Table of Contents - prepmate.in...ISRO planning to launch Chandrayaan-2 mission around April this year (Relevant for GS Prelims, ... 11. More than 1700 SPECIAL JUVENILE POLICE UNITS

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Table of Contents

Polity & Governance ......................................................................................................... 1

1. New Consumer Protection Bill (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper II) ........................... 1

2. Cabinet approves proposal for Amendment to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

Development Act, 2006 to change the criteria of classification and to withdraw the

MSMED (Amendment) Bill, 2015 – pending in Lok Sabha (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS

mains Paper II) ...................................................................................................................................................... 1

3. 701 Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) Established in the country (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS

Mains Paper II) ...................................................................................................................................................... 2

4. Cabinet approves creation of Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (Relevant for GS

Prelims, GS Mains Paper II) ............................................................................................................................. 4

International Organizations and Relations ............................................................ 7

1. Cabinet approves placing the new Instrument adopted by International Labour

Organization (ILO) Recommendation concerning The Employment and Decent Work

for Peace and Resilience (No.-205) before the Parliament (Relevant for GS Prelims and

GS Mains Paper II) .............................................................................................................................................. 7

2. World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS 2018) (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS

Mains Paper II) .................................................................................................................................................................... 8

3. International Conference on Sustainable Biofuels, ICSB 2018 (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS

Mains Paper III) ................................................................................................................................................................... 8

4. India and Iran signed of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) ................................... 9

Economics ......................................................................................................................... 10

1. GeM 3.0 launched (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper III) ............................................... 10

2. Launch of Startupindia Ranking Framework (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper

III) ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 10

3. National Steel Policy (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III) ..................................... 11

4. India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) to enable Digital Payments in Post Offices by April

2018 (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper III) ................................................................................. 12

5. Government of India makes Amendments in Small Savings Act (Relevant for GS Prelims,

GS Mains Paper II, GS Mains Paper III) .............................................................................................................. 13

6. Cabinet approves New Bill to ban Unregulated Deposit Schemes and Chit Funds

(Amendment) Bill, 2018 (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper III) ..................................... 15

7. Commercial coal mining opened for private sector (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains

Paper III) .............................................................................................................................................................................. 19

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Environment ..................................................................................................................... 22

1. World Wetlands Day (Relevant for GS Prelims) ....................................................................................... 22

2. All-India Tiger Estimation 2018 to be Hi-Tech, More Accurate and Precise (Relevant for

GS Mains Paper III) ...................................................................................................................................... 23

3. India State of Forest Report 2017 Released (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper I

and III) ............................................................................................................................................................... 25

4. India is Global Host for World Environment Day 2018 (Relevant for GS Prelims) .......... 27

5. Cabinet approves Ratification of the Minamata Convention on Mercury (Relevant for GS

Prelims, GS Mains Paper III) ..................................................................................................................... 28

Science & Technology .................................................................................................... 30

1. Construction of new PHWR (Relevant for GS Prelims) ......................................................................... 30

2. ISRO planning to launch Chandrayaan-2 mission around April this year (Relevant for

GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper III) ........................................................................................................................... 31

Social Issues ..................................................................................................................... 33

1. When two people get into wedlock, no one should interfere, says Supreme Court

(Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper I) ............................................................................................... 33

2. WCD Ministry considering setting up National Women Entrepreneurship Council

(Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper I) ............................................................................................... 34

Miscellaneous .................................................................................................................. 35

1. Exam Warriors’ – book authored by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched

(Relevant for GS Prelims) ........................................................................................................................................ 35

2. CRISIL, SIDBI Launch India’s First MSE Sentiment Index (Relevant for GS Prelims) ....... 35

3. SWAYAM PRABHA (Relevant for GS Prelims) ................................................................................... 35

4. National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (Relevant for GS Prelims) .............................. 36

5. Mission Indradhanush (Relevant for GS Prelims) ............................................................................ 36

6. Eliminating AIDS By 2030 (Relevant for GS Prelims) ............................................................................ 37

7. Border fencing status with Bangladesh (Relevant for GS Prelims) ............................................. 37

8. BARC technology to convert sewage into bio-fertilizer (Relevant for GS Prelims) ........... 38

9. States to use 5-10% of biomass pellets with coal for power generation in thermal power

plants (Relevant for GS Prelims) .......................................................................................................................... 38

10. Swachh Bharat Sanitation Park inaugurated in Delhi (Relevant for GS Prelims) ......... 38

11. More than 1700 SPECIAL JUVENILE POLICE UNITS (Relevant for GS Prelims) .................. 39

12. Shri Nitin Gadkari releases India’s first ever Highway Capacity Manual (Relevant for GS

Prelims) ................................................................................................................................................................................ 39

13. Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) outlets (Relevant

for GS Prelims) ................................................................................................................................................................. 39








14. Ministry of Railways Announces one of the World’s Largest Recruitment Drive (Relevant

for GS Prelims) ................................................................................................................................................................ 40

15. Cabinet approves creation of National Urban Housing Fund (Relevant for GS Prelims) 40

16. Milan 2018 (Relevant for GS prelims) .............................................................................................................. 40

Culture ............................................................................................................................... 42

1. Mahamastakabhisheka Mahotsav 2018 of Bahubali Bhagwan (Relevant for GS Mains

Paper I and GS Prelims) ............................................................................................................................................ 42






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Polity and Governance

1. New Consumer Protection Bill (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper II)

The Government introduced new Consumer Protection Bill, 2018 in the Lok Sabha. The

salient features of the bill include

1.establishment of an executive agency to be known as the Central Consumer Protection

Authority (CCPA) to promote, protect and enforce the rights of the consumers and will be

empowered to investigate, recall, refund and impose penalties;

2.provision for product liability action in cases of personal injury, death, or property

damage caused by or resulting from any product;

3.provision for mediation as an Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) making the process of

dispute adjudication simpler and quicker and simplification of the process of adjudication

by the Consumer Fora.

4.Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) will also deal with unfair trade practices

and misleading advertisements. The provisions of the Bill will cover the whole country.

(Adapted from pib)

2. Cabinet approves proposal for Amendment to the Micro, Small and Medium

Enterprises Development Act, 2006 to change the criteria of classification and to

withdraw the MSMED (Amendment) Bill, 2015 – pending in Lok Sabha (Relevant for

GS Prelims and GS mains Paper II)

The Union Cabinet has approved change in the basis of classifying Micro, Small and Medium

enterprises from investment in plant & machinery/equipment to annual turnover .

This will encourage ease of doing business, make the norms of classification growth

oriented and align them to the new tax regime revolving around GST (Goods & Services

Tax).

Change in law required

Section 7 of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006

will accordingly be amended to define units producing goods and rendering services in

terms of annual turnover as follows:

-A micro enterprise will be defined as a unit where the annual turnover does not exceed

five crore rupees;






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-A small enterprise will be defined as a unit where the annual turnover is more than five

crore rupees but does not exceed Rs. 75 crore;

-A medium enterprise will be defined as a unit where the annual turnover is more than

seventy-five crore rupees but does not exceed Rs. 250 crore.

-Additionally, the Central Government may, by notification, vary turnover limits, which

shall not exceed thrice the limits specified in Section 7 of the MSMED Act.

Present criteria

At present the MSMED Act (Section 7) classifies the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

(MSMEs) on the basis of investment in plant and machinery for manufacturing units, and

investment in equipment for service enterprises. The criterion of investment in plant and

machinery stipulates self-declaration which in turn entails verification if deemed necessary

and leads to transaction costs.

Why turnover is a better criterion?

Taking turnover as a criterion can be pegged with reliable figures available e.g. in GST

Network and other methods of ascertaining which will help in having a non-discretionary,

transparent and objective criteria and will eliminate the need for inspections, make the

classification system progressive and evolutionary, help in overcoming the uncertainties

associated with the classification based on investment in plant & machinery/equipment

and employment, and improve the ease of doing business.

In addition, the amendment will provide flexibility to the Government to fine-tune the

classification of MSMEs in response to changing economic scenario without resorting to the

amendment of MSMED (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Development) Act.

The change in the norms of classification will enhance the ease of doing business. The

consequent growth and will pave the way for increased direct and indirect employment in

the MSME sector of the country.

(Adapted from PIB)

3. 701 Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) Established in the country (Relevant for GS

Prelims, GS Mains Paper II)

There are 701 Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) in the country which are supported under the

Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) of the Ministry of Women and Child

Development.






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The primary responsibility of setting up the JJBs vests with the State Governments/UT

Administrations concerned. Section 4 (1) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of

Children) Act, 2015, provides that the State Government shall constitute for every district

one or more JJBs for exercising the powers and discharging its functions relating to

children in conflict with law and this is an ongoing process.

What are Juvenile Justice Board?

The JJ Act 2015 creates different authorities from regular courts that control how children

interact with the law. The Juvenile Justice Board or JJB is the authority that deals with

Children in Conflict with Law (a child offender).

Typically, each district would have a juvenile justice board that would deal with affairs

pertaining to that area.

1.Who comprises of a JJB?

