled based on his interest to opt for Automotive Repair Course. He took the training programme and post completion of the course, he was placed at Maruti Suzuki Ltd. He was offered a monthly salary of Rs.7,500 in addition to other benefits. Today he is happy managing his family and expresses his gratitude towards DAY-NULM. Jairam says that ‘Such efforts of government are improving the skills of youth and adding value to their lives’.

Baljeet Kaur from Chandigarh: Differently-abled girl gets employment under DAY-NULM

crackIAS.comBaljeet Kaur a resilient young girl from Chandigarh did not let her hearing impairment come in the way of her grit and determination to chase her dreams. Her dream was to work in the hotel industry, but her family’s weak economic condition was a constraint in taking up a course in hotel management. She kept her dreams alive by constantly looking out for opportunities. Then, she came to know of ‘DAY-NULM’ as part of Skill India Mission.

She undertook the course in ‘Tourism & Hospitality’ under Chandigarh ULB and successfully completed the course. She got an opportunity to serve in a Htels at Chandigarh.

Today Baljeet earns about Rs 9,000 per month. She is a proud daughter of her parents and a successful employee of Lemon Tree Chandigarh.

She is grateful to DAY-NULM for providing her the opportunity to fulfil her dreams.

RJ/KGS

(Release ID: 1557929) Visitor Counter : 120

END Downloaded from crackIAS.com crackIAS.com© Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2019-01-01 YEAR ENDER-MINISTRY OF HOUSING & URBAN AFFAIRS-8-FINAL 2018: Relevant for: Indian Society | Topic: Urbanization, their problems and their remedies incl. Migration & Smart Cities

Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs Year Ender-Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs-8-Final 2018:

Swachh Survekshan 2018 Conducted by Ranking 4203 Cities. Swachh Survekshan -2019, Paperless and Digital, will Commence from 4th Jan, 2019 Covering all Cities : Hardeep S Puri

Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban)-4124 Cities &Urban Areas of 21 States / UTs Declared ODF

SWM- Processing Increased to 46%(From 19% In 2014)

62 Lakh Toilets &5 Lakh Public Toilets Constructed/Under Construction

More than 68.7 Lakh Houses Sanctioned Under PMAY- (U)-- Huge Job Opportunities in Construction & Allied Sectors

About 36 Lakh Houses Grounded & more than 12 Lakh Houses Completed Since Launch of Mission--Rs. 33,455 Crore Released crackIAS.com More than Rs. 6,900 Crore Interest Subsidy on Housing Loans Credited Directly to 3,14,703 Beneficiaries Under CLSS

Rs. 60,000 Crore National Urban Housing Fund set up Through EBRS for Rapid Implementation--24 New Technologies Identified to Fast Track Construction

Posted On: 31 DEC 2018 2:25PM by PIB Delhi

100 Smart Cities Selected In 4 Rounds-- Spvs Incorporated In All--5,151 Projects Worth More Than Rs. 2 Lakh Crore In Various Stages Of Implementation --534 Projects Worth Rs. 10,116 Crore Completed--Implementation Commenced For 1,177 Projects Worth Rs. 43,493 Crore & Tendering Started For 677 Projects Worth Rs. 38,207 Crore

78 Indicators Across 15 Categories Used To Rank 111 Cities On Ease Of Living Index--Smart City Fellowship & Internship Programs Launched

All India Challenge (Citiis) Launched In Partnership With Afd & Eu To Select 15 Innovative Projects --Smart Cities Digital

34,893 Real Estate Projects &27,073 Real Estate Agents Registered Under Rera -- 28 States/Uts Notify Rules Under Rera

Real Estate Regulatory Authority Set Up In 28 States/Uts -- 21 States/Uts Set Up Real Estate Appellate Tribunal-- Regulatory Authorities Of 23 States/Uts Operationalise Websites

536 Kms Of Metro Rail Lines Operational In 10 Cities IncludingcrackIAS.com Delhi & Ncr, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Jaipur, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai & Gurugram

13 New Metro Projects For 248 Kms At A Cost Of Rs. 68,021 Crore Approved Since May, 2014 For Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Gurugram, Lucknow, Chennai Extension, Pune, Delhi Metro Extensions, Noida – Greater Noida, Bhopal & Indore. Around 650 Kms Of Metro Rail Projects At Various Stages Of Implementation--About 750 Kms Of Metro Rail Systems & 373 Kms Of Rrts Under Planning

I-Metros-A Platform To Exchange Ideas, Pooling Of Knowledge & Sharing Of Experience, Best Practices Launched In March 2018

To Promote “Make In India” & Indigenization Of Various Metro Rail System, Standard Specificationsissued

Amendments To Mpd-2021 Notified To Provide Relief To Citizens From Sealing Drive--Special Task Force (Stf) Under Vc, Dda Constituted To Address Illegal Constructions/Encroachments

Land Pooling Policy & Regulations To Implement It Aimed At Providing Affordable Housing Notified

In-Situ Development Project Under Ppp Model At Kathputli Colony On Course For Completion In 2019

Paisa- Centralised Web Portal Launched For Subvention Of Interest To Day-Nulm Beneficiaries

13 Lakh Urban Poor Imparted Skill Training From May 2014 Onwards & 4.5 Lakh Provided Placement—1.9 Lakh Beneficiaries Imparted Skill Training In 2018

3,45,450 Shgscomprising Of More Than 34 Lakh Women FormedcrackIAS.com & 2,35,712 Shgs Assisted With Revolving Fund 4,097 Projects Worth Rs 54,816 Crore Awarded Under Amrut--1,035 Projects Worth Rs. 2,388 Crore Completed

Online Building Permission System (Obps) Implemented In 1,453 Cities–Implemented In All Ulbs In 10 States More Than Rs. 2,700 Crore Raised Through Municipal Bonds During 2018 For Upgrading Urban Infrastructure

All 70 Projects Worth Rs. 422.61 Crore Approved For 12 Hriday Cities Under Various Stages Of Implementation—On Course For Completion By March 2019--Rs. 310.43 Crore Released

Year Ender-MOHUA-7-Final 2018:

URBAN RENAISSANCE FORREVITALISING& REJUVENATING INDIAN CITIES BEINGACHIEVED THROUGHINFUSION OFMORE THANRS.6,85,758 CR

Shri Hardeep S Puri, Minister of State(I/C) for Housing & Urban Affairs has informed that Swachh Survekshan 2019 will cover all ULBs in the country and commence from 4th January 2019. Addressing the media persons at the year-end Press Conference of the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, he informed that in order to foster a healthy competition between cities for improving cleanliness standards, Swachh Survekshan survey was conducted for the rating of 73 cities in 2016 followed by ‘Swachh Survekshan-2017’ ranking 434 cities. Indore secured 1st rank in ‘Swachh Survekshan’ 2017. The third round was conducted from 4th January to 10th March, 2018 covering 4203 statutory towns in India, and Indore, Bhopal and Chandigarh have emerged as the top 3 cleanest cities in the country. Several initiatives have been introduced to inculcate behavioural change, i.e., a national helpline number – 1969 –launched, to address queries from citizens around Swachh Bharat Mission. A ‘Swachhata’ app has been launched as a grievance redressal platform for any complaints from citizens related to cleanliness. SBM-Urban has introduced an online educational portal where 150 best practices have been uploaded, in the form of training modules. An innovative audio campaign titled ‘Swachhata Selfie’ has been launched.

Shri Durga Shankar Mishra, Secretary in the Ministry, while providing details of the progress made under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) informed that more than 68.7 Lakh houses have been approved so far for construction under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-U) Mission. Out of these, 37 lakh houses are undervarious stages of construction of which 13.5 lakh houses have already been completed. The Government is on course to sanction 1 crore houses well before 2020 to ensure that construction activities are completed to provide “Housing for all by 2022”. Under the PMAY(U), the total investment involved is Rs 3.85 lakh crore.Rs 34,000 crore have already been released to States/UTs out of the approved total centralcrackIAS.com assistance of Rs 1,05,404crore. An interest subsidy of Rs 7,543crore on housing loans has been credited directly to 3,39,713 beneficiaries under CLSS (Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme), he stated.

Stating that his Ministry has been implementing one of the most ambitious programmes undertaken in the world for Urban renaissance for revitalising and rejuvenating Indian cities through number of initiatives including infusion of more than Rs. 6,85,758 crore for ensuring ease of living for the citizens in urban areas, Shri Hardeep Puri informed that the transformation has been undertaken by way of implementing key urban reforms, projects for urban rejuvenation, construction of public and household toilets and solid waste management under the Swachh Bharat Mission, initiation and implementation of more than 5000 smart city projects worth Rs.2,05,018 crore under the Smart City Mission, sanctioning of more than 65 lakh houses for construction under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in urban areas, provision of water, sewerage and sanitation under the Mission AMRUT by sanctioning projects worth Rs.77, 640 crore, augmenting the urban transport by way of new metro lines, embarking on an ambitious target for skill development of urban youth for gainful employment under DAY-NULM and approving implementation of city HRIDAY plans for 12 cities. The Ministry is also vigorously pursuing reforms in the real estate sector for the benefit of homebuyers by ensuring implementation of RERA in all parts of the country. The Mission-wise progress is as under -

SWACHH BHARAT MISSION - URBAN

Since April 2018, an additional 1612 cities have been declared as ODF taking the total number to 4124,62 lakh Individual Household Toilets (IHHL) and5 lakh Community and Public Toilet seats (CT/PT) have been constructed or are under construction. Further, Urban areas of 21 States/UTs have been declared ODF (namely, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Chandigarh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Manipur, Sikkim, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Puducherry, Punjab, and Karnataka). The Government of India launched the “Swachh Bharat Mission” (Urban) on 2nd October 2014 for 5-year period with the objective of achieving 100% open defecation free (ODF) status and putting in place systems to achieve 100% solid waste management in all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the country. The estimated cost of implementation is Rs. 62,009/- crore, including Government of India’s share of Rs. 14,600/- crore and State share of Rs 4,874/- crore.

To enable people to easily locate public toilets and give feedback on the same, a major initiative of mapping all public toilets in the country on Google Maps has been launched. Till date, 835 cities have uploaded more than 33000 PTs mapped on google maps. MoHUA has also launched the following:

● ‘ODF+ and ODF++ protocols’, with a focus on sustaining ODF outcomes and achieving holistic sanitation (wherein ODF+ protocol focuses on O&M of community / public toilets by ensuring functionality and proper maintenance of CT/PTs for their continued usage, and ODF++ focuses on addressing safe management of faecal sludge from toilets, and ensuring that no untreated sludge is discharged into open drains, water bodies or in the open), ● ‘Star Rating Protocol or garbage free cities’ to motivate cities to achieve garbage free status. It is a single metric rating system, based on 12 parameters of Solid Waste Management covering, Source segregation, Door to Door Collection, compliance by bulk waste generators, daily sweeping, scientific processing of waste, scientific land filling, plastic waste management, construction and demolition waste management, dumpsite remediation, citizen grievance redressal system etc., all of which together contribute to a city’scrackIAS.com overall cleanliness and garbage free status. ● ‘Swachh Manch’, which acts as an online knowledge management and stakeholder engagement portal to galvanize the SBM into a true ‘JanAndolan’. Currently, 71,797 wards out of 84,229 wards, i.e. 85 % of wards, are practicing door to door collection, and 46.03% of waste generated is being processed. Waste-to-Compost (WTC) plants-635 Plants are operational with 40.47 lakh TPA compost production capacity and 206 Plants with 6.84 lakh TPA output capacity are in progress. Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plants-7 Plants are operational with 88.4 MW capacity and 56 Plants with 415 MW capacity are in progress. It has been made mandatory for DISCOMs to purchase WtE power PRADHAN MANTRI AWAS YOJANA (PMAY-U)

To fast track the construction of sanctioned houses, the Ministry has identified 24 new technologies for mass housing construction and further issued schedule of rates for 11 new construction technologies and building materials for adoption among States/UTs. In addition, the Ministry is also organizing Global Housing Technology Challenge (GHTC) to co-opt internationally acclaimed rapid mass housing construction technologies and to help States/UTs to construct sanctioned houses under PMAY(U) to address housing shortage in the urban areas by 2022.

A National Urban Housing Fund for Rs. 60,000 crore has been set up for raising Extra Budgetary Resources (EBR) for the rapid implementation of PMAY (U). A sum of Rs. 8,000 crore was mobilised under this fund in FY 2017-18. In FY 2018-19 approval has been secured to raise Rs. 25,000 crore under this mechanism out of which a sum of Rs. 5050 crore has been already raised and disbursed to the States/UTs and CNAs (Central Nodal Agencies). This process of raising resources through EBR ensures that there will be unhindered availability of resources for PMAY(U).

The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) was established in National Housing Bank (NHB) with an objective to improve the affordability of the target group to own their homes. The first tranche of Rs. 2,500 crore which was received by NHB in Aug 2018 out of the total corpus of Rs. 10,000 crore has already been disbursed. The next tranche of Rs 2,500 crore is expected to be received by NHB soon.

The huge investment of 3.6 Lakh crore in housing sector is providing more job opportunities in construction and allied sectors with the help of induced effect and contributing to overall health of the economy.

