The Hindu - IAS gatewayy...• China backs Pakistan’s ‘Quest for Peace’ via talks • China taps India as digital economy partner • Sirisena dissolves Sri Lanka parliament,

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The Hindu

Current Affairs

November - 2018

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1. RIGHTS ISSUES:

• Quota for Marathas approved

• To resign is a right of the employee: SC

• PIL urges minimum wages act for domestic workers

2. STATE LEGISLATURE:

• It’s not yet time to revoke AFSPA: Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh

3. JUDICIARY:

• Share non-confidential info on Rafale Deal, SC tells Govt.

• SC warns HCS over vacancies

• No Double jeopardy bar if there was no trial: supreme court

• Deny MSP to stubble burners: NGT

• SC Pulls up states for delay in recruitment of judges

4. GOVERNANCE

• Madras HC bans online sale of drugs

• RBI Autonomy is ‘Essential’, says centre

• ENDOSULFAN: council panel wants waters tested

5. INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS:

• PLEA Seeks ban on convicts from contesting polls

1. INDIA AND ITS NEIGHBOUR:

• China backs Pakistan’s ‘Quest for Peace’ via talks

• China taps India as digital economy partner

• Sirisena dissolves Sri Lanka parliament, polls on Jan. 5

2. INTERNATIONAL POLICIES & SCHEMES:

• Xi calls for ‘NEW ERA’ in ties with Pakistan

• Iran oil: India to get U.S. Sanctions waiver

3. INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS – SUMMITS, WORKING, ORGANISATIONS:

• Myanmar meet didn’t discuss Rohingya issue

• India to join Afghan Peace talks

• Saudi Arabia in talks to cut crude output

2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. POLITY / GOVERNANCE

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• Fitch retains rating for India at ‘BBB-’

• Global fight on malaria stalled: WHO

• Maldives to pull out of china FTA

• WTO panels to review U.S. Steel, aluminium tariffs

• EU, U.K. Reach draft deal on Post-Brexit relationship

• China hopes for trade war solution at g20 xi-trump talks

• Sri Lanka signs port deals with china Amid political upheaval

4. INDIA BILATERAL COOPERATION:

• ASEAN member countries of RCEP offer India concession

• Pm Calls for Inclusive Indo-Pacific

• India, china Agree to expand military ties

• India, Russia to build stealth frigates

• India, china set for first Post-Wuhan border talks

1. AGRICULTURE, INSURANCE, SUBSIDY, MARKETING:

• Why are onion prices fluctuating?

• Efforts on to harness ai to improve Tea Quality

• India to export sugar to China

• Cotton prices harden on higher minimum support prices

• Is crop insurance scheme losing steam?

• Farmers’ march to demand fixed MSP, freedom from debts

2. BANKING:

• Challenge to the Reserve Bank of India’s Reserve(s)

• RBI unlikely to open window for NBFCS

• Govt. Wants more say in RBI decision-making

• RBI-centre tussle: in case of a split vote, governor holds the aces

3. CAPITAL MARKET:

• ECB norms for infra firms eased

• SBI sells over ₹400 Cr. Electoral bonds

4. TAXES AND TAXATION:

• GST, a game-changer reform for logistics sector

3. ECONOMY



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• Govt plans linking e-way bill with FASTAG, logistics data bank to check GST evasion

5. INFRASTRUCTURE ROAD, INLAND, RAILWAY AVIATION, HOUSING, RURAL &

URBAN:

• Six airports set to be privatized

6. INDUSTRIES, TEXTILE, E -COMMERCE, PHARMA, SERVICE:

• Government Announces incentives for MSMES

• IIP growth slips to 4.5% in September; retail inflation eases to 3.31% in October

• TRAI to analyse implications of over-the-top services’ growth

• National biopharma mission

7. GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT, NATIONAL INCOME:

• Behind India’s leap in ease of doing business

• Sc to hear plea on pf pension plan

8. WTO, INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS

1. BIO DIVERSITY

• 461 Elephants electrocuted between 2009 and 2017

• Water ATM’s may help in bridging safe water gap

• New team of wildlife experts to probe killing of tigress AVNI

• 6 kg of plastic found in dead whale’s stomach

• Andaman & Nicobar Islands: home to a tenth of India’s fauna species

• Indian leopard

2. CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS IMPACTS:

• Japan Island feared to be ‘Missing’