The JJB must have three members:

1. A Principle Magistrate – this must be a Metropolitan Magistrate / Judicial Magistrate

First Class with at least three years experience;

2. A female social worker having qualifications specified under the Rules;

3.A social worker (whether male or female) having qualifications specified under the

Rules;

Social workers must have a track-record of experience in health, education or welfare

activities pertaining to children for at least seven years, or be practising professionals with

degrees in child psychology, psychiatry, sociology or law. Those having clear black-marks

in their record (dismissal from service / offence against children) cannot considered for

positions on the JJB.

If there is any difference of opinion between them, the majority view prevails. But, if there

is no majority, then the views of the Principal Magistrate take precedence.

2.Can the JJB function without all members present?

Yes, and orders passed by the JJB are not invalid only because one member was absent.

In fact, a child in conflict with law can even be produced before an individual member when

the JJB is not sitting (for instance, on a Sunday).

There are some areas when a minimum number of members must be present. For finally

deciding a case or deciding that a child should be tried by regular courts, at least 2

members must be present.






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3.What are the powers of a JJB?

The JJB has all powers of a normal magistrate court. In addition to this, there are several

functions and responsibilities that the JJB is conferred with.

These are aimed towards making the proceedings least intimidating and as child-friendly

as possible. So, the JJB works to ensure informed consent and participation of the child and

family at each stage. It has an interpreter or translator and assured legal aid for children in

need.

The other set of functions are aimed to ensure the protection of children. The JJB can

conduct jail visits to check if children are accidentally lodged there. It must inspect the

facilities for children at least once a month to check on their upkeep. Similarly, to the

magistrate, the JJB can also order the lodging of an FIR for offences committed against

children.

(Adapted from PIB and http://nyaaya.in)

4. Cabinet approves creation of Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (Relevant for GS

Prelims, GS Mains Paper II)

Constitution of Tribunal

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for adjudication of dispute on Mahanadi

River Waters. The Tribunal shall determine water sharing among basin States on the basis

of the overall availability of water in the complete Mahanadi basin, contribution of each

State, the present utilization of water resources in each State and the potential for future

development.

Created under Inter-State River Water Disputes (ISRWD) Act, 1956

As per provisions of the Inter-State River Water Disputes (ISRWD) Act, 1956, the Tribunal

shall consist of a Chairman and two other Members nominated by the Chief Justice of India

from amongst the Judges of the Supreme Court or High Court. Further, services of two

Assessors who are water resources experts having experience in handling sensitive water-

related issues will be provided to advise the Tribunal in its proceedings.

As per provisions of the ISRWD Act, 1956 the Tribunal is required to submit its report and

decision within a period of 3 years which can be extended to a further period not exceeding

2 years due to unavoidable reasons.

It is expected that with adjudication of dispute by the Tribunal, the long-pending dispute

between States of Odisha and Chhattisgarh on Mahanadi river will come to a final

settlement.






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Background

SC: need of tribunal on Mahanadi river water dispute

Recently, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to constitute a tribunal within a month to

adjudicate the Mahanadi river water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

View of Centre

The Centre had resisted constituting a tribunal, instead advocating a political resolution

through talks. During the recent winter session of Parliament, the Union Road Transport

Minister Nitin Gadkari had even asked Odisha to engage with Chhattisgarh through his or

the Prime Minister s office.

View of Odisha

Odisha, however, insisted on a legal route. Why was the Centre unsuccessful in getting

Odisha to the table?

It is time we invest in right, credible and institutionalised practices for enabling inter-State

mediation, coordination and cooperation.

CONSTITUTIONAL MECHANISM TO RESOLVE INTERSTATE WATER DISPUTES

(ARTICLE 262)

Art. 262 of constitution provides for adjudication of interstate water disputes.

It makes two provisions:

1.Parliament by law provide for mechanism to adjudicate interstate water disputes.

2.Parliament may also provide that neither Supreme Court nor any other court exercises

jurisdiction over interstate water disputes.

First provision has been incorporated so that Parliament by law can provide for effective

mechanism for resolution of interstate water disputes. Such mechanism is expected to

resolve the disputes within a limited time frame.

Second provision bars interference of Judiciary because in case interstate water dispute are

taken up by regular courts, it may take long time to be resolved. The regular courts are

already overburdened. Thus, there is a need for dedicated mechanism to resolve the

interstate water disputes.

Under provision of Art. 262, Parliament has passed two laws:






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1.River Boards Act, 1956: Provides for the establishment of river boards for the regulation

and development of interstate rivers and river valleys. A river board is established by the

Central Govern¬ment on the request of concerned states to advice the states.

2.Interstate water disputes act, 1956: Empowers the Central Government to set up an ad-

hoc tribunal for the adjudication of a dispute between two or more states in relation to the

waters of an interstate river. The decision of the tribunal would be binding and final.

Neither Supreme Court nor any other court has jurisdiction over water disputes referred to

such tribunals.

So far Central Government has constituted 9 interstate water dispute tribunals. However,

the mechanism of tribunal has largely failed to fulfill expected duties on the following

grounds:

1.Delay in providing decisions

-State Governments on account of political interests do not let tribunal members complete

their work.

-These tribunals are headed by retired Supreme Court judge. Sometimes these judges avoid

delivering unpopular judgements.

-State Governments often do not agree to decisions given by tribunal and on one pretext or

the other, approach the Supreme Court to resolve interstate water disputes.

2.Inadequacy related to structure

-Lack of infrastructure such as office space and staff with the tribunal.

-Lack of mechanism to enforce their decisions

(Adapted from pib and constitutional provisions from PrepMate-Cengage Indian

Polity Book; Chapter 16, Page 231)





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International Organization & Relations

1. Cabinet approves placing the new Instrument adopted by International Labour

Organization (ILO) Recommendation concerning The Employment and Decent Work

for Peace and Resilience (No.-205) before the Parliament (Relevant for GS Prelims

and GS Mains Paper II)

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its

approval for placing the new Instrument adopted by International Labour Organization

(ILO) Recommendation concerning The Employment and Decent Work for Peace and

Resilience (No.-205) before the Parliament. The International Labour Conference of ILO at

its 106th Session held in Geneva in June, 2015 adopted the Recommendation. India

supported the adoption of Recommendation.

What are ILO recommendations?

ILO Recommendations is a non-binding instrument which seeks to serve as a guiding

principle for national policy process. Each member state of ILO is required to submit the

instruments so adopted before the competent authority (the Parliament in case of India).

Are ILO recommendations binding?

The adoption and placing of the Instrument for the information of the Parliament does not

create any immediate obligation.

What is the role of recommendations?

The Recommendation provides guidance to member States on the measures to be taken to

generate employment and decent work for the purposes of prevention, recovery, peace and

resilience with respect to crisis situations arising from conflicts and disasters.

It also emphasizes the need to ensure respect for all human rights and the rule of law,

including respect for fundamental principles and rights at work and for international

labour standards, in particular those rights and principles relevant to employment and

decent work.

The Recommendation affirms the need to develop and strengthen measures of social

protection, as a means of preventing crises, enabling recovery and building resilience. It

states that Members should adopt a phased multi-track approach implementing coherent

and comprehensive strategies for promoting peace, preventing crises, enabling recovery

and building resilience. The approach should include promoting local economic recovery

for employment and decent work opportunities and socio-economic reintegration, social

protection and social inclusion, sustainable development, the creation of sustainable

enterprises (in particular small and medium-sized enterprises); ensuring consultation and






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encouraging active participation of employers and workers organizations in planning,

implementing and monitoring measures for recovery and resilience.

About recommendation no. 205

The Recommendation No. 205 is applicable to all workers and jobseekers, and to all

employers, in all sectors of the economy affected by crisis situations arising from conflicts

and disasters and to workers engaged in crisis response, including in the immediate

response.

(Adapted from PIB)

2. World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS 2018) (Relevant for GS Prelims,

GS Mains Paper II)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally inaugurated the World Sustainable Development

Summit 2018 in New Delhi s Vigyan Bhawan.

Organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), the three-day summit will see

participation from over 41 countries, bringing together different stakeholders in the fields

of sustainable development, energy and environment sectors.

The event was also attended by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate

Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minster for Industries and Commerce, Suresh Prabhu, Minister

of State (Independent Charge) Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri HardeepPuri, Minister of

State for Civil Aviation, Shri Jayant Sinha and other key leaders.

About TERI

The Energy and Resources Institute (formerly, Tata Energy Research Institute—TERI) is a

research institute based in New Delhi, established in the year 1974. It conducts research

work in the field of energy, environment and sustainable development with focus on

developing solutions to important environmental issues.

(Adapted from pib and Background from PrepMate-Cengage International

Organisations and Bilateral Relations; Chapter 20, Page 272)

3. International Conference on Sustainable Biofuels, ICSB 2018 (Relevant for GS

Prelims, GS Mains Paper III)

About Mission Innovation (MI)

Mission Innovation (MI) is a global initiative of 22 countries and the European Union to

dramatically accelerate global clean energy innovation. As part of the initiative,

participating countries have committed to double Clean Energy Research and Development

investments over five years.





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Sustainable Biofuel

The Sustainable Biofuel is one of the Seven Mission Innovation Challenges and India Co-

leads this along with other countries Brazil, Canada and China.