SMART CITY MISSION

Under the SCM, 100 Smart Cities have been selected in 4 Rounds based on All India Competition. All 100 cities have incorporated Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs). Since the launch of the mission, a total of 5,151 projects have been identified for implementation by the cities worth more than Rs. 2 lakh crore which are in various stages of implementation in the 100 cities. 534 projects worth Rs. 10,116 crore have been completed and implementation has commenced for 1,177 projects worth Rs. 43,493 crore while tendering has started for 677 projects worth Rs. 38,207 crore. The progress with respect to implementation of projects pertaining to Smart Solutions, Smart Roads, Smart Water, Solar Rooftops, and Visible & Impactful is given below:

·For Smart Command & Control Centres projects worth Rs. 1,558 crore in 11 cities have been completed; projects worth Rs. 3,049 crore in 29 cities are under progress; Projects worth Rs. 2,730crackIAS.com crore in 21 cities already tendered.·For Smart Roads projects, worth Rs. 228 crore in 4 cities have been completed; projects worth Rs. 3,819 crore in 34 cities are under progress; projects worth Rs. 2,069 crore in 10 cities already tendered.·For Smart Water projects, worth Rs. 902 crore in 18 cities have been completed; projects worth Rs. 5,961 crore in 35 cities are under progress; projects worth Rs. 921 crore in 17 cities already tendered.·For Solar projects, worth Rs. 58 crore in 8 cities have been completed; projects worth Rs. 828 crore in 42 cities are under progress; further tenders have been issued for projects worth Rs. 300 crore in 9 cities already tendered.·For Visible and impactful projects, worth Rs. 179 crore in 16 cities have been completed; projects worth Rs. 3,701 crore in 32 cities are under progress; further tenders have been issued for projects worth Rs. 2,828 crore in 20 cities.Other significant initiatives under the Smart Cities Mission ● The “Ease of Living” Index is an initiative of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to help cities assess their liveability vis-à-vis global and national benchmarks and encourage cities to move towards an ‘outcome-based’ approach to urban planning and management. It was decided in June 2017 to rank 116 cities based on the liveability parameters. The implementation of the assessment commenced formally on 19 January, 2018. The Ministry has launched the outcome/rankings of 111 cities on the Ease of Living index on 13 August, 2018. The framework covers all the critical pillars of urban development (Physical, Institutional, Social and Economic) and uses 78 indicators across 15 categories (governance, identity and culture, education, health, safety and security, economy, affordable housing, land use planning, public open spaces, transportation and mobility, assured water supply, waste-water management, solid waste management, power, and quality of environment). ● Indian Smart City Fellowship and Indian Smart City Internship programs were launched on 9 July 2018. More than 3000 applications were received for Fellowship. The first batch of 30 young graduates/post graduates and PhDs in the fields of Urban Planning, Urban Design, Engineering, Information and Technology, Urban Mobility, Finance, Social Sector and Environmental issues has been selected by the Ministry in November 2018. ● An all-India Challenge named CITIIS (Cities Investments to Innovate Integrate and Sustain) was launched on July 9, 2018 in partnership with Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and European Union. A Loan of EUR 100 million will be extended by AFD which shall be given as a grant to Smart Cities for implementation of 15 innovative projects selected through the All-India Challenge. The projects would be in four sectors- sustainable mobility, public open spaces, urban governance & ICT and social and organizational innovation in low-income settlements. Technical support with global expertise will be provided for preparation and implementation of selected demonstrative projects. A preparatory Workshop on CITIIS was held with international experts in September 2018. Proposals submitted by cities are under evaluation. ● Smart Cities Digital Payments Awards 2018 were launched on 9 July, 2018. The objective of the awards is to guide, motivate, recognize and reward the Smart Cities for promoting digital payments and carrying out innovative payment initiatives. 65 cities have participated in Stage II of the questionnaire. The submissions are under evaluation. Results will be declared shortly. RERA (REAL ESTATE (REGULATION AND DEVELOPMENT) ACT, 2016 (RERA)

Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) was passed by the Parliament in March, 2016 heralding a new era of transformation in the real estate sector. The core objective of this transformative legislation is to ensure regulation and promotioncrackIAS.com of real estate sector in an efficient manner and to protect the interest of home buyers. The updated status of RERA is as follows:

● 28 States/UTs have notified rules under RERA except- ● Jammu & Kashmir (as RERA is not applicable there). ● 6 North Eastern States (Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim) ● West Bengal has enacted its own Act I.e. Housing & Industry Regulation Act (HIRA), however state has been advised to notify the rules under Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act, 2016.

● 28 States/UTs have set up Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Regular - 15, Interim - 13).21 States/UTs have set up Real Estate Appellate Tribunal (Regular -09, Interim – 12).Regulatory Authorities of 23 States/UTs have operationalized their websites under the provisions of RERA.34,893 Real Estate Projects and 27,073 Real Estate Agents have registered under RERA across the country. Municipal bonds are an important instrument to mobilise financial resources for investment in Urban Infrastructure. Municipal bonds of Rs. 2,709.90 crore were issued in 2018 by Hyderabad (2 tranches of Rs. 200 crore and Rs. 195 crore), Indore (Rs. 139.90 crore), Amaravati (Rs. 2,000 crore), and Bhopal (Rs. 175 crore). This is expected to help cities meet their financing requirements and supplement the budgetary resources made available to them.

URBAN TRANSPORT

At present, about 536 kms of Metro Rail lines are operational in 10 cities i.e. Delhi & NCR, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Jaipur, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai and Gurugram. Since May, 2014 to till date, about 287 Kms of metro rail lines have been commissioned in Delhi & NCR, Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Jaipur, Hyderabad and Gurugram. In 2018 (from January, 2018 to till date), about 110 Kms of metro rail lines have been commissioned in Delhi & NCR, Hyderabad and Chennai.Since May, 2014 to till date, 13 new metro projects with a total length of about 248 Kms at a total cost of Rs. 68,021 Cr have been approved for Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Gurugram, Lucknow, Chennai Extension, Pune, Delhi Metro Extensions, Noida – Greater Noida, Bhopal and Indore. In 2018 itself, 3 new projects with a length of about 66 Kms at a total cost of Rs. 16, 408 crore have been approved for Bhopal, Indore and Delhi Metro Extn from Noida City Centre to Noida Sector 62.

The Prime Minister has laid foundation of six metro projects since May, 2014, for Nagpur, Pune, Mumbai Line 2A, Mumbai Line 2B, Mumbai Line-4 and Mumbai Line-7. He has also inaugurated several new metro lines since May, 2014 in Delhi, Hyderabad and Kochi. In 2018 itself, the Prime Minister has inaugurated the Delhi Metro extension from Mundka to Brigadier Hoshiyar Singh (11.18 Km) on 24.06.2018 and Delhi Metro extension from Escort Mujesar to Raja Nahar Singh Ballabgarh (3.205 km) on 19.11.2018.Around 650 kms of metro rail projects are at various stages of implementation in Delhi & NCR, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi, Jaipur, Mumbai (including State initiatives by MMRDA), Hyderabad, Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Pune, Noida, Bhopal and Indore. About 750 kms of metro rail systems and 373 km of Rapid Rail Transit Systems (RRTS) are under planning in various cities.

In order to promote “Make in India” and indigenization of various metro rail system, standard specification of rolling stock, signalling system, electrical & electromechanical metro rail components and civil engineering structures have been issued.crackIAS.com Further, eligibility criteria for procurement of rolling stocks has also been issued. I-Metros (Indian Metro Rail Organisations’ Society) - a platform to exchange ideas, pooling of knowledge and sharing of experience, best practices, innovations etc. among the Indian metro rail companies to nurture excellence in performance was launched in March 2018.

DELHI DIVISION

1. Amendment to the Master Plan for Delhi-2021 In order to provide relief to the citizens from the ongoing sealing drive amendments to the Master Plan for Delhi-2021 have been notified on 21.06.2018, to revise the Development Control Norms for Shop-cum Residential Plots and Godown clusters existing in non-confirming areas. These amendments have paved way for regularization of the misuse of premises and unauthorized constructions in eligible cases by providing for additional FAR in eligible cases while at the same time taking care of issue such as parking spaces, greenery, accessibility to fire services, infrastructure requirements and convenience of inhabitants.

2. Extension of NCT of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second Act, 2011

The validity of the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second Act, 2011, which was expiring on 31.12.2017, has been extended upto 31.12.2020, providing continued protection to certain forms of unauthorised developments from punitive action and at the same time allowing time to the Government, urban local bodies and other organisations involved to take a balanced and well considered view on policies, norms and strategies for orderly implementation of plans regarding these unauthorised developments.

3. Constitution of Special Task Force

A Special Task Force (STF) under the Chairmanship of Vice Chairman, DDA has been constituted on 25.04.2018, with members from various organisations viz. MCDs, NDMC, Delhi Police, GNCT of Delhi, Central Ground Water Board, ASI, DJB, etc. to comprehensively address the problems of illegal constructions and encroachments on public lands, parking spaces, roads, pavements, etc. STF is also entrusted with the task of ensuring coordination among various agencies and timely and effective action by such authorities for ensuring compliance with statutory provisions including MPD-2021 and the Unified Building Bye laws.

4. Formulation of Action Plan for construction activities in Delhi

AnAction Plan has been formulated on 23.05.2018, clearly specifying the name, designation of officer concerned to be held responsible for all future irregular and unauthorized constructions/violations of MPD-2021, DMC Act, 1957 and Building Bye- laws etc.Besides punitive action under disciplinary rules, including suspension, filing of FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act would also be initiated against the erring officer. 5. LandcrackIAS.com Pooling Policy The long pending land pooling policy, which basically aims at providing affordable housing to the residents of Delhi, has been notified by the Ministry on 11th October, 2018 and the regulations to implement the policy have been notified by DDA on 24th October, 2018.

7. Kathputli Colony:

In-situ development project under Public Private Partnership at Kathputli colony near Shadipur Depot which commenced during 2017 is expected to be completed during 2019. Under the project a total of 2,800 EWS flats are being constructed to rehabilitate the jhuggi dwellers on in-situ basis by the developer entity on Public Private Partner mode.

8. Projects in Delhi funded through Urban Development Fund(UDF):

During the year 2018, the several projects involving funding from the UDF were approved: These include upgradation of District Centres at Nehru Place: UDF funding of Rs 130.23 crore i.e., 80% of cost of Rs 162.79 crores; Upgradation of District Centre at Bhikaji Cama: UDF funding of Rs 58.03 crore i.e., 80% of cost of Rs 72.54 crore; Solid Waste Management Project for three Municipal Corporations of Delhi (North, South and East): UDF funding of Rs 216.42 crore i.e., 80% of cost of Rs 236.44 crores; SW Drain at Sector 8 Dwarka to cater to discharge of Airport: UDF funding of Rs 70.85 crore i.e., 80% of cost of Rs 88.56 crores. foundation for construction of flyover passes between Northern Mahipalpur by pass road and Airport road near Hanuman Mandir and inauguration of Skywalk/ FoB at ITO crossing and Grade Separator at Rani Jhansi Road was also undertaken during the year.

ESTATES

“Sampada 21” has been implemented wherein 21 services offered by the Directorate have been fully computerized and all such applications are received online. A new website of the Directorate of Estates has been developed for computerised issue of No Demand Certificate/Retention/Allotment for Vigyan Bhawan/ 5 Ashoka Road and for marriage purposes. Amendments have been made in the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971 to speed up eviction of the unauthorised occupations from the Government Premises in 2015.

DEENDAYAL ANTYODAYA YOJANA - NATIONAL URBAN LIVELIHOODS MISSION (DAY- NULM)

More than 1,90,000 beneficiaries have been imparted skill training in 2018 and 94,753 have been provided placement. Loans with interest subvention have been provided to 58,879 beneficiaries for self-employment through individual/group micro-enterprises and 63,720 loans have been disbursed to SHGs under SHG-Bank Linkage Programme. 53,087 SHGs have been formed, and 31,686 SHGs have been assisted with Revolving Fund.

Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme being implemented in the statutory towns in the country for reducing the poverty and vulnerability of urban poor households since April 2014. The primary target of DAY- NULM is urban poor, including urban homeless & urban street vendors and emphasis is laid on mobilisation of vulnerable sections of urban population into Self Help Groups (SHGs).Further, duringcrackIAS.com the year

● Personalized After-training Rapid Assessment (PARAS) system has been launched to get direct feedback from skill trained candidates regarding quality of skill training through SMS/ online feedback.A centralised web portal named PAiSA, developedin collaboration with the Allahabad Bank, has been launched for subvention of interest to DAY-NULM beneficiaries under SEP component through Direct Benefit Transfer mode.For skill training of DAY-NULM beneficiaries in construction sector under ESTP component, Memorandum of Understanding has been entered with National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) and SULM, Maharashtra. Swachhata Excellence Awards were distributed among the Area Level Federations (ALFs) of Self Help Groups (SHGs) from various States for their exemplary performance in creating awareness about sanitation, elimination of open defecation, bringing out behavioural change towards healthy sanitation practices etc. ● DAY-NULM, in collaboration with Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is facilitating City Livelihood Centres (CLCs) in standardization of products and their specifications, identification of products to be launched on e-marketplace and registration on GeM portal as ‘seller’. Also, it has been decided to develop two Model Shelters for urban homeless in each state, one in the state capital and one in another big city, having sizable population of urban homeless. Also, two ULBs in each state, one in a million plus city and one in another big city are to be developed as Model ULBs for urban street vendors. Under DAY-NULM, between May 2014 to November 2018, 12,94,252 urban poor have been imparted skill training to improve employment opportunities and of these, 4,58,849 persons have been provided placement. Loans with interest subvention provision have been provided to 3,55,383 beneficiaries for self-employment through individual/group micro- enterprises and 4,67,355 loans have been disbursed to SHGs under SHG-Bank Linkage Programme.3,45,450 SHG’s comprising of more than 34 lakh women have been formed & 2,35,712 SHGs assisted with Revolving Fund. Street Vendor Survey has been completed in 2332 cities. 16,89,564 street vendors have so far been identified and 8,18,095 of them have been given ID cards. 1,776 shelters for urban homeless have been sanctioned and 1,084 shelters are operational.

AMRUT

Out of the total State Annual Action Plan(SAAP) size of Rs. 77,640 crore, contracts for 4,097 projects worth Rs. 54,816 crore have been awarded including 1,035 projects worth Rs. 2,388 crore which have been completed. Tenders have already been issued for 755 projects worth Rs. 14,770 crore and DPRs for 458 projects worth Rs. 9,183 crore have been approved. The sector wise progress is as under:

• In the water supply sector, contracts for 965 projects worth Rs. 29,205 crore have been awarded including 154 projects worth Rs. 1,325 crore which have been completed. 151 projects worth Rs. 8,047 crore have been tendered and DPRs for 97 projects worth Rs. 4,318 crore approved. • In the sewerage and septage management sector, contracts for 491 projects worth Rs. 21,508 crore have been awarded including 40 projects worth Rs.520 crore which have been completed. 151 projects worth Rs. 5,596 crore have been tendered and DPRs for 85 projects worth Rs. 4,507 crore approved.• In the drainage sector, contracts for 516 projects worth Rs. 2,101 crore have been awarded including 51 projects worth Rs.81 crore which have been completed. 144 projects worth Rs.645 crore have been tendered and DPRs for 25 projects worth Rs. 111 crore approved.• In the urban transport sector, contracts for 244 projects worth Rs.709 crore have been awarded including 18 projects worth Rs.41 crore which have been completed.crackIAS.com 76 projects worth Rs.251 crore have been tendered and DPRs for 40 projects worth Rs.123 crore approved.• In the green spaces and parks sector, contracts for 1,881 projects worth Rs. 1,293 crore have been awarded including 772 projects worth Rs.421 crore which have been completed. 233 projects worth Rs.231 crore have been tendered and DPRs for 211 projects worth Rs.124 crore approved. To optimize the energy consumption in streetlights, over 54 lakh streetlights have been replaced with LED lights.

AMRUT Mission also has a reform agenda spread over 11 reforms comprising 54 milestones to be achieved by the States and Union Territories over a period of four years. For the year 2018-19, an amount of Rs.600 crore has been earmarked to incentivize the states/ UTs for implementing reforms out of which, Rs.260 crore has been earmarked to incentivise the AMRUT cities for issuing municipal bonds, on first-come- first-serve basis. An amount of Rs.340 crore has been disbursed to 21 States/ UTs during the year 2018-19 for implementation of reforms. Further, Rs.119 crore has been awarded as incentive to 5 cities viz. Pune, Hyderabad, Indore, Bhopal and Amravati for issuing the municipal bonds.

The World Bank has recently released the Doing Business Report (DBR) 2019 and the country’s rank in Construction Permits indicator has gone up to 52 from 181, a year ago. This could be possible due to the reforms implemented and consistent efforts of the Municipal Corporations of Delhi and Mumbai in facilitating Ease of Doing Business in construction permits. Further, Online Building Permission System (OBPS) has been implemented in 1,453 cities across the country including 436 Mission cities. Ten States namely Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Telangana and Tripura have implemented OBPS in all the ULBs. This is being extended to all the cities/ towns across the country.