• Report sees climate risk from rise in Indian ac units

• A virtual climate summit to cut carbon footprint

• Extreme weather turning arctic brown, may impact climate change: study

• Fragile climate puts food security at risk: UN Report

• Brazil loses forests equal to ‘1 MN football pitches’

3. POLLUTION AND WASTE MANAGEMENT

• Only ‘Green’ Crackers can be sold in Delhi, says SC

• Delhi air worsens after Deepavali

4. ENVIRONMENT



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• NGT imposes Rs 50 crore fine on Punjab over river pollution

• EPCA calls for curbs on Non-CNG private vehicles

• New index quantifies how air pollution cuts life expectancy

4. NATIONAL CONSERVATION & MITIGATION

• Saving wetlands in Tamil Nadu from extinction

• Amaravati: MOEF ‘no’ to forest use

5. DISASTER MANAGE UNIT:

• California fire death toll rises to 83

6. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

1. SPACE TECHNOLOGY

• ‘NASA’s historic dawn mission to asteroid belt comes to end’

• GSAT11

• New space industry emerges: servicing satellites in orbit

• Lunar lander faces crucial test

• ISRO’S imaging Satellite HYSIS is all set for launch on November 29th

• Nasa's insight lands on mars 'with 1 lakh Indians'

• ISRO puts ‘sharp eye’ into orbit

• ISRO plans to make GAGANYAAN mission indigenous

2. BIOTECHNOLOGY:

• ‘China halts work on gene-editing babies’

3. MEDICINE AND PHARMACEUTICALS

• HIV infected children likely to suffer cognitive impairment: study

• ’Mini human placenta’ may help prevent reproductive disorders

4. NEWER INVENTION

• Kilogram gets a new definition

• Rafale fighter made for India takes maiden flight

• Navy makes formal request for multi-Role U.S. Copters

5. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

6. DEFENCE



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• IEDS pose biggest risk in Manipur, insurgents coming from Myanmar: Army

• NSCN-K faction opens to peace talks

• Criminal law ill-equipped to deal with cases of riots: Delhi HC

• Heavy snowfall snaps connectivity to valley

• Cyclone GAJA

• Literacy levels in rural India Suffer From migration of families

• Farmers badly hit by Demonetization, Admits Agriculture Ministry

• An Endangered Tribe- the Sentinelese

• India to study marijuana-derived drugs

• Incredible India campaign: TAWANG monastery

• SAUBHAGYA yojana

7. INTERNAL SECURITY

8. MISCELLANEOUS

8. SCHEMES



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Current Affairs

November - 2018

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QUOTA FOR MARATHAS APPROVED

GS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers

& privileges and issues arising out of these.

Topic: State Legislature

Context:

• The Maharashtra Cabinet on Sunday cleared the decision to extend reservation to the

Maratha community by creating a new category called Socially and Educationally

Backward Class (SEBC) on the recommendations of the State Backward Class

Commission.

Details:

• The reservation quantum will be fixed by the Cabinet sub-committee assigned to chalk out

the technical aspects of the law that will be presented in the next two weeks.

• The recommendations are Marathas are socially and educationally backward class of

citizens with miniscule representation in the government and semi-government services;

socially and educationally backward class can be extended benefits of reservation under

Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution and in view of such extraordinary and

exceptional condition, the State government is liable to take action.

• The quota has been approved under extraordinary and exceptional condition for the fact

that this would cross 50% mark set by the Supreme Court

• This step does not approval from the centre or various bodies of centre because this do not

require including or merging Maratha reservation with that of the OBCs.

TO RESIGN IS A RIGHT OF THE EMPLOYEE: SC

Mains level: GS 2: Governance

Prelims level: Not much

Context:

• To resign is a right of an employee and he cannot be forced to continue, the Supreme

Court has said in a recent order.

Details:

• An employee cannot be compelled to serve in case he is not willing “until and unless there

is some stipulation in the rules or in the terms of appointment or disciplinary proceedings



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is pending or contemplated which is sought to be avoided by resigning from the services.”

says the Supreme Court

• This is the case related with the appeal of a former Air India engineer, who was refused

his dues by the Central government carrier.

PIL URGES MINIMUM WAGES ACT FOR DOMESTIC WORKERS

Mains Level: GS: 3 - Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of

resources, growth, development and employment.