Conference

A two- day International Conference on Sustainable Biofuels is jointly being organized by

Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India on behalf of Mission Innovation and Biofuture

Platform at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

The conference will seek to a clear understanding of the development in bio-economy

made by participating countries, increase awareness of policy makers about the challenges

faced by the industry-investor for commercial scale up of advanced biofuels. A New Delhi

Declaration on Sustainable Biofuels will be endorsed during this International Conference

which has been prepared in consultation with the Mission Innovation Member countries,

and Biofuture Platform group.

(Adapted from PIB)

4. India and Iran signed of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) (Relevant

for GS Prelims)

India and Iran signed here in New Delhi today an Agreement for the Avoidance of Double

Taxation (DTAA) and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes on income.

The Agreement is on similar lines as entered into by India with other countries. The

Agreement will stimulate flow of investment, technology and personnel from India to Iran&

vice versa, and will prevent double taxation. The Agreement will provide for exchange of

information between the two Contracting Parties as per latest International Standards. It

will improve transparency in tax matters and will help curb tax evasion and tax avoidance.

What is DTAA?

A DTAA, also referred to as a tax treaty, is a bilateral economic agreement between two

nations that aims to avoid or eliminate double taxation of the same income in two

countries.

As on 31 March 2017, India has DTAA with 88 countries, but presently 85 has been in force.

(Adapted from pib)






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Economics

1. GeM 3.0 launched (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper III)

What is Government e Marketplace (GeM)?

Government e Marketplace (GeM), has been envisaged by Government of India as the

National Procurement Portal of India. GeM strives to keep pace with ever-evolving

technological challenges and stake holder aspirations and in line with this endeavour, GeM

is coming up with a scaled up third version.

The GeM 2.0 was launched as a pilot in August 2016 and its success led to this massive

transformation program – GeM 3.0 would offer standardised and enriched catalogue

management, powerful search engine, real time price comparison, template-based Bid and

RA creation, demand aggregation, e-EMD, e-PBG, user rating, advanced MIS and analytics

and more.

What is special about GeM 3.0?

Some of the notable enhancements in the 3.0 version:

-Market Based generic requirements across all government agencies

-Standardisation of specifications of both products and services enabling empirical price

comparability

-Completely transparent transactions across all ranges

-Generic standards established through universal service levels and cost comparison

enabled

-Open and dynamic market place with rating based on performance of user on website

(Adapted from Pib)

2. Launch of Startupindia Ranking Framework (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains

Paper III)

Three new tools for States and Union Territories for ranking of startups in the country was

launched by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry.

The tools are: The State and Union Territory Startup Ranking Framework, the Compendium

of Good Practices for Promoting Startups in India and the Startup India Kit. These will act

as catalysts to help the Startup India initiative to drive India s economic growth.

Startup States and UTs Ranking Framework






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The key objective of the Startup States and UTs Ranking Framework is to encourage States

and UTs to take proactive steps towards strengthening the Startup ecosystems at the local

level. The Ranking Framework will measure the impact of each step initiated at the local

level for building a strong Startup ecosystem. The Ranking Framework will also enable

contnuous learning through the dissemination of good practices.

The parameters of this feedback focus on all the actions and initiatives undertaken by

states on or before March 2018. These include having a startup cell or helpline and a

mobile or web portal for queries, the size of the startup mentor network created by the

state government and the number of key incubators for incubation support to startups.

The Startup India Hub portal will provide a platform for the launch of the Ranking

Framework.

Compendium of Good Practices for Promoting Startups

The official release of theStartup India Compendium of Good Practises for promoting

Startups in India focuses on enriching the Startup ecosystem through ethical behaviours

and is currently followed by 18 States and UTs. It covers 95 good practises across 7 areas of

intervention. These are distilled into 38 action points including Incubation Support, Seed

Funding, Angel & Venture Funding, Startup Policy & Implementation, Simplified

Regulations, Easing Public Procurement, Awareness & Outreach.

Startup India Kit

The Startup India Kit is primarily a one-stop guide on all Startup India offerings. It offers

vital information, advice and assistance through website links, statistics, tools, templates,

events, competitions and a glossary on startup terms. All the benefits available to startups

from the Startup India initiative can be found in the kit.

(Adapted from pib)

3. National Steel Policy (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III)

The National Steel Policy, 2017 envisages a crude steel capacity of 300 MT by 2030-31.

India s crude steel production crossed the 100 million tonnes(mt) in the year 2017.

The salient features of the National Steel Policy, 2017 are:-

-The National Steel Policy, 2017 aspires to achieve 300 MT of steelmaking capacity by

2030. This would translate into additional investment of Rs.10 lakh Crore and 1.1 million

additional workforces getting employed in the steel sector by 2030-31.

-The policy seeks to increase consumption of steel and major segments are infrastructure,

automobiles and housing.






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-National Steel Policy, 2017 seeks to increase per capita steel consumption to the level of

160 Kg by 2030-31 from the level of around 61 KG.

-Policy stipulates that adoption of energy efficient technologies by small steel producers

will be encouraged to improve the overall productivity & reduce energy intensity.

(Adapted from PIB)

4. India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) to enable Digital Payments in Post Offices by

April 2018 (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper III)

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) Expansion Programme continues to make brisk progress

and a nation-wide roll-out is scheduled beginning April 2018. Once the proposed expansion

is completed, IPPB will be providing the largest financial inclusion network in the country,

covering both urban as well as rural hinterland with ability to provide digital payment

services at the doorstep with the help of Postmen and Gramin Dak Sewaks (GDS). IPPB will

also enable more than 17 crore active account-holders of Post Office Savings Bank to make

interoperable digital payments including the benefit of NEFT, RTGS, UPI and bill payment

services. Additionally, the IPPB will enable acceptance of digital payments across post

offices in the country in line with the digital payments initiative of the government.

Why rope in Indian Post?

The main challenge banks today face in financial inclusion is the lack of last mile

connectivity. With the government s focus on financial inclusion, it is quite logical to

convert India Post to a bank given its strong network pan-India (especially in the rural

areas).

Banks simply do not have the kind of presence required to target the vast unbanked

population in the rural areas and even urban poor. However, India Post with its vast

network of more than 1.5 lakh offices, 90 per cent of which are in rural areas, can aid in

financial inclusion. This should be compared with about 1.05 lakh branches of all the banks

in the country. Further India Post is a significant player in the domestic remittance

business with experience in managing small savings deposits.

What would be new entity known as?

The new entity would be known as India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), a public limited

company under the Department of Posts, with 100 per cent Government of India equity.

As per the guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), payments banks can accept

deposits of up to Rs.1 lakh and sell insurance and mutual fund products.

About Payments Bank






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Payments banks can accept deposits up to `1 lakh per customer and are allowed to pay

customers interest on the money that is being deposited. Payments bank can open either

current accounts or saving accounts.

For companies that have operated as mobile wallets (which are a type of prepaid

instrument), this is a big step forward as it raises the funds limit and allows interest to be

paid on deposits, making it more attractive for users to store their money.

How Is a Payments Bank Different from a Bank?

Unlike a regular bank, a payments bank cannot loan money to people or issue credit cards.

Also, payments banks are only allowed to invest the money received from customers

deposit into government securities. While payments banks cannot issue credit cards, they

can issue ATM and debit cards.

How Payments Bank Will Ensure Financial Inclusion?

A payments bank account holder would be able to deposit and withdraw money through

any ATM or even through the small convenience shop in a village that sells mobile recharge

coupons. Thus, these small convenience shops will serve the purpose of bank branches.

Payments banks can be integrated with savings bank accounts. As already mentioned,

payments banks ATM or debit cards will also work on all banks machines. However,

payments banks cannot accept NRI deposits.

Which Companies Have Been Given Approval?

In 2015, RBI had granted in-principle approval to 11 entities, including Department of

Posts, to set up payments banks. The RBI guidelines say that payments bank licenses

would be granted to mobile firms, supermarket chains and others, to cater to individuals

and small businesses. These mobile firms, supermarket chains, mobile wallets would help

in extending reach of the payments banks across the country.

(Adapted from PIB and background from PrepMate-Cengage Economic Book;

Chapter 17, page 272)

5. Government of India makes Amendments in Small Savings Act (Relevant for GS

Prelims, GS Mains Paper II, GS Mains Paper III)

In order to remove existing ambiguities due to multiple Acts and rules for Small Saving

Schemes, Government of India has proposed merger of Government Savings Certificates

Act, 1959 and Public Provident Fund Act, 1968 with the Government Savings Banks Act,

1873. With a single act, relevant provisions of the Government Savings Certificates (NSC)

Act, 1959 and the Public Provident Fund Act, 1968 would stand subsumed in the new

amended Act without compromising on any of the functional provision of the existing Act.






14



Objective of common act

All existing protections have been retained while consolidating PPF Act under the

proposed Government Savings Promotion Act. No existing benefits to depositors are

proposed to be taken away through this process. The main objective in proposing a

common Act is to make implementation easier for the depositors as they need not go

through different rules and Acts for understanding the provision of various small saving

schemes, and also to introduce certain flexibilities for the investors.

