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Steel Frame of India – An initiative by Officers IAS Academy

Current Affairs March – 2018

S.No Topics Pg.No

General Studies I

Art & Culture

Kuthiyottam ritual 7

India by the Nile (IBN) festival 2018 8

Nabakalebar festival 8

MADHAVPUR MELA 9

Geography

Cuvette Central region 10

Indian Society

M.P. to measure happiness quotient 11

Urbanisation – Problems & Remedies

Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems (ASICS) 2017 12

Women Issues

Menstrual hygiene campaign 13

LaQshya programme 14

‘WomenInTech’ forum 15

General Studies II

Governance

Code on Wages 2017 16

Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2017 18

Special Status To Andhra Pradesh 19

Finance Commission and Special Category Status 21

Rajasthan passes Bill to give death penalty for Child Rape 23

Bill on chit funds 24

World Consumers Day 24

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National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) 25

Panel seeks more amendments to Insolvency and Bank 25

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) 28

Adjournment Motion 29

SC on Welfare of Construction Workers 29

No Confidence Motion 30

Centre wants ‘humane’ AFSPA 31

Privilege Motion 32

India Development Foundation 33

Office-of-profit issue 33

Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 35

E-Tribes India 36

National Artificial Intelligence Mission (N-AIM) 36

Aadhar linking deadline for govt schemes extended 37

India Convention Promotion Bureau 38

Government Policies

Education Schemes For Tribals 39

Women’s Healthcare 40

Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme 42

Social security scheme 43

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao 44

NNM Launched 45

Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan 46

Face ID for Aadhar authentication 47

Ayushman Bharat 49

Krishi Vigyan Kendras 50

Surrender-cum-rehabilitation scheme 51

Atal Innovation Mission 52

Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) 53

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Kisan Credit Card 54

Health , Education , HR

Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) 55

WHO lauds National Health Protection Scheme 55

E-Cigarettes 56

Indian Constitution

SC upholds passive euthanasia 58

Aadhaar linkage deadline extended indefinitely 59

SC Judgement on anti atrocities Law 60

Special Courts 61

International Relations

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank 62

World Justice Project Index 63

Global Status Report 2017 64

WTO Solar Dispute 65

Border pact between India and Myanmar 67

European Bank of Reconstruction and Development 68

Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans- Pacific Partnership

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International Solar Alliance 71

International Air Transport Association (IATA) 71

WEF energy transition index 72

Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) 73

International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

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General Data Protection Regulation 75

Executive Board of UNESCO 75

Permanent Indus Commission 76

Assumption island project 77

Union States

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Karnataka govt. unveils State flag 78

General Studies III

Agriculture

Contract Farming 79

In-situ management of crop residue 80

HT Cotton 81

Krishi Vigyan Kendras 82

Environment

Arctic Seed Vault 84

Tiger Conservation 85

Energy Camp – Kerala 85

Animal Welfare Board of India 86

National E-Mobility programme 87

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency 88

Neutrino project 89

Cold fusion 91

Loktak lake 92

Earth Hour 2018 92

ISA and India sign the Host Country Agreement 94

Indian Economy

Sex Ratio Report 95

Marshall Islands to launch world-first digital legal tender 96

Panel to study issues in Fintech space 96

I – Metros’ 97

Reciprocal logistics support deal 98

Udyam Sakhi Portal 98

Letters of undertaking (LoUs) 99

Major Port Authorities Bill 99

Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement 101

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80:20 GOLD BOND SCHEME 102

Antibiotic resistance 103

New metric for jobs growth to include informal economy 104

GI tag 105

North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) 2017 107

S-400 deal may be finalised by March 107

Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry 108

DRAFT POLICY ON DEFENCE PRODUCTION 110

Privatisation of PSBs 111

New vehicle scrappage policy 112

Hash graph Vs Blockchain 113

Kotak Committee 114

National Skill Development Fund and National Skill Development Corporation

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National Agricultural Cooperative Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) 116

Infrastructure

NAIPUNYA RATHAM 117

Internal Security

Nag 118

S-400 deal may be finalised by March 118

Indigenous technology tested on BrahMos 119

Science & Technology

Fifty years of TERLS 120

Global Centre for Nuclear Energy 122

Silver copper telluride (AgCuTe) 123

IMPRINT India programme. 124

Saposhi 124

Air-Breathing Electric Thruster 125

Rydberg polarons 126

Geomagnetic storm 127

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India based Neutrino Observatory 128

Carbonaceous chondrites 129

CLONED BUFFALOES 130

ISRO aims to launch Chandrayaan-2 by April 131

Hammer spacecraft 131

Festival Of Innovation And Entrepreneurship 132

India joins Europe’s satellite data sharing pool 133

“Google Fiber” 134

Chandrayaan-2 135

Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) 135

GSAT-6A 136

National Conference on Down Syndrome 137

Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) 138

Vikas Engine 139

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General Studies I Art & Culture

Kuthiyottam ritual Why in news? The Kerala State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights has registered a suomoto case in connection with the Kuthiyottam ritual The commission would examine if the ritual, reportedly involving piercing children’s sides with a hook, violated child rights in any manner FACTS FOR PRELIMS The Kuthiyottam ritual is usually performed every year during the Pongala festival at the AttukalBhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Pongal, which means ‘to boil over’, is a ritual in which women prepare a pudding made from rice, jaggery, coconut and plantains cooked together, and offer it to the goddess The ritual can only be performed by women The AttukalPongala festival is the largest congregation of women for a festival in the world Kuthiyottam ritual involves Nearly 1,000 young boys undertake a seven-day penance before Pongala day These boys are said to represent the wounded soldiers of the goddess The boys have to observe strict discipline and stay inside the temple for seven days The rigors include sleeping on the floor, strict diet restrictions, and bathing three times a day They also have to prostrate 1,008 times before the deity The ritual reportedly involves piercing the child’s side with a small hook and knotting a thread through it to symbolize their bond with the Goddess

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India by the Nile (IBN) festival 2018 Why in news? Sixth edition of the India by the Nile (IBN) festival 2018 is being held in Cairo, Egypt. FACTS FOR PRELIMS The annual festival showcases a range of Indian cultural output, including contemporary and classical music, dance, puppet theatre, visual arts, food and yoga. It is the biggest foreign festival in Egypt and encourages artistic collaborations between the two countries. This year, the festival will also bring two new events, a fashion show and screening of the Indian movies. The festival is organised by the Embassy of India in Egypt and the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture in collaboration with entertainment company Teamwork Arts. Nabakalebar festival Why in news? Commemorative coins in denominations of ₹10 and ₹1000 have been released on Lord Jagannath’s Nabakalebara festival. FACTS FOR PRELIMS The Nabakalebara is an ancient ritual associated with most of the Jagannath Temples when the Idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshan are replaced by a new set of Idols. A year with an extra Ashadhamasa/month as per Hindu Calendar is considered auspicious for conducting the ceremony. This usually occurs every twelve to nineteen years. The Deities are made from a special type of Neem wood known as DaruBramha.

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The most recent ceremony was in 2015, following the 1996 ceremony. This festival is celebrated at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Orissa. MADHAVPUR MELA Why in news? Ministry of Culture is organizing the Madhavpur Mela in Madhavpur Ghed, District Porbandar in Gujarat in a grand way. FACTS FOR PRELIMS About Madhavpur Mela: The purpose of this integration is to bring various parts of the country especially the North-East, close to each other under the banner of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat announced by the Prime Minister. The Madhavpur Mela of Gujarat shares its connect to the Mishmi Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. The Mishmi Tribe traces its ancestry to the legendary King Bhishmak and through him to his daughter Rukmini and Lord Krishna. Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat: “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” was announced by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 31st October, 2015 on the occasion of the 140th birth anniversary of SardarVallabhbhai Patel. Subsequently, the Finance Minister announced the initiative in his Budget Speech for 2016-17. PURPOSE Through this innovative measure, the knowledge of the culture, traditions and practices of different States & UTs will lead to an enhanced understanding and bonding between the States, thereby strengthening the unity and integrity of India. Implementation: All States and UTs will be covered under the programme. There will be pairing of States/UTs at national level and these pairings will be in effect for one year, or till

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the next round of pairings. The State/UT level pairings would be utilized for state level activities. District level pairings would be independent of the State level pairings.

Geography Cuvette Central region Why in news? To protect the Cuvette Central region in the Congo Basin from unregulated land use and prevent its drainage and degradation, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Republic of Congo and Indonesia have jointly signed the Brazzaville declaration that promotes better management and conservation of this globally important carbon store. FACTS FOR PRELIMS It is the world’s largest tropical peatlands in Congo Basin. Global peatland initiative: The declaration was signed on the sidelines of the Third Partners Meeting of the Global Peatlands Initiative, taking place in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. Peatland Peatlands are wetlands that contain a mixture of decomposed organic material, partially submerged in a layer of water, lacking oxygen. The complex biodiversity of the peatlands means they are home to a variety of species, but their high carbon content makes them uniquely vulnerable to incineration if they are drained. About the Global Peatlands Initiative: The Global Peatlands Initiative is an effort by leading experts and institutions to save peatlands as the world’s largest terrestrial organic carbon stock and to prevent it being emitted into the atmosphere.

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Indian Society M.P. to measure happiness quotient Why in News? The MP government is launching an exercise to interact with the people of the state and find out how happy they are. FACTS FOR PRELIMS World Happiness Index The concept of a Happiness Index came about in 2011 when the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network began publishing yearly reports on the world’s happiness. The idea was that happiness levels of people could be used to inform and guide individual country public policies. Each year, the report outlines the state of world happiness, causes of happiness and misery, and policy implications highlighted by case studies using variables including real GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. To measure the happiness quotient of people became a global talking point when a tiny Himalayan country, Bhutan, came out with a happiness index and linked it to development, which is otherwise based on GDP numbers. India’s Rank India ranks 122nd in the World Happiness Report for 2017, brought out by the United Nations. NOTE4STUDENTS -In 2016, Madhya Pradesh became the first state to set up a governmental department of happiness (AnandVibhag) and in 2017 Andhra Pradesh became the second. Maharashtra is also considering incorporating a “happiness index” department to measure happiness levels in the state.

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Urbanisation – Problems & Remedies

Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems (ASICS) 2017 Why in News? Pune has topped the chart in the 5th edition of Janaagraha’s Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems (ASICS) . FACTS FOR PRELIMS Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems ASICS does not measure quality of infrastructure and services such as roads and traffic, garbage, water, housing, sanitation and air pollution, but instead measures the preparedness of cities to deliver high quality infrastructure and services in the long-term by evaluating “city—systems” of spatial planning and design standards, municipal finance, municipal staffing, political leadership at the city level and transparency and citizen participation. 2017 Highlights The Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems (ASICS) 2017 evaluates the quality of governance in cities, covering 23 major cities in India across 20 states based on 89 questions. The 5th edition of Janaagraha’s Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems (ASICS) 2017 reveals improvement in City-Systems but at a very slow pace Indian cities scored between 3.0 and 5.1 on 10, with Pune topping the charts for the first time. Other cities that came in the top five include Kolkata, Thiruvananthapuram, Bhubaneswar and Surat, with scores in the range of 4.6 to 4.5. Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Patna and Chennai constituted the bottom five cities with scores in the range of 3.0 to 3.3 on 10.

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Women Issues

Menstrual hygiene campaign Why in News? The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched #YesIBleed menstrual hygiene campaign on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2018. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background The United Nations has recognised menstrual hygiene as global public health and human rights issue. Yet across the globe, period poverty as some call it , is a reality for millions of women and girls. As per health ministry data, only 12% of India’s 355 million women use sanitary napkins. Over 88% of women resort to alternatives such as un-sanitized cloth, ashes and husk sand. Incidents of reproductive tract infection (RTI) are 70% more common among these women. The biggest barrier to using a sanitary napkin is affordability. The Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS) The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been implementing this scheme for promotion of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in the age group of 10-19 years primarily in rural areas as part of the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram. Under the scheme, subsidized sanitary napkins are provided. The sanitary napkins branded free days are sold at Rs6 per pack of six napkins by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) The scheme has the following objectives: i)To increase awareness of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls

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ii)To increase access to and use of good quality sanitary napkins among adolescent girls residing primarily in rural areas iii)To ensure safe disposal of sanitary napkins in an environmentally friendly manner. About the Campaign It is the second edition of such campaign that aims to create a holistic approach to the issue of menstruation, which is an experience that transcends culture, class, caste.The campaign called “#Yes I Bleed” will be initiated formally across all multi-media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube. LaQshya programme Why in news? The Union Health Ministry has announced the launch of LaQshya, a programme aimed at improving quality of care in labour room and maternity operation theatre. FACTS FOR PRELIMS It is an initiative to improve the quality of care in the labour rooms, operation theatres and other mother and child areas in public health facilities across the country. Aim: The programme aims at implementing ‘fast-track’ interventions for achieving tangible results within 18 months. Strategy: Under the initiative, a multipronged strategy has been adopted, including improving infrastructure upgradation, ensuring availability of essential equipment, providing adequate human resources, capacity building of healthcare workers and improving quality processes in the labour room. Guidelines include: Ensuring privacy for mothers-to-be, providing a comfortable position during delivery, no-tolerance policy towards verbal or physical abuse on women and no demand of gratuitous payment by the staff.

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LaQshya certification: A healthcare facility achieving 70% score on NQAS will be declared ‘LaQshya’ certified. Facilities scoring over 90, 80 and 70% will get platinum, gold and silver badges respectively. Incentives: Facilities achieving NQAS certification and having 80% satisfied beneficiaries will be given monetary incentive with medical college hospitals getting Rs 6 lakh and Rs 3 lakh for district hospitals. Background: India has improved maternal survival as Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) reduced from 301 maternal deaths in 2001-03 to 167 in 2011-13, an impressive decline of 45% in a decade. ‘WomenInTech’ forum Why in news? RBS India in association with prominent technology corporates, Academia and government participation has setup an exclusive ‘By Invite Only’ platform ‘Women In Tech’ with the agenda of working towards encouraging more women to take up careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) as a key career choice. FACTS FOR PRELIMS WomenInTech has been conceived in association with a number of technology corporates, academia and NGOs. The forum has been designed “to help accelerate the national agenda of BetiBachao, BetiPadhao and further to work in alignment with the UN’s focus area this year – ‘Turning promises into action’. It would “address the need for policy making collectively as an industry to ensure that workplaces prod more girls to take up careers in STEM on one end and on the other hand are conducive for working women to aspire for senior level roles”. One of its initiatives is to build an independent corpus of funds, in collaboration with education NGOs, to sponsor the tertiary education of at least three young

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women to begin with from economically weak backgrounds in the field of engineering to top universities in the United States and United Kingdom.

General Studies II

Governance Code on Wages 2017 Why In News? The Code on wages Bill has been introduced in the Lok Sabha, It is apart of the new labour law reforms that the govt. has undertaken. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background As part of labour law reforms, the Government has undertaken the exercise of rationalisation of the 38 Labour Acts by framing 4 labour codes viz Code on Wages, Code on Industrial Relations, Code on Social Security and Code on occupational safety, health and working conditions. Highlights The Code replaces four existing laws: (i) the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, (ii) the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, (iii) the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965, and (iv) the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976. National Minimum Wage

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The central government will set minimum wages for certain employments including railways, and mines. State governments will set minimum wages for all other employment. The Code provides that a national minimum wage may be set by the central government. States cannot set minimum wages lower than the national minimum wage. Further, the central government may set separate national minimum wages for different states or regions of the country. Minimum wages must be revised by the central or state governments at an interval of five years. The overtime rate will be at least twice the normal rate of wages of the employee. Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2017 Why in news? Finance Minister had announced in last year’s Union Budget that the government would soon bring about a law that would allow the state to take possession of properties belonging to such offenders After the PNB fraud came into light, the Union Cabinet has approved the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2017 FACTS FOR PRELIMS The Bill aims to stop economic offenders who leave the country to avoid due process Offenses involving amounts of ₹100 crore or more fall under the purview of this law ECONOMIC OFFENCES Economic offences are those that are defined under the Indian Penal Code, the Prevention of Corruption Act, the SEBI Act, the Customs Act, the Companies Act, Limited Liability Partnership Act, and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code

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FUGITIVE ECONOMIC OFFENDER According to Section 4 of the law, a ‘fugitive economic offender’ is “any individual against whom a warrant for arrest in relation to a scheduled offence has been issued by any court in India, who: (i) leaves or has left India so as to avoid criminal prosecution; or (ii) refuses to return to India to face criminal prosecution.” What does the offender have to do? The Court will issue a notice to the person named a ‘fugitive economic offender’ Within six weeks from the date of the notice, the person will have to present themselves at “a specified place at a specified time” If the offender fails to do so, they will be declared a ‘fugitive economic offender’ and their properties as listed in the Director’s application will be confiscated Once the property is confiscated, can the offender file a civil claim? Section 11 of the Act disqualifies those declared as offenders from either filing or defending a civil claim in court What happens to the properties? The Special court will appoint an ‘administrator’ to oversee the confiscated property This person will be responsible for disposing of the property as well, and the property will be used to satisfy creditors’ claims.

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Special Status To Andhra Pradesh Why in News? Protests demanding Special Status for Andhra Pradesh have continued. FACTS FOR PRELIMS SPECIAL CATEGORY STATES The Constitution does not include any provision for categorisation of any State in India as a Special Category Status (SCS) State. But, recognising that some regions in the country were historically disadvantaged in contrast to others, Central plan assistance to SCS States has been granted in the past by the erstwhile Planning Commission body, National Development Council (NDC). The NDC granted this status based on a number of features of the States which included- i) Hilly and difficult terrain ii) low population density or the presence of sizeable tribal population, iii)strategic location along international borders, iv) economic and infrastructural backwardness and v)non-viable nature of State finances. Present Scenario The SCS States used to receive block grants based on the Gadgil-Mukherjee formula, which effectively allowed for nearly 30 percent of the Total Central Assistance to be transferred to the SCS States. Besides, assistance to Centrally Sponsored Schemes for SCS States was given with 90% Central share and 10% State share. Following the constitution of the NITI Aayog and the recommendations of the Fourteenth Finance Commission (FFC), Central plan assistance to SCS States has

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been subsumed in an increased devolution of the divisible pool to all States (from 32% in the 13th FC recommendations to 42%) and do not any longer appear in plan expenditure. The FFC also recommended variables such as “forest cover” to be included in devolution, with a weightage of 7.5 in the criteria and which could benefit north-eastern States that were previously given SCS assistance. Besides, assistance to Centrally Sponsored Schemes for the SCS States was given with 90% Central share and 10% State share. Background Andhra Pradesh has been demanding a Special Category State (SCS) status from Centre ever since it was decided to carve out Telangana along with capital city Hyderabad. Following the bifurcation of A.P., Andhra lost a large volume of its revenue due to Hyderabad remaining the capital of Telangana. A.P. does not qualify as a Special Category State. It has neither geographical disadvantages nor historical disadvantages such as socio-economic and infrastructural backwardness. Hence offering it the SCS would give impetus to every other state to demand the same. Instead, Centre had announced a package to grant special assistance to Andhra Pradesh, wherein an amount equivalent to what the state might have got as a special category state will be compensated by Centre through externally aided projects for five years. Finance Commission and Special Category Status Why in News? The bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh had left a troubled legacy, The former govt. had promised special category status to the successor State of Andhra Pradesh, however the current govt. has pleaded inability and has instead agreed to give a generous package. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Special Category Status

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The status was accorded to some States by the National Development Council on the recommendation of the erstwhile Planning Commission on the basis of five important criteria, namely,- i)hilly and difficult terrain; ii)low population density and/or sizeable share of tribal population; iii) strategic location along borders with neighbouring countries; iv)economic and infrastructural backwardness; and v)non-viable nature of State finances. The Finance Commissions has no role in either specifying the criteria or making recommendations for admission to special category status. Finance Commission Art 280 of India provides for a Finance Commission as a quasi-judicial body. It is constituted by the President every 5 yrs. Composition and Tenure It comprises of the Chairman and 4 other members to be appointed by the President .They hold office for such period as specified by the President in his order. They are eligible for reappointment. Qualification The Constitution authorises the Parliament to determine the qualification of the members. i)The Chairman should be a person having experience in Public affairs. The Four other members should be selected from amongst the following- ii)A HC Judge or one qualified to be one.