Prelims Level: Growth and Development

Context:

• A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking its intervention to bring dignity to

“India’s invisible workforce in the informal sector” — the domestic workers, in the form

of financial guarantee through minimum wages.

Details:

• Domestic workers are amongst the lowest paid and often amongst the most informal

group of wage employees.

• They are frequently excluded from minimum wage protection.

• A minimum wage recognizes the economic and social contribution of these workers and is

a key means of ensuring the principle of equal pay for work of equal value. Domestic

workers should also be entitled to this without any discrimination

• ILO Convention No. 189 recognizes that “Each Member shall take measures to ensure that

domestic workers enjoy minimum wage coverage, where such coverage exists, and that

remuneration is established without discrimination based on sex”. Though India has not

ratified this convention yet, we as a nation striving towards welfare approach, shall work

towards achieving this. They are facing multiple because of its unorganized and

unrecognized nature such as absence of social security benefits such as health insurance,

pension, leave benefits and as such

• Provision of assured minimum wages could help them to come out the above difficulties.



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IT’S NOT YET TIME TO REVOKE AFSPA: MANIPUR CHIEF MINISTER

BIREN SINGH

GS 3: Various security forces and agencies and their mandate

Context:

• The time has come to review the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Manipur

but it cannot be completely lifted as yet, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said.

Reasons:

• Manipur has bordered by Myanmar and hence insurgency movement is a cause of

concern in the bordering areas. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 provide the

security forces an immunity to operate in insurgency-hit areas.

• Finding the persons involved in extremist activities in Manipur is becoming difficult

because of the fact they are mixed with the population of the state, hence the role of

security forces in tackling any extreme situations becomes necessary

About AFSPA:

How a region is declared ‘disturbed’?

• Section (3) of the AFSPA empowers the governor of the state or Union territory to issue an

official notification in The Gazette of India, following which the Centre has the authority

to send in armed forces for civilian aid.

• Once declared ‘disturbed’, the region has to maintain status quo for a minimum of three

months, according to The Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act, 1976.

• The state governments can suggest whether the act is required to be enforced or not. But

under Section (3) of the act, their opinion can be overruled by the governor or the Centre.



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SHARE NON-CONFIDENTIAL INFO ON RAFALE DEAL, SC TELLS GOVT.

GS2: Governance

Context:

• The Supreme Court has asked the government to provide the information “which can be

legitimately placed in the public domain” to the petitioners and asked to file the affidavit

in case of objections in disclosing the details to the public.

About Rafale aircraft:

• It is a 4th generation aircraft with

twin engine, multi role aircraft.

• It is capable of carrying out all

combat missions: air defence,

interception, ground support, in-

depth strikes, reconnaissance,

anti-ship strikes and nuclear

deterrence, can carry out both

air-ground as well as air-to-air

attacks

• This could be used for long range possession attack missions

• The 4th generation Aircraft capabilities involve Situational awareness in which Aircraft

has got those sensors which enable the pilot to be aware situationally and detect the

enemy Aircraft for which the Rafale has got AESA radar.

About Rafale deal controversy:

Background:

• Initially the tender was placed in 2007 for 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircrafts

(MMCRA) fighters

• Dassault Aviation of France was selected because of its low bid in 2012

• As per the earlier deal, 18 fighters out of 126 were to be imported in a fly away condition

to India

• And there would be a technology transfer for the remaining 108 aircrafts and HAL would

be manufacturing these with the technology transfer from Dassault



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• But due to challenges in fixing the price details, the deal got struck and remained

unsigned.

• In 2015, It was then announced that Dassault would manufacture 36 aircrafts in a flyway

condition and to be imported into India

• This announcement has brought various concerns and allegations

Controversial points

• No provision on ‘Technology transfer’ as mentioned in the earlier deal has been provided.

• The new deal which mentions on 50% offset clause, which would indeed facilitate the

implementation of ‘Make in India’ by Dassault through offsets for 50% value for the

supply protocol is contended on the point (with the major share by the private company)

on how it would benefit in the long term of improving air defence. Here no role is given

for Indian public sector company including HAL, as mentioned in the earlier deal.

• The cost negotiated in the current deal is also said to be higher than the previous deal and

also not put in the public domain citing security reasons

Way forward:

• Sharing the information in public and clearing the alleged points sooner to enhance the

operational capability of IAF and hence strengthen combat preparedness.