Concerns addressed

However, concerns have been raised from different corners and also by print and social

media that the Government aims to bring down the protection against the attachment of

Public Provident Fund Account under any decree or order of any court in respect of any

debt or liability incurred by the depositors. It is made clear that there is no proposal to

withdraw the said provision and the existing and future depositors will continue to enjoy

protection from the attachment under the amended umbrella Act as well.

Also, Apprehension that certain Small Savings Schemes would be closed is also without

basis.

New benefits

Apart from ensuring existing benefits, certain new benefits to the depositors have been

proposed under the bill. These are:

1.As per PPF Act, the PPF account can t be closed prematurely before completion of five

financial years. If depositor wants to close PPF account before five years in exigencies, he

can t close the account. To make provisions for premature closure easier in respect of all

schemes, provisions could now be made through specific scheme notification. The benefits

of premature closure of Small Savings Schemes may now be introduced to deal with

medical emergencies, higher education needs, etc.

2.Investment in Small Savings Schemes can be made by Guardian on behalf of minor(s)

under the provisions made in the proposed bill Guardian may also be given associated

rights and responsibilities.

3.There was no clear provision earlier regarding deposit by minors in the existing Acts. The

provision has been made now to promote culture of savings among children.

4.There were no clear provisions in all the three Acts for the operation of accounts in the

name of physically infirm and differently abled persons. Provisions in this regard have now

been made.






15



5.As per existing provisions of the Acts, if depositor dies and nomination exists, the

outstanding balances will be paid to nominee(s). Whereas, Hon ble Supreme Court in its

judgement stated that nominee(s) is merely empowered to collect the amounts as Trustee

for the benefit of legal heirs. It was creating disputes between the provisions of the Acts

and verdict of Supreme Court. Hence, right of nominees have now been more clearly

defined.

6.In the existing Acts, there is no provision for nomination with regard to account opened

in the name of minor. Further, existing Acts say that if account holder dies and there is no

nomination and amount is more than prescribed limit, the amount shall be paid to legal

heirs. In this case, the guardian has to obtain succession certificate. To remove this

inconvenience, provisions for nomination with regard to account opened in the name of

minors have been incorporated. Further the provision has been made that if the minor dies

and there is no nomination, the balances shall be paid to guardian.

7.The existing Acts are silent about grievance redressal. The amended Act allows the

Government to put in place mechanism for redressal of grievances and for amicable and

expeditious settlement of disputes relating to Small Savings.

8.The above provisions which are proposed to be incorporated in the amended Act will add

to the flexibility in operation of the Account under Small Savings Schemes.

Apart from offering higher interest rates compared to bank deposits, some of the small

savings schemes also enjoy income tax benefits. No change in interest rate or tax policy on

small savings scheme is being made through this amendment.

(Adapted from Pib)

6. Cabinet approves New Bill to ban Unregulated Deposit Schemes and Chit Funds

(Amendment) Bill, 2018 (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper III)

In a major policy initiative to protect the savings of the investors, the Union Cabinet has

given its approval to introduce the following bills in the Parliament:-

(a) Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018 in parliament &

(b) Chit Funds (Amendment) Bill, 2018

The Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018

The bill is aimed at tackling the menace of illicit deposit taking activities in the country.

Companies/ institutions running such schemes exploit existing regulatory gaps and lack of






16



strict administrative measures to dupe poor and gullible people of their hard-earned

savings.

The Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018 will provide a comprehensive

legislation to deal with the menace of illicit deposit schemes in the country through,

a. complete prohibition of unregulated deposit taking activity;

b. deterrent punishment for promoting or operating an unregulated deposit taking scheme;

c. stringent punishment for fraudulent default in repayment to depositors;

d. designation of a Competent Authority by the State Government to ensure repayment of

deposits in the event of default by a deposit taking establishment;

e. powers and functions of the competent authority including the power to attach assets of

a defaulting establishment;

f. designation of Courts to oversee repayment of depositors and to try offences under the

Act; and

g. listing of Regulated Deposit Schemes in the Bill, with a clause enabling the Central

Government to expand or prune the list.

Salient Features:

The salient features of the Bill are as follows:

•The Bill contains a substantive banning clause which bans Deposit Takers from

promoting, operating, issuing advertisements or accepting deposits in any Unregulated

Deposit Scheme.

The principle is that the Bill would ban unregulated deposit taking activities altogether, by

making them an offence ex-ante, rather than the existing legislative-cum-regulatory

framework which only comes into effect ex-post with considerable time lags.

• The Bill creates three different types of offences, namely, running of Unregulated Deposit

Schemes, fraudulent default in Regulated Deposit Schemes, and wrongful inducement in

relation to Unregulated Deposit Schemes.

• The Bill provides for severe punishment and heavy pecuniary fines to act as deterrent.






17



• The Bill has adequate provisions for disgorgement or repayment of deposits in cases

where such schemes nonetheless manage to raise deposits illegally.

• The Bill provides for attachment of properties/ assets by the Competent Authority, and

subsequent realization of assets for repayment to depositors. Clear-cut time lines have

been provided for attachment of property and restitution to depositors.

• The Bill enables creation of an online central database, for collection and sharing of

information on deposit taking activities in the country.

• The Bill defines "Deposit Taker" and "Deposit" comprehensively.

"Deposit Takers" include all possible entities (including individuals) receiving or soliciting

deposits, except specific entities such as those incorporated by legislation.

"Deposit" is defined in such a manner that deposit takers are restricted from camouflaging

public deposits as receipts, and at the same time not to curb or hinder acceptance of money

by an establishment in the ordinary course of its business.

• Being a comprehensive Union law, the Bill adopts best practices from State laws, while

entrusting the primary responsibility of implementing the provisions of the legislation to

the State Governments.

Background:

The Finance Minister in the Budget Speech 2016-17 had announced that a comprehensive

central legislation would be brought in to deal with the menace of illicit deposit taking

schemes, as in the recent past, there have been rising instances of people in various parts of

the country being defrauded by illicit deposit taking schemes. The worst victims of these

schemes are the poor and the financially illiterate, and the operations of such schemes are

often spread over many States. Subsequently, Finance Minister in the Budget Speech 2017-

18 had announced that the draft bill to curtail the menace of illicit deposit schemes had

been placed in the public domain and would be introduced shortly after its finalization.

The Chit Funds (Amendment) Bill, 2018

The Union Cabinet has given its approval to introduce the Chit Funds (Amendment) Bill,

2018 in Parliament. In order to facilitate orderly growth of the Chit Funds sector and

remove bottlenecks being faced by the Chit Funds industry, thereby enabling greater

financial access of people to other financial products, the following amendments to the Chit

Funds Act, 1982 have been proposed:

• Use of the words "Fraternity Fund" for chit business under Sections 2(b) and 11(1) of the

Chit Funds Act, 1982, to signify its inherent nature.






18



• While retaining the requirement of a minimum of two subscribers for the conduct of the

draw of the Chit and for the preparation of the minutes of the proceedings, the Chit Funds

(Amendment) Bill, 2018 proposes to allow the two minimum required subscribers to join

through video conferencing duly recorded by the foreman, as physical presence of the

subscribers towards the final stages of a Chit may not be forthcoming easily. The foreman

shall have the minutes of the proceedings signed by such subscribers within a period of

two days following the proceedings;

• Increasing the ceiling of foreman's commission from a maximum of 5% to 7%, as the rate

has remained static since the commencement of the Act while overheads and other costs

have increased manifold;

• Allowing the foreman a right to lien for the dues from subscribers, so that set-off is

allowed by the Chit company for subscribers who have already drawn funds, so as to

discourage default by them; and

• Amending Section 85 (b) of the Chit Funds Act, 1982 to remove the ceiling of one hundred

rupees set in 1982 at the time of framing the Chit Funds Act, which has lost its relevance.

The State Governments are proposed to be allowed to prescribe the ceiling and to increase

it from time to time.

About Chit fund

A Chit fund is a kind of savings scheme practiced in India. According to the Chit Fund Act,

1982:

Chit means a transaction whether called chit fund, chit, kuree or by any other name by or

under which a person enters into an agreement with a specified number of persons such

that every one of them shall subscribe a certain sum of money by way of periodical

instalments over a definite period and that each such subscriber shall, in his turn, as

determined by lot or by auction or by tender or in such other manner as may be specified

in the chit agreement, be entitled to the prize amount .

How it works?

Chit funds operate in different ways. The basic necessity for conducting a chitty is a group

of needy people called subscribers. The foreman—the company or person conducting the

chitty—brings these people together and conducts the chitty. The foreman is also

responsible for collecting the money from subscribers, presiding over the auctions, and

keeping subscriber records. He is compensated by a fixed amount (generally 5% of the

gross chitty amount) for his efforts. Other than that, the foreman has no specific privileges;

he is just a chitty subscriber.

A simple formula depicts the pattern of the chitty:






19



Monthly premium × Duration (in months) = Gross amount

For example, 1000 × 50 = 50,000, where 1000 is the maximum monthly contribution

needed from a subscriber, 50 is the duration of the chitty in months, and 50,000 is the

maximum sum assured. The duration also equals the number of subscribers, as there must

be (not more or less) one subscriber to receive the prize money every month.