National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY)

The National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) was launched on 21st January, 2015 for the period until 31st March, 2019. HRIDAY is being implemented in 12 cities, namely, Ajmer, Amaravati, Amritsar, Badami, Dwaraka, Gaya, Kancheepuram, Mathura, Puri, Varanasi, Velankanni and Warangal. In 2018, 20 projects amounting to Rs. 140.14 Crores have been completed in the cities of Ajmer, Amaravati, Amritsar, Badami, Dwaraka, Puri and Varanasi. Few notable projects completed in 2018 are as follows:

In order to enhance the experience of religious tourists visiting prominent heritage sites in the HRIDAY Cities, upgradation of 59 roads leading to various heritage sites in the city of Varanasi, Ajmer, Amritsar and Amaravati have been completed. With increased pressure on land to accommodate the increasing population, there is need for creation of green spaces which should be a key consideration in urban planning to improve the health of a city and its people. With this objective, 3 projects for rejuvenation of public parks and gardens in the cities of Amritsar (Gol Bagh), Ajmer (Subhash Udyan) and Puri (Banki Muhana) have been completed.In order to revive the local heritage in cities and create additional tourist attractions, 3 projects for development of heritage walks in Pushkar, Ajmer and Varanasi connecting important monuments, along the lanes with historical architecture have been completed.With the objective of restoring existing heritage buildings, 2 projects for Adaptive Reuse of Rambagh Gate in Amritsar and Town Hall in Varanasi have been completed. Rambagh Gate will house a museum and Town Hall is being used as a cultural center or programs.

● Many traditional water bodies in heritage cities have no water, but lot of solid waste and have primarily become garbage dump sites. Under HRIDAY, revival work of few heritage water bodies has been taken place. 1 such project for Annasagar Lakefront DevelopmentcrackIAS.com has been completed.To ensure sustainability of heritage assets created under HRIDAY, a four day capacity building workshop was organized at SPA, Bhopal between 31 July- 3 August, 2018 for all Hriday city officials with an objective to train the officials to comprehend the attributes of HRIDAY cities, work out ways to incorporate heritage assets in planning documents, develop tools for management of heritage resources and assets created under HRIDAY scheme, innovative revenue opportunities and achieve sustainability goals for all HRIDAY cities. All the HRIDAY cities have been asked to develop a sustainability model for their cities with focus on revenue generation through facilities developed under HRIDAY for their cities. RJ/KGS/SL

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crackIAS.com Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2019-01-01 STEPS TAKEN TO PREVENT RAIL ACCIDENTS DUE TO FOG AND OTHER REASONS Relevant for: Indian Economy | Topic: Infrastructure: Railways

Ministry of Railways Steps Taken to Prevent Rail Accidents due to Fog and Other Reasons

Posted On: 31 DEC 2018 3:31PM by PIB Delhi

During the year 2017-18 and in the current year upto 30th November, 2018, no consequential train accident due to fog took place.

Details of type-wise number of consequential train accidents that took place during the year 2017-18 and in the current year upto 30th November, 2018 are as under:-

Type of 2018-19 2017-18 Accidents (Upto 30.11.2018) Number of accidents Number of accidents Collision 3 0 Derailments 54 35 Manned Level 3 3 Crossings Unmanned Level 10 3 crossings Fire 3 2 Misc. 0 1 Total 73 44

Safety is accorded the highest priority by Indian Railways and all possible steps are undertaken on a continual basis to prevent accidents and to enhance Safety. The following steps are taken to preventcrackIAS.com rail accidents due to fog and other reasons:- 1. To provide safeguard in train operation in Automatic Block System during foggy weather, the number of trains are restricted to two between two stations. 2. Reducing the speed of trains. 3. During fog, when Loco pilot feels that visibility is restricted, he runs at a speed at which he can control the train so as to be prepared to stop short of any obstruction. 4. Deputing additional staff to alert the Loco Pilot through placement of detonators before the First Stop signal. 5. Improving the visibility of signals. 6. Loco Pilots are advised to take precautions, be vigilant and alert and to observe Special Rules and instructions regarding speed limits under foggy conditions. 7. Fog PASS Device, a Global Positioning System (GPS) based hand held portable device, is used. This device is not installed on a locomotive as such but is given to Loco Pilots in fog affected sections. It serves as an aid for the crew during foggy weather through audio visual alarm, whenever any landmark comes within the geo-fence range. 8. Extensive footlplate inspections by officers and supervisors, particularly during night hours are being ensured. 9. Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) - As announced by Hon’ble Minister of Finance in his Budget Speech for 2017-18, a fund namely ‘Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK)’ had been introduced with a corpus of 1 lakh crore over a period of five years from 2017-18 onwards for critical safety related works. A provision of 20,000 crore has been made in Budget Estimate 2018-19 out of ‘RRSK’, as was done in 2017-18. The Funds under RRSK are being utilized to finance works under Plan heads Traffic Facilities, Rolling Stock, Level Crossing, ROB/RUB, Track Renewal, Bridge Works, Signal and Telecommunication Works, other Electrical Works, TRD Works, Machinery and Plant, Workshop and Training/HRD. 10. Expenditure on safety has increased consistently from 45516 Cr. in 2015-16 to 53457 Cr. in 2016-17, 60885 Cr. in 2017-18 and further 73065 Cr. (Budget Estimate) in 2018-19. 11. Topmost priority is given to Rail/Track renewal by making available funds and material for rail renewal. Further adequate traffic blocks for carrying out work are also being provided. 12. Switch over to the manufacture of Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches from 2018-19 onwards and stopping the manufacture of ICF coaches. The LHB coaches having superior design and better safety features like anti-climbing features etc. 13. Elimination of unmanned level crossings on Broad Gauge through closure, merger, provision of subways and manning, etc. Upto November, 2018 all the unmanned level crossings (UMLC) have been eliminated on Broad Gauge except a very small number i.e. 28 UMLCs. 14. New works have been included in the category of Safety works like Platform extension and raising, foot overbridge, pathways and boundary walls etc. to improve passenger safety. 15. Delegation of powers and easing of procedures, improving safety awareness amongst railway employees, and better training facilities like imparting simulator based training for improving the driving skills and the reaction time of Loco Pilots.

This information was given in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha. crackIAS.com**** SVS/MKV/AP

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crackIAS.com Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2019-01-01 USE OF ADVANCE TECHNOLOGY TO PREVENT TRAIN ACCIDENTS Relevant for: Indian Economy | Topic: Infrastructure: Railways

Ministry of Railways Use of Advance Technology to Prevent Train Accidents

Posted On: 31 DEC 2018 3:31PM by PIB Delhi

Indian Railways (IR) has taken the following proactive measures to ensure safety and to prevent accidents at unmanned level crossings:

i. Elimination of unmanned level crossings through closure/merger/grade-separator/ manning etc. on a programmed basis. All unmanned level crossings on Broad Gauge have now been eliminated except 28 UMLCs, which have also been planned to be eliminated by closure, merger, subway and manning. ii. SMS-based campaigns to create awareness amongst road users. iii. Social awareness campaigns to educate road users with the use of various print and electronic media for observance of safe practices prescribed in Motor Vehicles Act and Indian Railways Act. iv. Public awareness campaigns at different places like villages, Gram Panchayat, weekly market, bus stands, schools and other public places. v. Nukkad Nataks organized at public places with theme “Safety at Level Crossings”. vi. Drives to ensure availability of basic infrastructure at unmanned level crossings including whistle boards, road warning boards, speed breakers, visibility etc. as per the laid down standards. vii. Periodic inspection of such crossings by Railway officials to ensure the above and for taking corrective actions, if any. viii. Level crossing awareness week is organized each year by the Zonal Railways, which also includes the ‘International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD)’. ix. To ensure safety, all unmanned level crossings have been provided with Gate Mitra to counsel/warn the road users for observance of safe practices while negotiating the unmanned level crossings. In addition, following technology upgradation has been adopted by the Indian Railways to prevent rail accidents and to enhance safety in railway operation and pertaining to infrastructure: crackIAS.com 1. Fog Pass Devices have been provided on locomotives in fog prone areas. This is a portable equipment issued to Loco Pilots while working trains during fog season, which guides Loco Pilot about incoming signal location.All Locos are provided with Vigilance Control Devices for checking alertness of Loco Pilots.Remote Monitoring and Management of Locomotives and Trains enables remote monitoring of Diesel Locomotives and focused counseling and training of such crew, who are prone to unsafe working. It also monitors condition of locomotive and makes preventive maintenance of locomotives. The above system is already running on about 3520 locomotives and 113 DEMUs.Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning of locomotive Cabs (HVACs) – Improvement in the working conditions of loco crew is a priority area for Indian Railways. Provision of AC in loco cab will reduce fatigue level on run and will make working environment of crew better and improve their efficiency. Better working condition will also improve the alertness level of the loco pilots. So far, 895 diesel locos have been equipped with HVACs.Simulator training is imparted to all Loco Pilots to gain hands on experience on the locomotives.Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) type coaches, which are of a superior design having better safety features like anti- climbing, etc., are being proliferated in main line trains. It has also been decided that only LHB coaches would be manufactured by Production Units of Indian Railways from April, 2018 onwards.Several fire safety measures like provision of Smoke Detection System in Air Condition coaches, Fire Detection and Suppression System in Power car and Pantry car and availability of Fire Extinguishers in Non-AC coaches have been initiated. These systems/equipments are getting provided in a phased manner on identified coaches.To automatically identify the defective wheels in rolling stock by measuring the impact of wheels on track, 15 Nos. of Wheel Impact Load Detectors (WILDs) are operational in Indian Railways. Further, Purchase Order has been placed for another advanced system called Online Monitoring of Rolling Stock (OMRS) which monitors defective bearing, wheel flats and generate defect reports on real time basis. Two such systems are operational in IR and two more systems are under installation.To proactively detect cases of potential Hot Box at the initial stage of propagation, Hot Box Detectors are being tried out over Indian Railways’ network to mitigate en-route detachment and avoid serious repercussion on the operation of trains.Indian Railways has already adopted the technological upgradation in safety aspects of coaches and wagons by way of introducing Modified Centre Buffer couplers, Bogie Mounted Air Brake System (BMBS), improved suspension design and provision of Automatic fire and smoke detection system in coaches. These modifications are being provided in newly manufactured coaches and wagons in a regular basis.Long Rail panels are being used on track to minimize welded joints.Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) testing of rails to detect flaws and timely removal of defective rails.Thick Web Switches and Weldable CMS Crossing are being procured for use on track.Mechanization of track maintenance is being carried out to reduce human errors.

This information was given in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.

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SVS/MKV/AP

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END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2019-01-01 111 PROPOSALS OF SFURTI CLUSTERS APPROVED IN LAST THREE YEARS: GIRIRAJ SINGH Relevant for: Indian Economy | Topic: Issues relating to Growth & Development - Industry & Services Sector incl. MSMEs

Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises 111 Proposals of SFURTI Clusters Approved in Last Three Years: Giriraj Singh

Posted On: 31 DEC 2018 2:58PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has approved 111 proposals of clusters under Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries’ (SFURTI) scheme. Under the Scheme, financial assistance is provided for development of Khadi, coir and village Industries clusters. For major clusters with more than 500 artisans the budget limit is Rs. 5.00 crore and for Regular Clusters with upto 500 artisans, the budget limit is 2.5 crore rupees.

During the last three years, Rs. 13,847.817 lakhhave been spent by the SFURTI clusters, with the no. of artisans and beneficiaries reaching nearly 72,400 persons. Minister of State (Independent Charge) for MSME,Giriraj Singh,stated this in Lok Sabha to day while replying to a question.

The MSME Minister further said the Scheme Steering Committee chaired by Secretary MSME, reviews the progress of approved clusters periodically. Further, an online portal for SFURTI Scheme is operational which is updated regularly for monitoring its effective implementation.CSR and Multilateral Development Bank’s resources have yet not been leveraged under SFURTI Scheme, the Minister added.

The SFURTI scheme revamped in 2015 will continue till 2019-20.

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MM/KA

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END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2019-01-01 EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL ESTABLISHED FOR MSME SECTOR Relevant for: Indian Economy | Topic: Issues relating to Growth & Development - Industry & Services Sector incl. MSMEs

Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises Export Promotion Council Established for MSME Sector

Posted On: 31 DEC 2018 2:56PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has recently established an Export Promotion Cell with an aim to create a sustainable ecosystem for entire MSME development.The benefits likely to accrue to the MSMEs are:

i. Evaluate readiness of MSMEs to export their products and services ii. Recognize areas where improvements are required in order to be able to export effectively and efficiently iii. Integration of MSME into global value chain. This was stated by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises,Giriraj Singh in theLok Sabha today, while replying to a question. The MSME Minister further said that the current status of exports from the MSME sector as per the information received from Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS), the value of MSME related products is USD 147,390.08 million and share of MSME related products in the country’s exports was 48.56% during 2017-18.

To ensure efficient and effective delivery of all MSME export related interventions, the Ministry proposed to formulate a governing council that will be chaired by Secretary, M/o MSME and Co- chaired by Development Commissioner, M/o MSME. The council will comprise of senior officials and members from M/o MSME, Commerce, MSME Export Promotion Councils, Export Development Authorities, Commodity Boards, and other bodies.

An action plan is also proposed to be put in place toachieve the following objectives:

• Target of USD 100 billion of exports from India by 2020

• Evaluate readiness of MSMEs to export their products and services

• Recognize areas where improvements are required in order to be able to crackIAS.com export effectively and efficiently

• Integration of MSMEs into Global Value Chain.

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MM/KA

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crackIAS.com Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2019-01-01 ESTABLISHING GAS TRADING HUB/EXCHANGE IN THE COUNTRY Relevant for: Indian Economy | Topic: Infrastructure: Energy incl. Renewable & Non-renewable

Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas Establishing Gas Trading Hub/Exchange in the country

Posted On: 31 DEC 2018 2:55PM by PIB Delhi

It has been agreed to establish the gas trading hub(s)/exchange(s) in the country wherein the natural gas can be freely traded and supplied through a market mechanism. In view of the administrative, legal, operational issues involved, a precise timeframe for operationalizing the gas trading exchange/hub cannot be indicated at this stage.

As per draft National Energy Policy of NITI Aayog, US $ 150 billion capital investment is needed in energy sector on an annual basis until 2040.

In order to develop the national gas grid, Government has taken a decision to provide a capital grant of Rs.5176 crore (i.e. 40% of the estimated capital cost of Rs.12,940 Crore) to GAIL for development of a 2655 Km long Jagdishpur-Haldia/Bokaro-Dhamra Gas Pipeline (JHBDPL) project. This pipeline will transport Natural Gas to the industrial, commercial, domestic and transport sectors in the States of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.

In order to expand City Gas Network in the state of Jharkhand, PNGRB has authorized Bokaro, Hazaribagh & Ramgarh districts geographical area, Giridih & Dhanbad districts geographical area, Ranchi district and East Singhbhoom district at an average investment of Rs. 400 crore per district during the work plan period.