SC WARNS HCS OVER VACANCIES

GS 2: Role of judiciary

Context:

• The Supreme Court on Thursday cautioned the States and the High Courts that it would

resort to a “centralised selection mechanism” if they did not act promptly to fill the over

5,000 judicial posts lying vacant in the lower judiciary. There are 5,133 vacant posts across

the High Courts and the recruitment process is under way for 4,180 posts and for 1,324

posts it is yet to begin, according to data given to the Supreme Court.

Reason for this statement by the Supreme Court:

• The slow process of recruitment is inadequate for smooth functioning of courts

• The SC has said that the timeline provided to fill the recruitment of judicial officers by the

states and High courts has been missed.



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Mains question

• Indian judiciary system is facing a problem of understaffed judiciary. Discuss its

repercussions and resolutions.

• According to the Law ministry data, India has 19 judges per 10 lakh people on an average,

which also tells that judiciary faces a combined shortage of over 6,000 judges, including

over 5,000 in the lower courts itself.

Consequences of understaffed judiciary

• Judicial backlog and delay

• Delayed justice would give mental and monetary harassment to litigants

• It would also result in lesser number of cases and restrain public from filing cases

• It provides a way to perpetuate crime and remove the fear of law and punishment from

the mind of perpetrators.

• It could also to poor data management system in place

Way forward:

• Need to improve the infrastructure of judicial system and increase the human resources at

the disposal of judiciary

• Information technology can be used to standardize data management system and used in

accelerating the cases. Institution of morning and evening courts could be leveraged.

• Increasing the judge strength by increasing recruitment as well as the retirement age of

judges; Setting up of special courts like commercial courts, e-courts, ADR methods for

speedy disposal of cases.

• Improving physical infrastructure of courts to improve efficiency

• The above steps could be incorporated in a holistic manner to see reduce the consequences

of understaffed judiciary in India.

NO DOUBLE JEOPARDY BAR IF THERE WAS NO TRIAL: SUPREME COURT

Context:

• The bar of double jeopardy does not arise if an accused was discharged of a criminal

offence, even before the commencement of trial, on the basis of an invalid sanction for

prosecution, the Supreme Court has held.



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Details:

• Article 20(2) of the Indian constitution says that ‘No person shall be prosecuted and

punished for the same offence more than once’

• The bench has made a judgment that “if an accused has not been tried at all and convicted

or acquitted, the principles of double jeopardy cannot be invoked at all.”

• If an earlier order of sanction was found to be invalid, there is no bar for the competent

authority to issue a proper order of sanction for prosecution

• The courts are not to quash or stay the proceedings under the Act merely on the ground of

an error, omission or irregularity in the sanction granted by the authority unless it is

satisfied that such error, omission or irregularity has resulted in failure of justice

DENY MSP TO STUBBLE BURNERS: NGT

GS 3: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices

Context:

• Stating that State governments had failed to curb stubble burning, the National Green

Tribunal (NGT) on Monday summoned the Chief Secretaries of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana

and Uttar Pradesh.

• Officers have been directed to draw up a plan to provide economic incentives and

disincentives to farmers.

Details:

• During the hearing, it was suggested to the Bench that incentives could be provided to

those who are not burning the stubble and disincentives for those who continue the

practice.

• It was also suggested to deny the MSP benefits to those who continue to burn the crop

residue

About National Green tribunal:

• The National Green Tribunal has been established on 18.10.2010 under the National Green

Tribunal Act 2010 for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental

protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.



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• The responsibilities also include enforcement of any legal right relating to environment

and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters

connected therewith or incidental thereto.

• It is a specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental

disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues. The Tribunal is not bound by the procedure

laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, is guided by principles of natural

justice. The Tribunal's dedicated jurisdiction in environmental matters shall provide

speedy environmental justice and help reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts.

• The Tribunal is mandated to make and endeavour for disposal of applications or appeals

finally within 6 months of filing of the same.

SC PULLS UP STATES FOR DELAY IN RECRUITMENT OF JUDGES

GS 2: Governance

Context:

• The Supreme Court on Thursday pulled up various

State governments and the administrative side of

the High Courts for delay in filling vacancies in

subordinate judicial services.