The chitty starts on an announced date, and all subscribers come together for the

auction/lot.

Usually, the minimum prize money of an auction is limited to 70% of the gross sum

assured; that is 35,000 in the above example. When more than one person is willing to take

this minimum sum, lots are conducted and the lucky subscriber gets the prize money for

the month. If there is no person willing to take the minimum sum, then a reverse auction is

conducted where subscribers open-bid for lower amounts; that is from 50,000 >> 49,000

>> 48,000, and so on. The person bidding the lowest sum will get the bid amount.

The auction discount, that is the difference between the gross sum and auction amount, is

equally distributed among subscribers or is deducted from their monthly instalment. For

example, if the auction is settled on a sum of `40,000, then the auction discount of `10,000 0,000 − 0,000 is divided among 0 members the total number of subscribers , and thus, each subscriber gets a discount of `200. The same practice is repeated every month

and every subscriber gets a chance of receiving the money.

(Adapted from pib)

7. Commercial coal mining opened for private sector (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS

Mains Paper III)

Coal India to lose monopoly

Opening up commercial coal mining for Indian and foreign companies in the private sector,

the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the methodology for auction of coal

mines/blocks for sale of the commodity.

Basis of auction

The auction — on an online transparent platform — will be an ascending forward auction

whereby the bid parameter will be the price offer in rupees per tonne, which will be paid to

the State government on the actual production of coal. There shall be no restriction on the

sale and/or utilisation of coal from the mine.

Need for bring private players






20



This reform is expected to bring efficiency into the coal sector by moving from an era of

monopoly to competition. It will increase competitiveness and allow the use of best

possible technology into the sector.

The official statement said the higher investment that the sector will now attract will create

direct and indirect employment in coal bearing areas especially in mining sector and will

have an impact on economic development of these regions.

Present position of Coal India Limited

Public sector undertaking Coal India was so far the lone commercial miner in the country

for over four decades. The company accounts for 84% of India s coal output.

Revenue to be given to States

As the entire revenue from the auction of coal mines for sale of coal would accrue to the

coal bearing States, this methodology shall incentivise them with increased revenues which

can be utilised for the growth and development of backward areas and their inhabitants

including tribals, it said. States in Eastern part of the country will be especially benefited.

Legislative backing






21



According to the government, it had promulgated the Coal Mines (Special Provisions)

Ordinance, 2014 in October 2014 for management and reallocation of cancelled coal blocks.

It was aimed at ensuring smooth transfer of rights, title and interests in the mines/blocks

along with its land and other associated mining infrastructure to the new allottees to be

selected through an auction or allotment to government company, as the case may be, it

had said.

That move followed the Supreme Court order in September 2014 cancelling 204 coal

mines/blocks allocated to the various Government and Private Companies since 1993

under the provisions of Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973. In a bid to bring

transparency and accountability, the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Bill 2015 was passed

by the Parliament which was notified as an Act in March 2015. Enabling provisions have

been made in the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 for allocation of coal mines by

way of auction and allotment for the sale of coal, the government said.

(Adapted from the Hindu and PIB)






22



Environment

1. World Wetlands Day (Relevant for GS Prelims)

World Wetlands Day

Every year, February 2 is celebrated as World Wetlands Day, to mark the date of adoption

of Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The Convention on Wetlands, called the Ramsar

Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action

and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their

resources. The Convention was adopted in 1971 at the Iranian City of Ramsar. India is a

party to the Convention since 1982, and committed to the Ramsar approach of wise use of

wetlands.

Nodal ministry for Wetlands in India

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as the nodal Ministry for

wetlands conservation has been supporting the State Governments/ Union Territories, in

design and implementation of Management Action Plans for conservation and

management of wetlands including Ramsar sites. Financial and technical assistance has

been provided to State Governments for implementation of Management Action Plans for

over 140 wetlands. Wetlands in India account for 4.7% of the total geographical area.

What are the Wetlands?

Wetlands are areas, intermediate or transitional, between water bodies and terrestrial

habitats. Wetlands include lake littoral (marginal areas between the highest and lowest

level of lakes), floodplains and other marshy or swampy areas, where water gets stagnated.

Stagnation of water may be due to poor drainage, impervious soil or due to man-made

factors such as accumulation of water in rice fields.

Importance of Wetlands

-Wetlands have ecological, scientific, economic and aesthetic significance.

-Wetlands have ecological importance, because wetlands are habitat to various species of

flora and fauna.

-Wetlands have scientific importance, because research on biodiversity can be undertaken

in these regions.

-Wetlands have economic importance, because tourism and other revenue-generating

recreational activities can be undertaken in these regions.

-Wetlands have aesthetic importance, because rich flora and fauna add beauty to these

regions.






23



Functions of wetlands are as follows:

-Wetlands trap nutrients and sediments from running water.

-As wetlands trap nutrients and sediments, they help in water purification.

-Wetlands are transitional areas between terrestrial and water bodies. Thus, these bodies

reduce impact of flood on terrestrial areas.

-Wetlands even facilitate maintenance of stream flow in some areas by contributing water

to dry streams.

-As wetlands are marshy regions, they assist in recharge of underground water.

-Wetlands minimise the impact of river on land and thus reduce soil erosion.

-Wetlands act as an obstruction to running water and thus reduce the flow of running

water.

(Adapted from the pib and Background from PrepMate-Cengage Environment &

Biodiversity book; Chapter 4, Page 50)

2. All-India Tiger Estimation 2018 to be Hi-Tech, More Accurate and Precise

(Relevant for GS Mains Paper III)

M-STrIPES

The All-India Tiger Estimation, 2018 exercise promises not just to be hi-tech, but will also

be far more accurate and precise than ever before.

Officers from National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and scientists from Wildlife

Institute of India explained how the current assessment uses Android phone-based

application and desktop version of M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers-Intensive

Protection and Ecological Status) for collecting, archiving and analyzing data.

How does it work?

The phone application automatically records the track log of surveys and line transects, as

well as authenticates the recorded data on signs and animal sightings with geo-tagged

photographs. With increased camera trap density and the use of android technology,

estimates arrived at are likely to be more robust – both in terms of accuracy and precision.

What is special about tiger census

This becomes evident from the fact that compared to the exercise conducted in the year

2006, when 9, 700 cameras were put up, the 2018 Estimation will use nearly 15, 000






24



cameras. It was also pointed out that it is not possible to count the photograph of every

tiger in the camera trap.

The Tiger Estimation exercise is the world s largest wildlife survey effort in terms of

coverage, intensity of sampling and quantum of camera trapping.

About Tiger census

India conducts the All India Tiger Estimation every four years. Three cycles of the

estimation have already been completed in 2006, 2010 and 2014. These estimates showed

estimates of 1, 411, 1, 706 and 2, 226 tigers respectively. The methodology has remained

the same in the three cycles in terms of concept, but latest scientific developments in the

field of animal abundance estimation have been incorporated and the best available science

to evaluate tiger status has been used.

Spatially Explicit Capture Recapture (SECR)

For the national status assessment 2014, Spatially Explicit Capture Recapture (SECR) in a

joint distribution approach, with ecologically relevant covariates was used. This approach

makes use of two samples – the first sample is collected by the forest staff of 18 tiger states

and is constituted by structured protocols that are easy and economical to generate

information on the presence of tigers and relative abundance, along with information on

prey, co-predators, habitat and human impact. The second sample is carried out by trained

wildlife biologists who collect information using camera traps on tiger, leopard and prey

abundance. Individual tigers and leopards are identified using a customized software that

uses the stripe and spot patterns (similar to human fingerprints) to identify individuals.

In 2014, over 70% of the estimated tiger population was through camera trapping, where

1686 photographs of individual tigers had been obtained. The remaining 30% of tigers

were from areas that had tigers, but had not been camera trapped and were estimated by

using robust statistical models, where ecological covariates of prey, habitat and human

impact were used.

Tiger conservation efforts

The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 was amended in the year 2006. Since then, the

Government has taken several initiatives in the field of tiger conservation. Tiger

conservation was given statutory backing. The newly-created NTCA was mandated to

carry out estimation of population of tiger and its natural prey species and assess status of

their habitat.

The Tiger Task Force realized that a major lacuna in tiger conservation was the absence of

a credible, scientific national monitoring protocol that will inform policy-makers and

wildlife managers on –

a.Spatial extent and the size of tiger population in India;






25



b.Welfare factors in these and neighbouring habitat (prey status, human pressure, other

wildlife species, status and habitat conditions);

c.Trends in the population and area occupied over time.

Following discussions and consultations with international experts, it was decided that the

Wildlife Institute of India will be mandated with the task of developing and implementing

the status assessment every four years under the direction of NTCA and in collaboration

with State Forest Departments, civil society and NGOs.

(Adapted from pib and background from PrepMate- Cengage Environment and

Biodiversity book; Chapter 13, Page 199)

3. India State of Forest Report 2017 Released (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains

Paper I and III)

Increase in trend of forest and tree cover

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said

that India has shown an increasing trend in the forest and tree cover, in comparison to the

global trend of decreasing forest cover during the last decade.