Oil Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) namely Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) have decided to set up an integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex with a refining capacity of 60 MMTPA (Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum) at Babulwadi, Taluka Rajapur in Ratnagiri District in the state of Maharashtra.

This information was given by Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today.

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crackIAS.com Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2019-01-01 PROMOTING USE OF COMPRESSED BIO GAS AS ALTERNATIVE GREEN TRANSPORT FUEL Relevant for: Indian Economy | Topic: Infrastructure: Energy incl. Renewable & Non-renewable

Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas Promoting Use of Compressed Bio Gas as Alternative Green Transport Fuel

Posted On: 31 DEC 2018 2:54PM by PIB Delhi

Government is promoting the use of Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) as an alternative green transport fuel, which is purified and compressed biogas, produced through a process of anaerobic decomposition from various waste/ biomass sources including Municipal solid waste. In this direction, Oil PSUs have launched ‘Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation’ i.e. ‘SATAT’ initiative. Under this initiative, Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and GAIL have invited Expression of interest (EOI) to procure CBG from potential entrepreneurs for establishment of 5000 CBG plants across the country with an estimated production of 15 MMT CBG per annum by 2023. OMCs and GAIL have offered Rs 46/- per kg delivered price for procurement of CBG.

To increase indigenous production of ethanol, the Government has taken many steps including re-introduction of administered price mechanism, opening of alternate route for ethanol production, Regular Interaction with States, IDR Act Amendment, Interest Subvention scheme namely – “Scheme for augmenting and enhancing ethanol production capacity”, National Policy on Biofuels – 2018, Fixation of differential price of ethanol from C heavy molasses, B heavy molasses/partial sugarcane juice and 100% sugarcane juice.

In December, 2014, the Government allowed Second Generation (2G) route for procurement of ethanol. Oil PSUs have planned to establish 2G Ethanol bio-refineries across the country. They have also entered into Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with State Governments and Technology Providers for setting up five 2G ethanol bio-refineries. On 25.12.2016, foundation stone of the first 2G ethanol bio-refinery to be set up by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited in Bathinda, Punjab, has been laid. Groundbreaking ceremony for 2G Ethanol bio- refinery of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited in Bargarh, Odisha, has been held on 10.10.2018.crackIAS.com

The Government has notified National Policy on Biofuels-2018 under which Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare under Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has been entrusted with the task of production of plant materials through Nurseries and plantations for biofuels in coordination with other Ministries.

The production of ethanol/ alcohol in the country is approximately 310 Cr. Liters per annum. This also varies depending on sugarcane production. Ethanol/Alcohol is mainly used in chemical, potable liquor, pharma sectors and for EBP programme.

The ethanol procured by OMCs under the EBP Programme during the last three ethanol supply years and the current ethanol supply year is tabulated below:

Ethanol Supply Year* Quantity Procured (in crore liters) 2014-15 67.42 2015-16 111.41 2016-17# 66.51 2017-18 150.51

*Ethanol Supply Year is period from 1st December of the current year to 30th November of the next year

# Drop in blend percentage due to drought in Maharashtra and Karnataka leading to lower availability of ethanol

The procurement price of ethanol under the EBP programme excluding applicable GST ranges from Rs. 43.46 per liter to Rs. 59.19 per liter depending upon the feedstock used.

Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) namely IOCL, HPCL & BPCL have reported that they have not received any complaint related to pricing of ethanol blended petrol.

This information was given by Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today.

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crackIAS.com Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2019-01-01 YEAR END REVIEW: MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS 2018: THE HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION YEAR Relevant for: Indian Economy | Topic: Infrastructure: Roads

Ministry of Road Transport & Highways Year end Review: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways 2018: the Highway Construction Year

Posted On: 31 DEC 2018 12:36PM by PIB Delhi

HIGHLIGHTS OF ACTIVITIES

Index

1. Introduction 2. Construction of national highways 3. Road safety 4. Initiatives in transport sector 5. Green initiatives 6. E- initiatives 7. International cooperation 8. Others

INTRODUCTION

1. The year 2018-19 was declared by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways as the YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION. This was a year for consolidating the gains that have accrued from major policy decisions taken in the previous four years, a time for monitoring of ongoing projects, tackling road blocks and adding to the already impressive pace of work achieved last year. The Ministry took a decision to complete all ongoing projects that crackIAS.comhad been awarded upto 2015-16, and placed the highest ever target of constructing at least 12,000 kms of national highways as against 9829 kms achieved during 2017-18, and make special efforts to take this length to 16000 km. Overall, more than about 61,300 km length of road projects, costing more than Rs. 6.48 lakh crore, are in progress at present. The balance ongoing works (which have been awarded, appointed dates declared and works going on at sites) are more than 30,200 kms during the year. In the first nine months of FY 2018-19, 5,759 km has been completed in 18-19 against 4,942 km up to same period in last year. 1.2 In order to achieve this target the Ministry brought in policies, guidelines and practices for expediting pre-construction activities and bringing in more efficiency and transparency in the process. The Bidder Information Management System (BIMS)was developed to streamline the process of pre-qualification of bidders for contracts on EPC Mode. BhoomiRashi portal is being used extensively for expediting the process of notification for land acquisition. The portal BIMS and BhoomiRashi portals have further been linked with Public Financial Management System(PFMS) to facilitate real time payment to beneficiaries.

1.3 On the finance front too, National Highways Authority of India did a successful financial closure of its first project under Toll- Operate –Transfer this year andoffered 586 km of national highways under the second bundle. The first TOT bundle of 9 projects, totaling approximately 681 KM of roads in two states of Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, was awarded earlier during the year for Rs. 9,681 Crore, which was 1.5 times the Authority’s estimate. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) also got an unsecured loan of Rs 25,000 crore from State Bank of India for 10 years with 3 years of moratorium on repayments. This is the largest amount of loan to have been sanctioned to NHAI in one stroke by any institution. This is also the largest long term unsecured loan sanctioned by SBI at a time to any entity.

1. The year has also seen a lot of movement in the transport sector, with focus on reducing carbon footprint while enhancing road safety, efficiency and convenience of road users. An MoU signed with ‘Transport for London’ (TFL) to revamp the public transport system in the country, building mini wayside amenities at toll plazas, establishing a quality – based ranking system for toll plazas, simplification of Driving License application, notifying emission standards for construction equipment vehicles andtractors, issue of guidelines to set up well equipped and competent Driving Training Centres (DTC) at district levels and for granting financial assistance to NGOs for undertaking road safety advocacy, launch of SukhadYatra App and Toll Free Emergency Number, the decision to allow free passage to user in case of malfunctioning of Electronic Toll Collection infrastructure, compensation of Rs. 5,00,000/- to road accidentvictims, notification regarding blending of gasoline with methanol in order to reduce vehicle exhaust emissions and import burden and linking of vehicle emission data with State/Central Register ofVehicles are all notable initiatives taken by the Ministry in this direction. 2. CONSTRUCTION OF NATIONAL HIGHWAYS Award / Construction Statistics: A two days long exercise was conducted to review of over 700 ongoing National Highway projects in the country, and over 300 projects were identified to be completed by 2019 achieving the highest ever construction in financial year 2018-19. crackIAS.comThe table below details the trends of NH construction over the years. Year Award (kms) Construction (kms) 2014-15 7972 4410 2015-16 10098 6061 2016-17 15948 8231 2017-18 17055 9829 Note: In FY 2018-19, 5,759 km of Highways have been constructed till 30.11.18 as against 4,942 kms during the corresponding period last year. The Ministry’s focus is to ensure that pre-construction activities are substantially completed before award of projects.

. Progress of Major Programmes/ Landmark Projects: i. BharatmalaPariyojana: Phase-I This is the umbrella program for the highways sector unrolled in 2017-18, that aims to optimize the efficiency of road traffic movement across the country by bridging critical infrastructure gaps. 34,800 km of National Highways are to be constructed under the Phase-I of the programme between 2017-18 to 2021-22 in a phased manner at a cost of Rs. 5,35,000 crore. This includes 5,000 kms of the National Corridors, 9000 kms of Economic Corridors, 6000 km of Feeder Corridors and Inter-Corridors, 2000 kms of Border Roads, 2,000 kms of Coastal Roads and Port Connectivity Roads and 800 kms of Green-field Expressways.

Projects for 6,407 km road length have been awarded under the BharatmalaPariyojana(including residual NHDP) till the end of October this year. DPRs are being prepared for projects for the balance length. De- congestion projects have been completed for 13 out of 191 congestion points identified, and are under progress for de-congestion of 80 other points. In addition, DPRs are being prepared for 93 congestion points.Out of the 35 locations identified for Multimodal Logistics Parks, DPRs have been initiated for 7 locations and availability of land parcels is being confirmed with State Governments for the rest of the locations. ii. SetuBharatam In order to ensure safe and smooth flow of traffic, Ministry has envisaged a plan for replacement of Level Crossings on National Highways by ROBs/ RUBs under a scheme known as SetuBharatam. Under this programme, out of 174 ROBs/RUBs which are to be constructed, 91 have been sanctioned with an estimated cost of Rs.7,104.72 crore. Out of 91 sanctioned, 59 ROBs/RUBs have been awarded which are in various stages of progress. iii. ChardhamMahamargVikasPariyojna The project envisages development of easy access to the four prominent Dhams, namely, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedranath and Badrinath, situated in the state of Uttrakhand. These four Dhams are prominent pilgrimage centres. The project entails development of 889 km of roads with configuration of two-lane with paved shoulders at an estimated cost of about Rs. 12,000 crore. The projects are being taken up on EPC mode and the programme is targeted for completion by March, 2020. iv. Eastern Peripheral Expressway– Western Peripheral Expressway The two projects of Peripheral Expressways around Delhi, comprising 135 km Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE), and 135 km Western Peripheral Expressway (WPE) crackIAS.comconnecting NH-1 and NH-2 from Western and Eastern side of Delhi was completed this year and inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister in May 2018 and November 2018 respectively. The EPE was constructed by NHAI and WPE by Haryana Government. The two expressways were envisaged with the twin objectives of decongesting and de-polluting the national capital by diverting the traffic not destined for Delhi.

The EPE stretches from Kundli on NH 1 to Palwal on NH 2, and was constructed at a cost ofRs. 4617.87 crore, in addition to Rs. 5900crorewere spent on acquiring 1700 acres of land. It was completed in a record time of about 500 days against the scheduled target of 910 days. It is a fully access-controlled six-lane expressway with a closed tolling system. The expressway has an iconic toll plaza equipped with electronic toll collection infrastructure, ITS control system of the entire EPE and a digital art gallery, with holographic models of major structures and making of the EPE. Weigh-in-Motion equipment at all 30 entry points, solar power on the entire length, eight solar power plants with a capacity of 4000 KW, rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation and 36 replicas of monuments depicting Indian culture and heritage are major features of this expressway. This project has generated employment opportunities of about 50 lakh man-days. v. Delhi-Meerut Expressway t. Delhi-Meerut Expressway aims to provide a faster and safer connectivity between Delhi and Meerut and beyond this, with Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The alignment of DME starts from Nizammudin Bridge from Delhi and follows existing NH 24 uptoDasna. While one leg of DME will continue from Dasna on NH 24 to Hapur, a Greenfield alignment has been planned from Dasna to Meerut. The Expressway is being constructed in 4 packages. The total length of the project is 82 km, of which the first 27.74 kms will be 14-laned, while the rest will be 6-lane expressway. The project is likely to cost Rs 4975.17 crore. The 8.36 km long Package -1 of the projects was inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister in May this year. It is a 14 lane, access-controlledsection stretching from Nizammudin Bridge to Delhi UP Border, and was completed in a record time of 18 months as against the earlier expected construction period of 30 months, at a cost of about Rs. 841.50 crore. This is the first National Highway in the country with 14 lanes, and has several features that would help reduce pollution. These include a 2.5-metre- wide cycle track on either side of the highway, a vertical garden on the Yamuna Bridge, solar lighting system and watering of plants through drip irrigation only.

Package II from UP Border to Dasna(19.28 km), Package –III - Dasna to Hapur( 22.27) km and Package –IV - Green-field Alignment from Dasna to Meerut –(31.78 km) are under construction and are likely to be completed by March 2019. vi. Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway The 473 km expressway will link Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway to Mumbai-Pune Expressway thus providing Expressway connectivity from Ahmedabad to Pune for a length of about 650 Km. vii. Delhi – Mumbai Expressway This 1250 km Expressway is being developed along a new alignment between Delhi and Mumbai, which passes through backward and tribal districts of Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. A sum of one lakh crore rupees will be spent on this expressway.It will reduce the distance between Delhi and Mumbai from the present 1450km through NH 8 to 1250 km, and the travel time to 12 hours. The crackIAS.comsections of proposed highway from Delhi to Dahod in Rajasthan are under tendering, while the section between Vadodara to Ankleshwar in Gujarat have already been awarded. The DPR is under progress for the remaining sections. viii. Bangalore-Chennai Expressway DPR is under progress for this 260 km Expressway. This is a green-field alignment. There are two existing roads connecting Bangalore-Chennai, one is via Hoskote (Bangalore)-AP then to Chennai & second is via Electronic City (Bangalore) Hosur(Tamil Nadu) and then to Chennai. The alignment of the proposed expressway is passing in between these two stretches. ix. Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway Greenfield alignment is being explored for this 500 km long proposed Expressway. x. Nagpur-Hyderabad-Bangalore (NBH) Expressway DPR has been awarded and alignment finalization is under progress for the new green-field 940 km Nagpur – Hyderabad – Bangalore EXP. xi. Kanpur Lucknow (KL) Expressway DPR is in progress for 75 km of Kanpur – Lucknow EXP xii. Varanasi Airport Road and Ring Road Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated the 16.55 km, Rs 759.36 crore Varanasi Ring Road Phase-I and 17.25 km, Rs 812.59 crore Babatput-Varanasi road on NH-56 in November. It has reduced the travel time from Varanasi to the airport, and is proving a big relief to the people of Varanasi and to tourists providing a more convenient access to Sarnath, an important site for Buddhist pilgrimage. xiii. ByetDwarka – Okha Bridge The Ministry has taken up construction of a signature 4-lane Bridge to connect the mainland at Okha to Byet-Dwarka Island off the Gujarat Coast with this SignatureBridge spanning a length of 2.32 kms. The Project has been awarded on 01.01.2018 at a cost of Rs. 689.47 crores. This will be the longest span cable stayed bridge in India with the main span of 500 mtrs. The project is scheduled to be completed in a period of 30 months. xiv. Bridge over Ganga in Phaphamau in Allahabad Approval has been given for a project for construction of 9.9 km long new 6 - lane bridge across river Ganga on NH - 96 at Phaphamau in Allahabad with total capital cost of Rs. 1948.25 crore. The construction period for the project is three years and likely to be completed by December, 2021. The new bridge will resolve the traffic congestion on existing old 2 - lane Phaphamau bridge on NH-96 at Allahabad. The new bridge will also facilitate to the large congregation of people at Holy City Allahabad during Kumbh, Ardh-Kumbh and other yearly ritual baths at SANGAM in Prayag. This will give a boost to pilgrimage tourism and local economy of Holy city of Prayag. This new 6 - lane bridge will also be beneficial for the Lucknow / Faizabad bound traffic coming from Madhya Pradesh via National Highway - 27 and National Highway - 76 through Naini Bridge. In addition, this project of new bridge will generate direct employment during construction for about 9.20 lakh mandays. xv. Bridge over River Kosi at Phulaut in Bihar crackIAS.comApproval was given to a project for construction of 6.930 km long 4-lane bridge at Phulaut in Bihar, along with approval for rehabilitation and up-gradation of existing Birpur- Bihpur section of National Highway-106. The construction of this new Bridge will fill the existing 30 km long gap between Udakishanganj and Bihpur of National Highway Number 106 in Bihar, which will provide through connectivity between Nepal/ North Bihar/ East-West Corridor (passing through NH- 57) and South Bihar/ Jharkhand/ Golden Quadrilateral (passing through NH -2), besides full utilization of National Highway Number-31. xvi. LogisticsParks A network of 35 Multimodal Logistics Parks had been identified for development in the Phase – 1 of BharatmalaPariyojana. The availability of the land parcels for development of Multimodal Logistics Parks has been confirmed at 7 locations and DPRs have been initiated in all the nodes. xvii. Zojila Tunnel This is a project for constructing a 14.150 km long, 2-lane bi-directional Zojila Tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir. This would be India’s longest road tunnel and the longest bi- directional tunnel in Asia. The construction of this tunnel will provide all weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh and will bring about all round economic and socio-cultural integration of these regions. xviii. Silkyara- Bend - Barkot Tunnel The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the construction, operation and maintenance of the 2- Lane, 4.532 Km long Bi-directional Silkyara Bend - Barkot Tunnel on Dharasu-Yamunotri section along NH -134 in the State of Uttarakhand. The project forms part of the Chardham Plan. The construction period of the project is 4 years at an estimated cost of Rs. 1383.78 crore. Once complete, this stretch will reduce the travel distance from Dharasu to Yamunotri by about 20 Km and travel time byaboutanhour.It will also provide all weather connectivity to Yamunotri, encouraging regional socio-economic development, trade and tourism within the country. The project will be implemented by National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL). xix. Highways Projects in the North East Around Rs. 1,90,000 crore worth of projects have been sanctioned for the construction of road projects for over 12,000 km in the North East region. The projects being executed by NHIDCL are to the tune of Rs. 1, 66,026 crore, covering 10,892 km of roads in all the eight NE states. Projects costing Rs. 17,257 crore have been allotted to the respective state PWDs. Further, projects costing Rs. 7,000 crore are entrusted to the NHAI.