Details:

• It is said that there are more than 5,000 vacancies

for subordinate judicial posts

• More than three crore cases are pending in the

lower courts.

• The source of the problem lay in poor infrastructure, from courtrooms to residences for

judges, and a sheer lackadaisical approach to conducting the appointment process on

time.



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MADRAS HC BANS ONLINE SALE OF DRUGS

GS 2: Role of Judiciary

GS 3: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects

on industrial growth.

Context:

• The Madras High Court on Wednesday

directed the Union Ministry of Health and

Family Welfare and the competent authorities

under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, to

immediately stop online sale of medicines that

could be sold only in pharmacies on the

prescription of a registered medical

practitioner.

Why this:

• Though Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 bans the online sale of drugs without licenses,

the online sale without license is happening.

• The online drugs disguised as cheap products may end up selling harmful products.

• Unscientific sale, prescription may not be checked properly

• High chances of drugs online by unlicensed prescribers, which may end up harmful to

patients and also lead to unregulated sales.

About Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945:

• The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 are the set of rules under The Drugs and Cosmetics

Act, 1940 which contains provisions for classification of drugs under given schedules and

there are guidelines for the storage, sale, display and prescription of each schedule.

RBI AUTONOMY IS ‘ESSENTIAL’, SAYS CENTRE

GS2: Role of statutory bodies

Context:

• The Ministry of Finance has acknowledged that the autonomy of the Reserve Bank of

India is an ‘essential and accepted governance requirement’. On the other hand, it neither



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confirmed nor denied that it had issued directives to the central bank under section 7 of

the RBI Act.

Section 7 of the RBI Act

• The provision in the RBI Act empowers the government to issue directions to the RBI.

• The details are given below.

• Though the RBI is an independent entity in terms of decision making on economic

matters, it has to listen to the government on certain matters.

1. The Central Government may from time to time give such directions to the Bank as it may,

after consultation with the Governor of the Bank, consider necessary in the public interest.

2. Subject to any such directions, the general superintendence and direction of the affairs and

business of the Bank shall be entrusted to a Central Board of Directors which may exercise

all powers and do all acts and things which may be exercised or done by the Bank.

3. Save as otherwise provided in regulations made by the Central Board, the Governor and

in his absence the Deputy Governor nominated by him in this behalf, shall also have

powers of general superintendence and direction of the affairs and the business of the

Bank, and may exercise all powers and do all acts and things which may be exercised or

done by the Bank

Current situation:

• This particular section has not been used till recently. Now it is not clear if the government

has invoked this provision due to different opinions in handling the issue between the

government and the RBI.

• The government has invoked this for the cases of differences on easing lending rules for

the banks under the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) and February 12 circular.

Way forward:

• The government has to make clear guidelines if it has invoked Section 7 of the RBI act and

also make clear guidelines on further steps by consulting with various stakeholders

including the RBI.

• This could as a framework to solve the differences between the government and the RBI.



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ENDOSULFAN: COUNCIL PANEL WANTS WATERS TESTED

GS 3: Environmental conservation

Context:

• The Assurances Committee of the Karnataka Legislative Council on Wednesday directed

the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner to get the surface and the groundwater of

endosulfan-affected areas tested to verify whether they are the still contaminated with the

chemical.

Details:

• It has been said that there had been an extensive usage of endosulfan between 1980 and

2000, people continuing to get affected by the symptoms raises suspicion as to whether it

is still present in the environs.

• Meanwhile there are suggestions and demands like opening of permanent rehabilitation

centres, four more day-care centres, well-equipped ambulance for victims, providing

nutritious food, vocational training to victims and others.

About Endosulfan:

• Endosulfan is an off-patent organochlorine insecticide and acaricide that is being phased

out globally. Endosulfan became a highly controversial agrichemical due to its acute

toxicity, potential for bioaccumulation, and role as an endocrine disruptor.

• Because of its threats to animal and human health and the environment, a global ban on

the manufacture and use of endosulfan was negotiated under the Stockholm Convention

in April 2011. The ban has taken effect in mid-2012, with certain uses exempted for five

additional years.

• More than 80 countries, including the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, and

several West African nations, the United States, Brazil, and Canada had already banned it

or announced phase-outs by the time the Stockholm Convention ban was agreed upon. It

is still used extensively in India, China, and few other countries.