Salient features of the report

1.India ranks among the top ten countries of the world in terms of forest area, despite the

fact that none of the other 9 countries has a population density of more than 150 persons

per sq km, compared to India, which has a population density of 382 persons per sq km.

2. India is ranked 10th in the world, with 24.4% of land area under forest and tree cover,

even though it accounts for 2.4 % of the world surface area and sustains the needs of 17 %

of human and 18 % livestock population , the Minister said. He averred that despite such

tremendous population and pressures of livestock on our forests, India has been able to

preserve and expand its forest wealth.

3.Dr. Harsh Vardhan added that as per the latest FAO report, India is placed 8th in the list of

Top Ten nations reporting the greatest annual net gain in forest area.

4.Dr. Harsh Vardhan stated that the latest assessment shows that there is an increase of 8,

021 sq km (about 80.20 million hectare) in the total forest and tree cover of the country,

compared to the previous assessment in 2015. He added that the increase in the forest

cover has been observed as 6,778 sq km and that of tree cover as 1, 243 sq km.

5. The total forest and tree cover is 24.39 per cent of the geographical area of the country ,

the Minister pointed out. He also underlined the encouraging sign that much of the increase






26



in the forest cover has been observed in Very Dense Forest (VDF), as VDF absorbs

maximum carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The increase in forest cover in VDF is

followed by increase in open forest , the Minister said.

6. As per the ISFR 2017, the total mangrove cover stands at 4,921 sq km and has shown an

increase of 181 sq km. All the 12 mangrove states have shown a positive change in the

mangrove cover, as compared to the last assessment.

7.The extent of bamboo-bearing area in the country has been estimated at 15.69 million ha.

In comparison to the last assessment done in 2011, there has been an increase of 1.73

million ha in bamboo area. The Government has recently enacted a Bill in the Parliament

for taking out bamboo from the tree category, where it is grown outside forest areas.

This will encourage people to grow bamboo on private lands, which will be helpful in

increasing the livelihood opportunities for farmers and also enhance the green cover and

carbon stock of the country.

State wise break up

1. Giving the State-wise break-up, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that three states – Andhra

Pradesh (2141 sq km), followed by Karnataka (1101 sq km) and Kerala (1043 sq km) have

shown the maximum increase in forest cover.

2. Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover of 77,414 sq km in the country in terms of

area, followed by Arunachal Pradesh with 66,964 sq km and Chhattisgarh (55,547 sq km).

3.In terms of percentage of forest cover with respect to the total geographical area,

Lakshadweep with (90.33 per cent) has the highest forest cover, followed by Mizoram

(86.27 per cent) and Andaman & Nicobar Island (81.73 per cent) , the Minister stated.

4.The present assessment also reveals that 15 states/UT s have above 33 per cent of the

geographical area under forest cover. Out of these States and Union Territories, seven

States/UTs namely Mizoram, Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal

Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Manipur have more than 75 per cent forest cover, while

8 states – Tripura, Goa, Sikkim, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Chhattisgarh

and Assam have forest cover between 33 per cent to 75 per cent. About 40% per cent of the

country s forest cover is present in 9 large contiguous patches of the size of 10, 000 sq.km,

or more.

About the report

The India State of Forest Report 2017 is 15th such report in the series. The report contains

information on forest cover, tree cover, mangrove cover, growing stock inside and outside






27



the forest areas, carbon stock in India s forests and forest cover in different patch size

classes.

Special thematic information on forest cover such as hill, tribal districts, and north eastern

region has also been given separately in the report. The report for the first time contains

information on decadal change in water bodies in forest during 2005-2015, forest fire,

production of timber from outside forest, state wise carbon stock in different forest types

and density classes.

The spatial information given in the report is based on interpretation of LISS-III data from

Indian Remote Sensing satellite data (Resourcesat-II) with a spatial resolution of 23.5

meters. In addition extensive ground data collected by field parties at more than 18000

points all over the country and information from other collateral sources are also used to

improve the accuracy of the interpreted image.

Forest Survey of India (FSI) has been assessing the forest and tree resources of our country

on a biennial basis since 1987. The results of the assessment are published in its biennial

report titled India State of Forest Report (ISFR) .

(Adapted from PIB)

4. India is Global Host for World Environment Day 2018 (Relevant for GS Prelims)

Plastic Pollution is central theme this year

Terming plastic a serious menace, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate

Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has emphasised that the Ministry itself must take the lead in

discouraging the use of plastic.

India is a Global Host of World Environment Day 2018.

About World Environment day

World Environment Day

The World Environment Day (WED) that falls on June 5 every year, is the United Nation s

principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our

environment. First held in 1974, the WED has grown to become a global platform.

The WED was designated by the UN General Assembly in 1972 on the first day of United

Nations Conference on the Human Environment. Two years later, in 1974 the first WED

was held with the theme Only One Earth . Each year, WED has a new theme.

(Adapted from pib and Background from PrepMate-Cengage Environment and

Biodiversity Book; Chapter 21, Page 292)





https://prepmate.in/product/environment-biodiversity-civil-services/

https://prepmate.in/product/environment-biodiversity-civil-services/


28



5. Cabinet approves Ratification of the Minamata Convention on Mercury (Relevant

for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper III)

India and Minamata convention

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for ratification of Minamata Convention on

Mercury and depositing the instrument of ratification enabling India to become a Party of

the Convention.

The approval entails Ratification of the Minamata Convention on Mercury along with

flexibility for continued use of mercury-based products and processes involving mercury

compound up to 2025.

Details of convention

The Minamata Convention on Mercury is an international treaty designed to protect human

health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and

mercury compounds. This Convention was a result of three years of meeting and

negotiating, after which the text of the Convention was approved by delegates representing

close to 140 countries on 19 January 2013 in Geneva and adopted and signed later that

year on 10 October 2013 at a Diplomatic Conference held in Kumamoto, Japan. The

Convention is named after the Japanese city Minamata. This naming is of symbolic

importance as the city went through a devastating incident of mercury poisoning. It is

expected that over the next few decades, this international agreement will enhance the

reduction of mercury pollution from the targeted activities responsible for the major

release of mercury to the immediate environment.

The objective of the Minamata Convention is to protect the human health and the

environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury

compounds. It contains, in support of this objective, provisions that relate to the entire life

cycle of mercury, including controls and reductions across a range of products, processes

and industries where mercury is used, released or emitted. The treaty also addresses the

direct mining of mercury, its export and import, its safe storage and its disposal once as

waste. Pinpointing populations at risk, boosting medical care and better training of health-

care professionals in identifying and treating mercury-related effects will also result from

implementing the Convention.

The Minamata Convention provides controls over a myriad of products containing

mercury, the manufacture, import and export of which will be altogether prohibited by

2020, except where countries have requested an exemption for an initial 5-year period.

These products include certain types of batteries, of lamps such as compact fluorescent

lamps, of and relays, soaps and cosmetics, thermometers, and blood pressure devices.






29



Dental fillings which use mercury amalgam are also regulated under the Convention, and

their use must be phased down through a number of measures.

Minamata disease

Minamata disease was first discovered in Minamata city, Japan in 1956. It is caused due to

the release of industrial waste containing mercury into the water body. Mercury gets

converted into methylmercury and bioaccumulate in fishes. These fishes are consumed by

the local population.

Minamata is a neurological disease with the following symptoms:

1.Numbness in hands and feet.

2.General muscle weakness.

3.Problem in hearing, speech and vision.

4.The congenital form affects the foetus in the womb.

5.In extreme cases, insanity, paralysis, coma and death follow within weeks of acquiring the

disease.

(Adapted from PIB and background from PrepMate-Cengage book series; Chapter 5,

Page 83)






30



Science & Technology

1. Construction of new PHWR (Relevant for GS Prelims)

The Government has in June 2017 accorded administrative approval and financial sanction

for setting up ten indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) in Fleet

Mode, at an estimated cost of Rs 1,05,000 crore . The details of these PHWRs is given

below:

State /UT Location Project

Madhya Pradesh Chutka Chutka-1&2

Karnataka Kaiga Kaiga-5&6

Rajasthan Mahi Banswara Mahi Banswara- 1 & 2

Haryana Gorakhpur GHAVP– 3 & 4

Rajasthan Mahi Banswara Mahi Banswara- 3&4 These ten Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) are being built based on indigenous

technology and supply of equipment and services by Indian industry.

The total capacity to be added by these ten reactors would be 7000 MW. This capacity is

expected to be progressively added by the year 2031.

Uses of Heavy water

The process of chain reaction depends on the presence of a moderator such as heavy water.

A moderator is a material used in a nuclear reactor to slow down the neutrons produced

from fission. By slowing the neutrons, it loses the energy to break the uranium atom,

thereby keeping the chain reaction under control.

What is Heavy water?

Heavy water is made from oxygen bonded to one or more deuterium atoms. If both

hydrogen atoms are deuterium atoms, then the formula for heavy water is D2O. If one

hydrogen atom is deuterium and the other is protium, then the formula for heavy water is

DHO. Deuterium is an isotope of hydrogen which has one proton and one neutron. Protium,

the most common isotope of hydrogen, consists of a proton and has no neutron.