. Funding Models and Other Policies to Facilitate Construction of National Highways: i. Measures to revive Languishing stalled projects The Ministry has focused on completion of on-going projects along with sanction and award of new projects. A total of 73 projects (8,187 km) worth an estimated investment of Rs.1,00,000 crore wereidentified as Languishing Projects. The reasons for delay were identified and policy interventions undertaken to address the same. ii. Toll-Operate-Transfer Model The Ministry is monetizing its road assets constructed with public funds through Toll- Operate-Transfer (ToT) scheme. The scheme envisages bidding of bundled national crackIAS.comhighways for a concession period of 30 years. The first bundle comprised 9 projects, totalling 681 km of roads in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. It was awarded in 2018 to Macquarie for Rs. 9,681 Crore, which was 1.5 times the NHAI’s estimate.The second bundle comprises over 586 kms spread over four states – Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Bengal and Bihar. The offer has 12 toll plazas across four highways. iii. MoU between NHAI and SBI TheNational Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU)withtheStateBankofIndiatoreceiveRs.25,000croreasa long- term,unsecuredloanfor10years.Thisisthelargestamountofloantohavebeen sanctioned by the SBl in one go. This is also the largest ever fund that NHAI has ever received in one go. iv. Guidelines for alignment of National Highways The Ministry has issued detailed guidelines for determination of proper alignment of NH projects, advising executing agencies to examine the feasibility of a green- field alignment, especially in the case of economic corridors, instead of widening existing highways. This has been done because widening involves acquisition of land for Right of Way (RoW), shifting of utilities and demolition of built up structure, all of which involves a lot of time and cost. Also, earlier highways were largely planned to be serpentine, linking all possible towns in the vicinity. This road geometry has been found to be sub optimal, especially in case of economic corridors. BharatmalaPariyojanaalso calls for a corridor approach for economic corridors. It has also been found in a few test cases that it is feasible to acquire a RoW of 60 to 70 mtrs for a green field road project at the same cost as involved in the expansion of an existing road, especially when the associated costs and time taken in utility shifting, tree felling, additional compensation for demolition of structures coming in the RoW under expansion are taken into account. v. Platform for e-Gazettingand Payment of Compensation for LandAcquisition through PFMS AWebUtilityhasbeendevelopedwherebythelandacquisitionprocedureforthe NH projects, including processing of all LA related gazette notifications, are being done through a common platform called “BhoomiRashi". The Utility has been linked with the e-gazette platform of the MinistryofUrbanDevelopment,GovernmentofIndia,forpublicationofGazette Notifications.TheuseofBhumi Rashi has helped in cutting down the processing time from 2 to 3 months earlier to one to two weeksnow.

BhoomiRashi has also been integrated with the Public Financial Management System(PFMS)platformoftheMinistryofFinancefordepositofcompensationin theaccountsoflandowners/interestedpersonsonarealtimebasis, instead of being parked with CALA. vi. Bidder Information Management System The Ministry has developed a Bidder Information Management System (BIMS) to streamline the process of pre-qualification of bidders for contracts on EPC mode for all NH works and centrally sponsored works.BIMS acts as a data base for allbasic details of bidders like civil works experience, cash accruals and network, annual turnover etc,. This allows quick pre-qualification assessment of bidders based on evaluation parameters like threshold capacity and bid capacity from already stored crackIAS.comdata. Technical evaluationcantherefore be carried out faster using this information. vii. Launch of Annual Awards for Excellence In National Highways Sector AnnualawardsforexcellenceinNationalHighwayssectorhasbeeninstitutedfrom thisyearonwardsforrecognizingconcessionairesandcontractorswhohavebeen performing exceptionally well. Applications have been invited from all the concessionaires and contractors working in the field of highways construction and tolling. These awards are designed across the fivecategories of construction management, operation and maintenance, best toll plaza, safest highway, innovation in design and construction technology. viii. Highway Capacity Manual India's first Highway Capacity Manual developed by CSIR-CRRI was launched this year. The manual is designed to be a tool for guiding road engineers and policy makers in the country. It lays down guidelines for the development and management of different types of roads, based on traffic characteristics on such roads having varying lane configurations.

ix. Workshop on issues relating to Land Acquisition, Contract Document etc. The Ministry has organized a workshop on 18.12.2018 in Delhi for Regional Officers of Ministry, NHAI and NHIDCL to discuss the issues relating to land acquisition, contract document (EPC/DPR) and E-Disha (ERP projects), new standards and technical specifications. A Manual of Guidelines on Land Acquisition for National Highways under the National Highways Act, 1956 has also been released for seamless process of Land Acquisition for National Highways.

3. ROAD SAFETY Reduction in number of road accidents As per the Ministry’s annual report on road accidents based on the data reported by Police authorities throughout India, there has been some marginal reduction in the number of road accidents and fatalities in 2017, as can be seen from the table below.

% changeover Parameter 2016 2017 previous year Number of road 4,80,652 4,64,910 (-) 3.3 accidents No. of persons 1,50,785 1,47,913 (-) 1.9 killed

The Ministry has been making concerted efforts to address the problem of road safety through a series of measures that include improving road infrastructure, road safety audits, identification and rectification of black spots on roads and strengthening the automobile safety standards, organizing road safety awareness programmes and strengthening enforcement etc. These efforts have started showing some results.

1. Rectification of Accident Black Spots The Ministry has so far identified 789 road accident black spots in various States of which 651 ON National Highways and 138 are on State roads. Work for rectification of these black spots is at various stages of completion.

1. Guidelines for setting up Driver Training Schools in districts crackIAS.comThe Ministry has been working in association with States, Vehicle manufactures and NGOs for strengthening the driving training. Institute of Driving training and Research (IDTRs), Regional Driving Training Centres (RDTCs) and Driving Training Centre (DTC) have been established which act as model Driving Training Centres with state of art infrastructure. Ministry has also launched a scheme for creating driving training centres in all the districts of the country and support refresher-training programme for heavy commercial vehicles drivers. The Ministry is implementing a scheme for setting up of Model Institute of Drivers Training and Research (IDTR) by States/UTs. So far 24 (nos.) ITDRs have been sanctioned in different States/UTs and bout 16 are complete and functioning. 1. Guidelines for financing NGOs for road safety advocacy The Ministry has issued guidelines associating Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) for promoting awareness about road safety under a scheme titled “Grant of financial assistance for administering Road Safety Advocacy and awards for the outstanding work done in the field of Road Safety". It is envisaged that the NGOs will undertake activities for creating road safety awareness among citizens.

1. SukhadYatra App and Toll-Free Emergency Number A mobile App and Toll- free Emergency number 1033 for highway users, developed by NHAI, were launched in March this year. The SukhadYatra mobile application provides information on toll gates. The key feature of the app includes a provision for the user to enter road quality-related information or to report any accident or pothole on the highway. It also provides users with real-time data related to waiting time expected at toll plazas and various facilities like points of interest, highway nest/ nest mini, etc. The app can also be used to purchase FASTags.

The toll-free number 1033 will enable users to report an emergency condition, or highway-related feedback, across the highway. The service has also been integrated with ambulance / tow away services along the roads.

1. Observance of the 29th National Road Safety Week This Ministry observed the 29th National Road Safety Week from 23rdto 30thApril 2018. This year’s focus was on schools and commercial drivers and the theme was “Sadak Suraksha JeevanRaksha”. In the opening ceremony the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways emphasized the Ministry’s priorities in ensuring safety of road users in the country. Awards were given to 10 school children who won the national level essay competition on road safety. The Hon’ble Minister also administered the road safety pledge to all those present on theoccasion. A variety of programmes related to the Road Safety were also organized in several cities across the country to enlighten people on Road Safety, and Driving Rules. Many NGOs participated in the Ministry’s efforts to create awareness about the issue.

1. GoM on Road Safety The Ministry had constituted a group of State Transport Ministers under the Chairmanship of Shri Yunus Khan, Transport Minister of Rajasthan to work out interstate issues and reach a consensus on adoption of uniform rates of taxation, permits and other issues. A Group of Transport Ministers from 13 states met in Guwahati on 18-19 April this year and adopted a 9-Point Guwahati Declaration aimed at harmonization of taxes and permits, road safety measures, policy changes and measures for strengthening State Road Transport Undertakings. The most important decisions taken by during the meeting included the recommendation for One Nation crackIAS.comOne Tax for the diverse road tax structure, which would ease travel. 1. Rs. 5 Lakh Compensation to accident victims: In order to help accident victims in getting reasonable and fast compensation from insurance companies, the Ministry revised the relevant rules of the Motor Vehicles Act according to which every accident victim or his next of kin will be entitled to a compensation of Rs 5 lakh in case of death, and uptoRs 5 lakh, proportionate to the extent of injury in case of grievous hurt and disablement. Accident victims can claim higher compensation through court if they are not satisfied, but with this rule even the poorest of the poor will get a fast and reasonable compensation. 1. CCTV installation at Toll Plazas: A Central Command and Control Centre is being set up at the NHAI HQ for CCTV surveillance and Monitoring of Vehicular Congestion at 210 Fee Plazas of National Highways that have higher traffic volumes. it is proposed to be connected with Regional Offices and the project execution is on service model for a period of five years.

1. Films on Road Safety: Three short films for generating public awareness for the need to comply with the rules of the road, eventually contributing to the cause of road safety, were launched by Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport & Highways, on 14th' August, 2018. Film actor Shri Akshay Kumar who featured in these films on pro bono basis, has also been appointed as Road Safety Brand Ambassador by the Hon'ble Minister.

1. Capacity Building in the area of Road Safety: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has designated the Asian Institute of Transport Development as an apex body for capacity building in the area of road safety. The objective is that this centre would act as a depository of research studies and best practices.Human resource development and exchange of knowledge form an important component of its activities. Up to October 2018, the National Centre for Road Safety has been able to train over 1,400 professionals in road safety and road safety audit by conducting 31 courses pan India.

4. INITIATIVES IN THE TRANSPORT SECTOR: The Ministry took several initiatives in the transport sector during the year to make road travel more convenient for people. Some of these areas under-

1. Simplification of Driving License Application To improve ease in licensing, this Ministry has simplified the driving license application form. Four forms i.e. (a) Learner License, (b) Driving License, (c) Renewal of License, and (d) updation of Address - all have been consolidated into one. The new form will enable Aadhar based verification of the applicant’s identity to provide online services for renewal, change of address etc. Another highlight of the new form is that it would capture an applicant’s willingness for organ donation.

1. Revision of Axle Weight: The permissible safe axle weight of goods vehicles was revised and increased by about 15% to 20 % for different configurations of axles. The decision was taken with a view to help in increasing the carrying capacity of goods transport vehicles and bring down logistics cost. The amendment will increase the carrying capacity of goods vehicles by about 20-25 % and lower logistics costs by about 2%. It will also bring crackIAS.comdown the incidence of overloading. While automobile technology and road construction quality have improved greatly over the years, the axle loads have remained the same since 1983 when they were last notified. There was a felt need to harmonize the axle load with international standards.

1. Launch of Ranking System for Toll Plazas NHAI has developed a matrix-based methodology to rank the Fee Plazas on parameters such as electronic tolling, time taken in clearance of FASTag lanes, display panels, staff behaviour, cleanliness, etc. The data for the matrix is to be collected by the Regional Officers who will use the same to rank the Fee Plazas under their jurisdiction. Meanwhile, a countrywide drive was launched by NHAl on more than 300 toll plazas across the country on 10 February, 2018, to address issues that affect highway users. Officers visited toll plazas and addressed issues of user convenience and took feedback from the people.

1. Revision in Maximum Speed of vehicles The Ministry has revised the maximum speed of various classes of vehicles vide notification dated 6th April 2018. The notification prescribes the speed of various classes of vehicles. Thus a passenger vehicle with not more than 8 seats including driver can have a maximum speed of 120 km/hr on expressways and 70km/hr on municipal roads.

1. Acceptance of Documents through DigiLocker and mParivahan Platform An advisory has been issued by the Ministry to all the States / UTs to accept the documents in electronic form through DigiLocker platform of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India and the mParivahan mobile app of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. Such electronic records available on DigiLocker or mParivahanare deemed to be legally recognized at par with the original documents as per the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000. This will also address Grievances / RTI applications of the citizens and facilitate promotion of Digital India campaign.

1. Notification regarding Vehicle Location Tracking Device and Emergency Button in all public service vehicles With a view to enhancing the safety of women passengers, detailed standards for Installation of Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLT) and Emergency Button on public service vehicles have been notified on October 25, 2018. The States/ UTs have been mandated to ensure compliance of the rule and check fitment and functional status of the VLT device in the public service vehicles at the time of checking of the vehicles for fitness certification. The Command and Control Centres in the States will be used to provide interface to various stakeholders such as State emergency response centre, the Transport authorities of the state and central governments, device manufacturers and their authorized dealers, testing agencies etc. The Command and control Centre will also be able to provide feed to the VAHAN database or the relevant data base of the state with regard to over speeding and the health status of the device.