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iii)A person who has specialised knowledge of finance and accounts of the govt. iv)A person who has wide experience in financial matters and in administration. v)A person who has special knowledge of economics. Function The FC is required to make recommendations to the President on the following matters- i)Distribution of net proceeds of Taxes to be shared between the centre and the state, and the allocation between the states of the respective shares. ii)The principle that should govern the grants-in-aid to the states by the centre. iii)The measures needed to augment the consolidated fund of the state. 14th Finance Commission Following the constitution of the NITI Aayog and the recommendations of the Fourteenth Finance Commission (FFC), Central plan assistance to SCS States has been subsumed in an increased devolution of the divisible pool to all States (from 32% in the 13th FC recommendations to 42%) and do not any longer appear in plan expenditure. The FFC also recommended the following criteria for financial devolution- VARIABLE WEIGHTAGE population as of 1971 17.5% demographic change reflecting population shifts between 1971 and 2011 10 % Area 15% fiscal capacity measured by the income distance method 50% Forest Cover 7.5% Besides, assistance to Centrally Sponsored Schemes for the SCS States was given with 90% Central share and 10% State share.

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Rajasthan passes Bill to give death penalty for Child Rape Why in News? Rajasthan has passed a Bill providing for death penalty to those convicted of raping girls of 12 years and below. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background According to the National Crime Records Bureau’s 2016 report, the cases of crimes against children have seen a steady increase in Rajasthan. The State recorded 4,034 such cases in 2016, which was 3.8% of the crimes against children registered across the country. In 2015, the State had registered 3,689 cases of crimes against children. About the Legislation The Bill provides for capital punishment or rigorous imprisonment ranging between 14 years and lifelong incarceration. It also makes a similar provision for gang-rape of a girl child, while laying down death penalty or imprisonment from 20 years to lifelong incarceration for those convicted of the offence. NOTE4STUDENTS-Rajasthan has become the second State, after Madhya Pradesh, to pass a Bill providing for the death penalty to those convicted of raping girls of 12 years and below. Bill on chit funds Why in news? The Chit Funds (Amendment) Bill, 2018 has been introduced in the LokSabha. The bill aims to streamline and strengthen the chit fund sector. The Bill is based on the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance and the Advisory Groups on Chit Funds set up by the central government Facts for Prelims Highlights of the Bill: The Amendment Bill provides for allowing the mandatory presence of two subscribers, as required either in person or through video conferencing duly recorded by the foreman, while the bids are being opened.

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It mandates video conferencing while the opening of bids and seeks to hike commission of foremen from 5% to 7%. Background: The Chit Funds Act, 1982 was enacted to provide for the regulation of chit funds which are indigenous business in India and have conventionally satisfied the financial needs of low income households. World Consumers Day Why in news? 15 March is World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD), an annual occasion for celebration and solidarity within the international consumer movement. It marks the date in 1962 President John F Kennedy first outlined the definition of Consumer Rights. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Theme: ‘Making digital marketplaces fairer’. WCRD was first observed on 15 March 1983, and has since become an important occasion for mobilising citizen action. Consumers International (CI), which was founded in 1960 organises WCRD. It is the only independent and authoritative global voice for consumers and has over 220 member organisations in 115 countries around the world. Consumer protection act: India adopted the Consumer Protection Act, later in 1986, thus providing a legal face to the Indian consumers. One of the strongest campaigns for addressal and protection of consumer rights in India, is “JagoGrahakJago” which literally translates into, “wake up consumers”! This multimedia campaign from Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Government of India is aimed at creating an aware consumer.

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National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) Why in news? The government is considering handing the task of maintaining, managing and earning revenue from immovable properties attached in money laundering cases to the National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC). FACTS FOR PRELIMS NATIONAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION NBCC (India) Limited, formerly known as National Buildings Construction Corporation Ltd., is a blue-chip Government of India Navratna Enterprise under the Ministry of Urban Development. It engages in the Real Estate Development & Construction business and also provides Project Management Consultancy. It is the sole land authorised agency for central undertakings. The Company has been notified as a Public Works Organization (PWO) explicitly, a construction agency, as per which Government Department(s)/ PSUs and Autonomous Bodies can award the works to NBCC on nomination basis. NBCC is also designated as the implementing agency for executing projects under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), PradhanMantri Gram SadakYojna (PMGSY), Solid Waste Management (SWM) and developmental work in North Eastern Region. Panel seeks more amendments to Insolvency and Bank Why in News? The insolvency law committee on Monday recommended that the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) be amended to make eligibility requirements for bidders stricter and give lenders more flexibility in decision-making. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background The Bankruptcy Law Reform Committee (BLRC) was set up in August 2014 under the chairmanship of Mr T.K. Vishwanathan.

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The committee proposed an all-encompassing law for corporate and individual insolvency, reflecting the best practices from across the globe. About IBC Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code represents the legal and institutional mechanisms in India for dealing with debt default of companies and limited liability entities, partnership firms and individuals.However, this does not automatically cover the default by financial service providers, unless notified by the Government. Salient Features i)The Code separates commercial aspects of the insolvency proceedings from judicial aspects. While Insolvency Professionals will deal with commercial aspects such as management of the affairs of the corporate debtor, facilitating the formation of a committee of creditors, organising their meetings, examination of the resolution plan, etc., judicial issues will be handled by proposed Adjudicating Authorities (National Company Law Tribunal / Debt Recovery Tribunal) ii)Debt Recovery Tribunals will be adjudicating authority over both individual & unlimited liability partnership firms. National Company Law Tribunal will be adjudicating authority with jurisdiction over companies with limited liability. iii)To setup Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India to act as a regulator for these utilities and professionals. iv)The bill also seeks to establish Insolvency and Bankruptcy Fund of India. v)It also provides for information utilities that will collate all information about debtors to prevent serial defaulters from misusing the system. Significance The new law aims to consolidate the laws relating to insolvency of companies and limited liability entities, unlimited liability partnerships and individuals .The

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implementation of the code will give a big boost to ease of doing business in India. Proposed Amendments i)The government is keen to remove the ambiguities in the code for faster and effective resolution of NPAs which have gone into insolvency proceedings. ii)The panel has recommended amendments to Section 29A of the IBC, which bars wilful defaulters, those with non-performing assets for over a year and people connected to these parties from bidding for stressed assets. iii)The panel has also recommended allowing promoters of medium, small and micro enterprises to submit resolution plans, provided they are not classified as wilful defaulters. iv)The panel has also recommended easing rules on voting at the CoC meeting. Currently, all decisions of the CoC (committee of creditors ) require the approval of not less than 75% of creditors. The panel has now suggested that the requirement be relaxed to 66% of financial creditors for critical decisions and 51% in the case of routine decisions. v)The panel has also suggested that creditors be allowed to initiate insolvency proceedings in cases which are undergoing winding-up petitions in a high court, provided they take the approval of the court. These recommendations, however, require parliamentary approval to come into effect. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) Why in News? The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is considering the revision of guidelines for child participants in reality television shows. FACTS FOR PRELIMS About the Commission

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The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) was set up in March 2007 under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005, an Act of Parliament (December 2005). NCPCR is a statutory body under the CPCR Act,2005 under the administrative control of the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India. Objective The Commission’s Mandate is to ensure that all Laws, Policies, Programmes, and Administrative Mechanisms are in consonance with the Child Rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Child is defined as a person in the 0 to 18 years age group. Adjournment Motion Why in News? An adjournment motion for a discussion on special category status for Andhra Pradesh has been moved in parliament recently. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Motions No discussion on a matter of general public importance can take place except on a motion made with the consent of the presiding officer.The House expresses its decision or opinions on various issues through the adoption or rejection of motions moved by either ministries or private members. Adjournment Motion It is introduced in the Parliament to draw the attention of the House to a definite matter of urgent public importance and needs the support of 50 members to be admitted; as it interrupts the normal business of the House it is considered an extraordinary device.

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It involves an element of censure against the government hence the Rajya Sabha is not permitted to make use of this device.The discussion on an adjournment motion should last for more not less than 2 hrs and 30 min. SC on Welfare of Construction Workers Why in News? The Supreme Court directed the central and state governments to implement two legislations that govern the welfare of construction workers in the unorganized sector. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background The Building and Other Construction Workers Act. Act and its sister legislation, the Cess Act, are social justice legislation. They were enacted keeping in mind the Directive Principles of State Policy, particularly Article 39 of the Constitution, which requires the State to direct its policy to secure the health and strength of workers and Article 42 of the Constitution concerning just and humane conditions of work. Highlights of the Judgement State Government and UTA to constitute a State Advisory Committee. The State Governments and UTAs must appoint Registering Officers for registration of establishments and construction workers. Every State Government and UTA should establish a Welfare Board in terms of Section 18 of the BOCW (Building and Other Construction Workers) Act. The centre and states were directed to conduct a social audit on the implementation of the BOCW Act to ensure effective implementation. It is imperative that all construction workers should be given identity cards and should be registered in terms of Section 12 of the BOCW Act. The Ministry of Labour and Employment shall actively consider making available to the construction workers the benefits of The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 and The Minimum Wages Act, 1948, The Employees‘ State Insurance Act, 1948, the Employees‘ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, as well as (to the extent possible) the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005.

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The court also directed the labour ministry to frame a comprehensive model scheme for education, health, social security, old age and disability pension and other benefits for construction workers. No Confidence Motion Why in News? The YSR Congress has proposed a no-confidence motion against the NDA government on the issue of granting special category status to Andhra Pradesh. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Collective Responsibility Article 75 of the Constitution states that the Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha i.e the ministry stays in office as long as it enjoys the confidence of the majority of the members of the Lok Sabha. No Confidence Motion The Lok Sabha can remove the ministry from office by passing the No confidence motion .The motion needs the support of 50 members to be admitted. It is moved for ascertaining the confidence of the Lok Sabha in the council of ministers and if it is passed the Council of Ministers must resign from office. It need not state the reasons for its adoption in the Lok Sabha and can be moved only against the entire council of ministers, unlike the Censure motion which can be moved against an individual minister or a group of ministers or the entire council of ministers. Centre wants ‘humane’ AFSPA Why in News? The centre is considering a proposal to make the AFSPA Act more “operationally effective and humane.” FACTS FOR PRELIMS AFSPA

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The AFSPA was enacted in 1958 to bring ‘disturbed’ areas declared under it under control. It empowers both state and central government to declare areas as disturbed. The Act gives special powers to army and state and central police forces to shoot to kill, search houses and destroy any property used by insurgents in disturbed areas. It also provides army personnel with safeguards against malicious, vindictive and frivolous prosecution. At present, the AFSA has been enforced in 6 states viz. Assam, Nagaland, Parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya and Jammu and Kashmir. Jeevan Reddy Committee Report In 2005, the five-member committee headed by Justice B P Jeevan Reddy to review the provisions of the act in the northeastern states and recommended that – (a) AFSPA should be repealed and appropriate provisions should be inserted in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967; (b) The Unlawful Activities Act should be modified to clearly specify the powers of the armed forces and paramilitary forces and (c) grievance cells should be set up in each district where the armed forces are deployed. The 5th report of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission on public order has also recommended the repeal of the AFSPA. SC Judgement The Supreme Court of India has ruled that army and paramilitary forces cannot use excessive and retaliatory force during counter-insurgency operations in disturbed areas declared disturbed under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958. Criminal courts have the jurisdiction over cases of alleged excesses by security forces which earlier were under the blanket of immunity provided by AFSPA.

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Army’s Stand The Army is apprehensive about any move to dilute controversial AFSPA, it views it as an “Enabling Act” which provided the requisite legal safeguards for the carrying out of effective counter-terrorism operations. Privilege Motion Why in News? The Congress announced its decision to move a privilege motion against External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in the Rajya Sabha for “misleading” Parliament on the fate of the 39 Indians who were kidnapped by the Islamic State in Iraq four years ago. FACTS FOR PRELIMS About the Motion It is concerned with the breach of parliamentary privileges by a minister .It is moved by a member when he feels that a minister has committed a breach of privilege of the House or one or more of its members by withholding facts of a case or by giving wrong or distorted facts. Its purpose is to censure the concerned minister. India Development Foundation Why in News? The Union Cabinet recently approved closure of India Development Foundation of Overseas Indians (IDF-OI). FACTS FOR PRELIMS IDF The cabinet had in 2008 decided to set up the IDF-OI as an autonomous not-for-profit Trust to facilitate overseas Indian philanthropy into social and development projects in India. Rationale

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The closure of the IDF will enhance synergies in channelising diaspora’s contributions to government’s flagship programmes such as National Mission for Clean Ganga and Swachh Bharat Mission.It will also improve efficiencies and avoid duplication of work. Office-of-profit issue Why in news? The Delhi High Court quashed a notification issued by President Ram NathKovind disqualifying 20 AAP MLAs for holding offices of profit as Parliamentary Secretaries. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Office of Profit Constitutional Provisions i)Article 102(1)(a) and Article 191(1)(a) – A person shall be disqualified as a member of Parliament or of a Legislative Assembly/Council if he holds an “Office of Profit” under the central or any state government (other than an office declared not to disqualify its holder by a law passed by the Parliament or state legislature). NOTE4STUDENTS– Article 103 On a question whether a member is subject to any of the above disqualifications, the President’s decision is final .However he should obtain the opinion of the Election Commission and act accordingly. ii)Article 164 (1A)- It provides for limiting the number of Ministers in the State Cabinets to 15 percent of the total number of members of the State Legislative Assembly. The limit is 10% for Delhi, owing to its special status. Office of profit is not defined in the Constitution. However, based on past judgments, the Election Commission has noted five below tests for what constitutes an office of profit: i)Whether the government makes the appointment

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ii)Whether the government has the right to remove or dismiss the holder. iii)Whether the government pays remuneration. iv)What the functions of the holder are. v) Does the government exercise any control over the performance of these functions? Rationale MPs and MLAs, as members of the legislature, hold the government accountable for its work. The essence of disqualification under the office of profit law is if legislators hold an ‘office of profit’ under the government, they might be susceptible to government influence, and may not discharge their constitutional mandate fairly.Hence, the office of profit law simply seeks to enforce a basic feature of the Constitution- the principle of separation of power between the legislature and the executive. Parliamentary Secretary Parliamentary Secretary is a member of the Parliament in the Westminster system, who assists a more senior minister. He holds the rank of a minister of state. Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 Why in News ? The Payment of Gratuity Bill has been recently passed by the Parliament. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background Introduced in 1972, the Act was enacted to provide for a scheme for the payment of gratuity to employees engaged in factories, mines, oilfields, plantations, ports, railway companies, shops and other establishments. Employees who have rendered a minimum five years of continuous service with the establishment employing ten or more persons fall under the Act.

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Recent Amendments i)It empowers the government to notify the period of maternity leave eligible for qualifying as continuous service and determine the amount of gratuity available to employees. ii)The Act had introduced a ceiling of Rs. 10 lakh on the maximum amount of gratuity payable to an employee through an amendment in 2010. After the implementation of the 7th Central Pay Commission, the ceiling gratuity for Central Government employees has been enhanced from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh. The bill empowers the government to notify the ceiling proposed instead of amending the Act. This amendment was sought so that the limit can be revised from time to time with the increase in wage and inflation and future pay commissions. What is Gratuity? i)Gratuity is a benefit received by an employee for services rendered to an organization. For companies covered under the Gratuity Act, this benefit is paid when an employee completes five or more years of service with the employer. ii)The amount is exempt from taxation under the I-T Act for state government employees, central government employees or any local authority receiving the amount under the Act of 1972. E-Tribes India Why in news? The government has launched “E- Tribes”, TRIFED’s websites. It includes www.tribesindia.com, www.trifed.in and Retail Inventory Software and M-commerce app.

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FACTS FOR PRELIMS Going Digital will lead to expansion of tribal commerce and the availability of tribal products over large area, reaping greater benefits for tribal artisans. Retail Trade of tribal products would expand all over the country and the world. TRIFED: TRIFED is an apex organisation at National Level and functioning under the administrative control of Ministry of Tribal Affairs. FUNCTIONS OF TRIFED TRIFED is serving the interests of Tribals, who are engaged in collection of NTFP and making of Tribal Art & Handicraft Products for their livelihood so as to ensure better remunerative price for their products as well as for the socio-economic betterment through Self Help Groups, Empanelled NGOs, State level Tribal Development Corporations, Forest Development Corporations for undertaking marketing development of the tribal products. It also organizes exhibitions like National Tribal Craft Expo called “AadiMahotsav” etc. in which it promotes and markets tribal products. National Artificial Intelligence Mission (N-AIM) Why in News? A central task force on Artificial Intelligence (AI) has suggested creating a National Artificial Intelligence Mission (N-AIM). FACTS FOR PRELIMS Artificial Intelligence It is the science and engineering of making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programmes. AI should be seen as a scalable problem solver in India rather than only as a booster of economic growth. Task Force on AI The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry has constituted a Task Force on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for India’s Economic Transformation.