Heavy water is like ordinary water. In fact, one molecule per twenty-million water

molecules is a heavy water molecule. Heavy water is used especially as a moderator in

nuclear reactors.

(Adapted from PIB and Science and Technology Chapter 2, Page 32)





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31



2. ISRO planning to launch Chandrayaan-2 mission around April this year (Relevant

for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper III)

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North

Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic

Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is

planning to launch Chandrayan-2 Mission around April this year. Chandrayaan-2 is the

country's second mission to the moon, he added. Chandraayan-2 is a challenging mission as

for the first time we will carry an orbiter, a lander and a rover to the moon. He said that it is

a matter of pride that ISRO is launching Chandrayaan-2, which will place India at a new

height in space technology.

Chandrayaan-2 Chandrayaan-2 is India s second lunar exploration mission after

Chandrayaan-1. The mission is planned to be launched to Moon by a Geosynchronous

Satellite Launch Vehicle, GSLV MK II. It includes a lunar orbiter, lander and rover, all

developed by India. India is planning to launch Chandrayaan-2 by 2018.

The wheeled rover will move on the lunar surface and will pick up soil or rock samples for

on-site chemical analysis. The data will be relayed to Earth through Chandrayaan-2 orbiter.

1. Design of the Launch Vehicle: The mission is planned to fly on a Geosynchronous Satellite

Launch Vehicle, GSLV Mk II with an approximate lift-off mass of 3,250 kg (7,170 lb), from

Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota Island.

2. Orbiter: The orbiter will orbit the Moon at an altitude of 100 km. The Lander will come

out of orbiter.

3. Lander: Unlike Chandrayaan-1 s Moon Impact Probe, which impacted the Moon s surface,

the lander will make a soft landing to deploy the rover. The lander will not perform any

scientific activities. The approximate mass of the lander and rover together is about 1,250

kg.

4. Rover: The rover s mass is about 20 kg and it will operate on solar power. The rover will

move on wheels on the lunar surface, pick up samples of soil or rocks, perform on-site

chemical analysis and send the data to the orbiter above, which will relay it to the Earth

station.

The initial plan for the rover was to be designed in Russia and fabricated in India. However,

Russia gave up its plan on designing the rover in May 2010. Subsequently, ISRO decided on

designing and fabricating the rover. IIT Kanpur is developing the subsystems of rover.






32



Comparison with Chandrayaan-1: Chandrayaan-1 was India s first lunar probe. It was

launched by ISRO in October 2008, and operated until August 2009. The mission included a

lunar orbiter and not a rover. India launched the spacecraft using a PSLV-XL rocket.

(Adapted from pib and Science & Technology; Chapter 3, Page 63)





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33



Social issues

1. When two people get into wedlock, no one should interfere, says Supreme Court

(Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper I)

View of SC judge

Two adults are free to marry and no third party has a right to harass or cause harm to

them, said Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, speaking against honour killings.

What are Honour killing ?

Honour killinks are broad category of crimes. An honor killing or a shame killing] is the

homicide of a member of a family, due to the perpetrators belief that the victim has

brought shame or dishonor upon the family, or has violated the principles of a community

or a religion, usually for reasons such as refusing to enter an arranged marriage, being in a

relationship that is disapproved by their family, having sex outside marriage, becoming the

victim of rape, dressing in ways which are deemed inappropriate, engaging in non-

heterosexual relations or renouncing a faith.

Honor killings happen every day, all over the world. In some countries, the Islamic faith has

a hold on the laws allowing parents to kill children for bringing shame upon the family. The

shame does not have to be brought by committing a crime. It can be for something as

simple as eloping with a male partner.

What are Khap panchayats?

A Khap is a community organisation representing a clan or a group of related clans. They

are found mostly in northern India, particularly among the Jat people of Western Uttar

Pradesh and Haryana, although historically the term has also been used among other

communities. A Khap Panchayat is an assembly of Khap elders, and a Sarv Khap is an

assembly of many Khap Panchayats.

Khaps are not affiliated with the formally elected government bodies and is instead

concerned with the affairs of the Khap it represents. It is not affiliated with the

democratically elected local assemblies that are also termed Panchayat. A Khap Panchayat

has no official government recognition or authority, but can exert significant social

influence within the community it represents.

Role of Khap Panchayats

The Khap Panchayats frequently make pronouncements on social issues, such as abortion,

alcohol abuse, dowry, and to promote education, specially among girls.

The largest Khap in Haryana is the Satrol Khap, which allowed inter-caste marriage in

2014, providing the marriage is not within the same gotra, village, or neighbouring villages.






34



A 2015 Sarv Khap meeting launched a Save daughters, educate daughter movement.

Criticism of Khap Panchayats

The decisions of the patriarchal Khap Panchayats have often been associated with the

practice of honour killing.

In recent times, the Khap system has attracted criticism from groups, citing the stark

prejudice that such groups allegedly hold against others. The All India Democratic

Women s Association has reported cases where the Khaps are alleged to have initiated

threats of murder and violence to couples who marry outside of the circle.

(Adapted from pib)

2. WCD Ministry considering setting up National Women Entrepreneurship Council

(Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper I)

The Ministry of Women and Child Development is considering to establish National Women

Entrepreneurship Council (NWEC). NWEC will promote entrepreneurship as it would be

the umbrella organization for socio-economic gender parity, financial inclusion and

economic empowerment of women in India.

(Adapted from PIB)






35



Miscellaneous

1. Exam Warriors – book authored by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched

(Relevant for GS Prelims)

Students now will be able to refer to the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi s advice on

how to tackle exam challenges in his book, Exam Warriors .

About the book

The book seeks to add to the debate and discourse around the importance of stress-free

examinations by encouraging a focus on knowledge rather than purely on marks. In the

spirit of continuing dialogue, this book contains activities that are fun and thought-

provoking. A series of asanas and breathing exercises are also included in this book for

students to overcome stress.

(Adapted from PIB)

2. CRISIL, SIDBI Launch India s First MSE Sentiment Index (Relevant for GS Prelims)

CriSidEx

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Shri Arun Jaitley launched CriSidEx,

India s first sentiment index for micro and small enterprises (MSEs) developed jointly by

CRISIL & SIDBI here today.

What is CriSidEx?

CriSidEx is a composite index based on a diffusion index of 8 parameters and measures

MSE business sentiment on a scale of 0 (extremely negative) to 200 (extremely positive).

The parametric feedback was captured through a survey of 1100 MSEs in November –December.

CriSidEx will have 2 indices, one for the survey quarter and another for the next quarter

once a trend emerges after few rounds of the survey, providing independent time series

data.

Benefit of CriSidEx

The crucial benefit of CriSidEx is that its readings will flag potential headwinds and changes

in production cycles and thus help improve market efficiencies. And by capturing the

sentiment of exporters and importers, it will also offer actionable indicators on foreign

trade.

(Adapted from PIB)

3. SWAYAM PRABHA (Relevant for GS Prelims)






36



It is an initiative to provide 32 high quality educational channels through DTH (Direct to

Home) across the length and breadth of the country on 24X7 basis. This would enable to

deliver e-education in a most cost-effective manner.

The Department of Space has allotted two Transponders of GSAT-15 for the same. The

subscribers of free DTH service of Doordarshan (Free dish) would be able to view these

Educational channels using the same set Top Box and TV. No additional investment would

be required.

These educational programmes delivered over DTH shall also be made available at

YouTube as archival data. The information related to channel schedules; subject, archival

link etc are available on SWAYAM Prabha portal (https://swayamprabha.gov.in/) which is

developed by INFLIBNET Gandhinagar.

(Adapted from PIB)

4. National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (Relevant for GS Prelims)

What is NAFCC?

The National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) is a Central Sector Scheme

which was set up in the year 2015-16. The overall aim of NAFCC is to support concrete

adaptation activities which mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. The activities

under this scheme are implemented in a project mode.

What are the projects eligible under NAFCC?

The projects related to adaptation in sectors such as agriculture, animal husbandry, water,

forestry, tourism etc. are eligible for funding under NAFCC. National Bank for Agriculture

and Rural Development (NABARD) is the National Implementing Entity (NIE).

What is the procedure for approval?

The States/UTs are required to prepare the project proposal in consultation with NIE i.e.

NABARD. The project proposals are required to be approved by the State Steering

Committee on Climate Change to be eligible for consideration under NAFCC. It is the

discretion of the State Government to engage any organization to assist in project

preparation, as per their requirement

(Adapted from PIB)

5. Mission Indradhanush (Relevant for GS Prelims)

Intensified Mission Indradhanush has been launched on 8th October 2017 to increase the

full immunization coverage to 90% by December 2018. Inter-sectoral convergence along

with intensive planning and monitoring are the salient features of this mission. Funds






37



allocated for Routine Immunization under part C of PIP are being utilized by the state to

carryout Intensified Mission Indradhanush. Further, flexible additional funds to the tune of

Rs.6411.11 lakh have been provided only in the financial year 2017-18 based on states

proposals to carry out Intensified Mission Indradhanush. The state wise details are given

below:

Through Intensified Mission Indradhanush, the Government plans to reach the target of

90% Full Immunization Coverage of children by December 2018. As per the report of

Integrated Child Health and Immunization Survey (INCHIS), the first two phases of Mission

Indradhanush led to an increase of 6.7% in full immunization coverage.