1. Fitness Certificate in respect of Transport Vehicle As per this notification the renewal of the fitness certificate in respect of transport vehicle up to eight years old shall be done for two years and for one year for vehicle older than eight years. No fitness certification shall be required at the time of crackIAS.comregistration for the new transport vehicle sold as fully built vehicle and such vehicle shall be deemed to be having certificate of fitness for a period of two years from the date of registration.

1. Use of Dual Fuel The Ministry has issued a notification for Dual fuel usage which covers Emission of smoke and vapour from agriculture tractors, power tillers, construction equipment vehicles and combine harvesters driven by dual fuel diesel with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Bio-Compressed Natural Gas (Bio-CNG) or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) engines. 5. GREEN INITIATIVES: Electric, Ethanol and Methanol Vehicles exempted from Permit Keeping in view the need for promoting electric mobility and alternate fuels, the Ministry, vide notification issued on October 18, 2018, has exempted Battery Operated Vehicles, as well as vehicles driven on Methanol fuel or Ethanol fuel, from the requirement of permit for carrying passengers or goods.

1. Advisory on Linking of PUC data (emission related data) with the VAHAN database A system has been developed and tested by this Ministry for linking of Pollution Under Control (PUC) data with the VAHAN database. An advisory dated October 1, 2018 has been issued to all the States by the Ministry wherein all the PUC vendors have been directed to comply with the guidelines and facilitate electronic uploading of emissions test data to VAHAN database.

1. Notification regarding Registration Mark of Battery Operated Vehicles To give a distinct identity to the electric vehicles, it has been decided that the registration mark will be exhibited on a number plate with Green background. A notification to this effect was issued on 7th August, 2018.

1. M 15 (15%) Methanol blending with Gasoline The Ministry issued a notification regarding the blending of Gasoline with methanol in order to reduce vehicle exhaust emissions and also to reduce the import burden on account of crudepetroleum fromwhichgasolineis produced.The Hon’ble Prime Minister had announced an ambitious target of reducing 10% import dependence of oil and gas by 2022 from 2014-15 levels. Methanol can be used as an alternative transportation fuel thereby reducing Import dependence to some extent.

1. Requirement of PUC Certificate for vehicle insurance/ renewal of insurance The Ministry has requested IRDA and the MDs / Chairpersons of all general insurance companies on to ensure that no third-party insurance policy is issued or renewed without ascertaining the availability of a valid PUC. This has been done following orders of the Supreme Court of India.

1. Emission Standards for Construction Equipment Vehicles and Tractors The Ministry has notified emission standards for Construction Equipment Vehicles and Tractors. These standards would be implemented w.e.f. 1st October, 2020 (Trem IV) and from 1st April, 2024 [Bharat Stage (CEV/Trem)-V]. This would help in ensuring environment friendly construction / mining activities.

1. Quadricycles included as Non-Transport Vehicles crackIAS.comThe Ministry notified the insertion of the item ‘Quadricycle’ as a ‘non-transport’ vehicle under the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. A Quadricycle is a vehicle of the size of a 3- wheeler but with 4tyres and fully covered like a car. It has an engine like that of a 3- wheeler. This makes it a cheap and safe mode of transport for last mile connectivity. Quadricycleswere only allowed for transport usage under the Act, but now has been made usable for non-transport also.

6. E INITIATIVES: 6.1 National Award on e-Governance to INAMPRO

The “INAMPRO" project initiated by NHIDCL, a CPSE under this Ministry, has been conferred with a ‘Gold' award under Category- I “Excellence in Government Process Re-engineering" for the National Award in e-Governance by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances.

6.2 Electronic Toll Collection (ETC)

The Electronic Toll Collection Program has seen exponential growth in terms of number of Fastags sold and user fees collected electronically. With a total number of 440 Toll Plazas, more than 34.3 lakh Fastags units have been issued till October this year, and 25 to 27% of the revenues are being collected using the ETC mode. Use of FASTag has also seen significant growth, both in terms of user fees collected and penetration, from Rs 210.1 Cr with 13.1% penetration in April 2017 to Rs 44ó. 8 Cr with 24.8% penetration in the month of August 2018.

6.3 Linkage of PFMS with Bidder Information Management System (BIMS) and BhoomiRashi

The two IT initiatives of this Ministry, which are aimed at expediting pre- construction processes relating to bidding and land acquisition respectively, have now been integrated with the Public Financial management System (PFMS). The Bidder Information Management System (BIMS) is aimed at streamlining the process of pre- qualification of bidders for EPC Mode of contracts for National Highway workswithenhanced transparency and objectivity. The BhoomiRashiportal of Ministry of Road Transport & Highways allows for totally digital and paper-less processing of land acquisition cases, and has resulted in transparent, quick, corruption-free and error- free handling of land acquisition cases. It has alsomade the possible real-time tracking of activities and generation of reports relating to land acquisition. Revenue records of about 7 lakh villages across the country have been integrated in the portal. This digital change has drastically reduced the time taken for issuance of land acquisition notifications from 3-6 months to 1-2 weeks. Over 2000 notifications have already been issued by the Ministry in the first eight months of this financial year that while during the past two years, about a thousand land acquisition notifications could be issued every year. The process has also brought transparency in the system. Earlier the approved compensation amount used to be parked with the CALA (Competent Authority for Land Acquisition) but with BhoomiRashi portal this amount directly transferred into the account of the person concerned, through Public Financial Management System which is an integral part of the portal. In addition to this, the process is also environment friendly since there is no physical movement of files – all work is done digitally.

1. Advisory regarding keeping transport related documents in an electronicform An advisory has been issued by this Ministry wherein the citizen can produce the crackIAS.comtransport related documents such as registration, insurance, fitness and permit, the driving licence, certificate for pollution under check and any other relevant documents, if required, in physical or electronic form, on demand by any police officer in uniform or any other officer authorized by the State Government in this behalf. This would enable the use of digital platforms for carrying and verification of the documents and is a step towards citizen facilitation and to ensure so that citizen are not harassed/ inconvenienced.

7. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION MoU with Transport for London The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways signed a MoU with Transport for London (TFL) on 10thJanuary, 2018. TFL is an agency that manages the transport system for Greater London, and has demonstrated its capability by creating strong and dependable public transport system in the city of London. It has created a unique system of operating buses in PPP model with over 17 operators under a single brand. The MoUis aimed at using the expertise of TFL to revamp the public transport architecture in the country.

1. 2NDmeeting of India-Nepal Cross Border Transport Facilitation Working Group After a long hiatus, the 2nd meeting of India-Nepal Cross Border Transport Facilitation Working Group was held at Kathmandu on 23rd February, 2018 under the India-Nepal Motor Vehicle Agreement for regulation of vehicular traffic between the two countries. It was agreed to start regular bus services on the new routes of Mahendrangar- Dehradun, Nepalgunj- Haridwar, Nepalgunj-Lucknow, Nepalgunj - Delhi and Kathmandu-Gorakhpur, through designated operators from Nepal and India. It was also agreed to start operation of bus services on Kathmandu -Siliguri and Janakpur- Patna routes. Both sides also noted with mutual interest the possibility of opening of other routes to be considered on the basis of commercial demand and availability of infrastructure by mutual consent.

1. Bus trial run across Bangladesh, India and Nepal Taking another step towards furthering seamless passenger vehicle movement across Bangladesh, Indiaand Nepal (BIN) under BBIN MVA signed in June 2015.Atrial run of two passenger buses from Dhaka, was conducted in April, 2018, with 43 passengers. The trial run started from Dhaka on 23rd April and reached Kathmandu on 26th April 2018. The participating countries have also agreed to conduct more trial runs for cargo vehicles under the agreement.

1. First Working Group Meeting of BIMSTEC The first Working Group meeting of BIMSTEC to negotiate the draft text of Motor Vehicles Agreement for the regulation of passenger and cargo vehicular traffic among and between member states was held in April this year. Delegations from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Myanmar attended the meeting. The draft text of the agreement was discussed and amended. The member countries will further examine the amended text.

1. MoU between India and Uganda An MoU was signed between the Central Materials Laboratory (ML), Kampala, Uganda and the Indian Academy of Highway Engineers (IAHE) under Ministry of Road Transport &Highways, India, during the visit of the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India to Uganda on 24-25 July, 2018, for establishment of a Regional Materials Testing crackIAS.comLaboratory for Highways in Uganda. 1. 65th India-Japan Joint Working Group Meeting in the Roads and Road Transport Sector The 5th India-Japan Joint Working Group Meeting in the Roads and Road Transport Sector was held on 12th November, 2018 in New Delhi as provided under the Framework of Cooperation (FoC) between the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), India and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), Japan. In the meeting, information regarding the latest technological developments in "Operation and Maintenance of Expressway", "Development of Mountainous Road in North East Regions" and "Countermeasure of Aging Structure" etc. was shared.

1. MoU of India with Russia The proposal for a MoU on Bilateral Cooperation in the Road Transport & Road Industry sector, between Ministry of road transport & Highways and the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation, has been approved by the Union Cabinet in its meeting on October 3, 2018.

8. OTHERS: Wayside Amenities and Highway Nest (Mini) While the procurement process is under way for the development of Wayside Amenities of larger sizes in PPP mode along the National Highways, the NHAI has taken up construction of 314 numbers Highway Nest (mini). These are being developed near Toll Plazas, approximately 200 meters downstream on a 10mX20m paved platform and comprises of facilities like toilets, water, ATR, a small kiosk with Tea / Coffee vending machine and packaged food items for Highway users.

1. SwachhtaPakhwada and ’Swachhta Hi Sewa’ Campagin (SHS) The SwachhtaPakhwada was organised by the Ministry between September 15, 2018 and October 2, across all National Highways. Several activities related to shramdaan and cleaning of schools in villages adjacent to the National Highways were also organized by the NHAI during the period. Construction of toilets, both for men and women, installation of litter-bins and hoardings at NHAI toll plazas have been taken up by the Ministry under Swachh Bharat Mission. The Ministry was conferred with a special award for its implementation of the Swachhta Action Plan for 2017-18 by the nodal Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.

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END Downloaded from crackIAS.com crackIAS.com© Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2019-01-01 IMPLEMENTATION OF EODB Relevant for: Indian Economy | Topic: Issues relating to Growth & Development - Demographic Economics & Various Indexes

Ministry of Commerce & Industry Implementation of EODB

Posted On: 31 DEC 2018 12:22PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion has been monitoring two segments of the business reforms. The first segment relates to India’s efforts in improving its rank in World Bank’s Doing Business Report. In the Doing Business Report released in 2014 India was ranked 142 among 189 countries. As a result of reforms undertaken by the Government, India now ranks at 77 among 190 countries in the Doing Business Report 2019 released by the World Bank Group on 31st October, 2018. Since 2014 India has improved its rank in 8 indicators recording an impressive jump of 65 places in last 4 years.

The second segment in which business reforms are implemented relate to activities covered by State Governments. The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion shares a Business Reform Action Plan for implementation. The Plan is prepared in consultation with the State Governments which are actively participating in the reform exercise. So far, three rounds of reforms and assessments have taken place. The scores of implementation of Business Reforms Action Plan have improved significantly. While there was no State which scored more than 75% in the first round of assessment released in 2015, 18 states scored 80% or more in the latest round of assessment release on 10th July, 2018.

The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion has developed a Reforms Action Plan for districts identifying important government services that are delivered through district administration. These reforms are identified in consultation with State Governments. Some of the important areas covered under the Reforms Action Plan are: crackIAS.com

I. Starting Business

a. Registration of Cooperative Societies b. Registration of Contractors for Works and Services c. Trade Licences and Renewal thereof

II. Urban Local Body Services a. Obtaining Water Connection b. Obtaining Sewer Connection c. Certificate of non availability of water from water supply agency required for NoC for water abstraction from Central Ground Water Authority/ Relevant Authority d. NoC for water abstraction from Central Ground Water Authority/ Relevant Authority e. Road Cutting Permission f. Inspection carried out for (a) granting road cutting permission and (b) verification to ensure proper restoration

III. Land Reform Enabler a. Encumbrance Certificate b. Measurement/ Demarcation of Land c. Change of Land Use d. Certificate of Land Use

IV Land Administration and Property Registration Enablers a. Property Registration – Online system

V Obtaining approval for construction a. Construction Permit - Online System b. NOC from Fire Department (prior to commencement of construction activities)

VI Paying Taxes

Property Tax/Vacant Land Tax crackIAS.com VII Miscellaneous a. Certificate for Verification of Weights & Measures and Its Renewal b. Certificate of Non-Forest land c. Letter for Distance from Forest d. NoC from Municipality or other Local Body for State License for Food Business e. Health NoC by Municipality/ Panchayat for Food Registration Certificate f. Registration for provisional/ permanent certificate for clinical establishment under Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act & its Renewal g. Registration under PC&PNDT Act, 1994 (Amended, 2003) (For 5 years) & its Renewal h. NOC required for setting up of explosives manufacturing, storage, sale, transport i. NOC required for setting up of petroleum, diesel & Naphtha manufacturing, storage, sale, transport j. License for Sale of Crackers k. Transfer of vehicle registration l. Goods Carriage Permit m. Issuing Vehicles Fitness Certificate n. Approvals for setting up Hostel o. Approval for setting up and operating a Play School p. Registration of schools under Right to Education q. NoC for setting up CBSE School r. Mining lease/ Composite License/ Non-exclusive Reconnaissance Permit s. Issue of letter of intent in case of fresh lease (for environmental clearance - category B2- Less than 5 acres) t. NoC for soil excavation /filling u. Licensing for Auditorium/ Places of Public Amusement / Performance for Public Amusement (as applicable) v. Cinematograph License & License for Screening a Films (as applicable) w. Licenses/ permits issued by the State Excise Departments likewholesale Vendor Licenses,import permits,license for Retail Sale, License for Setting up Distilleries and License for Setting up Bottling Plant x. Licenses/authorizations required for sale/ storage of fertilizers under Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (in accordance with Fertilizer Control Order) y. Licenses/authorizations required for sale/ storage of commodities (other than fertilizer) under Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (as applicable) z. Application for grant of license under Insecticide Act, 1968 for manufacture, storage and sale of insecticides and pesticides and its renewal aa. Grant of license for 'Fair Price Shops' under the relevant act and its renewal.

VIIIcrackIAS.com Grievance Redressal/ Paperless Courts and Law & Order a. Filing of disputes under Revenue Courts b. Resolution of Grievances.