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Aadhar linking deadline for govt schemes extended Why in News? The government has extended the deadline for linking Aadhar to avail of various services, subsidies and benefits under section 7 of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 FACTS FOR PRELIMS Aadhar Aadhar card is basically an identification document issued by the UIDAI after it records and verifies every resident Indian citizen’s details including biometric and demographic data.A number is issued to an individual which is unique and valid for the life time and cannot be reissued to any other individual. It may be accepted as a proof of Identity however it is not a conclusive proof of citizenship in respect of an Aadhar number individual. UIDAI is responsible for the processes of enrolment and authentication and such other functions as may be assigned to it under the Aadhaar Act 2016. The main objective of aadhar is to ensure good governance and for efficient transparent and targeted delivery of subsidies, benefits and services to the Individual. Section 7 of the Aadhar Subsidies for cooking gas and kerosene and even scholarships are transferred to citizens from the Consolidated Fund of India under section 7 of the Aadhar Act. NOTE4STUDENTS- i)According to an order issued by the policymaking body of the tax department, the deadline for PAN-Aadhaar linking for filing income-tax (I-T) returns is being extended after “consideration of the matter” ii)The government has now made quoting Aadhaar mandatory for filing I-T returns as well as obtaining a new PAN.

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iii)The deadline for linking bank accounts and mobile phone numbers with the 12-digit biometric identifier Aadhaar has already been extended indefinitely, till the five-judge Constitution bench delivers its judgement on petitions challenging the validity of the biometric scheme and the enabling law. The Task force will explore the possibilities to leverage AI for development across various fields. It will submit concrete and implementable recommendations for government industry and research, institutions. N-AIM The panel has recommended an inter-ministerial National Artificial Intelligence Mission (N-AIM), that will act as a nodal agency for coordinating AI related activities in India. The core activities include funding establishment of a network among Academia, services industry, product industry, startups and Government ministries, besides helping studies to identify concrete projects in each domain of focus. Enabling policies and forging bilateral cooperation with countries like Canada, Germany, Israel, UK and US to develop AI solutions for social and economic problems and sharing the best practices were also recommended. India Convention Promotion Bureau Why in news? The government of India has been providing necessary support to India Convention Promotion Bureau to promote India as a venue for International Conferences and Exhibitions. FACTS FOR PRELIMS ICPB: The India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB) has been set up under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism. It has been set up to promote India as a venue for International Conferences and Exhibitions.

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It is a non-profit organization, with members comprising national airlines, hotels, travel agents, tour operators, tourist transport operators, conference organizers, etc. It participates in International Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism trade fairs like IMEX in Frankfurt and Las Vegas, EIBTM- Barcelona and AIME- Melbourne along with the Indiatourism overseas offices.

Government Policies Education Schemes For Tribals Why In News? The Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment (Chairperson: Mr Ramesh Bais) recently submitted its report on ‘Educational Schemes for Tribals ’. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background Despite many educational schemes for tribals in the country, the literacy rate of tribals at 59% is far below the national literacy rate (74%). Reasons highlighted for it include: (i) poor economic conditions of Scheduled Tribes (ST), (ii) considerable distance between home and school (especially for secondary education and above), and (iii) lack of awareness about the long-term value of formal education. iv)The committee stated that the schemes being implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs lack conviction and supervision.

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v)Bilingual primers are meant to contain text in regional and tribal languages to facilitate learning (reading and writing) in schools in tribal areas. The Committee observed the slow development of bilingual primers and recommended that the Ministry must pursue the matter with the states. vi)The Committee observed that there are 1,470 functional hostels in the country for ST students however they are plagued with poor infrastructure and substandard quality of food. Women’s Healthcare Why in News? The Committee on Empowerment of Women (Chairperson: MsBijoya Chakravarty) recently submitted its report on ‘Women’s Healthcare: Policy Options’. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Highlights- Need for food fortification There is a prevalence of anemia among women in rural areas as compared to urban areas. This is despite the implementation of National Food Security Act, 2013, Mid-Day Meal scheme, and the Public Distribution System. In this context, the Committee observed that the government priority has been on the issue of increasing the availability of food alone, rather than ensuring nutritional aspects of it, through approaches like food fortification. The Committee recommended that fortification of cereals with iron must be taken up with priority. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana It is an insurance scheme for the below poverty line families as well as certain categories of unorganized workers. It aims to reduce their out-of-pocket expenditures on health and increase their access to healthcare facilities.

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Issues (i) exploitation of poor beneficiaries at the hands of private hospitals empanelled under RSBY (in the form of avoidable surgeries, wrong diagnosis, etc.), (ii) low enrolment percentage of households under RSBY indicating lack of awareness among the targeted population, and (iii) varied feedback with regard to quality and accessibility of hospitals. Way Forward The Committee recommended- i) A mechanism for oversight across all the districts in the country where RSBY is implemented. ii)Data pertaining to RSBY should be made freely available on public platforms. Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) ASHA workers provide support in tracking the health of pregnant women, help them avail benefits (such as Janani Suraksha Yojana entitlements), and aid the grass-root implementation of health programmes. Issues i)ASHA workers across the country do not have fixed wages. ii)Issues related to training of ASHA, such as a dearth of competent trainers, infrastructure, and equipment. Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme Why in News? The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the continuation of Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) beyond 12th Plan for three years from 2017-18 to 2019-20 with a total outlay of Rs.5,500 crore.

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FACTS FOR PRELIMS About the Scheme PMEGP is a major credit-linked subsidy programme being implemented by the Ministry of MSME since 2008-09 The Scheme is aimed at generating self-employment opportunities through establishment of micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector by helping traditional artisans and unemployed youth in rural as well as urban areas. Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is the nodal implementation agency at the national level. At the State/district level, State offices of KVIC, Khadi and Village Industries Boards (KVIBs) and District Industry Centres (DIC) are the implementing agencies. Social security scheme Why in News? The labour ministry has proposed a comprehensive social security system to provide retirement, health, old age, disability, unemployment and maternity benefits to 50 crore workers in the country. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background India’s total workforce stands at around 500 million. A little over 10% of this is in the organised sector, where workers enjoy social security of some sort under EPFO and ESIC. But a major portion of the total workforce is still in the unorganised sector, where workers do not often get even the minimum wage and lack any kind of social security cover. Protection Plan

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The Labour Ministry’s comprehensive protection plan will be implemented in 3 phases over a period of 10 yrs. The first phase will see all workers getting the bare minimum, which includes health security and retirement benefits. The second phase will see unemployment benefits being added to it while in the third phase, other welfare measures can be added. Implementation “Its implementation would be regulated and monitored by an overarching regulatory body called the National Social Security Council to be chaired by the prime minister with the finance minister, health minister and chief ministers of all states along with workers and employers as its member. The 50 crore beneficiaries will be classified into four tiers. i)The first tier will comprise of destitute and people below the poverty line who cannot contribute to their security and hence the cost will be entirely borne by the government under tax-based schemes. ii)Workers in the unorganised sector who have some contributory power but are not self-sufficient may be covered under the subsidised schemes in the second tier. iii)The third tier of beneficiaries will include those who either by themselves or jointly with their employers can make adequate contribution to the schemes, so as to be self-sufficient. iv) The fourth tier will comprise comparatively affluent people who can make their own provisions for meeting the contingencies or risks as they arise. Funding The scheme will be largely funded from the Building and Construction Worker Cess and funds allocated to other scattered schemes through the National Stabilisation Fund set up for the purpose.

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Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Why in News? The Beti Bachao programme will be expanded from the present 161 districts to 640 districts across the country. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background The trend of decline in the Child Sex Ratio (CSR), defined as the number of girls per 1000 of boys between 0-6 years of age, has been unabated since 1961. The decline from 945 in 1991 to 927 in 2001 and further to 918 in 2011 is alarming. The decline in the CSR is a major indicator of women disempowerment. CSR reflects both, pre-birth discrimination manifested through gender-biased sex selection, and post-birth discrimination against girls. About the Scheme The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme has been introduced in October 2014 to address the issue of declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR). It is a tri-ministerial effort of Ministries of Women and Child Development, Health & Family Welfare and Human Resource Development. The objectives of this initiative are: i)Prevention of gender-biased sex-selective elimination ii)Ensuring survival & protection of the girl child iii)Ensuring education and participation of the girl child NNM Launched Why in News? National Nutrition Mission (NNM) will be launched nationwide by the Prime Minister from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. He will launch NNM- ICDS Common Application Software.

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FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background In the past few years there has been significant work done on several key determinants of nutrition- i) The Swachh Bharat Mission focuses on creating Open Defecation free communities, and will significantly impact rates of diarrhoea and gut infections amongst children. ii)The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana provides support to the pregnant women and lactating mothers and also encourages health seeking behaviour and immunization. iii) Mission Indradhanush is increasing the rates of complete immunization of women and children at a very rapid rate. iv) MAA, the exclusive breast feeding initiative, is focused on increasing rates of exclusive breast feeding to reduce infection amongst children up to the age of 6 months. v)In September 2017, the cost norms for providing supplementary nutrition through anganwadis to pregnant women & lactating mothers, children and adolescent girls were revised and linked with food price index. International experience has shown that converging initiatives such as these, with focus on areas with high malnourishment, accelerates the rate of reduction of malnourishment. NNM The National Nutrition Mission which is an apex body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development will bring together all these initiatives targeted towards districts with high burden of malnourishment through diagnostic analysis at the level of each district, focus on the first thousand days in the development of the child, measuring the nutritional status of children through a Real Time ICT enabled system in Anganwadis by providing smart phones which ease their work .

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Objective The mission focuses on Social and Behavioural change. The community-Based events envisaged to improve the linkage between community and front line workers and by wide public participation convert this into Jan Andolan to make “New India” as “Suposhit Bharat” Targets NNM targets to reduce stunting, under-nutrition, anaemia (among young children, women and adolescent girls) and reduce low birth weight by at least 2 % per annum. The mission would strive to achieve a reduction in Stunting from 38.4% (NFHS-4) to 25% by 2022 (Mission 25 by 2022). More than 10 crore people will be benefitted by this programme. All the States and districts will be covered in a phased manner. Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan Why in news? The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for continuation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) from April 2017 to March 2020. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), launched in 2013 aims at providing strategic funding to eligible state higher educational institutions. Funding:

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The central funding (in the ratio of 60:40 for general category States, 90:10 for special category states and 100% for union territories) would be norm based and outcome dependent. The funding would flow from the central ministry through the state governments/union territories to the State Higher Education Councils before reaching the identified institutions. The funding to states would be made on the basis of critical appraisal of State Higher Education Plans, which would describe each state’s strategy to address issues of equity, access and excellence in higher education. Objectives: The key objectives of RUSA are to improve access, equity and quality in higher education through planned development of higher education at the state level. Objectives include creating new academic institutions, expanding and upgrading the existing ones, developing institutions that are self-reliant in terms of quality education, professionally managed, and characterized by greater inclination towards research and provide students with education that is relevant to them as well the nation as a whole. Face ID for Aadhar authentication Why in News? The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) informed the Supreme Court on Thursday that it will introduce ‘Face ID’ on July 1 . FACTS FOR PRELIMS Rationale The Face ID would help people without biometrics or those with poor biometrics to avoid authentication failures and financial exclusion. Methods of Authentication Regulation 4 of the Aadhaar (Authentication) Regulations of 2016 gives the details of the various modes of authentication.

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i)By verifying demographic details of the Aadhaar-holder, like name, gender and date of birth. The Aadhaar number and demographic information of the Aadhaar number holder are matched with the demographic data in the CIDR. ii)One Time Pin (OTP) based authentication with limited time validity.The PIN is sent to the mobile number and/or e-mail address of the Aadhaar number holder. iii)Multi-factor authentication. The Regulation also allows individuals the right to choose a suitable mode of authentication for a particular service or business function to enhance security. However, for the avoidance of doubt, e-KYC authentication should only be carried out using OTP and/or biometric authentication. About Aadhar It was envisaged as a biometric-based Unique identification number, that can be used to correctly identify eligible persons for the various government services, and hence eliminate exclusion and inclusion errors. In 2016, Parliament enacted the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 to provide legislative backing to the project. This Act allowed Aadhaar to be used for authentication purposes by the central and state government, as well as by private bodies and persons. Information collected under Aadhar i)Biometric Information -Photograph, 10 fingerprints, scans of both irises. ii)Demographic Information-Name, date of birth, gender, residential address etc CIDR The Aadhaar number, the demographic and biometric information (called identity information) is together stored in the Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR).

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UIDAI The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has been made responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Aadhaar database, and for laying down the security protocols for its protection. Ayushman Bharat Why in news? The Union Cabinet has approved the launch of a new Centrally Sponsored Ayushman Bharat -National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM) having central sector component under Ayushman Bharat Mission anchored in the MoHFW. FACTS FOR PRELIMS It will subsume the on-going centrally sponsored schemes -RashtriyaSwasthyaBimaYojana (RSBY) and the Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme (SCHIS). Coverage: The scheme has the benefit cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year. To ensure that nobody is left out (especially women, children and elderly) there will be no cap on family size and age in the scheme. The benefit cover will also include pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. Target: The target beneficiaries of the proposed scheme will be more than 10 crore families belonging to poor and vulnerable population based on SECC database. Benefits of the scheme are portable across the country and a beneficiary covered under the scheme will be allowed to take cashless benefits from any public/private empanelled hospitals across the country. Role of state governments: State Governments will be allowed to expand AB-NHPM both horizontally and vertically. States will be free to choose the modalities for implementation. They can implement through insurance company or directly through Trust/ Society or a mixed model. Council: For giving policy directions and fostering coordination between Centre and States, it is proposed to set up Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission Council (AB-NHPMC) at apex level Chaired by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister.

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Implementation Strategy: At the national level to manage, an Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission Agency (AB-NHPMA) would be put in place. States/ UTs would be advised to implement the scheme by a dedicated entity called State Health Agency (SHA). They can either use an existing Trust/ Society/ Not for Profit Company/ State Nodal Agency (SNA) or set up a new entity to implement the scheme. States/ UTs can decide to implement the scheme through an insurance company or directly through the Trust/ Society or use an integrated model. Krishi Vigyan Kendras Why in News? The Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Farm Science Centres) that serve in every rural district of the country can play a predominant role in doubling farmers’ income, FACTS FOR PRELIMS About KVK Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) are agricultural extension centres created by ICAR (Indian Council for Agricultural Research) and its affiliated institutions at the district level to provide various types of farm support to the agricultural sector. The first KVK was established during 1974 (Pondicherry) and has grown as the largest network in the country. The KVKs are evolving as the future grass root level institutions for empowering the farming community The mandate of KVK is Technology Assessment and Demonstration for its Application and Capacity Development. To implement the mandate effectively, the following activities are envisaged for each KVK.- i)On-farm testing to assess the location specificity of agricultural technologies under various farming systems.

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ii)Frontline demonstrations to establish production potential of technologies on the farmers’ fields. iii)Capacity development of farmers and extension personnel to update their knowledge and skills on modern agricultural technologies. iv)To work as Knowledge and Resource Centre of agricultural technologies for supporting initiatives of public, private and voluntary sectors in improving the agricultural economy of the district. v)Provide farm advisories using ICT and other media means on varied subjects of interest to farmers. vi)In addition, KVK would produce quality technological products (seed, planting material, bio-agents, livestock) and make it available to farmers, organize frontline extension activities, identify and document selected farm innovations and converge with ongoing schemes and programmes within the mandate of KVK. Doubling Farmers Income In the Union Budget 2016-17, Government had announced to double farm incomes by 2022. Union Government is focusing on increasing crop yields and reducing the cost of cultivation in order to increase the net income of farmers. The government had launched various schemes related to agriculture sector to bring down the cost of cultivation. The Ashok Dalwai committee has been set up to prepare a blueprint for doubling farmers income. Surrender-cum-rehabilitation scheme Why in News? For the first time since 1998, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has increased the monthly stipend of surrendered militants in northeast India. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Surrender-cum-rehabilitation scheme

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The scheme is to wean away the misguided youth and hardcore militant who have strayed into the fold of militancy and find themselves trapped into that net. The Scheme also seeks to ensure that the militants who have surrendered do not find it attractive to join militancy again. MHA reimburses the amount paid to the surrendered militants by the State governments under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme. The Scheme has been revised to make it more effective and will come into effect from 01.04.2018. In the revised scheme, the stipend of the surrenderees is being increased from Rs.3500/- p.m. to Rs.6000/- p.m. and the one time grant from Rs. 1.5 lakh to Rs. 4 lakh. Atal Innovation Mission Why in News? NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) announced the signing of a Statement of Intent (SOI) with SAP to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Objective Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) including Self-Employment and Talent Utilization (SETU) is Government of India’s endeavour to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Its objective is to serve as a platform for the promotion of world-class Innovation Hubs, Grand Challenges, Start-up businesses and other self-employment activities, particularly in technology driven areas. The Atal Innovation Mission shall have two core functions: i)Entrepreneurship promotion through Self-Employment and Talent Utilization, wherein innovators would be supported and mentored to become successful entrepreneurs ii)Innovation promotion: to provide a platform where innovative ideas are generated

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Its sub-schemes include establishing Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) and Atal Incubation Centers (AICs), for providing scaling up support to Established Incubation Centres. It also includes finding an ultra-low-cost solution to India’s most intractable problems through Atal Grand Challenges and Atal Vikas challenges. Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) Why in News? The budget of the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (Rusa) has been increased four times. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Overview Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), launched in 2013 aims at providing strategic funding to eligible state higher educational institutions. The central funding (in the ratio of 60:40 for general category States, 90:10 for special category states and 100% for union territories) would be norm-based and outcome dependent. Department of Education, Minister of Human Resource Development is the nodal agency. Objectives Improve the overall quality of state institutions, Ushering transformative reforms in the state higher education system by creating a facilitating institutional structure for planning and monitoring at the state level, promoting autonomy in State Universities and improving governance in institutions. Components Create new universities through up-gradation of existing autonomous colleges and conversion of colleges in a cluster.

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It would create new model degree colleges, new professional colleges and provide infrastructural support to universities and colleges. Faculty recruitment support, faculty improvements programmes and leadership development of educational administrators are also an important part of the scheme. In order to enhance skill development, the existing central scheme of Polytechnics has been subsumed within RUSA. A separate component to synergise vocational education with higher education has also been included in RUSA. Besides these, RUSA also supports reforming, restructuring and building the capacity of institutions in participating state. Kisan Credit Card Why in News? Farmers access crop loan primarily through Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) FACTS FOR PRELIMS KCC A Kisan Credit Card (KCC) is a credit delivery mechanism that is aimed at enabling farmers to have quick and timely access to affordable credit. It was launched in 1998 by the Reserve Bank of India and NABARD. The Kisan Credit Card scheme is being implemented in all the States and Union Territories by all commercial banks, Regional Rural Banks, state co-operative banks, central co-operative banks, and primary agricultural co-operative societies. The scheme aims to reduce farmer dependence on the informal banking sector for credit – which can be very expensive and suck them into a debt spiral. The card is offered by cooperative banks, regional rural banks and public sector banks. Based on a review of the working of the KCC, the government has advised banks to convert the KCC into a smart card cum debit card. Significance Efforts are on to double the income of farmers by 2022. Access to institutional credit and crop insurance are two important steps in this direction. According to

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the 70th round of NSSO survey (2013), 52 percent of the farmer households were indebted, of which 60 percent had accessed formal credit. Efforts are on to double the income of farmers by 2022. Access to institutional credit and crop insurance are two important steps in this direction. According to the 70th round of NSSO survey (2013), 52 percent of the farmer households were indebted, of which 60 percent had accessed formal credit. It is also observed that the eastern and the north-eastern parts of the country receive proportionately less credit as compared to the western or southern parts.