Mission Indradhanush

Mission Indradhanush depicts 7 colours of the rainbow which aims to cover all those

children by 2020 who are either unvaccinated or are partially vaccinated against 7 vaccine

preventable diseases. These 7 diseases are Diphtheria, Whooping cough, Tetanus, Polio,

Tuberculosis, Measles and Hepatitis B.

The mission was launched in December 2014 on the occasion of National Good Governance

Day. The first phase was carried out in April 2015.

(Adapted from pib)

6. Eliminating AIDS By 2030 (Relevant for GS Prelims)

There has been a 66% decline in the estimated number of annual new HIV infections in the

country from 2000 to 2015, against the global average of 35%. AIDS related deaths

declined by 54% from 2007 to 2015 against the global average of 41% decline during 2005 – 2015.

Government of India has launched the seven-year National Strategic Plan on HIV/AIDS and

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) 017-24, which aims to attain universal coverage of

HIV prevention, treatment to care continuum of services that are effective, inclusive,

equitable and adapted to needs of the people living with HIV. The National Strategic Plan

aims to working towards reaching the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

(Adapted from pib)

7. Border fencing status with Bangladesh (Relevant for GS Prelims)

All feasible stretches along International borders with Bangladesh have been approved for

erection of barbed wire fence.

India shares 4096km border with Bangladesh. The total sanctioned length of fence along

Indo-Bangladesh border is 3326 Km out of which 2746.44 Km has been completed and the






38



balance ongoing work on encumbrance free stretches of land is targeted for completion by

March 2019.

(Adapted from pib)

8. BARC technology to convert sewage into bio-fertilizer (Relevant for GS Prelims)

Conventionally sewage treatment plant treats the sewage and the same is dried. The

technology developed by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) subjects the dried sludge

to crushing and exposure to 10 kGy radiation dose. This kills the pathogens in the sludge

and makes it safer for use.

In the next step, BIO-NPK (Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium) microorganisms are sprayed

on to it to make it bio- fertilizer. The use of such bio-fertilizer provides organic carbon and

other nutrients to the soil. The process also helps in recycling of the waste material to

useful Bio-fertilizer.

(Adapted from PIB)

9. States to use 5-10% of biomass pellets with coal for power generation in thermal

power plants (Relevant for GS Prelims)

Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh,

in a written reply to a question on progress on mixing crop residue pellets with coal for

power generation informed that the Ministry of Power has issued a policy to use 5-10% of

biomass pellets along with coal for power generation in thermal power plants.

Further, Shri Singh said that in order to promote use of the Biomass pellets, the Central

Electricity Authority (CEA) has written to all Central/State Utilities, State Governments,

Power Equipment Manufacturers/Integrated Power Producers/Generating Companies that

all fluidized bed and pulverized coal units of power generating utilities (coal based thermal

power plants), public or private located in India shall endeavour to use 5-10% blend of

Biomass pellets made, primarily, of agro residue along with coal after assessing the

technical feasibility, viz., the safety aspects etc.

(Adapted from PIB)

10. Swachh Bharat Sanitation Park inaugurated in Delhi (Relevant for GS Prelims)

The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, in collaboration with the Environmental

Sanitation Institute and Tata Trusts, has developed a Sanitation Park in Delhi.

Objective of setting Sanitation Park

The Sanitation Park was developed at CGO Complex in New Delhi with an objective to

create awareness on various safe technological options. The Park demonstrates various






39



options pertaining to toilet technologies and solid and liquid waste management

technologies, with a brief description of these technologies.

The Park also displays information regarding various interventions undertaken under the

Swachh Bharat Mission, capturing the success stories and impact created under the Mission

across the country. The park presents the opportunity for the visitors to understand the

various components and initiatives of SBM and familiarize themselves with different

technologies.

(Adapted from PIB)

11. More than 1700 SPECIAL JUVENILE POLICE UNITS (Relevant for GS Prelims)

More than 1700 Special Juvenile Police Units(SJPUs) have been established in the country.

Each district and city in the country has atleast one SJPU. The Police officers of the Special

Juvenile Police Unit are trained by their respective State Governments and State Police

Academies.

(Adapted from PIB)

12. Shri Nitin Gadkari releases India s first ever Highway Capacity Manual (Relevant

for GS Prelims)

The Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River

Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Nitin Gadkari released India s first ever

Highway Capacity Manual in New Delhi.

Indo-HCM

The manual, known as Indo-HCM, has been developed by CSIR – CRRI on the basis of an

extensive, country-wide study of the traffic characteristics on different categories of roads

like single lane, two-lane, multi-lane urban roads, inter-urban highways and expressways

and the associated intersections on these roads. The manual lays down guidelines for

when and how to expand or manage different types of roads and their intersections and the

level of services to be put in place.

First manual by India

While countries like USA, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan developed their own Highway

Capacity Manuals long time back, this is the first time that the manual has been developed

in India.

(Adapted from pib)

13. Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) outlets







40



The AMRIT retail outlets sell drugs at highly discounted rates. These outlets have a very

comprehensive list of medicines that are available across range of products.

More than 195 drugs for treatment of Cancer and 186 drugs for treatment of

Cardiovascular Diseases are being sold through AMRIT with a discount of more than 90%

are available to patients.

Government is planning to open 300 outlets in the country.

The project has been floated in a tie-up with government-owned HLL Lifecare Ltd (HLL)

which is mandated to establish and run the AMRIT chain of pharmacies across the country.

(Adapted from PIB)

14. Ministry of Railways Announces one of the World s Largest Recruitment Drive


Ministry of Railways has announced one of the world s largest recruitment processes for

89409 posts in Group C Level I (Erstwhile Group D) & Level II Categories.

(Adapted from pib)

15. Cabinet approves creation of National Urban Housing Fund (Relevant for GS

Prelims)

The Union Cabinet has given approval for creation of National Urban Housing Fund (NUHF)

for Rs. 60,000 crores. This fund will be situated in Building Materials and Technology

Promotion Council (BMTPC), an autonomous body registered under the Societies

Registration Act, 1860 under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

The Ministry has so far sanctioned 39.4 lakh houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana

(Urban). The target is to cater to the demand of housing shortage of nearly 1.2 crore and

make available housing to all by 2022, when the Country celebrates its 75thAnniversary of

Independence.

Purpose of NHUF

NUHF will facilitate raising requisite funds in next four years so that flow of Central

Assistance for housing progresses smoothly.

(Adapted from Pib)

16. Milan 2018 (Relevant for GS prelims)

The second week of March will witness Andaman & Nicobar Command hosting a

multinational mega event MILAN 2018.






41



What is MILAN?

MILAN is a congregation of littoral navies conducted biennially by Indian Navy at the

Andaman and Nicobar Islands, under the aegis of the Andaman and Nicobar Command.

Purpose of holding MILAN

Besides fostering co-operation through naval exercises and professional interactions,

MILAN also provides an excellent opportunity to the participating navies to come together

in a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding to nurture stronger ties.

History of MILAN

MILAN made modest beginnings more than two decades ago when it was first held in 1995.

The first edition saw participation of four littoral navies. From an event of sub- regional

context, MILAN has now grown into a prestigious international event and encompasses

participation by maritime forces from not just the Bay of Bengal and South East Asia but

the larger Indian Ocean Region (lOR).

About MILAN 2018

MILAN 2018 is being held at Port Blair from 06 March to 13 March 2018. The underlying

theme is 'Friendship Across the Seas'. The inaugural address will be delivered by Admiral

Sunil Lanba.

(Adapted from PIB)






42



Culture 1. Mahamastakabhisheka Mahotsav 2018 of Bahubali Bhagwan (Relevant for GS

Mains Paper I and GS Prelims)

The President of India has inaugurated the Mahamastakabhisheka Mahotsav 2018 of

Gommateshwara Bhagwan Sri Bahubali Swami at Shravanabelagola. The

Mahamastakabhisheka Mahotsav is celebrated once every 12 years. It has been celebrated

for about a 1,000 year.

About Bahubali

Bahubali is regarded as son of 1st Jain TirthankarRishabhadev/Adinath/Adishvar.

Gomateshwara, also known as Bahubali, was challenged by his brother Bharata over the

succession to the throne. Though Bahubali finally emerged victorious, he realized the

futility of materialistic things, renounced the world, and its comforts and went in search of

nirvana. Driven by his quest, he stood in deep meditation and came to be known as Gomata.

Mahamastakabhisheka

It was Chavundaraya, commander of the Ganga kingdom, who consecrated the statue of

Bahubali in AD 981. A 57 feet high monolith statue of the Bahubali is situated above a hill in

Sravanabelagola, Karnataka. Mahamastakabhisheka (the anointing ceremony) of this

Bahubali idol is an important Jain festival held once every 12 years.

(Adapted from pib and Background from Ancient and Medieval History & Culture;

Chapter 5, Page 50)





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Table of Contents - prepmate.in...ISRO planning to launch Chandrayaan-2 mission around April this year (Relevant for GS Prelims, ... 11. More than 1700 SPECIAL JUVENILE POLICE UNITS