This information was given by the Minister of State of Commerce and Industry, C. R. Chaudhary, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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crackIAS.com Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2019-01-01 ESTABLISHMENT OF DEFENCE PARKS Relevant for: Indian Economy | Topic: Investment Models: PPP, SEZ, EPZ and others

Ministry of Commerce & Industry Establishment of Defence Parks

Posted On: 31 DEC 2018 12:21PM by PIB Delhi

Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion(DIPP) under Ministry of Commerce and Industry had received two project proposals to establish Defence Parks under Modified Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme (MIIUS). One proposal was from Government of Kerala to establish Defence Park at Pallakad (Kerala). The project at KINFRA Defence Park, Pallakad (Kerala) was sanctioned on 28.3.2016 with project cost of Rs.131.35 crore involving central grant of Rs.50 crore. Detail of this project and its present status are as under:

(Rs. in crore) Name & Date Central Location of the Project Central Remarks Approval grant project Cost Grant released KINFRA Under Defence Park, 28.03.201 implementation 130.94 50 35 Palakkad, 6 (Physical Kerala progress- 58%)

Another project proposal was received from Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation for establishment of Defence Park at Sanand. The proposal was not considered as MIIUS permits sanction of maximum two projects per State and when this proposal was received, two proposals had already been given ‘in-principle’ approval in Gujarat. MIIUS scheme was valid till 31.03.2017 and no new projects are beingcrackIAS.com taken up under this scheme.

DIPP does not have any specific policy or scheme for assistance to promote or establish Defence Parks in States and there is no proposal at present to implement any specific scheme for providing assistance to promote or establish Defence Parks. However, consequent to the announcement in the Budget Speech (2018-19) by Finance Minister for setting up of two Defence Industrial Production Corridors in the country, the Government has decided to establish two such corridors, one in Tamil Nadu and the other in Uttar Pradesh.

This information was given by the Minister of State of Commerce and Industry, C. R. Chaudhary, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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crackIAS.com Source : www.prsindia.org Date : 2019-01-01 PRS Relevant for: Government Policies & Welfare Schemes | Topic: Rights & Welfare of Women – Schemes & their Performance, Mechanisms, Laws Institutions and Bodies

Introduced Lok Sabha Dec 17, 2018 Gray Passed Lok Sabha Dec 27, 2018 Gray

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crackIAS.com Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2019-01-01 NASA SPACECRAFT BREAKS RECORD FOR SMALLEST SPACE OBJECT EVER ORBITED Relevant for: Science & Technology | Topic: Space Technology & related matters

This Nov. 16, 2018, image provide by NASA shows the asteroid Bennu. | Photo Credit: AP

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft broke a record after successfully entering into orbit around the asteroid Bennu – the smallest cosmic object ever to be orbited by a spacecraft.

While many on Earth prepared to welcome the New Year, NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, 110 million kilometers away, carried out a single, eight-second burn of its thrusters, NASA said in a statement.

The manoeuvre placed the spacecraft into orbit around the asteroid Bennu.

“The team continued our long string of successes by executing the orbit-insertion maneuver perfectly,” said Dante Lauretta, OSIRIS-REx principal investigator at the University of Arizona in the U.S.

“With the navigation campaign coming to an end, we are looking forward to the scientific mapping and sample site selection phase of the mission,” said Mr. Lauretta.

“Entering orbit around Bennu is an amazing accomplishment that our team has been planning for years,” he said.

Inching around the asteroid at a snail’s pace, OSIRIS-REx’s first orbit marks a leap for humankind. Never before has a spacecraft from Earth circled so close to such a small space object – one with barely enough gravity to keep a vehicle in a stable orbit.

“The gravity of Bennu is so small, forces like solar radiation and thermal pressure from Bennu’s surface become much more relevant and can push the spacecraft around in its orbit much more than if it were orbiting around Earth or Mars, where gravity is by far the most dominant force,” said Dan Wibben, OSIRIS-REx Maneuver and Trajectory Design Lead.

The spacecraft will circle Bennu about 1.75 kilometres from its centre, closer than any other spacecraft has come to its celestial object of study.

Previously the closest orbit of a planetary body was in May 2016, when the Rosetta spacecraft orbitedcrackIAS.com about seven kilometers from the center of the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. The comfortable distance is necessary to keep the spacecraft locked to Bennu, which has a gravity force only 5-millionths as strong as Earth’s. The spacecraft is scheduled to orbit Bennu through mid-February at a leisurely 62 hours per orbit.

Now that the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is closer to Bennu, physical details about the asteroid will leap into sharper focus, and the spacecraft’s tour of this rubble pile of primordial debris will become increasingly detailed and focused.

“Our orbit design is highly dependent on Bennu’s physical properties, such as its mass and gravity field, which we didn’t know before we arrived,” said OSIRIS-REx’s flight dynamics system manager Mike Moreau, who is based at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in the US.

“Up until now, we had to account for a wide variety of possible scenarios in our computer simulations to make sure we could safely navigate the spacecraft so close to Bennu. As the team learned more about the asteroid, we incorporated new information to hone in on the final orbit design,” he said.

The simulations have played a critical role. The OSIRIS-REx mission, after all, was designed based on complex computer programs that predicted the properties of Bennu and how the spacecraft’s trajectory would behave.

This diligent preparation allowed the team to navigate the vehicle safely to Bennu in December and put some questions to rest and to fly over its poles and equator in a preliminary survey that led to some surprises.

The OSIRIS-REx team will resume science operations in late February. At that point, the spacecraft will perform a series of close flybys of Bennu for several months to take high- resolution images of every square inch of the asteroid to help select a sampling site.

During the summer of 2020, the spacecraft will briefly touch the surface of Bennu to retrieve a sample. The OSIRIS-REx mission is scheduled to deliver the sample to Earth in September 2023.

Military communication satellite GSAT-7A, due to be launched on December 19 evening from Sriharikota, is expected to add a new space-based dimension

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crackIAS.com Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2019-01-01 BENEFITS OF RCEP AGREEMENT Relevant for: International Relations | Topic: RCEP

Ministry of Commerce & Industry Benefits of RCEP Agreement

Posted On: 01 JAN 2019 12:19PM by PIB Delhi

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which is a proposed Free Trade Agreement between ten ASEAN member states and their six Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners namely India, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and Republic of Korea, is expected to provide market access for India’s goods and services exports and encourage greater investments and technology into India. It would also facilitate India’s MSMEs to effectively integrate into the regional value and supply chains. On the other hand, India is not a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) which is a grouping of twenty-one countries in the Asia Pacific region with an aim to deepen and strengthen economic and technological cooperation amongst APEC member countries.

This information was given by the Minister of State of Commerce and Industry, C. R. Chaudhary, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha yesterday.

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Ministry of Commerce & Industry Trade Across Borders

Posted On: 01 JAN 2019 12:17PM by PIB Delhi

The details of India’s land trade with countries sharing borders with India, through trading points along different borders,in 2017-18 are given below:

Values in USD million

Exports from India Imports to India Country Total bilateral trade through land through land through land borders borders borders Afghanistan* NIL 307.06 307.06 Pakistan 263.22 235.06 498.28 China 1.81 1.35 3.16 Nepal 6384.42 437.66 6822.08 Bhutan 526.28 202.07 728.35 Bangladesh 3617.57 517.27 4134.84 Myanmar 0.02 NIL 0.02 TOTAL 10793.32 1700.47 12493.79 *Imports from Afghanistan, through land route, enter India via India-Pakistan border.

Source: DGCIS Database

The value of India’s trade with countries sharing border with India, and all countries, through different sea ports, in 2017-18,was as follows:

Values in USD million

crackIAS.comTo/From countries sharing To/From all Particulars border with India countries India’s exports through sea ports 14491.77 146119.31 India’s imports through sea ports 39341.30 266109.98 Source: DGCIS Database

Besides the above, trade with various countries is also carried out from Air cargo complexes, Inland Container Depots andSpecial Economic Zones.

This information was given by the Minister of State of Commerce and Industry, C. R. Chaudhary, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha yesterday.

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crackIAS.com Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2019-01-01 AGRI EXPORT ZONES Relevant for: Indian Economy | Topic: Transport & Marketing of agricultural produce

Ministry of Commerce & Industry Agri Export Zones

Posted On: 01 JAN 2019 12:14PM by PIB Delhi

The concept of Agri Export Zone (AEZ) was introduced in 2001, through EXIM Policy 1997- 2001, to take a comprehensive look at a particular produce/product located in a contiguous area for the purpose of developing and sourcing the raw materials, their processing/packaging, leading to final exports. The concept hinged primarily on convergence of existing Central and State Government schemes to take care of financial interventions required at various stages of value chain; partnership among various stakeholders viz. Central Government, State Government, farmer, processor, exporter etc.; and focus on targeted products and areas to identify required policy interventions. All these activities did take place in certain respects in the notified Agri Export Zones. In December 2004, an internal peer review conducted by Department of Commerce concluded that the notified AEZs had not been able to achieve the intended objectives. It was decided that there will be no creation of new AEZs, unless there were strong and compelling reasons. No new AEZs have been set up after 2004. All the notified AEZs have completed their intended span of 5 years and have been discontinued.

In all 60 Agri Export Zones (AEZ) were notified by the Government till 2004 - 05. State-wise details are given below:

LIST OF NOTIFIED 60 AGRI EXPORT ZONES IN 20 STATES

Districts State S. No. AEZ Project

Assam (1) Fresh & Processed Kamrup, Nalbari, Barpeta, Darrang, Nagaon, Morigaon, KarbiAnglong 01 Ginger and North Cachar districts. Mango Pulp & Fresh 02 Chittoor District. Veg. Andhra Pradesh 03 Mango and Grapes Districts of Ranga Reddy, Medak & parts Mahabobnagar districts. including Telangana (5) 04 Mango Krisha District. Districts of Mahboobnagar, Rangareddy, Karimnagar, Warangal, Medak 05 Gherkins crackIAS.comAnanthapur and Nalgonda. 06 Chilli Guntur Muzaffar-pur, Samastipur, Hajipur, Vaishali, East and West Lychee, Vegetables Bihar (1) 07 Champaran, Bhagalpur, Begulsarai, Khagaria, Sitamarhi, Saran and & Honey Gopalganj. Mango and Districts of Ahmedabad, Khadia, Anand, Vadodra, Surat, Navsari, 08 Vegetables Valsad, Bharuch and Narmada. Gujarat (3) Districts of Bhavnagar, Surendranagar, Amreli, Rajkot, Junagadh and 09 Value Added Onion Jamnagar. 10 Sesame Seeds Districts of Amerali, Bhav-nagar, Surendra-nagar, Rajkot, Jamnagar Himachal 11 Apples Districts of Shimla, Sirmour, Kullu, Mandi, Chamba and Kinnaur. Pradesh(1) Districts of Tumkur, Bangalore Urban, Bangalore Rural, Hassan, Kolar, 12 Gherkins Chitradurga, Dharwad and Bagalkot. Bangalore Urban 13 Rose Onion Bangalore (Rural), Kolar Karnataka (4) Bangalore(Urban) 14 Flowers Bangalore(Rural), Kolar, Tumkur, Kodagu and Belgaum Districts of Dakshin Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Shimoga, 15 Vanilla Kodagu, Chickamagalur. Districts of Srinagar, Baramula, Anantnag, Kupwara, Badgaum and 16 Apple Jammu & Kashmir Pulwama. (2) Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam, Kupwara and Srinagar., 17 Walnuts Jammu Region, Doda, Poonch, Udhampur, Rajouri and Kathua. Jharkhand (1) 18 Vegetables Districts of Ranchi, Hazaribagh and Lohardaga. Districts of Thrissur, Kollam, Ernakulam, Kottayaam, Alapp-uzha, 19 Horticulture Products Kerala (2) Pathanum-thitta, Thiruvantha-puram, Idukki and Palakkod. Wayanad, Mallapuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kollam, 20 Medicinal Plant Pathana-mittha, Thiruva-nanthapuram Potatoes, Onion Malwa, Ujjain, Indore, Dewas, Dhar, Shajajpur, Ratlam, Neemuch and 21 Garlic Mandsaur. Districts of Guna, Mandsaur, Ujjain, Rajgarh, Ratlam, Shajapur and 22 Seed Spices Neemuch. Three distinct and contiguous zones :- Madhya Pradesh Ujjain Zone comprising of Neemach, Ratlam, Mandsaur and Ujjain (5) 23 Wheat (Duram) Indore Zone comprising of Indore, Dhar, Shajapur and Dewas Bhopal Division, comprising of Sehore, Vidisha, Raisen, Hoshangabad, Harda, Narsinghpur and Bhopal. 24 Lentil and Grams Shivpuri, Guna, Vidisha, Raisen, Narsinghpura, Chhindwara. 25 Oranges Chhindwara, Hoshangabad. Betul. Grape and Grape 26 Districts of Nasik, Sanghli, Pune, Satara, Ahmednagar and Sholapur. Wine Mango 27 Districts of Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Raigarh and Thane. (Alphonso) 28 Kesar Mango Districts of Aurangabad, Beed, Jalna, Ahmednagar and Latur. 29 Flowers Pune, Nasik, Kolhapur and Sangli. Maharashtra (8) 30 Onions Districts of Nasik, Ahmednagar, Pune Satara, Jalgaon and Solapur. Districts of Solapur, Sangli, Ahmednagar, Pune Nasik, Latur, crackIAS.com31 Pomegranate Osmanabad. Jalgaon, Dhule, Nandurbar, Buldhana, Wardha, Parbhani, Hindoli, 32 Banana Nanded. 33 Oranges Nagpur and Amraoti. Orissa (1) 34 Ginger and Turmeric Kandhamal District. 35 Vegetables Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Sangrur, Ropar and Ludhiana. Punjab (3) SinghpuraZirakpur (Patiala) RampuraPhul, Muktsar, Ludhiana, 36 Potatoes Jullunder. Districts of Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Kapur-thala, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur 37 Basmati Rice and Nawanshahar) Rajasthan (2) 38 Coriander Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar& Chittoor 39 Cumin Nagaur, Barmer, Jalore, Pali and Jodhpur Flowers East Sikkim. 40 (Orchids) & Cherry Sikkim (2) Pepper 41 Ginger North, East, South & West Sikkim. Tripura (1) 42 Organic Pineapple Kumarghat, Manu, Melaghar, Matabari and Kakraban Blocks. 43 Flower Dharmapuri. 44 Flowers Nilgiri District. Tamil Nadu (4) 45 Mangoes Districts of Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Virudhunagar and Tirunelveli. Cashewnut 46 Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Pudukottai and Sivaganga.

47 Potatoes Agra, Hathras, Farrukhabad, Kannoj, Meerut, Baghpat and Aligarh. Mangoes and 48 Lucknow, Unnao, Hardo, Sitapur and barabanki. Vegetables Saharanpur, Muzzfarnagar, Bijnaur, Meerut, Bhagpat and Uttar Pradesh (4) 49 Mangoes Bulandshahar. Districts of Bareilly, Shahajahanpur, Pilibhit, Rampur, Badaun, Bijnor, 50 Basmati Rice Moradabad, J B Phulenagar, Saharanpur, Mujjafarnagar, Meerut, Bulandshahar, Ghaziabad. 51 Lychee Udhamsingh Nagar, Dehradun and Nainital . 52 Flowers Districts of Dehradun and Pantnagar. Uttarakhand (4) 53 Basmati Rice Districts of Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, Dehradun and Haridwar. Medicinal & Aromatic 54 Districts of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Dehradun and Nainital. Plants 55 Lychee Districts of MurshidabadMalda, 24 Pargana (N) and 24 Pargana(s). Districts of Hoogly, Burdwan, Midnapore (W) UdayNarayanpur and 56 Potatoes Howrah.