Health,Education,HR

Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) Why in news? CCRAS has developed and commercialized the following two drugs: AYUSH 82 AnAnti DiabeticAyurvedic Formulation. AYUSH SG An Anti-Rheumatoid Arthritis preparation. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background: CCRAS is actively involved in scientific process of drug development adopting prevalent guidelines such as Good Clinical Practices Guidelines for ASU drugs (GCP-ASU), Ministry of AYUSH and National ethical guidelines for Bio-Medical Research (ICMR), WHO guidelines for traditional medicines etc. as per requirement and as feasible through its peripheral institutes. About CCRAS:

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The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) is an autonomous body of the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy), Government of India. It is an apex body in India for the formulation, coordination, development and promotion of research on scientific lines in Ayurveda and Sowa-Rigpa system of medicine. WHO lauds National Health Protection Scheme Why in News? World Health Organisation (WHO) director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday lauded National Health Protection Scheme and Ayushman Bharat initiative, saying they have the potential of transforming the lives of hundreds of millions of Indians. FACTS FOR PRELIMS National Health Protection Scheme NHPS (Ayushman Bharat Scheme) dubbed ‘Modicare’ seeks to provide health insurance of Rs 5 Lakh to 10 crore poor and vulnerable households. Under it, up to Rs 5 lakh insurance cover will be provided to each family per year in secondary and tertiary care institutions. The programme is being touted as the world’s largest health protection scheme. The Centre had drawn up health plan for the scheme in which 40% of the fund for the scheme has to come from the state. Challenges The three major challenges to overcome so that the scheme is meaningfully successful would be access to healthcare, funding and provide quality healthcare. E-Cigarettes Why in news? WHO has released a report on E- Cigarettes and its effects on health. FACTS FOR PRELIMS

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Highlights of the report: As per the report, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) (also known as e-cigarettes) emits nicotine, the addictive component of tobacco products. In addition to dependence, nicotine can have adverse effects on the development of the foetus during pregnancy and may contribute to cardiovascular disease. The WHO report further says that although nicotine itself is not a carcinogen, it may function as a “tumour promoter” and seems to be involved in the biology of malignant disease, as well as of neurodegeneration. Foetal and adolescent nicotine exposure may have long-term consequences for brain development, potentially leading to learning and anxiety disorders. The evidence is sufficient to warn children and adolescents, pregnant women, and women of reproductive age against ENDS use and nicotine. e-cigarettes An electronic cigarette (or e-cig) is a battery-powered vaporizer that mimics tobacco smoking. It works by heating up a nicotine liquid, called “juice.” Nicotine juice (or e-juice) comes in various flavors and nicotine levels. e-liquid is composed of five ingredients: vegetable glycerin (a material used in all types of food and personal care products, like toothpaste) and propylene glycol (a solvent most commonly used in fog machines.) propylene glycol is the ingredient that produces thicker clouds of vapor. Proponents of e-cigs argue that the practice is healthier than traditional cigarettes because users are only inhaling water vapor and nicotine.

Indian constitution

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SC upholds passive euthanasia Why in News? The Supreme Court has upheld passive euthanasia and the right to give advance medical directives or ‘Living Wills’ to smoothen the dying process as part of the fundamental right to live with dignity. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background In 2011, the apex court had recognised passive euthanasia in Aruna Shanbaug’s case by which it had permitted withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment from patients not in a position to make an informed decision. The Centre had opposed recognition of ‘living will’ and said the consent for removal of artificial support system given by a patient may not be an informed one and without being aware of medical advancements. It had cited examples of various countries in disallowing creation of living will. Passive euthanasia It is the act of withdrawing or withholding medical support to a dying patient who has no hope for revival or cure. Living Will A living will is a written document by way of which a patient can give his explicit instructions in advance about the medical treatment to be administered when he or she is terminally ill or no longer able to express informed consent. Highlights of the Judgment The Supreme Court ruled that the fundamental right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution includes the “right to die with dignity.” It also issued guidelines in recognition of “living will” made by terminally-ill patients. These guidelines include who can execute the will and under what

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conditions can the medical board endorse passive euthanasia. The apex court further stated that its guidelines and directives shall remain in force till a legislation is brought to deal with the issue Aadhaar linkage deadline extended indefinitely Why in News? The Supreme Court has extended for an indefinite period the deadline to link Aadhaar with services such as mobile phone, banking and insurance etc. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background SC is hearing a slew of petitions challenging the legality of the Act passed in 2016. Those opposed to it have challenged it on several counts, including violation of a citizen’s right to privacy and passing of the Aadhaar Act as a money bill. Highlights of the Judgment i)The court ruled the government will not insist on the 12-digit unique identification number for a number of services, including holding common entrance tests and issuing passports. ii)In the case of welfare schemes run by the government and subsidies provided by it such as cooking gas subsidy and wages under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, however, the court said that the citizen would have to either get Aadhaar or declare to the authorities that he or she had applied for it. iii)However, benefits, subsidies and services covered under Section 7 of The Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 should remain undisturbed. NOTE4STUDENTS-Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act says that the Centre and State governments can insist on Aadhaar for the purpose of establishing the identity of an individual as a condition for receipt of a subsidy, benefit or service for which the expenditure is incurred from the Consolidated Fund of India.

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SC Judgement on anti atrocities Law Why in News? The SC recently issued a slew of guidelines to protect public servants and private employees from arbitrary arrests under the Atrocities Act. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Constitutional Provision SCs and STs have NOT been defined in the Indian Constitution. The power to list of these castes and tribes is vested in the President under article 341 and 342 of the constitution. Thus, those castes and tribes are scheduled, which are so notified by the president. If the list is related to a state, then also, the power is with the president but the listing can be done after consultation with the governor of the state. SCs/STs (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 This is a comprehensive law [read here on wikipedia] which not only defines atrocities against SCs and STs but also make several rules, regulations etc. for proper protection of these vulnerable classes. i)Under this law, an offender is a person who does not belong to SCs and STs and commits crimes against the members of SC and STs. A victim is a member of these communities. ii)The offences against the SCs and STs are cognizable. This implies that the police can arrest the offender without any warrant and start an investigation without taking any court orders. iii)The act directs the states to constitute special courts for hearing cases on atrocities against scheduled caste and scheduled tribes. iv)The act authorizes the Central Government to frame rules for carrying out the purpose of the Act.

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v)The 1989 Act penalises casteist insults and even denies anticipatory bail to the suspected offenders SC Judgement i)Issuing a slew of guidelines to protect public servants and private employees from arbitrary arrests under the Atrocities Act, the court directed that public servants can only be arrested with the written permission of their appointing authority. In the case of private employees, the Senior Superintendent of Police concerned should allow it. ii) A preliminary inquiry should be conducted before the FIR is registered to check whether the case falls within the parameters of the Atrocities Act and if it is frivolous or motivated. Special Courts Why in News? A number of special courts have been set up under various legislations with the intent of speedy redressal and decreasing impact of litigation on mainstream Judiciary. FACTS FOR PRELIMS What are Special Courts? A Court which was established under a statute, to deal with special types of cases under a shortened and simplified procedure. Special Courts have been set up under various Laws such as – Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment) Act, 2012 Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988

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scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 Recently the SC gave the green signal to the Centre’s proposal to set up 12 fast-track courts to adjudicate and speedily dispose of 1,581 cases against Members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies Major Concern Special courts are an innovative tool to increase Judicial reach across sectors and locations, but there is need of a defined mechanism to make them truly effective. According to the Vidhi Centre For Policy Research, there are inconsistencies in legislation and operation of Special Courts, regulatory overlapping, inefficiency and lack of oversight and data. What are Fast Track Courts? Fast-track courts were the result of recommendations made by the 11th Finance Commission which advised the creation of 1,734 such courts to deal with the judicial backlog. They were set up through an executive scheme (as opposed to a statute of the legislature) and were meant to be set up by State governments in consultation with the respective high courts.

International Relations

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Why in news? Third annual meeting of the board of governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)is scheduled to be held in Mumbai in June. FACTS FOR PRELIMS At the launch of the AIIB, there were 57 prospective founding members (including India) and 20 from outside the region (including France Germany, Italy and the UK)

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The membership stands at 84 as of end 2017 (the US and Japan being notably absent) This was partly to do with the fact that the AIIB project was first announced in October 2013 simultaneously with the Silk Road Economic Belt and Maritime Silk Road initiatives The initial scepticism was therefore that the AIIB was primarily a vehicle to fund BRI-related projects to promote connectivity in Asia as well as to further China’s strategic goals The AIIB was thus initially considered China’s World Bank, i.e. a so-called “Beijing Woods” moment It should be noted that China is the AIIB’s single largest contributor and holds around 28% voting share, giving it veto power over major decisions at the AIIB World Justice Project Index Why in News? The World Justice Project Index takes into account 44 indicators in 113 countries, and India’s rank in 2017-18 was a dismal 62. FACTS FOR PRELIMS World Justice Project The WJP is an independent, multidisciplinary organization working to advance the rule of law worldwide. The WJP’s works through three programs — Research and Scholarship, the WJP Rule of Law Index, and Engagement — WJP seeks to increase public awareness about the foundational importance of the rule of law, stimulate government reforms, and develop practical programs at the community level. The WJP Rule of Law Index

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It measures rule of law adherence in 113 countries and jurisdictions worldwide based on more than 110,000 household and 3,000 expert surveys. Featuring primary data, the WJP Rule of Law Index measures countries’ rule of law performance across eight factors: Constraints on Government Powers, Absence of Corruption, Open Government, Fundamental Rights, Order and Security, Regulatory Enforcement, Civil Justice, and Criminal Justice. Highlights i)India ranked 66th among 113 countries in the sixth World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index, better than its BRICS peers China (80) and Russia (92), but below Brazil (52) and South Africa (43). ii)According to the report, Rule of law in a country affects business environments, public works, public participation and conflict resolution, the report said. Global Status Report 2017 Why in News? The Global Status Report 2017 has listed The Energy Management Centre (EMC), an autonomous institution under the Kerala government as one of the recent achievements in the deployment of key technologies for energy-efficiency in buildings. FACTS FOR PRELIMS About the Report The ‘Global Status Report 2017: Towards a zero-emission, efficient, and resilient buildings and construction sector,’ has been published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). EMC

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Built with assistance from the Global Environment Fund, the EMC campus is the only LEED Gold certified building in the government sector in Kerala. Up to 94% of the built-up space is daylight illuminated. Global Status Report 2017 Why in News? The Global Status Report 2017 has listed The Energy Management Centre (EMC), an autonomous institution under the Kerala government as one of the recent achievements in the deployment of key technologies for energy-efficiency in buildings. FACTS FOR PRELIMS About the Report The ‘Global Status Report 2017: Towards a zero-emission, efficient, and resilient buildings and construction sector,’ has been published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). EMC Built with assistance from the Global Environment Fund, the EMC campus is the only LEED Gold certified building in the government sector in Kerala. Up to 94% of the built-up space is daylight illuminated. WTO Solar Dispute Why in News? The World Trade Organisation’s Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) has agreed to India’s request for setting up a panel to determine whether the country complied with a previous ruling striking down its domestic content requirements for solar cells and modules. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background

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In 2013, the US filed a complaint before the WTO, arguing that the domestic content requirement imposed under India’s solar programme violates global trading rules by unfavourably discriminating against imported solar cells and modules. In February 2016, a WTO panel ruled that by imposing the domestic content requirement, India had violated its national treatment obligation. The US again approached the WTO, seeking action against India for non-compliance of the ruling. India reiterated that it had brought about changes in rules and procedures under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, and power-purchase agreements no longer mandated domestic sourcing of cells and modules. WTO The Uruguay round of GATT (1986-93) resulted in the formation of World Trade Organisation. It is a permanent organisation which has been established on the basis of International Treaty. It is not an agency of the UNO. STRUCTURE i)It has a General Council for its administration, which includes one permanent representative of each member nation. ii)The Highest authority for policy making is the Ministerial Conference, which is held every 2 yrs. iii)The Dispute settlement body which considers the complaints of the member’s nations against violation of rules by other members. iv)Trade Policy Review Body which reviews the trade policy of the member nation. OBJECTIVES i)To improve the standard of living of people in member countries.

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ii)To ensure full employment and broad increase of effective demand iii)To enlarge production and trade of services. iv)To ensure optimum utilisation of World resources. v)To accept the concept of sustainable development and to protect the environment. Border pact between India and Myanmar Why in News? Myanmar has indefinitely deferred signing an agreement with India to streamline the free movement of people within 16 km along the border. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background Earlier this year, the Union Cabinet had approved the agreement between India and Myanmar on land border crossing to enhance economic interaction between people of the two countries. India-Myanmar Border India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km unfenced border along Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km) and Mizoram (510 km) and permit a ‘free movement’ regime up to 16 km beyond the border. Issues Border management in this region is important because of -Security threats from insurgent groups, illegal activities such as smuggling, Illegal immigration etc. Border Pact The agreement was an “enabling arrangement for the movement of people” across the India-Myanmar border, designed both to facilitate regulation and harmonization of the movement of people and to provide connectivity and

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enhance interaction between those from India’s northeastern states and the people of Myanmar. To give it shape, the Centre had asked four States — Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram — that share the unfenced border with Myanmar to distribute “border pass” to all the residents living within 16 km from the border. The domiciles were to be allotted border passes and those going across for agriculture, work or to meet relatives should carry the pass at all times. European Bank of Reconstruction and Development Why in News? EBRD has given its nod to India’s candidature, With this, India will become the 69th member of EBRD. FACTS FOR PRELIMS About the Financial Institution The Agreement Establishing the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development was signed in Paris in 1990 and entered into force in 1991. It is owned by 67 shareholders, 65 countries and two international organisations. When each country or organisation became a shareholder – in many cases at the point of our establishment in the early 1990s – they made a contribution to an overall capital base. Function The London-headquartered EBRD is a multilateral development bank set up in 1991 after the fall of the Berlin wall to promote the private and entrepreneurial initiative in emerging Europe. It invests in 38 emerging economies across three continents, according to a set of criteria that aim to make its countries more competitive, better governed, greener, more inclusive, more resilient and more integrated. Significance For India

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with leading Indian companies, such as Tata, Mahindra, SREI and Jindal, on investments in its regions, with the value of such joint projects worth, an estimated €1 billion. With India now taking a shareholding in the EBRD, it is expected that the scope of these joint initiatives will be further enhanced. While India will not be a recipient of EBRD financing, it will benefit from the bank’s expertise and support in the region. Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans- Pacific Partnership Why in news? Asia-Pacific countries, including Japan, Australia and Canada, signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in Chile. FACTS FOR PRELIMS About the agreement The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a free trade agreement involving 11 countries in the Pacific region, including New Zealand, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, and Viet Nam. Objective Its main purpose is to slash trade tariffs between member countries , But it also seeks to reduce so-called non-tariff measures, which create obstacles to trade through regulations. There are also commitments to enforce minimum labour and environmental standards. It also includes a controversial Investor-State Dispute Settlement mechanism, which allows companies to sue governments when they believe a change in law has affected their profits.

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Background The CPTPP incorporates most of the provisions of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. The TPP was originally concluded in 2015, by 12 countries (Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam) and was signed in 2016, by all 12 parties. In 2017 the United States notified TPP signatories of its intention to not ratify the TPP, effectively withdrawing from the TPP. Without the United States, the TPP agreement cannot enter into force as it requires ratification by at least six states that together have a GDP of more than 85% of the GDP of all signatories. International Solar Alliance Why in News? India, France to co-host first International Solar Alliance summit in New Delhi. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background The initiative was launched by the PM at the India Africa Summit in New Delhi and the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, held in the months of October 2015 and November 2015, respectively. A year later, the ISA Framework Agreement was opened for signature during the CoP-22 at Marrakesh, Morocco, on November 15, 2016. As of date, there are 121 prospective member countries and territories of ISA, out of which close to 90 countries have signed the ISA Framework Agreement.

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Aim of the Summit The aim of the summit is to deliberate on a finance mechanism for the promotion of solar energy in member countries, crowd-funding and technology transfer. Significance for India The summit is of particular significance to India as it strives to achieve the ambitious target of generating 175 GW of renewable energy, including 100 GW of solar energy, by 2022. International Air Transport Association (IATA) Why in News? The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the National Aviation University to enhance human resource availability in India’s aviation industry. FACTS FOR PRELIMS IATA The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the trade association for the world’s airlines, representing some 280 airlines or 83% of total air traffic. It supports many areas of aviation activity and helps formulate industry policy on critical aviation issues. Significance The MoU among other provisions also provide for developing closer academic cooperation between IATA and National Aviation University. Under the agreement, the signatory institutions would also leverage “the existing infrastructure for training in India to expand the reach of vocational training in aviation disciplines”. WEF energy transition index Why in news?

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World Economic Forum (WEF) has released the energy transition index as part of the report titled Fostering Effective Energy Transition. The index ranks 114 countries on how well they are able to balance energy security and access with environmental sustainability and affordability. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Global performance: The overall list was topped by Sweden, followed by Norway at the 2nd position and Switzerland at the 3rd rank. Other countries on the top 10 include Finland (4th), Denmark (5th), the Netherlands (6th), the UK (7th), Austria (8th), France (9th) and Iceland (10th). Among its emerging market peers Brazil stood at the 38th place, Russia at 70th and China at 76th place. Performance of India: India has been ranked at 78th, lower than its emerging market peers like Brazil and China. In the Index, India ranks in the third performance quartile and third readiness quartile, making it an emerging country that is approaching the leapfrog category. Concerns: Energy needs in the country are primarily met by fossil fuels with implications for environmental sustainability and increasing energy import costs. Furthermore, a considerable share of India’s population still lacks access to electricity and clean cooking fuel. Challenges: The Indian renewable energy landscape shows promise, with subsequent renewable energy auctions clearing at prices lower than those in long-term thermal power purchase contracts. However, this has also cast uncertainty on the

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economic viability of thermal power plants, which account for 58% of India’s primary energy supply. Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) Why in News? The Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) recently celebrated its 18th foundation day. FACTS FOR PRELIMS About the Forum The Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) established under an agreement between the Governments of India and the United States of America in March 2000, is an autonomous bilateral organization jointly funded by both the Governments that promotes Science, Technology, Engineering and Innovation through substantive interaction among government, academia and industry. The Department of Science & Technology, Governments of India and the U.S. Department of States are respective nodal departments. Objectives i)Create awareness through exchange and dissemination of Information and Opportunities in S&T cooperation. ii)Capitalize and build on the scientific and technological synergy leading to long-term partnerships on shared values. iii)Support an exciting program portfolio that leads to sustainable interactions and strengthens strategic partnerships. iv)Nurture contacts between young and mid-career scientists to develop mutual trust, foster excellence and explore new frontiers v)Encourage public-private partnerships to foster elements of Innovation, Application and Enterprise.