Endosulfan usage in India:

• India is one of the largest producers and consumers of endosulfan in the world. It is

widely used in most of the plantation crops in India. The toxicity of endosulfan and health



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issues due to its bioaccumulation came under media attention when health issues

precipitated in the Kasargod District (of Kerala) were publicized

• Effects such as

✓ Humans- congenital disabilities, hydrocephalus, diseases of the nervous system,

epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and severe physical and mental disabilities.

✓ endosulfan also attacks flora and fauna. For examples, it has found that it has killed

butterfiles, insects, frogs and also birth defects such as calves were born with

twisted legs and other with two heads.

• This inspired protests, and the pesticide was banned in Kerala as early as 2001, following a

report by the National Institute of Occupational Health. In the Stockholm Convention on

Persistent Organic Pollutants of 2011, when an international consensus arose for the global

ban of the pesticide, India opposed this move due to pressure from the endosulfan

manufacturing companies

• This flared up the protest, and while India still maintained its stance, the global conference

decided on a global ban, for which India asked a remission for 10 years.

• Later, on a petition filed in the Supreme Court of India, the production, storage, sale and

use of the pesticide was temporarily banned on 13 May 2011, and later permanently by the

end of 2011. Later due to continuous protests and impact on human health and

environment, India has agreed to phase out use of Endosulfan by 2017 and all existing

stock of the pesticide in the country is past its expiry date

PLEA SEEKS BAN ON CONVICTS FROM CONTESTING POLLS

GS2: Governance

Context:

• The Supreme Court on Thursday nodded in favour of considering a petition for a life-time

ban from contesting elections for politicians convicted in criminal cases.

• The ban has been proposed as a measure to rid politics of criminality and corruption

Where to use this?

• Role of supreme court in decriminalization of politics

• Nexus between politicians and criminals



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Mains question

What do you understand by criminalization of politics, discuss on this existence in society and

suggest solutions to eradicate the same.

• Criminalization of politics means that the criminals entering the politics and contesting

elections and getting to the Parliament and state legislatures and also acting as a pressure

group and influencing the political decisions to act in their favor.

• Recent Data from the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) indicate that 179 out of

the 543 elected Members of Parliament in the present Lok Sabha have criminal case

pending against them. In the case of over 100 MPs, the cases were of a very serious nature

such as crimes against women and kidnapping. The data shows how the politics has been

criminalized in India.

Reasons for criminalization of politics

• The unholy nexus between the politicians and criminals is mainly due to the mutual gain

that they get for each other. Politicians need the muscle power and also money power

from them to gain vote bank and win elections. On the other hand, criminals need the

patronage of politicians to continue with their criminal activities and to enjoy illegal

activities without punishment under due process of law.

• Use of social factors such as caste and religion in politics also causes criminalization of

politics. Corruption in the society, lack of development, illiteracy, poverty etc. are added

culprit for the criminalization of politics. Criminalization of politics would devalue the

entire the political system and only give way to corruption, nepotism, favouritism,

impacts the effectiveness and efficiency of institutions and thereby erode the trust of

people in the government and highly impact distributive welfare and inclusive society.

Hence there is need to eradicate this existence from the society.

Measures to decriminalization of politics

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) should have the power to audit the financial

accounts of political parties, or political parties’ finances should be brought under the

right to information (RTI) law.

• Election Commission should be given more power, when dealing with Corruption cases.



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• Fast-track courts should be established to handle the cases on politicians. Recently a step

has been taken by the central government regarding the same.

• Inner party democracy should be brought in, in terms of political parties refusing tickets

to the tainted. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 should be amended to debar

persons against whom cases of a heinous nature are pending from contesting elections.

• State funding of elections could be mooted; it has been supported by various committees

like Indrajit Gupta Committee and 2nd ARC.

• There is an utmost need to cleanse the politics to impart better justice, welfare,

development and growth to all and to realize the real democracy.

CHINA BACKS PAKISTAN’S ‘QUEST FOR PEACE’ VIA TALKS

Context:

• Without specifically referring to the Kashmir issue, China backed Pakistan for trying to

resolve “outstanding issues” with India through dialogue, and also supported Pakistan on

their quest to enter NSG and expansion of counter terrorism.