West Bengal (6) 57 Mango Malda and Murshidabad 58 Vegetables Nadia, Murshidabad) and North 24 Parganas. 59 Darjeeling Tea Darjeeling. 60 Pineapple Darjeeling, Uttar Dinajpur, Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri.

This information was given by the Minister of State of Commerce and Industry, C. R. Chaudhary, in a writtencrackIAS.com reply in the Lok Sabha yesterday. ***

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crackIAS.com Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2019-01-01 HUNDRED PERCENT HOUSEHOLD ELECTRIFICATION ACHIEVED IN 25 STATES Relevant for: Indian Economy | Topic: Infrastructure: Energy incl. Renewable & Non-renewable

Ministry of Power Hundred percent household electrification achieved in 25 states

2.39 crore households connected since the launch of Saubhagya scheme

Posted On: 31 DEC 2018 6:29PM by PIB Delhi

The Nation has achieved yet another milestone in the power sector with completion of electrification in hundred percent household in 25 states at the year end.

Now, only about 10.48 Lakh households are left to be electrified in 4 States viz., Assam, Rajasthan, Meghalaya and Chhattisgarh. These States are also taking all concerted efforts to achieve, at the earliest, saturation of household electrification in their respective States.

The Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri RK Singh congratulated all these States for achieving this herculean task. Taking note of the volume of electrification work that was completed in UP, Shri Singh thanked Shri Shrikant Sharma, Energy Minister, UP during a meeting with him here today.

Since launch of Saubhagya, in the State of Uttar Pradesh 74.4 Lakh willing households have been electrified and State Government has declared saturation of all 75 districts. Government of Uttar Pradesh has launched a special campaign in all parts of the State to identify any left out un-electrified households and to provide electricity connections to such households. Under the campaign, a special vehicle ‘Saubhagya Rath’, is moving around in villages/towns and any left out households may approach them to avail electricity connection under the scheme. Also, any left out household requiring electricity connection may dial 1912 to avail the facility.

Government of India launched ‘Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana’ (Saubhagya) in Sept. 2017 to achieve the goal of universal household electrification in the country by 31st March 2019. The scheme envisages to provide last mile connectivity and electricity connections to all crackIAS.comremaining households in rural as well as urban areas. The Government with the support of State Power Departments and DISCOMs have already connected about 2.39 Crore households since launch of scheme.

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crackIAS.com Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2019-01-01 SEVERAL STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN UP TO PROMOTE MINORITIES’ EDUCATION IN THE COUNTRY Relevant for: Government Policies & Welfare Schemes | Topic: Rights & Welfare of Minorities Incl. Linguistic Minorities - Schemes & their performance; Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions & Bodies

Ministry of Human Resource Development Several steps have been taken up to promote minorities’ education in the country

Posted On: 31 DEC 2018 6:26PM by PIB Delhi

The details of new steps taken to promote education of minorities are :-

i. Schemes of Pre-Matric Scholarships, Post-Matric Scholarships, Merit-cum-Means based Scholarships, Maulana Azad National Fellowships, Naya Savera – Free Coaching & Allied scheme and Maulana Azad Education Foundation that are meant for educational empowerment of notified minority communities. To facilitate the same periodic reviews are undertaken with State Governments / UT Administrations and banks. The Naya Savera – Free Coaching and Allied Scheme is implemented through Government / Private Coaching Institutions empanelled by Ministry of Minority Affairs (MOMA). The Government has also taken action for involving independent monitors in this regard. Besides, Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) implemented by University Grants Commission (UGC) under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode is also meant to promote education of minorities. ii. Scheme of Support for minority students clearing prelims conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) / Staff Selection Commission (SSC) / State Public Service Commissions (PSCs), etc. is implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs by calling applications from the candidates selected in the preliminary examinations conducted by them. The candidates are verified with the help of their admit card of preliminary examination results, etc., and the funds are transferred directly to their bank accounts. iii. The guidelines of USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts / Crafts for Development) provide for conduct of concurrent monitoring and random checking of physical and financial reports on the Management Information System (MIS) through independent agency. iv. The guidelines of Seekho aur Kamao (skill development initiative for minorities) crackIAS.comprovide for conduct of concurrent monitoring and random checking of physical and financial reports on the Management Information System (MIS) through an independent agency. v. Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP): Under Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities (PM’s New 15-PP), an Oversight Committees at the District and State levels monitors the progress of implementation of MsDP. At the Central level, there is a three tier monitoring mechanism to review the progress of implementation of MsDP. The Empowered Committee (EC) in MOMA, under the chairmanship of Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, serves as the oversight committee to monitor the progress of implementation of MsDP. vi. Scholarship Scheme for Jammu & Kashmir have been launched by MHRD, to encourage the youth from J&K to take advantage of the educational institutions outside the State and provide them an opportunity to interact with their counterparts from the rest of the country and be a part of the mainstream. 5000 (2070 General Courses, 100 Medical Courses, 2830 Professional Courses) scholarship are provided annually.

This information was given by the Minister of State (HRD), Dr. Satya Pal Singh today in a written reply to a Lok Sabha question.

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crackIAS.com Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2019-01-01 GOVERNMENT HAS DEVELOPED SEVERAL MECHANISMS TO ENSURE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN GOVT SCHOOLS Relevant for: Health, Education & Human Resources | Topic: Education and related issues

Ministry of Human Resource Development Government has developed several mechanisms to ensure the quality of education in Govt schools

Posted On: 31 DEC 2018 6:25PM by PIB Delhi

Central Government has developed the following mechanism for the monitoring of quality of education in Government schools:

(i) A web portal called ShaGun(from the words Shaala and Gunvatta) which has two parts i.e., one is a Repository of good practices, photographs, videos, studies, newspaper articles etc on elementary education, State /UT wise has been developed. Its purpose is to showcase success stories and also to provide a platform for all stakeholders to learn from each other, and instill a positive competitive spirit among all the States and UTs.

The second part is the online monitoring module of Shagun which measures state-level performance and progress against key educational indicators which enables the Government of India and the State and UT Departments of education to conduct real-time assessments which normal paper-based monitoring mechanisms did not allow. Through Shagun, the data collection and reporting processes have been simplified; resulting in a totally transparent and efficient system.

In addition, an online Project Monitoring System (PMS) has been developed to monitor physical and financial progress of implementation of various components under Samagra Shiksha including appraisal of Annual Plans and issuing of sanctions etc.

(ii) In order to increase focus on quality of elementary education, the Central rules to the RTE Act, 2009 have been amended on 20th 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 elementarycrackIAS.com stage 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.

(iii) Shaala Siddhi is a School Standards and Evaluation Framework, developed by the National University of Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA), which enables the schools to self evaluate based on seven key domains. (iv) The NCERT has developed a framework for Performance Indicators for Elementary School Teachers (PINDICS) and shared with the states. PINDICS is a framework for assessing teacher performance and providing constructive feedback for further improvement.

(v) National Achievement Surveys are carried out by National Council for Educational Research and Training to assess learning achievement of children in Classes – III, V, VIII, and X. The National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2017, was held on 13th November for assessing the competencies of children at the grade levels III, V and VIII covering 22 lakh students from 1.10 lakh schools in all 36 states and UTs. NAS (2017) was administered with districts as the unit of reporting in different subject areas such as languages, mathematics, EVS/Science and Social Sciences in the Government and Government aided schools. The competency based test was based on the Learning Outcomes which were recently incorporated in the Central Rules for RTE Act by the Government of India.

The National Achievement Survey for students of Class X was similarly, held on 5th February 2018, with a district level sampling framework covering nearly 15.5 lakh students using multiple test booklets in Mathematics, Modern Indian Languages, English, Sciences and Social Sciences. NAS district report cards have been shared with the States and UTs to help in identifying gaps at the district level. Subsequently, a framework of intervention has been developed and shared with States to improve the quality of learning in the schools.

Further, Central Government has taken the following initiatives for improving quality of education:

(i) Section 23(2) of the RTE Act has been amended to extend the period for training of untrained in-service elementary teachers to 31st March, 2019. As per above amendment, all untrained in-service teachers working in Government, Government aided, and Private un-aided schools should acquire minimum qualification as laid down by an academic authority, authorized by the Central Government, by 31st March, 2019. The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) has been entrusted to conduct this training through ODL (Open Distance Learning) mode. The online D.El.Ed. course has started from 3rd October, 2017. More than 13 Lakh teachers have joined these courses.

(ii) Further, the Department of School Education and Literacy has launched an Integrated Scheme for School Education-Samagra Shiksha, subsuming three erstwhile Centrally Sponsored Schemes of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) and Teacher Education (TE). With effect from 1st April, 2018. The new integrated scheme envisages school education as a continuum from pre-school to senior secondary level and aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels. The main objectives of the scheme are to provide quality education, enhancing learning outcomes of students, bridging social and gender gaps in school education, ensuring requisite infrastructure in schools, support to states in the implementation of RTE Act, 2009 and strengthening of teacher education institutions.crackIAS.com The Samagra Shiksha scheme focuses on improvement of quality of education by providing support for different interventions like; in-service training of teachers and schools heads, conduct of achievement surveys at National and State level, provision of textbooks as per Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, remedial teaching for academically weaker students, ICT and digital initiatives, vocational education, composite school grant to every school for providing a conducive learning environment has been increased and from this year provisions for library grants and grants for sports and physical education have also been introduced. The Government has also launched Rashtriya Aavishkar Abhiyan (RAA) programme on 09.07.2015, to motivate and engage children of the age group from 6-18 years in Science, Mathematics and Technology through observation, experimentation, inference drawing, model building, etc. both through inside and outside classroom activities. e PATHSHALA: a single point repository of e resources containing NCERT textbooks and various other learning resources has been developed for showcasing and disseminating all educational resources including textbooks, audio, video, periodicals, and a variety of other print and non-print materials.

The Central Government, supports States and UTs on early grade reading, writing & comprehension, and early Mathematics programmes through a sub-programme namely ‘Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat’ (PBBB) in foundational years of schooling.

(iii) MHRD, has launched a Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) platform popularly known as SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active learning for Young Aspiring Minds) on 9th July, 2017. The portal is offering various online courses for school education and higher education. NCERT has been developing course modules for Massive Open and Online Course (MOOCs) for school education system in 12 subject areas (Accountancy, business studies, biology, chemistry, economic, history, geography, mathematics, physics, political science, psychology and sociology) for classes IX-XII. Twelve (12) courses and twenty one (21) courses have been completed in the first cycle and second cycle (completed on 30 Nov. 2018) on SWAYAM platform (https://swayam.gov.in/) respectively. Nearly 22,000 students and 30,000 students were registered in the first cycle and second cycle respectively.

(iv) CIET-NCERT has been assigned the task of developing e-resources for Master of Education (M.Ed.) course jointly with Allahabad University. One course (Educational Administration, Management and Leadership in School Education) has been completed first cycle on SWAYAM platform in which 2115 were enrolled. The second cycle of this course is offered from 2nd July 2018.

Besides, an online course on action research for teachers is conducted in regular intervals in the MOODLE platform (http://ictcurriculum.gov.in/ ). Post Graduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling for in-service teachers is also offered through the same course portal. Several other online courses are developed for inservice teachers professional development and delivered through the portal https://itpd.ncert.org.in/.

(v) A programme for utilization of satellite communication technologies for transmission of educational e-contents through 32 National Channels i.e. SWAYAM PRABHA DTH-TV has been launched. CIET-NCERT is the national coordinator for one DTH TV channel i.e., Kishore Manch (#31) and has started feeding a 24x7 educational TV channel w.e.f. 09 July, 2018. Everyday four hour fresh slot is telecast and repeated six times in 24 hours to provide learning opportunities for the stakecrackIAS.com holders, as per their convenience. Besides, NIOS is running 5 channels for teachers, for Secondary and Sr. Secondary levels and for sign language.

(vi) MHRD has launched Diksha Portal for providing digital platform to teachers giving them an opportunity to learn and train themselves and connect with teacher community. The portal envisages to help teachers boost their teaching skills and create their own separate profile with their skills and knowledge, and help in improving quality of education with use of latest technologies in education sector.

This information was given by the Minister of State (HRD), Dr. Satya Pal Singh today in a written reply to a Lok Sabha question.

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crackIAS.com Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2019-01-01 HRD MINISTRY HAS TAKEN SEVERAL INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE NATIONAL INTEGRATION UNDER EK BHARAT SHRESTHA BHARAT Relevant for: World & Indian Geography | Topic: Factors responsible for location of Tertiary sector Industries incl. Tourism in world & India and related issues

Ministry of Human Resource Development HRD Ministry has taken several initiatives to promote National Integration under Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat

Posted On: 31 DEC 2018 6:22PM by PIB Delhi

The Government of India has launched an initiative Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) to foster national integration by a co-ordinated mutual engagement process between States, Union Territories, Central Ministries, Educational Institutions and general public through linguistic, literary, cultural, sports, tourism and other forms of people-to-people exchanges. The States/Union Territories have been grouped in 16 pairs. Detailed background of the scheme, its objectives, implementation strategy / methodology and the pairing of the States/Union Territories are available in www.ekbharat.gov.in. No separate budget allocation has been made for this scheme.

States have expressed their keen interest in being part of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat scheme. They have signed MoUs with their paired States/ Union Territories and have been conducting various events covering a gamut of activities in the educational, cultural, geographical, social , tourism, sports, youth-related activities and sharing of best practices, encompassing a wide range of subjects under the programme with an integrative content relating to their paired States/Union Territories. Various States/UTs have organized more than hundred Culturaland Literal Exchange programmes involving the people and artists of the paired States, organized a large number of Food Festivals, programmes such as National Integration Day, Run for Unity, Hornbill Festival, DeepotsavFestival, GeetaUtsav, Bharat Parv, Art Yatra, SadkalGujarat,KabirFestival, Gir Monsoon Festival, BastarMahotsav,Tawang Festival, Cherry Blossom Festival etc. More than 200 Higher Educational Institutions, more than 250 schools under CBSE, more than 100 JawaharNavodayaVidyalayas, more than 40 Sainik schools and schools under KendriyaVidyalayaSangathan have organized more than 1000 programmes under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Ministry of Tourism has been organizing various Food festivals through Institutes of Hotel Management. It has also organized Bharat Parv and ParyatanParv involving the various State Governments. Other Ministries like Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Culture and MinistrycrackIAS.com of Railwayshave also been conducting a large number of programmes. Department of School Education & Literacy has initiated BhashaSangam, a celebration of Linguistic Diversity which marks the appreciation of the unique symphonyof languages of our country from 20th November to 21st December, 2018.

A Group of Ministers headed by Minister of Human Resource Development periodically reviews the steps taken by the States/UTs and concerned Ministries/Departments to bridge the cultural gap in the country and enhance interaction between people living in different States.

This information was given by the Minister of State (HRD), Dr. Satya Pal Singh today in a written reply to a Lok Sabha question.

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