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International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade Why in news? The International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is observed every year on March 25 across the world. Observance of this day honours and remembers those who suffered and died as consequence of transatlantic slave trade. FACTS FOR PRELIMS The 2018 theme was ‘Remember Slavery: Triumphs and Struggles for Freedom and Equality’. It celebrates freedom of African descent people from slavery. BACKGROUND The International Day of Remembrance of Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade was instituted by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by adopting a resolution in 2007. It was first observed in 2008 and since then it is observed annually. It was first observed in 2008 and since then it is observed annually. Same year, UNGA had established Remember Slavery Programme through its resolution 62/122 to honour memory of victims of slavery and transatlantic slave trade. It is managed by Education Outreach Section of Department of Public Information’s Outreach Division of UN. General Data Protection Regulation Why in News? The GDPR is the EU advanced data protection framework that will come into effect in a few months. FACTS FOR PRELIMS About GDPR

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The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy for all individuals within the European Union. It addresses the export of personal data outside the EU. The GDPR aims primarily to give control back to citizens and residents over their personal data and to simplify the regulatory environment for international business by unifying the regulation within the EU. Unlike a directive, it does not require national governments to pass any enabling legislation and so it is directly binding and applicable. Executive Board of UNESCO Why in News? Ex-NCERT director JS Rajput nominated to UNESCO Executive Board. FACTS FOR PRELIMS UNESCO The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) based in Paris. Its declared purpose is to contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms in order to increase universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and human rights along with fundamental freedom proclaimed in the United Nations Charter. UNESCO has 195 member states and ten associate members. Executive Board The EXB has a four-year term of office and 58 seats. The executive board is one of the constitutional organs of UNESCO and is elected by the General Conference. It has a four-year term of office and 58 seats. Function

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The executive board examines the work of the organization and the corresponding budget estimates. In practice, the executive board is the main organ responsible for all policies and programmes of UNESCO. Permanent Indus Commission Why in News? India and Pakistan will hold a two-day meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission to discuss various issues under the Indus Waters Treaty. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Indus Water Treaty IWT is a water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan. It was brokered by the World Bank in 1960.It covers the water distribution and sharing rights of six rivers — Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Indus, Chenab and Jhelum. The treaty specifies that waters from the three western rivers — Indus, Jhelum and Chenab — are reserved for Pakistan, while waters from eastern rivers — Ravi, Sutlej and Beas — are for reserved for India. Permanent Indus Commission Permanent Indus Commission was set up as a bilateral commission to implement and manage the Treaty. The Commission maintains and exchanges data and co-operates and solves disputes arising over water sharing between the two countries. Major Issues The meeting will take place in the backdrop of the continuing tension between the two countries over a host of issues, including the alleged harassment of diplomats. The important issues are – India’s Ratle hydroelectricity, PakulDul and Lower Kalnai projects, located in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan contends that Ratle (850 MW), PakalDul (1000 MW) and Lower Kalnai (48 MW) projects, located in the Chenab basin, were violating the IWT, signed in 1960.

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Assumption island project Why in News? India’s Assumption Island Project proposal was recently rejected by Seychelles. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background In 2018, Seychelles and India signed an agreement to build and operate a joint military facility on a portion of the island. The deal for an Indian military base in Seychelles was declared ‘dead’ by the Island’s opposition party. The plans for an Indian military base in Seychelles stirred up public protests by activists who believe that the islands must stay away from the brewing India-China regional conflict. About the Project Marking India’s step towards strategic convergence in the Indian Ocean region The agreement covered within its purview shared efforts in anti-piracy operations and enhanced EEZ surveillance to prevent intrusions by potential economic offenders including those indulging in illegal fishing, poaching, drug and human trafficking. The project was also expected to host a naval facility. Significance for India The island oversees the main energy route between the major Asian economies and the Gulf region. NOTE4STUDENTS-Assumption Island is a small coral island in the Outer Islands of Seychelles north of Madagascar,in the Indian ocean.

General Studies III Union States

Karnataka govt. unveils State flag Why in news?

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The Karnataka CM recently released an official State flag. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Description The Flag has red and yellow horizontal stripes, that signify kumkuma (vermilion) and turmeric, which are considered auspicious. There is a white stripe in the middle to signify peace and the state emblem, the Gandaberunda, in the centre of the flag in blue The Gandaberunda is a mythical two-headed bird which was the emblem of the Wodeyar kingdom in Mysuru. It was later adapted as the emblem of Karnataka. Present status If approved by the Centre, Karnataka will be the second State to have a flag. The proposal will be sent to the Union Home Ministry for approval since a State has no powers to announce its own flag. State Flag There is no provision in the Indian Constitution which bars states from having their own flags. In SR Bommai vs Union of India case, the Supreme Court had declared that federalism is a basic feature of the Constitution and States are supreme in their sphere. NOTE4STUDENTS-While the Constitution is silent on the issue of states having their own flags, Jammu and Kashmir is the only state in the Indian Union to have a separate flag and Constitution. There were also reports of Nagaland getting its own official flag as part of the final accord which was expected to be signed by the Union government and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim in 2016.

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Agriculture Contract Farming Why in news? Contract farming suffers from market failures due to Monopsony Contract firms enter into an agreement with farmers to grow differentiated crops.This turns the firm into a sole buyer and farmers into price-takers FACTS FOR PRELIMS Contract farming refers to an agreement between farmers and marketing firms for the production and supply of agricultural products under forward agreements, frequently at predetermined prices The contract between farmers and buyers insulates farmers from price risk, helps them develop new skills, and opens new markets Regulation of contract farming In India, contract farming is regulated under the Indian Contract Act, 1872 The Act has many general provisions that are relevant to contract farming, including the formation of contracts, obligations of parties, and consequences in case of breach of contract The model APMC (agricultural produce market committee) Act, 2003 provides specific provisions for contract farming, like compulsory registration of contract farming sponsors and dispute settlement Government intervention The department of agriculture and farmers welfare has now come out with a draft model contract farming Act, 2018 It intends to establish a win-win framework for both farmers and sponsors

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In-situ management of crop residue Why in news? The government has approved aRs 1,151 crore scheme to promote in-situ (in the farm itself) management of crop residue in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. The new central scheme will be implemented for two years. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Promotion of agricultural Mechanization for in-situ management of crop residue’ scheme: Part of budget: This scheme is as per the government’s budget announcement on having a special scheme to support efforts of the governments of Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi to address air pollution. Fund: Under the scheme, a fund will be created which will be used to promote agricultural mechanisation for the next two years (2018-20). The fund will primarily be used to subsidise machinery required for in-situ management of the crop residue. Beneficiaries: The government, under this fully centrally-funded scheme, will assist individual farmers, cooperative societies, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), private entrepreneurs and registered groups of women farmers. Identification of beneficiaries: It will be the responsibility of the agriculture ministry to identify manufacturers and equipment for in-site management of crop. The costs of these equipment will also be decided by the ministry in consultation with manufacturers so that it can be made available to users at reasonable price. Farm Machinery Banks: Establishment of ‘Farm Machinery Banks’ for custom hiring of in-situ crop residue management machinery will be the key component of the scheme. Under the scheme, financial assistance of 80% of the project cost to set up ‘Farm Machinery Banks’ for custom hiring will be provided to

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cooperative societies of the farmers, FPOs, SHGs, registered farmers societies/farmers group, private entrepreneurs and group of women farmers. Individual beneficiaries: If an individual farmer would like to buy such machinery\equipment, the government will provide financial assistance of 50% of the cost of machinery for crop residue management. Role of state governments: At the state level, department of agriculture of concerned state government will be the nodal implementing agency. It would be the responsibility of state governments to identify various beneficiaries and location–specific agricultural equipment, depending on the farming system. They will also identify and select beneficiaries for establishment of ‘Farm Machinery Bank’ for custom hiring and procurement of machines on individual ownership basis to avail the benefit in transparent and time-bound manner. Tie up with banks: Under the scheme, the state agencies may tie up with banks for credit requirements of the beneficiaries. HT Cotton Why in news? Department of Biotechnology in the Ministry of Science and Technology has constituted a Field Inspection and Scientific Evaluation Committee (FISEC) to investigate the matter of illegal cultivation of HT cotton. FACTS FOR PRELIMS HT COTTON BG Cotton – III, also known as Herbicide-Tolerant Cotton, contains Round-up Ready and Round-up Flex (RRF) gene. HT cotton in an innovation in Bt cotton as it takes care of the weeds problem at a much lower cost than the labour farmers have to engage for weeding. CONCERNS As the unapproved cotton variety is claimed to be herbicide tolerant, farmers resort to indiscriminate use of glyphosate, a herbicide, causing health hazards to humans and cattle, apart from affecting the yield of cotton.

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The herbicide-resistant gene could spread through pollen into the biodiversity system leading to transformation of weeds into super weeds on a large-scale. It would not only threaten the growth and yields of all crops in future, but also could increase cultivation costs and lead to health hazards Punishment: As the herbicide tolerant cotton is not approved by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) for commercial cultivation in India, its sale, cultivation and seed production is also punishable offence under Seeds Act 1966, Seed Rule 1968, Seeds (Control) Order 1983 with regard to Environmental Protection Act 1986 and Environmental Protection Rules, 1989. Krishi Vigyan Kendras Why in News? The Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Farm Science Centres) that serve in every rural district of the country can play a predominant role in doubling farmers’ income, FACTS FOR PRELIMS About KVK Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) are agricultural extension centres created by ICAR (Indian Council for Agricultural Research) and its affiliated institutions at the district level to provide various types of farm support to the agricultural sector. The first KVK was established during 1974 (Pondicherry) and has grown as the largest network in the country. The KVKs are evolving as the future grass root level institutions for empowering the farming community The mandate of KVK is Technology Assessment and Demonstration for its Application and Capacity Development. To implement the mandate effectively, the following activities are envisaged for each KVK.- i)On-farm testing to assess the location specificity of agricultural technologies under various farming systems.

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ii)Frontline demonstrations to establish production potential of technologies on the farmers’ fields. iii)Capacity development of farmers and extension personnel to update their knowledge and skills on modern agricultural technologies. iv)To work as Knowledge and Resource Centre of agricultural technologies for supporting initiatives of public, private and voluntary sectors in improving the agricultural economy of the district. v)Provide farm advisories using ICT and other media means on varied subjects of interest to farmers. vi)In addition, KVK would produce quality technological products (seed, planting material, bio-agents, livestock) and make it available to farmers, organize frontline extension activities, identify and document selected farm innovations and converge with ongoing schemes and programmes within the mandate of KVK. Doubling Farmers Income In the Union Budget 2016-17, Government had announced to double farm incomes by 2022. Union Government is focusing on increasing crop yields and reducing the cost of cultivation in order to increase the net income of farmers. The government had launched various schemes related to agriculture sector to bring down the cost of cultivation. The Ashok Dalwai committee has been set up to prepare a blueprint for doubling farmers income.

Environment

Arctic Seed Vault Why in News? Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of its official opening.

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FACTS FOR PRELIMS Svalbard Global Seed Vault It is a facility located on a remote island in the Arctic Ocean and it houses the world’s largest collection of seeds. The seeds can be of use in the event of a global catastrophe or when some species are lost due to natural disasters. It is therefore also referred to as the doomsday vault. India’s Seed Vault At Chang La in the Himalayas, at a height of 17,300 feet, there is a storage facility with over 5,000 seed accessions. One accession consists of a set of seeds of one species collected from different locations or different populations. The vault is a joint venture of the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (which comes under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research) and the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (under Defence Research and Development Organisation). Tiger Conservation Why in news? Survey of tiger conservation has found that only 13 per cent of tiger conservation areas meet global standards FACTS FOR PRELIMS It is a survey of over a hundred tiger conservation areas by 11 leading conservation organisations and countries with tiger ranges that are part of the Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS) Partnership Conversation Assured Tiger Standards (CATS)

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The Conversation Assured Tiger Standards (CA|TS) is an accreditation scheme that encourages tiger conservation areas to meet a set of standards and criteria, created by an international group of experts and protected area managers, that assures effective and long term tiger conservation CA|TS provides an opportunity for individual tigerconservation areas or networks of areas to demonstrate their commitment to, and success in, protecting tigers.CA|TS mission is to secure safe havens for wild tigers Energy Camp – Kerala Why in news? The Energy Management Centre (EMC), an autonomous institution under the Kerala government, has grabbed the global spotlight for its energy-positive campus Energy Management Centre is the only Indian project to get recognition for energy efficiency in a UNEP report FACTS FOR PRELIMS Global Status Report 2017 The ‘Global Status Report 2017: Towards a zero-emission, efficient, and resilient buildings and construction sector,’ is published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) It has listed the EMC campus as one of the recent achievements in the deployment of key technologies for energy-efficiency in buildings The EMC campus is the only LEED Gold certified building in the government sector in Kerala and is built with assistance from the Global Environment Fund Global Environment Fund The Global Environment Facility (GEF) was established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit to help tackle our planet’s most pressing environmental problems

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GEF is an international partnership of 183 countries, international institutions, civil society organizations and the private sector that addresses global environmental issues The GEF is a unique partnership of 18 agencies — including United Nations agencies, multilateral development banks, national entities and international NGOs It is the financial mechanism for for 5 major international environmental conventions: the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD), the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and the Minamata Convention on Mercury Animal Welfare Board of India Why in News? The headquarters of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has been shifted from Chennai to Haryana’s Ballabhgarh for “better coordination” between the environment ministry and the board. FACTS FOR PRELIMS About AWBI It is a statutory advisory body on Animal Welfare Laws and promotes animal welfare in the country. It was established in 1962 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The Animal Welfare Board of India was started under the stewardship of Late Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale, well known humanitarian. From ensuring that animal welfare laws in the country are diligently followed, to provide grants to Animal Welfare Organizations and advising the Government of

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India on animal welfare issues, the Board has been the face of the animal welfare movement in the country for the last 50 years. The Board consists of 28 Members. The term of office of Members is for a period of 3 years. Rule 3 of the Animal Welfare Board (Administrative) Rules, 1962 reads as ‘The Headquarter of the Board shall be at New Delhi or at such other place as the central government, may, after consultation with the Board direct” National E-Mobility programme Why in news? The government has launched the National E-Mobility Programme. FACTS FOR PRELIMS The Programme aims to provide an impetus to the entire e-mobility ecosystem including vehicle manufacturers, charging infrastructure companies, fleet operators, service providers, etc. The Programme will be implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) which will aggregate demand by procuring electric vehicles in bulk to get economies of scale. Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) will issue a fresh tender for additional 10,000 e-vehicles. These electric vehicles will replace the existing fleet of petrol and diesel vehicles. Significance India has embarked on an ambitious e-mobility plan and the government has taken the leadership in enabling e-mobility in India. The National E-Mobility Programme is a step towards ushering in an era of clean, green and future-oriented technologies in the country. About EESL:

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Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) is a joint venture of NTPC Limited, Power Finance Corporation, Rural Electrification Corporation and POWERGRID, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) was set up under Ministry of Power (India) to facilitate implementation of energy efficiency projects. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Why in news? European Investment Bank (EIB) and Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) Ltd. have signed a loan agreement for a second line of credit (LoC) of Euro 150 million on non-sovereign basis. The line of credit is for tenure of 15 years including a grace period of 3 years, and it will be used for financing Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency projects in India. More than 1.1 million households are expected to benefit from clean energy produced with these funds. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) is a Mini Ratna (Category – I) Government of India Enterprise under the administrative control of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). IREDA is a Public Limited Government Company established as a Non-Banking Financial Institution in 1987 engaged in promoting, developing and extending financial assistance for setting up projects relating to new and renewable sources of energy and energy efficiency/conservation with the motto: “ENERGY FOR EVER”. Objectives To give financial support to specific projects and schemes for generating electricity and / or energy through new and renewable sources and conserving energy through energy efficiency. To maintain its position as a leading organization to provide efficient and effective financing in renewable energy and energy efficiency / conservation projects.

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To increase IREDA`s share in the renewable energy sector by way of innovative financing. Improvement in the efficiency of services provided to customers through continual improvement of systems, processes and resources. To strive to be competitive institution through customer satisfaction. Neutrino project Why in news? The India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project has got a fresh lease of life with the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) taking it up as a special case and granting it environmental clearance to set up the lab in Bodi West hills. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Two conditions: While granting EC, the committee stipulated specific conditions, of which two are key for the project to take off. One is the consent to establish and operate to be obtained from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB). Also, the INO team has to obtain the necessary forest and National Board for Wild Life clearances as per law. The Mathikettan Shola National Park in Idukki district, Kerala, is situated within five km from the project site. About the project: The India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) Project is a multi-institutional effort aimed at building a world-class underground laboratory with a rock cover of approx.1200 m for non-accelerator based high energy and nuclear physics research in India. The initial goal of INO is to study neutrinos.

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It is a mega-science project under the XII five-year plan of Government of India with an investment of about 1350 crores, jointly funded by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The project includes: Construction of an underground laboratory and associated surface facilities at Pottipuram in Bodi West hills of Theni District of Tamil Nadu. Construction of an Iron Calorimeter (ICAL) detector for studying neutrinos. Setting up of National Centre for High Energy Physics at Madurai, for the operation and maintenance of the underground laboratory, human resource development and detector R&D along with its applications. What are neutrinos? Neutrinos, first proposed by Swiss scientist Wolfgang Pauli in 1930, are the second most widely occurring particle in the universe, only second to photons, the particle which makes up light. In fact, neutrinos are so abundant among us that every second, there are more than 100 trillion of them passing right through each of us — we never even notice them. Neutrinos occur in three different types, or flavours. These are separated in terms of different masses. From experiments so far, we know that neutrinos have a tiny mass, but the ordering of the neutrino mass states is not known and is one of the key questions that remain unanswered till today. This is a major challenge INO will set to resolve, thus completing our picture of the neutrino. Cold fusion Why in news? India is taking tentative steps towards restarting research into Cold fusion, some 25 years after it was shut down at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) following global criticism heaped on the idea. Three research groups have taken up the theme. FACTS FOR PRELIMS

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Cold fusion describes a form of energy generated when hydrogen interacts with various metals like nickel and palladium. Cold fusion is a field of condensed matter nuclear science CMNS, and is also called low-energy nuclear reactions LENR, lattice-assisted nuclear reactions LANR, low energy nanoscale reactions LENR, among others. Cold fusion is also referred to as the Anomalous Heat Effect AHE, reflecting the fact that there is no definitive theory of the elusive reaction. How it works? When hydrogen, the main element of water, is introduced to a small piece of the metal nickel or palladium, a reaction occurs that can create excess heat and transmutation products. Excess heat means more heat comes out of the system than went in to the system. The excess heat can make hot water and useful steam to turn a turbine and produce electricity. Advantages of cold fusion: No radioactive materials are used in cold fusion. It occurs as the tiny protons, neutrons and electrons of hydrogen interact, releasing energy slowly, through heat and photons, without the dangerous radiation associated with conventional nuclear reactions, and cold fusion makes no radioactive waste Criticism: Cold fusion seeks to produce nuclear energy without harmful radiation, complex equipment and the application of very high temperatures and pressures. But it has no conclusive theory explaining it and flies in the face of a well-established physics law that goes against easy fusion of nuclei. Loktak lake Why in news? A floating laboratory has been introduced to save the Loktak lake. Researchers in a custom motorboat monitor levels of pollution in the 300 sq km water body.

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FACTS FOR PRELIMS Rising urbanisation and land-use change over the years has seen the Loktak Lake, the largest in the northeast, become a dump-yard for the city’s municipal waste, ranging from plastic refuse to chemical runoff from farming. This worsens during years of floods. LOKTAK LAKE Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, and is famous for the phumdis (heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil, and organic matter at various stages of decomposition) floating over it. It has first of its kind loktak floating elementary school. Located on this phumdi, KeibulLamjao National Park is the only floating national park in the world. The park is the last natural refuge of the endangered Sangai (state animal). Earth Hour 2018 Why in news? Earth Hour is being observed on March 24 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Earth Hour is also a “part and parcel” of the “Green Good Deeds” movement, in which every individual ought to take small, voluntary green actions to protect and conserve the environment and the earth. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Give Up to Give Back”: On the occasion of Earth Hour, the World Wide Fund India has made a strong pitch for “Give Up to Give Back”. The “Give Up to Give Back” initiative to inspire organisations, institutions and individuals to make the choice to curb some habits, practices and lifestyles that burden our lives and the environment. It includes taking steps like giving up single-use plastics, giving up fossil fuels, giving up lonely car rides for your employees, give up e-waste.

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Earth Hour Dating back to 2007, Earth Hour is an annual event organized by the World Wildlife Fund that promotes conservation and sustainable energy. During this time, civilians are encouraged to switch off their lights for one hour to help reduce the effect of global warming and raise awareness for climate change and wildlife conservation. Background: It was famously started as a lights-off event in Sydney, Australia in 2007. Since then it has grown to engage more than 7000 cities and towns worldwide. Today, Earth Hour engages a massive mainstream community on a broad range of environmental issues. The one-hour event continues to remain the key driver of the now larger movement. Difference between Earth Hour and Earth Day Whereas Earth Hour stands as a climate change initiative where people reduce their electricity usage, Earth Day (April 22) celebrates our natural environment by inspiring people to plant trees, recycle regularly and keep the planet tidy. ISA and India sign the Host Country Agreement Why in news? The International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), have signed the Host Country Agreement. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Framework agreement: The Agreement will give ISA a juridical personality and gives it power to contract, to acquire and dispose off movable and immovable properties, to institute and defend legal proceedings.

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Under this agreement, ISA shall enjoy such privileges, applicable tax concessions and immunities as are necessary for ISA’s Headquarter to independently discharge its function and programmes. ISA shall be deriving its status, privileges and immunities as per Article 10 of Framework Agreement. ISA: The Paris Declaration establishes ISA as an alliance dedicated to the promotion of solar energy among its member countries. Objectives: The ISA’s major objectives include global deployment of over 1,000GW of solar generation capacity and mobilisation of investment of over US$ 1000 billion into solar energy by 2030. INTO FORCE When the ISA Framework Agreement entered into force on December 6th, 2017, ISA formally became a de-jure treaty based International Intergovernmental Organization, headquartered at Gurugram, India.

Indian Economy Sex Ratio Report Why in news? A recent report from the NITI Aayog said sex ratio at birth (SRB) nationwide had dropped from 906 in 2012-2014 to 900 in 2013-2015. FACTS FOR PRELIMS In all, 17 of 21 large Indian States saw a drop in the SRB, with Gujarat performing the worst, declining 53 points. Also, newer data from India’s Sample Registration System show the SRB fell even further in 2014-2016, from 900 to 898.

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UNIQUE CASE FOR INDIA The number of girls born is naturally lower than the number of boys, and demographers speculate that this may be nature’s way of offsetting the higher risk that men have of dying — male babies are biologically weaker than females, and men have historically seen higher mortality rates owing to risk-taking behaviour and participation in wars. This evens out the sex ratio of a population as it grows older. But India is a special case. Its SRB is far lower than 952 because of the preference for the male child. This means we are killing girl children in the womb. As on today, around 63 million girls are estimated to be ‘missing’ in India because of such actions. PC-PNDT In 1994, the government took notice and introduced the Prenatal Diagnostics Techniques Act which punishes healthcare professionals for telling expectant parents the sex of a child with imprisonment and hefty fines. In 2003, when technologies that allowed gender-selection even before conception became available, the act was amended to become the Prenatal Conception and Prenatal Determination Act (PC-PNDT). Marshall Islands to launch world-first digital legal tender Why in news? The Marshall Islands will launch the world’s first legal tender cryptocurrency. A law in this regard has been passed by the parliament FACTS FOR PRELIMS The Marshall Islands has partnered with Israeli company Neema to issue 24 million units of the Sovereign (SOV) digital currency. The SOV will require users to identify themselves, thus avoiding the anonymity that has kept bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies from gaining support from governments.

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How is it different from ‘Petro’ cryptocurrency? Venezuela had launched the Petro cryptocurrency in February. Unlike the Petro, the Sovereign (SOV) will be recognized in law as legal tender, holding equal status as the US dollar, which is the Pacific island nation’s current currency. SOV SOV is based on permissioned protocol, dubbed “‘Yokwe” (meaning “hello” in local island language), which requires blockchain users of this digital currency to authenticate and identify themselves, thus avoid anonymity that has kept other cryptocurrencies from gaining support from governments. Panel to study issues in Fintech space Why in news? The Centre has set up a steering committee to go into various issues relating to Fintech space in India. The committee will be headed by Subhash Chandra Garg, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs. FACTS FOR PRELIMS The committee will work with government agencies such as UIDAI to explore creation and use of unique enterprise identification number. It will also look into the possibility of international co-operation opportunities in Fintech with countries such as Singapore, the U.K., China and others. The committee will consider means of using data with GSTN and data residing with information utilities such as credit information companies (CICs) and others in open domain with a view to developing applications for financing of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It will also develop regulatory interventions e.g., regulatory sandbox model, that will enhance the role of Fintech in sectors identified for focused interventions. The ideas is to facilitate ease of doing business in the Fintech sector. FINTECH

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FintechOr financial technology is the industry known for championing software and technology in the financial sector. A very broad term, it includes anything from a bank ATM, to software used to help spot manipulation of securities markets. I – Metros’ Why in news? Metros’ -an association of all Indian Metro Rail companies has been launched. FACTS FOR PRELIMS “I-Metros” is proposed to be a platform to provide a forum for exchange of ideas, pooling of knowledge and sharing of experience, best practices, innovations etc. among the Indian Metro rail companies to nurture excellence in performance. This society will be registered under Society Registration Act-1860. The objective of forming this association is to provide a common platform for all Metro rail companies for sharing experience, information, best practices, innovations etc. This association will also undertake and promote techno-economic studies and research. It will safeguard the interest and rights of metro rail companies and will be resource tank of information for decision making. Reciprocal logistics support deal Why in news? A reciprocal logistics support deal has been signed between the respective armed forces of India and France. FACTS FOR PRELIMS The deal will facilitate the French and Indian armed forces to receive logistical support, supplies and services from each other during authorised port visits, joint exercises, joint training, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts. The deal, which is similar to the logistical support pact with the US, is an indicator of the strategic depth and maturity in defence ties between the two countries.

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Udyam Sakhi Portal Why in News? The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises launched Udyam Sakhi Portal (www.udyamsakhi.org) for women entrepreneurs on the occasion of the International women’s day. FACTS FOR PRELIMS About the Portal Nodal Agency– Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises It will provide assistance to women entrepreneurs through its platform for entrepreneurship learning tools, training programs for fundraising, incubation facility, mentors, market survey facility, and technical assistance. It primarily aims to create a network to nurture entrepreneurship and create business models for low-cost products and services in order to empower women and make them self-sufficient and Self-reliant. Letters of undertaking (LoUs) Why in news? Rattled by a spate of banking frauds, RBI has initiated special audit of State-owned lenders with focus on trade financing activities, especially relating to issuance of letters of undertaking (LoUs) by them. FACTS FOR PRELIMS LoU Technically, Letter of Undertaking is a bank guarantee under which a bank allows its customer to raise money from another Indian bank’s foreign branch in the form of short-term credit.

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The loan is used to make payment to the customer’s offshore suppliers in foreign currency. The overseas bank usually lends to the importer based on the LoU issued by the importer’s bank. Importance of LoU LoUs are important instruments that allow those in the import trade to transact their business. As an importer in India cannot simply buy dollars and send it abroad to make payments to his supplier, various instruments such as LoUs and Letters of Credit are required to carry out the transaction. LoUs, which are essentially a form of guarantee, have come to be a far cheaper and convenient way for importer to raise credit. Major Port Authorities Bill Why in news? With a view to providing more autonomy and flexibility to Major Ports and to professionalize their governance, the Government has introduced the Major Port Authorities Bill in Parliament to replace the existing Major Port Trusts Act, 1963. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Salient features of the Bill: Application: The Bill will apply to the major ports of Chennai, Cochin, Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Kandla, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Mangalore, Mormugao, Paradip, V.O. Chidambaranar, and Vishakhapatnam. The central government may notify more major ports. Major Port Authorities Board: Under the 1963 Act, all major ports are managed by the respective Board of Port Trusts that have members appointed by the central government. The Bill provides for the creation of a Board of Major Port Authority for each major port. The Boards will succeed the existing Port Trusts. Composition of Board: The Board will comprise of a Chairperson and a deputy Chairperson, both of whom will be appointed by the central government on the

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recommendation of a select committee. Number of Board Members will be 11-13. Powers of the Board: The Bill allows the Board to use its property, assets and funds as deemed fit for the development of the major port. The Board can also make rules on: (i) declaring availability of port assets for port related activities and services, (ii) developing and providing infrastructure facilities such as setting up new ports, jetties, and (iii) providing exemption or remission from payment of any charges on any goods or vessels. Financial powers of the Board: Under the 1963 Act, the Board has to seek prior sanction of the central government to raise any loan. Under the Bill, to meet its capital and working expenditure requirements, the Board may raise loans from any (i) Indian scheduled bank or financial institution, or (ii) any financial institution outside India that is compliant with all the laws. However, for loans above 50% of its capital reserves, the Board will require prior sanction of the central government. Adjudicatory Board: The Bill provides for the central government to create an Adjudicatory Board. The Board will consist of a Presiding Officer and two members, as appointed by the central government on the recommendation of selection committee. Central Government shall have the power to remove the Presiding Officer or any member of the Adjudicatory Board from the office following the prescribed manner. Functions of the Adjudicatory Board will include: (i) certain functions being carried out by the Tariff Authority for Major Ports, (ii) adjudicating on disputes or claims related to rights and obligations of major ports and PPP concessionaires, (iii) reviewing stressed PPP projects, and (iv) looking into complaints received from port users regarding port services. Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement Why in News? The Union Cabinet has approved an Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes on income between India and Iran.

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FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background The Central Government is authorized under Section 90 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 to enter into an Agreement with a foreign country or specified territory for the avoidance of double taxation of income for the exchange of information for the prevention of evasion or avoidance of income-tax chargeable under the Income-tax Act, 1961. What is Double Taxation? Double taxation means taxing the same income twice, once in the home country and again in the host country. Such a double taxation discourages the individual/company to engage in economic activities overseas. Hence, there should be mechanisms to avoid double taxation. But, there is no international law to avoid double taxation. So, it is for the countries in the international arena to solve double taxation problems by preparing bilateral agreements. India has signed more than 90 DTAAs with other countries. Many of these agreements contain additional facilities like Tax Information Exchange Agreements aimed at providing tax payment information about cross-national income. Significance of DTAA with Iran The Agreement will stimulate the flow of investment, technology and personnel from India to Iran & vice versa, and will prevent double taxation. The Agreement will provide for the exchange of information between the two Contracting Parties as per latest international standards. It will thus improve transparency in tax matters and will help curb tax evasion and tax avoidance.

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The proposed Agreement also meets treaty related minimum standards under Base Erosion & Profit Shifting (BEPS) Project, in which India participated on an equal footing. NOTE4STUDENTS– The BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) initiative is an OECD effort, approved by the G20, to design globally standardized rules to check tax avoidance practices by the MNCs so that there will be no tax base erosion. 80:20 GOLD BOND SCHEME Why in news? The government has announced that it will review the circumstances under which Premier Trading Houses (PTH) and Star Trading Houses (STH) allegedly earned windfall gains under the 20:80 gold import scheme implemented by the previous government. FACTS FOR PRELIMS The scheme was introduced in in August 2013 with the aim of curbing gold imports. Under the scheme, up to 80% of gold imports could be sold in the country and while at least 20% of imports had to be exported before bringing in new consignments of the yellow metal. Further, the permission to import the next lot given only upon fulfilment of the export mandate. The policy was aimed at tackling the widening fiscal deficit. Later, the RBI relaxed the rules with the aim to facilitate gem and jewellery export, which had declined due to the import curbs. Following relaxation of the rules, private firms were allowed to import gold under the scheme. In May 2014, the RBI had allowed certain premier export houses to import the gold subject to some restrictions. Under the earlier scheme, only state-owned entities were allowed to initially import the yellow metal. Later, the scheme was scrapped. Antibiotic resistance Why in news? A study has found that, Escherichia coli, a pathogen seen in over 90% of Egyptian vultures that migrate to northwest India to spend the winter, tend to show

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significant difference in resistance to antibiotics within a single season. This is due to the environment that the vultures were exposed to — carcasses, garbage, and domestic animals. FACTS FOR PRELIMS E.coli Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacteria that is surprisingly an important aspect of human intestinal tract health. Most E.coliare harmless bacteria and assist in everyday health. However the E.coli that generally make the headlines are pathogenic, which cause illnesses such as diarrhea, or even things outside the intestinal functions. TRANSMISSION Usually, the E. coli that causes diarrhea is transferred through food, water, or contact with animals/people who already have E.coli. The infection usually occurs if you swallow miniscule amounts of human or animal feces (this amount is often invisible to the naked eye). These tiny traces of feces usually comes from contaminated food such as, raw produce, raw milk, soft cheese, unpasteurized apple cider, or even dealing with a dirty diaper or an employee not thoroughly washing their hands when preparing food. ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE Antibiotic resistance is a crisis on the level of climate change. It’s already killing tens, perhaps hundreds of thousands a year. The world needs to be looking more closely at drugmakers and the governments that choose to protect them. Also, the global community needs to urgently address the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in an actionable manner and fast-track research on the next generation of drugs. New metric for jobs growth to include informal economy Why in News?

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Expanding the scope of job creation in the country, the government has now decided to start counting jobs created in the non-farm informal sector. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background In July 2017, a government task force headed by then NITI Aayog vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya had suggested adopting a “pragmatic definition” of formal workers and recommended that workers covered under private insurance or pension, those subjected to tax deduction at source (TDS) and those working in companies excluded from the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) should be considered for counting of jobs. Expanding the scope of job creation The government has asked labour bureau under the Union labour ministry to begin counting jobs created in establishments deploying less than 10 people. Effectively, it means, establishments and shops run by a single owner or with one employee too will be counted as employment generation. Data coverage The labour ministry will take the 2013-14 sixth economic census as the base for the new survey of informal jobs. The annual household survey by the department of statistics, the quarterly establishment survey by labour bureau covering eight sectors and 18 subsectors and now the new survey of establishments with less than 10 employees will give a comprehensive picture of jobs in India. Labour Bureau Labour Bureau, an attached office under Ministry of Labour and Employment. It is entrusted with the work of compilation, collection, analysis and dissemination of statistics on different aspects of labour.

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The foundations of Labour Bureau can be traced to The Royal Commission on Labour in 1931 which emphasised the need for systematic collection of labour statistics relating to living, working and socio-economic conditions of industrial labour. Functions i)Labour Intelligence: This consists of compilation and maintenance of Consumer Price Index Numbers for Industrial Workers, Agricultural/Rural Labourers, Retail Price Index of Selected Essential Commodities in Urban Areas, Wage Rate Indices, Productivity Indices. ii)Labour Research: Labour research consist of conducting research studies and surveys on labour-related matters in organized and unorganized sector covering inter-alia SC/ST Workers, Women Labour, Contract Workers etc. Quick Employment Survey and Employment-Unemployment survey are also being conducted by Labour Bureau. iii)Monitoring and evaluation studies: This entails collection, compilation and dissemination of statistical information on various aspects of labour such as employment, wages and earnings, absenteeism, labour turnover, social security, welfare amenities, industrial relations, etc. based on statutory and voluntary returns under different Labour Acts and surveys conducted. GI tag Why in news? The Geographical Indication (GI) Registry has issued a notice to the West Bengal State Food Processing and Horticulture Development Corporation, asking why the GI recognition given to ‘Bangla Rosogolla’ not be withdrawn. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background: A petition was recently filed objecting to the GI status procured by West Bengal for ‘BanglarRosogolla’ four months ago. The petitioner questioned the data and

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documents provided by West Bengal for getting GI tag for this famous sweet. He had also pointed out that Odisha was not given a chance to explain its stance when the West Bengal State Food Processing & Horticulture Development Corporation applied for GI status. Evidences on the origin: According to one of the documents submitted by West Bengal citing historical evidence, Rasogollas invented in the Nadia district of West Bengal are 60 years old (lower end time frame). Haradhan, a confectioner of village Phulia is named as the inventor. West Bengal has given half-a-dozen historical evidences to back its claim. While Odisha says the famous sweet was part of the offering in Sri Jagannath Temple of Puri at least five centuries ago. About GI tag: What is it? A GI is primarily an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory. Significance of a GI tag: Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to the place of its origin. Security: Once the GI protection is granted, no other producer can misuse the name to market similar products. It also provides comfort to customers about the authenticity of that product. North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) 2017 Why in news? The Cabinet has approved the North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS), 2017 with financial outlay of Rs 3,000 crores upto March, 2020. The

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newly introduced scheme shall promote industrialization in the States of the North Eastern Region and will boost employment and income generation. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Central Capital Investment Incentive for Access to Credit (CCIIAC): 30% of the investment in Plant & Machinery with an upper limit of Rs.5 Crore on the incentive amount per unit. Central Interest Incentive (Cll): 3% on working capital credit advanced by eligible Banks/ Financial institutions for first 5 years from the date of commencement of commercial production by the unit. Central Comprehensive Insurance Incentive (CCII): Reimbursement of 100% insurance premium on insurance of building and Plant & Machinery for 5 years from the date of commencement of commercial production by the unit. Goods and Service Tax (GST) Reimbursement: Reimbursement up to the extent of Central Govt. share of CGST and IGST for 5 Years from the date of commencement of commercial production by the unit. Income-Tax (IT) Reimbursement: Reimbursement of Centre’s share of income tax for first 5 years including the year of commencement of commercial production by the unit. Additionally, transport and employment incentives are also provided under the scheme. Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry Why in news? The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for Central Sector Scheme “Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry” for the next three years from 2017-18 to 2019-20. The scheme will be implemented through Central Silk Board (CSB). FACTS FOR PRELIMS

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The scheme aims to achieve self-sufficiency in silk production by 2022. To achieve this, production of high grade silk in India will reach 20,650 MTs by 2022 from the current level of 11,326 MTs thereby reducing imports to Zero. The core objective of the scheme is to improve the productivity and quality of silk through R&D intervention. The focus of R&D intervention is to promote improved cross­breed silk and the import substitute Bivoltine silk so that Bivotine silk production in India enhances to such a level that raw silk imports become nil by 2022 thereby making India self-sufficient in silk. Use of silkworm by-products (pupa) for poultry feed, sericin for cosmetic applications and product diversification into non-woven fabrics, silk denim, silk knit etc. will be given thrust for added value realisation. Under Seed Sector, Seed Production Units will be equipped and strengthened to bring in quality standards in production network, besides increasing the production capacity to cater to the increased silk production target. All the beneficiaries under the scheme from silk farmers, seed producers and chawkirearers will be brought on a DBT mode with Aadhaar linkage. A Helpline will be set up for timely redressal of grievances and all outreach programmes. Brand Promotion of Indian silk will be encouraged through quality certification by Silk Mark not only in the domestic market but in the Export market as well. Ayushman Bharat Why in news? The Union Cabinet has approved the launch of a new Centrally Sponsored Ayushman Bharat -National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM) having central sector component under Ayushman Bharat Mission anchored in the MoHFW. FACTS FOR PRELIMS

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It will subsume the on-going centrally sponsored schemes -RashtriyaSwasthyaBimaYojana (RSBY) and the Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme (SCHIS). Coverage: The scheme has the benefit cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year. To ensure that nobody is left out (especially women, children and elderly) there will be no cap on family size and age in the scheme. The benefit cover will also include pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. Target: The target beneficiaries of the proposed scheme will be more than 10 crore families belonging to poor and vulnerable population based on SECC database. Benefits of the scheme are portable across the country and a beneficiary covered under the scheme will be allowed to take cashless benefits from any public/private empanelled hospitals across the country. Role of state governments: State Governments will be allowed to expand AB-NHPM both horizontally and vertically. States will be free to choose the modalities for implementation. They can implement through insurance company or directly through Trust/ Society or a mixed model. Council: For giving policy directions and fostering coordination between Centre and States, it is proposed to set up Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission Council (AB-NHPMC) at apex level Chaired by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister. Implementation Strategy: At the national level to manage, an Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission Agency (AB-NHPMA) would be put in place. States/ UTs would be advised to implement the scheme by a dedicated entity called State Health Agency (SHA). They can either use an existing Trust/ Society/ Not for Profit Company/ State Nodal Agency (SNA) or set up a new entity to implement the scheme. States/ UTs can decide to implement the scheme through an insurance company or directly through the Trust/ Society or use an integrated model. DRAFT POLICY ON DEFENCE PRODUCTION

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Why in news? The Ministry of Defence has released draft policy on defence production that aims to make India one of the top five manufacturers of defence platforms with active participation of public and private sectors. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Objectives of Policy Make India self-reliant in defence production as well as fulfil demand of friendly countries. Achieve turnover of Rs.1,70,000crore in military goods and services by 2025 by promoting domestic defence industry. Make India one of top five manufacturers of defence platforms with active participation of public and private sectors. Achieve export of Rs. 35,000 crore in military equipment and services by 2025 by promoting the domestic defence industry. Attract additional investment of nearly Rs 70,000 crore and create employment for nearly 2 to 3 million people in the country Features Identified military platforms: The policy identifies 12 military platforms and weapons systems for production in India to achieve aim of self-reliance. Licensing process for defence industries: It will be liberalised and list of items requiring licences will be reviewed and pruned. Except small negative lists other items will be taken out of purview of licensing Tax regime for defence industries:

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It will be also rationalised to make domestic manufacturing attractive by ensuring that there is no tax inversion. Privatisation of PSBs Why in news? Former NITI Aayog vice chairman Arvind Panagariya has made a strong case for privatisation of public sector banks with the exception of SBI. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Need for Privatisation: Mainly, predominance of scandals and NPAs in PSBs highlight the need for privatisation of PSBs. Efficiency and productivity too demand that the government relinquish its control of the large number of banks whose market valuation has dwindled despite the fact that they hold the bulk of the deposits. Also, there is a continuous pressure on the government finances on account of the weak performance of the banks. Privatisation would reduce the drain on the exchequer and the money saved could be used for developmental schemes and programmes of the government. Benefits of private banks: Private banks will bring innovations in products, technology and customer servicing and a market-based discipline to lending. Private banks, knowing that they cannot count on government’s protection, are unlikely to engage in the sort of risky lending that characterised public bank lending. Also, they will not be subject to the same pressure from politicians and others in government that has destroyed the public sector banks. New vehicle scrappage policy Why in news?

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Government’s New Vehicle Scrappage policy was recently cleared by the Prime Minister’s Office and is awaiting the approval of the GST Council. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Highlights of the policy: The policy targets to take polluting vehicles out of the roads and help the automobile industry register higher sales. The policy mentions about vehicles older than 20 years becoming eligible for benefits under the scrappage scheme. The scheme would now come in effect from April 1, 2020, coinciding with the implementation of the BS-VI norms. Concerns: The new vehicle scrappage policy of the Centre is unlikely to have any significant impact on the automobile industry in terms of increased demand, according to rating agencies. Also, analysts say the benefit offered under the scrappage policy would be 15% of the vehicle’s price. But this advantage would be muted as prices of diesel vehicles were expected to rise 10-15% once the new norms (BS-VI) come into force. The total population of commercial vehicles that will be older than 20 years in fiscal 2021 would be 50,000 vehicles, much lower than the government’s earlier estimate of 2.8 crore vehicles. In any case, 70,000 to 90,000 vehicles are scrapped every year. So, it is believed that the impact of the scrappage policy will be limited. Also, the proportion of commercial vehicles above 20 years would be one lakh to two lakh units. Besides, most of these older vehicles are used in rural areas and smaller towns by small fleet operators who operate used vehicles and have limited financial resources to purchase new vehicles. Thus, the proposed scrappage policy is unlikely to be materially positive for commercial vehicle demand.

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Hash graph Vs Blockchain Why in News? It has been touted that Hash graph, a data structure based on Swirlds algorithm could replace blockchain. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Blockchain A blockchain is a digitized, decentralized, public ledger of all Cryptocurrency transactions. Originally developed as the accounting method for the virtual currency Bitcoin, blockchains – which use what’s known as distributed ledger technology (DLT) – are appearing in a variety of commercial applications today. Currently, the technology is primarily used to verify transactions, within digital currencies though it is possible to digitize, code and insert practically any document into the blockchain Hash graph Hash graph was developed by Leemon Baird in 2016.It is said to be a more robust system. Its consensus algorithm provides a new platform for distributed consensus. Unlike blockchain, which is a data structure organized into a series of interconnected blocks, hash graph comprises of a chain of events i.e data is organized into events, with each instance containing the transactions associated with its timestamp, and the hash of both the parent events that created it. Salient Features i)hash graph is based on consensus, it is faster and the ordering of transactions is chronological depending on the timestamp where as in blockchain the order of transactions is dependent on the order in which miners process information and add to the block.

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ii) it is a data structure and consensus algorithm that is much faster, fairer, and more secure than blockchain. It is described as future of distributed ledger technology. iii)The biggest advantage that hash graph has over blockchain is that it guarantees Byzantine agreement i.e no single member can hold up the community from reaching a consensus It also prohibits consensus from being disturbed. Kotak Committee Why in News? SEBI recently accepted most of the recommendations of the Kotak committee on Corporate governance. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Corporate Governance It is the system of rules, practices and processes by which a company is directed and controlled. Corporate governance essentially involves balancing the interests of a company’s many stakeholders, such as shareholders, management, customers, suppliers, financiers, government and the community. Recommendations i)Roles of chairman and managing director at listed firms should be separated and chairmanship should be limited to only non-executive directors. ii) Minimum board strength should be increased to 6 members and at least one woman should be appointed as independent director. iii)At least half of board members to be independent directors at listed companies, while all directors must attend at least half of board meets. iv)Top 100 firms by market capitalisation should webcast shareholder meeting and all listed firms should have cash flow statement every six months. v)Updated list of all credit ratings obtained by the listed entity must be made available at one place.

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vi)Top-500 listed companies should have risk management committee of boards for cyber security. In addition, listed entities must constitute an information technology committee that will focus on digital and technological aspects. National Skill Development Fund and National Skill Development Corporation Why in news? The Union Cabinet has given its approval for restructuring of National Skill Development Fund (NSDF) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to strengthen governance, implementation and monitoring framework. The approval would lead to restructuring of composition of Board of NSDF and the NSDC to strengthen governance, implementation and monitoring framework. FACTS FOR PRELIMS NSDC: National Skill Development Corporation India (NSDC), established in 2009, is a not- for- profit company set up by the Ministry of Finance. The present equity base of NSDC is Rs.10 crore, of which the Government of India through Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) holds 49%, while the private sector has the balance 51%. Functions: NSDC aims to promote skill development by catalyzing creation of large, quality and for-profit vocational institutions. It also provides funding to build scalable and profitable vocational training initiatives. Its mandate is also to enable support system which focuses on quality assurance, information systems and train the trainer academies either directly or through partnerships. It also develops appropriate models to enhance, support and coordinate private sector initiatives.

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National Skill Development Fund: The National Skill Development Fund was set up in 2009 by the Government of India for raising funds both from Government and Non Government sectors for skill development in the country. A public Trust set up by the Government of India is the custodian of the Fund. The Trust accepts donation, contribution in cash or kind from the Contributors for furtherance of objectives of the Fund. The Fund meets its objectives through National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). National Agricultural Cooperative Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) Why in news? National Agricultural Cooperative Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) has signed the Debt Settlement Agreement with its eight lender banks. The One Time Settlement with the lender banks has been made at Rs. 478 Crore. In addition, the lenders are entitled to the assignment of auction right of the property of one of the defaulters of its tie-up business conducted in the years 2003-05. FACTS FOR PRELIMS NAFED: National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd.(NAFED), established in 1958, is registered under the Multi State Co-operative Societies Act. Nafed was setup with the object to promote Co-operative marketing of Agricultural Produce to benefit the farmers. Agricultural farmers are the main members of Nafed, who have the authority to say in the form of members of the General Body in the working of Nafed.

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The objectives of the NAFED shall be to organize, promote and develop marketing, processing and storage of agricultural, horticultural and forest produce, distribution of agricultural machinery, implements and other inputs, undertake inter-state, import and export trade etc.

Infrastructure NAIPUNYA RATHAM Why in news? NAIPUNYA RATHAM or World on Wheels is a multi-utility vehicle which aims to bring technology to the remote corners. FACTS FOR PRELIMS It was launched recently in Andhra Pradesh. As part of the Smart village Smart Ward Programme, the Naipunnya Rathaams will facilitate and look to improve digital literacy, digital skills and create an awareness on various government schemes that are underway in the new state of Andhra Pradesh. The first phase of Naipunya Ratham will cover 13 districts and 28 smart villages in collaboration with Hewlett Packard (HP), Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) and Guide Foundation for Development. State Government will soon roll out 12 more Naipunya Rathams by May 2018. As part of it, world on wheels Lab, a 20-seater bus enabled digital facilities and learning lab equipped with smart technology gadgets as well as with smart technology gadgets as well as with e-learning tools like HP Classroom Manager, HP Video Book and HP Life will travel across rural areas of the state.

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Internal Security Nag Why in news? India has successfully test-fired Anti Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) Nag in desert conditions The Nag ATGM has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) FACTS FOR PRELIMS Nag is a third generation “fire-and-forget” anti-tank missile developed in India It is one of five missile systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) The NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier) version of the missile is a ‘lock-on before launch’ system, where the target is identified and designated before the missile is launched As the targeting system is based on visual identification, the range is limited The HELINA (Helicopter-launched Nag) version, on the other hand, will use a ‘lock-on after launch’ system extending its range to 7 km S-400 deal may be finalised by March Why in News? The contract negotiations between India and Russia for the purchase of the S-400 Triumph long-range air defence systems are in the final stages. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background India is planning to buy five systems that are expected to cost about ₹39,000 crore and is considered one of the most potent Surface to Air missile systems in the world. It can track and shoot down a range of incoming airborne targets at ranges of up to 400 km.

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About the Missile It is an anti-aircraft weapon system developed in the 1990s by Russia. The S-400 Triumph air defence system integrates a multifunction radar, autonomous detection and targeting systems, anti-aircraft missile systems, launchers, and command and control centre. It is capable of firing three types of missiles to create a layered defence. The system can engage all types of aerial targets including aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and ballistic and cruise missiles within the range of 400km, at an altitude of up to 30km. The system can simultaneously engage 36 targets. The S-400 is two-times more effective than previous Russian air defence systems and can be deployed within five minutes. It can also be integrated into the existing and future air defence units of the Air Force, Army, and the Navy. Indigenous technology tested on BrahMos Why in News? The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was on Thursday successfully test-fired with an indigenous seeker for the first time. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Seeker Technology Seeker technology, which determines the accuracy of a missile, is a closely guarded secret. Mastering it is a significant milestone in missile technology and would reduce import dependence. The seeker was jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, and BrahMos Aerospace. BrahMos BrahMos is a joint collaboration between India and Russia. It operates on a ‘fire and forget’principle and is capable of being launched from land, sea, sub-sea and air against the surface and sea-based targets.

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It is hailed as world’s fastest anti-ship cruise missile in operation. It is a two-stage missile, the first one being solid and the second one being ramjet liquid proponent. The range of the supersonic missile was initially capped at 290 km as per the obligations of the Missile Technology Control Regime. Since India’s entry into the club, the range has been extended to 450 km and the plan is to hit 600km.

Science & Technology

Fifty years of TERLS Why in News? On 2 February 1968, the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launch Station (TERLS) was dedicated to the United Nations by India’s then prime minister Indira Gandhi. This became a landmark in the history of the Indian space program. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background During the 1960s, TERLS became an international launch station and the sounding rockets launched from here proved instrumental in studying the equatorial electro jet. At that time, the Indian space program received good support from countries like the US, USSR, France, UK and West Germany who provided technical equipment to TERLS, such as telemetry receivers, tracking systems and computers. In return, India offered to dedicate TERLS to UN as a goodwill gesture. As a result, UN formally sponsored TERLS as an international scientific facility open to all its members. India’s commitment to the peaceful use of outer space has been its hallmark, ever since the time of Cold War space rivalry when the US and the Soviets were trying to turn it into a battleground. As a responsible state, India signed the Outer Space Treaty in 1967 and ratified it in 1982.

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TERLS The Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) is an Indian spaceport operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation. It is located in Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram which is near the southern tip of mainland India, very close to earth’s magnetic equator; making it the ideal location for scientists to conduct atmospheric research. It is currently used by ISRO for launching sounding rockets. India’s Space Programme India is among the select-few, elite group of nations which have a robust and comprehensive space program. The impact of ISRO’s activities has been seen in various fields including agriculture, fisheries, meteorology and especially telecommunication . ISRO’s activities are basically divided into five parts, -Earth observation, -satellite communication, -disaster management support, -satellite navigation, climate and -environment International Treaties India has signed and ratified most of the outer space and international space legislation. As of now, there are five major UN treaties on outer space – -The Outer Space Treaty in 1967, – The Rescue Agreement in 1968, -The Liability Convention in 1982,

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-The Registration Convention in 1975 and – the Moon Agreement in 1979. Apart from the Moon Agreement (which India has signed), India has signed and ratified all other treaties. Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Why in news? India and Vietnam have signed an MoU on Cooperation between the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) and the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM). The two countries had signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement in 2016 and the MoU will enhance training and research collaboration possibilities. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) is located near Bahadurgarh in Haryana. GCNEP is the sixth R&D unit under the aegis of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). GCNEP will help in capacity building, in association with the interested countries and the IAEA, involving technology, human resource development, education & training and giving a momentum to R&D in enlisted areas. The main objectives of the centre include: Mark Development of enhanced nuclear safeguards to effectively and efficiently monitor nuclear materials and facilities. Mark Promoting the development of advanced, more proliferation resistant nuclear power reactors. Mark Training manpower in the field of Nuclear Security and Radiological Safety. Mark Educating in the field of Advanced Nuclear Energy Systems, Isotopes and Radiation Technologies, nuclear forensic. Mark Establishing accreditation facilities for radiation monitoring.

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Silver copper telluride (AgCuTe) Why in News? A novel compound that exhibits poor thermal conductivity but shows good electrical conductivity has been developed by a team of researchers. FACTS FOR PRELIMS About the Compound The new material having thermoelectric properties is made from silver, copper, and tellurium. It exhibits poor thermal conductivity in 25-425 degree C range but shows good electrical conductivity. Significance The compound shows ideal promise as thermoelectric material for converting waste heat into electricity. IMPRINT India programme. Why in News? In a major boost for research and innovation in the country, the Central Government has sanctioned a sum of Rs. 1000 crore for the phase two of the Impacting Research Innovation and Technology (IMPRINT) India programme. FACTS FOR PRELIMS About the Programme IMPacting Research INnovation and Technology (IMPRINT)-India has been launched in India to boost original scientific and technological research in the country. It is a joint initiative of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). It is Supported by Ministry of Human Resource Development. Objective (a) Developing new engineering education policy (b) Creating a roadmap to pursue engineering challenges

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IMPRINT provides the overarching vision that guides research into areas that are predominantly socially relevant. Saposhi Why in News? Cybersecurity agencies have detected a new malware called Saposhi that can take over electronic devices and use them for Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. FACTS FOR PRELIMS About the Malware Saposhi Malware is capable of taking over electronic devices and turning them into bots (device take over by malware) which can then be used for any purpose including DDoS attacks which, with enough firepower, can cripple entire industries. DDOS Attack In DDoS attacks, malware first creates a network of bots — called botnet and then uses the botnet to ping single server beyond its capacity at the same time. As number of pings are far beyond server’s capacity, server crashes and denies service to its consumers. Malwares like Saposhi, Reaper and Mirai are primarily used for DDOS attacks. CERT-In The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) is an office within the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. It is the nodal agency to deal with cyber security threats like hacking and phishing. Parker solar probe Why in news? NASA is inviting people around the world to submit their names online to be placed on a microchip aboard NASA’s historic Parker Solar Probe mission launching in summer 2018.

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Parker Solar Probe is part of NASA’s Living with a Star Program, or LWS, to explore aspects of the Sun-Earth system that directly affect life and society. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Parker Solar Probe will swoop to within 4 million miles of the sun’s surface, facing heat and radiation like no spacecraft before it. Launching in 2018, Parker Solar Probe will provide new data on solar activity and make critical contributions to our ability to forecast major space-weather events that impact life on Earth. The primary science goals for the mission are to trace the flow of energy and understand the heating of the solar corona and to explore what accelerates the solar wind. Parker Solar Probe provides a statistical survey of the outer corona. OBJECTIVES Trace the flow of energy that heats and accelerates the solar corona and solar wind. Determine the structure and dynamics of the plasma and magnetic fields at the sources of the solar wind. Explore mechanisms that accelerate and transport energetic particles. Background: Understanding the Sun has always been a top priority for space scientists. Studying how the Sun affects space and the space environment of planets is the field known as heliophysics. The field is not only vital to understanding Earth’s most important and life-sustaining star, it supports exploration in the solar system and beyond. Air-Breathing Electric Thruster Why in news? The European Space Agency (ESA) is building Air-Breathing Electric Thruster (ABET) that can possibly extend the working life of satellites by years and even help with interplanetary travel using just the air around it as a propellant.

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FACTS FOR PRELIMS An air-breathing engine works by collecting the sparse air at the edge of the atmosphere and compresses it to a point that it becomes thermalised ionised plasma. It then fires out the plasma using an electric charge to achieve thrust. An air breathing thruster could keep a satellite operational for extended periods of time if it only uses the air around it for fuel instead of propellants. This Air-Breathing Electric Thruster (ABET) does not operate in complete vacuum, but works in low Earth orbit (LEO) – altitude of 2,000 km or less– notes the ESA. At LEO, the air is scarce, but not entirely absent. In fact, there is enough air to cause a drag on spaceships and satellites. This is why there are on-board engines installed on satellites to correct course every time it moves out of position. Rydberg polarons Why in news? An international team of physicists have successfully created a “giant atom” and filled it with ordinary atoms, creating a new state of matter termed “Rydberg polarons”. These atoms are held together by a weak bond and is created at very cold temperatures. FACTS FOR PRELIMS It uses ideas from two different fields: Bose Einstein Condensation and Rydberg atoms. A BEC (Bose Einstein Condensate) is a liquid-like state of matter that occurs at very low temperatures. A BEC can be perturbed to create excitations which are akin to ripples on a lake. Here, researchers have used a BEC of strontium atoms. Electrons in an atom move in orbits around the nucleus. A ‘Rydberg atom’ is an atom in which an electron has been kicked out to a very large orbit. These have interesting properties and have been studied for a long time. In this work, researchers used laser light on a BEC of strontium atoms so that it impinges on one strontium atom at a time. This excites an electron into a large

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orbit, forming a Rydberg atom. This orbit is large enough to encircle many other strontium atoms inside it. As the electron moves around many strontium atoms, it generates ripples of the BEC. The Rydberg atom becomes inextricably mixed with these ripples and forms a new super-atom called a ‘Rydberg polaron’. USES A particularly interesting implication is for cosmology. Our universe is believed to be filled with a mysterious ‘dark matter’ which exerts a gravitational force on other matter. Some theories of dark matter postulate that it is a cosmic Bose Einstein Condensate, perhaps composed of an as-yet-unknown type of particle. If we are indeed living in an invisible all pervading Bose Einstein Condensate, this experiment can suggest ways to detect it. Geomagnetic storm Why in news? There were reports that Earth will be hit by a massive magnetic storm on March 18. However, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has found that there was no basis for recent reports saying Earth would be hit by a massive geomagnetic storm. FACTS FOR PRELIMS GEOMAGNETIC STORMS Geomagnetic storms are caused when events such as solar flares can send higher than normal levels of radiation towards Earth. This radiation interacts with the Earth’s magnetic field causing a geomagnetic storm. Effects of Geomagnetic storms: Effects from the geomagnetic storm can range from the appearance of auroras or the northern and southern lights to disruptions in communications systems due

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to high radiation. This would make it difficult to communicate with others on Earth. Classification of Geomagnetic storms: Geomagnetic storms are classified according to a scale that measures the effect that storms will have. At its safest level, a G1 storm affects power grids by causing weak fluctuations, minor impacts on satellite operations, and causes the northern and southern lights to occur. At its most extreme, G5, there would be voltage control problems with some grid system collapses or blackouts, radio waves wouldn’t be able to travel for one to two days, low-frequency radio would be out for hours, and the auroras would be able to be seen at lower latitudes than usual India based Neutrino Observatory Why in News? The India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project has got a fresh lease with the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) taking it up as a special case and granting it environmental clearance to set up the lab in Bodi West Hills. FACTS FOR PRELIMS About the Project It is an underground project, jointly supported by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).The underground complex will be approached by a 2-km long tunnel. It will host experiments such as the neutrino-less double beta decay and the search for dark matter. NOTE4STUDENTS-The Mathikettan Shola National Park in Idukki district, Kerala, is situated within five km from the project site.

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Carbonaceous chondrites Why in news? A study of two meteorites which fell in Assam and Rajasthan over a span of 13 hours in 2017, by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), has concluded that they may contain “significant clues to the origins of life. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Two meteorites fell in 2017, one on June 6 in Assam one in Mukundpura village in Rajasthan. After studies, experts have found that the Mukundpura meteorite is a carbonaceous meteorite, one of the most primitive types. The meteorite belongs to a very rare and primitive group of meteorites called CM group of carbonaceous chondrites. The meteorite that fell in NatunBalijan in the flood plains of LohitRiver, has been classified as an “ordinary chondrite.” Carbonaceous chondrites: Carbonaceous chondrite meteorites, unlike other meteorites, contain very primitive traces of carbon. And carbon forms the backbone of all life on earth. They represent some of the most pristine matter known, and their chemical compositions match the chemistry of the Sun more closely than any other class of chondrites. They are formed in oxygen-rich regions of the early solar system so that most of the metal is not found in its free form but as silicates, oxides, or sulfides. Most of them contain water or minerals that have been altered in the presence of water, and some of them contain larger amounts of carbon as well as organic compounds. This is especially true for the carbonaceous chondrites that have been relatively unaltered by heating during their history.

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CLONED BUFFALOES Why in News? A cloned Assamese buffalo male calf has been born for the first time in India as per the Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes (CIRB). FACTS FOR PRELIMS About the breed The ovaries of Murrah buffaloes were used as a source of recipient oocytes. Small tissue of Assamese buffalo were used to culture establish the donor cells. CIRB becomes world’s third and India’s second institute to produce cloned buffalo. This achievement has been made under the project entitled, Cloning for conservation and multiplication of superior buffalo germplasm. The first successful cloning was achieved by the National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal in 2010. Samrupa is the world’s first Murrah buffalo calf cloned using a simple “Hand guided cloning technique”. Significance Animal cloning can be an excellent reproductive tool for conservation and multiplication of selected superior animals of buffalo breeds Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) It is an autonomous body responsible for coordinating agricultural education and research in India. It reports to the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture.The Union Minister of Agriculture serves as its president. It is the largest network of agricultural research and education institutes in the world Indian Council of Agricultural Research-CIRB is a central institute and it has a mandate to conserve superior animals of all buffalo breeds.

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ISRO aims to launch Chandrayaan-2 by April Why in News? The ISRO recently said it is aiming for an April launch of the Chandrayaan-2 satellite to the moon, this time it plans to send a rover to explore the lunar surface. FACTS FOR PRELIMS About the Mission India’s second mission to the Moon is a totally indigenous mission comprising of an Orbiter, Lander and Rover. GSLV F-10 is the Launch vehicle. After reaching the 100 km lunar orbit, the Lander housing the Rover will separate from the Orbiter. After a controlled descent, the Lander will soft land on the lunar surface at a specified site and deploy a Rover. The mission will carry a six-wheeled Rover which will move around the landing site in the semi-autonomous mode as decided by the ground commands. The instruments on the rover will observe the lunar surface and send back data, which will be useful for analysis of the lunar soil. The Chandrayaan-2 weighing around 3290 kg and would orbit around the moon and perform the objectives of remote sensing the moon. The payloads will collect scientific information on lunar topography, mineralogy, elemental abundance, lunar exosphere and signatures of hydroxyl and water-ice. Hammer spacecraft Why in News? NASA has drawn up plans for a huge nuclear spacecraft capable of shunting or blowing up an asteroid if it was on course to wipe out life on Earth. FACTS FOR PRELIMS About the Spacecraft The spacecraft named Hammer (Hypervelocity Asteroid Mitigation Mission for Emergency Response) is an eight-tonne spaceship which could deflect a giant space rock if it happens to hit Earth.

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The experts calculate that 7.4 years would be needed from building Hammer. Earth is hit by asteroids with surprising regularity, but most are too small to do much damage or fall in unpopulated areas. NASA’s Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies now lists 73 asteroids which have a one in 1,600 chance of hitting the Earth. Asteroid Bennu The 1,600-foot-wide asteroid Bennu is circling the sun at 63,000 mph. It is now at a comfortable 54 million miles from Earth.Although there is little risk it could hit the Earth, it is still considered an NEO, or Near Earth Object, which would hit the planet with 1,450 megatons of TNT. NASA’s Osiris-Rex mission is currently on a mission to Bennu to take samples. Festival Of Innovation And Entrepreneurship Why in news? The Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship was recently inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind. It is being organised by Rashtrapati Bhavan in association with the Department of Science and Technology and the National Innovation Foundation-India. FACTS FOR PRELIMS It is a celebration of country’s Innovation potential, particularly those ideas which stem from grassroots level including the citizen at the last mile and also a reflection of power of children’s creativity. It is an initiative to recognise, respect, showcase, reward innovations and to foster a supportive ecosystem for innovators. SIGNIFICANCE FINE would provide an excellent platform to the innovators for building the linkages with potential stakeholders whose support can improve their prospects in coming years for the larger social good.

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It will also help in promoting lateral learning and linkages among the innovators to enrich the ecosystem for new India. It would also be a great opportunity to create awareness about the importance of various Ministries of Government of India attaches to their effort and participation in the FINE. India joins Europe’s satellite data sharing pool Why in News? India has joined Europe’s mega global arrangement of sharing data from earth observation satellites, called Copernicus. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Sentinel Satellites The Sentinel Satellite Fleet is part of the Copernicus program – the European Commission’s Earth Observation Program formerly known as GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security). Copernicus aims to achieve an autonomous and operational Earth observation capacity. The program uses data provided by environmental satellites, and air & ground stations to provide a comprehensive set of land, atmospheric and oceanographic parameters in support of environment and security policy needs. The Copernicus emergency response mapping system was activated on at least two Indian occasions — during the 2014 floods in Andhra Pradesh in October 2014 and after the 2013 storm in Odisha. The free and open data policy Under this arrangement, the European Commission intends to provide India with free, full and open access to the data from the Copernicus Sentinel family of satellites using high bandwidth connections. Reciprocally the Department of Space will provide the Copernicus programme and its participating states with a free, full and open access to the data from ISRO’s land, ocean and atmospheric series of civilian satellites (Oceansat-2, Megha-Tropiques, Scatsat-1, SARAL,

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INSAT-3D, INSAT-3DR) with the exception of commercial high-resolution satellites data, Significance The space-based information will be used for forecasting disasters, providing emergency response and rescue of people during disasters; to glean land, ocean data; and for issues of security, agriculture, climate change and atmosphere, according to a statement issued by the European Commission here. “Google Fiber” Why in News? The Cabinet has approved setting up of a US subsidiary of the state-run telecom consultancy company TCIL for providing techno-commercial and logistic support for three Google projects for America. FACTS FOR PRELIMS TCIL Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) is a government of India owned engineering and consultancy company under the administrative control of the Department of Telecommunications (DOT), Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Government of India. It was set up in 1978 to give consultations in fields of Telecommunications to developing countries around the world. TCIL is present in almost 45 countries, mainly in the Middle East, Africa and Europe Google Fibre TCIL will be responsible for providing assistance in rolling out the infrastructure for Google Fiber and its fibre-to-the-premises service in the United States. Google Fiber is a high-speed Internet programme that gives the users in cities and villages in the US access to high capacity Internet services. Significance The new subsidiary will act as a major boost to Google Fiber project, it may also carve a way for the service to arrive in India. The close relationship between TCIL

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and Google will make the former familiar with the Fiber project technology, which it may harness later in India to induce the high-speed Internet services in remote as well as populated areas. Chandrayaan-2 Why in news? A recent report has confirmed that the launch of Chandrayaan-2, India’s second mission to the moon will be in October this year. FACTS FOR PRELIMS About Chandrayaan-2: Chandrayaan-2 includes soft-landing on Moon and moving a rover on its surface. It is an advanced version of the previous Chandrayaan-1 mission. It consists of an orbiter, lander and rover configuration. The Orbiter spacecraft when launched from Sriharikota will travel to the Moon and release the Lander, which will in turn deploy a tiny Rover to roam the lunar surface — all three sending data and pictures to Earth. It is planned to be launched as a composite stack into the earth parking orbit (EPO) of 170 X 18,500 km by GSLV-Mk II. Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) Why in News? The Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) recently celebrated its 18th foundation day. FACTS FOR PRELIMS About the Forum The Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) established under an agreement between the Governments of India and the United States of America in March 2000, is an autonomous bilateral organization jointly funded by both the Governments that promotes Science, Technology, Engineering and Innovation through substantive interaction among government, academia and industry.

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The Department of Science & Technology, Governments of India and the U.S. Department of States are respective nodal departments. Objectives i)Create awareness through exchange and dissemination of Information and Opportunities in S&T cooperation. ii)Capitalize and build on the scientific and technological synergy leading to long-term partnerships on shared values. iii)Support an exciting program portfolio that leads to sustainable interactions and strengthens strategic partnerships. iv)Nurture contacts between young and mid-career scientists to develop mutual trust, foster excellence and explore new frontiers v)Encourage public-private partnerships to foster elements of Innovation, Application and Enterprise. GSAT-6A Why in News? GSAT-6A, the second predominantly S-band communications satellite, is set to be launched from Sriharikota soon. FACTS FOR PRELIMS About the Satellite The communication satellite is designated for the use of the armed forces and will not add any transponder capacity for general uses. A special feature of the GSAT-6A is its 6-metre-wide umbrella-like antenna, which will be unfurled once it is in space.It will enable mobile communication from anywhere via hand-held ground terminals. It has a lift-off mass of 2140 kg. The mission life of spacecraft is planned for 10 years; GSLV -F08 is the Launch vehicle.

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The satellite will provide a platform for developing technologies such as demonstration of 6 m S-Band Unfurlable Antenna, handheld ground terminals and network management techniques that could be useful in future satellite-based mobile communication applications. National Conference on Down Syndrome Why in news? National Conference on Down Syndrome was recently inaugurated in New Delhi. The objective of this conference was to provide excellent opportunities to the parents to obtain information about latest development in education and skilling and inclusive living of persons with Down Syndrome. FACTS FOR PRELIMS The Conference was organized by National Trust for the welfare of persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities under M/o SJ&E in collaboration with Muskaan, a registered organisation of the National Trust. On 19th December 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared to observe 21st March as World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) and since then every year, this day is officially observed by UN to create awareness about people with Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome: Down Syndrome is a chromosomal condition associated with intellectual and learning disabilities. Causes: Persons with Down Syndrome have 47 chromosomes as compared to 46 in majority of people. Impacts: This one Extra chromosome causes its own impact and slows down learning process. It impacts neurological functioning causing impairment of intellectual functions e.g. analytical thinking, complex abstractions and judgement etc. Treatment: Good schooling, loving family, learning and work opportunities make them grow up to be responsible, loving and cheerful persons. Their emotions and

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needs are like any other person of the same age. Accepting and respecting family/community is a big support to their growth and development NATIONAL TRUST The National Trust is a Statutory Body under Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. FUNCTIONS The National Trust has been set up to discharge two basic duties – legal and welfare. Legal duties are discharged through Local Level Committee (LLC) set up at district level under the chairmanship of the District Collector / District Magistrate and providing legal guardianship. It is envisaged with a core mission of providing opportunities for capacity development of Persons with Disabilities and their families, fulfilling their rights, facilitating and promoting the creation of an enabling environment and an inclusive society. Appointment: Chairperson and board members will be appointed by the Central Government. Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) Why in news? NASA and SpaceX joining hands for their all-new combined mission known as Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission. The mission will be launched in April this year. FACTS FOR PRELIMS The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is an upcoming NASA mission that will look for planets orbiting the brightest stars in Earth’s sky. Its launch vehicle will be a Falcon 9 rocket from SpaceX. Mission: The mission will monitor at least 200,000 stars for signs of exoplanets, ranging from Earth-sized rocky worlds to huge gas giant planets. TESS, however, will focus

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on stars that are 30 to 100 times brighter than those Kepler examined. This will help astronomers better understand the structure of solar systems outside of our Earth, and provide insights into how our own solar system formed. Orbit: TESS will occupy a never-before-used orbit high above Earth. The elliptical orbit, called P/2, is exactly half of the moon’s orbital period; this means that TESS will orbit Earth every 13.7 days. Its closest point to Earth (67,000 miles or 108,000 kilometers) is about triple the distance of geosynchronous orbit, where most communications satellites operate. Vikas Engine Why in News? The ISRO has successfully placed a communication satellite GSAT-6A in a geosynchronous transfer orbit that incorporates the high-thrust Vikas engine. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Rocket engine The Vikas (an acronym for Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai) is a family of liquid-fuelled rocket engines conceptualized and designed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre in the 1970s. The early production Vikas engines used some imported French components which were later replaced by domestically produced equivalents It is used in the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) series of expendable launch vehicles for space launch use Vikas engine is used to power the second stage PSLV, boosters and second stage of GSLV Mark I and II and the first stage of GSLV Mark III. The Vikas engine was used in the 2nd stage during the launch of GSAT-6A it produced 6% greater thrust that gave 70kgs of additional payload gain in this mission.