Details:

• China appreciated Pakistan quest for peace through dialogue, cooperation and

negotiation, on the basis of mutual respect and equality

• Supported Pakistan’s efforts for improvement of Pakistan-India relations and for

settlement of outstanding disputes between the two countries

• China supported Pakistan on nuclear non-proliferation efforts and its adherence to NSG

guidelines and also recognized Pakistan’s efforts in strengthening financial regulations to

combat terrorism financing.

• Pakistan, on the other hand, supported active membership of China at SAARC (China is

now an observer at SAARC)

• Both the countries also agreed to expand defence cooperation (China is the main supplier

of defence equipment for Pakistan)

• They also agreed to make full use of the China-Pakistan Defence and Security consultation

mechanism, deepen cooperation in areas such as military exercises, training cooperation,

personnel exchanges, and equipment and technology cooperation



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CHINA TAPS INDIA AS DIGITAL ECONOMY PARTNER

GS-3: Effect of liberalization on Indian Economy

Context:

• As a part of Beijing’s drive to cyber-connect with Eurasia, China is roping in India as a

niche digital partner.

Details:

• China has signed ‘strategic cooperation’ agreement on 2D coding with India, citing India’s

strength in 2D coding configuration

• This is made to strengthen the frontier for trade and investments. For example this could

act as the gateways for linking genuine buyers and sellers, as well as for making digital

payments by scanning QR codes

• With the use of 2D coding, trade volumes can expand greatly, as the new technology will

go a long way in building commercial trust.

SIRISENA DISSOLVES SRI LANKA PARLIAMENT, POLLS ON JAN. 5

Context:

• The political crisis in Sri Lanka deepened after President Maithripala Sirisena dissolved

Parliament, paving the way for early general elections in the country. According to a

notification, general elections will be held on January 5 and the new Parliament will meet

on January 17

Details:

• The dissolution of Parliament comes days after Ranil Wickremesinghe was sacked as

Prime Minister and replaced by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa

• The strength of Sirisena and Rajapaksa’s coalition in Parliament stood at 106, seven shorts

of the simple majority mark. Rajapaksa was to prove his strength on the floor of the House

on November 14.

• But this dissolution has been criticized widely since it is unconstitutional given the four-

and-half-year term rule and now the Parliament stands dissolved some 21 months ahead

of its schedule in August 2020, amid a worsening constitutional crisis triggered by the

surprise sacking of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe



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XI CALLS FOR ‘NEW ERA’ IN TIES WITH PAKISTAN

GS 2: International Relations

Context:

• Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Imran Khan has arrived in Beijing to rework “all-weather” ties

with China.

More in details:

• Pakistan is in difficult economic situation with very big deficits, a fiscal deficit and a

current account deficit and also Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have reached an

alarming low of around $8 billion — barely sufficient to finance about two months of

imports.

• Saudi Arabia had also extended its aid to Pakistan

Implications of this visit

• It is been clear from the meeting that the relationship between China and Pakistan has

strengthened their all-weather strategic partnership

• The economic package a loan of $ 1.5 billion and a donation of $ 1.5 billion, along with an

additional package of $ 3 billion for the Economic Corridor of China and Pakistan (CPEC).

• Analysts say that China needs the full support of Pakistan to make the CPEC a success.

China has billed the $ 62 billion project as the lead company of its Belt and Road Initiative

(BRI).

IRAN OIL: INDIA TO GET U.S. SANCTIONS WAIVER


Context:

• India is likely to be one of eight countries which can temporarily import oil from Iran post

sanctions.

More in details:

• This would allow Indian oil companies to continue to import about 1.25 million tonnes of

oil a month till March from Tehran

• Eight jurisdictions also include Japan, China, South Korea. The rest four yet to be

identified. It is said to be released coming Monday



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• China, the leading importer of Iranian oil is still in discussions with the US on other terms.

• The waivers are only temporary, and the U.S. will expect countries that get them to keep

cutting Iranian imports in the months ahead, according to the U.S. administration official,

who declined to give details on the volume of oil the nations will be allowed to buy under

the exemptions.

• Countries that get waivers under the revived sanctions must pay for the oil into escrow

accounts in their local currency. That means the money won’t directly go to Iran, which

can only use it to buy food, medicine or other non-sanctioned goods from its crude

customers. The administration sees those accounts as an important way of limiting Iranian

revenue and further constraining its economy.

Background:

• About Nuclear

deal/Joint

Comprehensive Plan

of Action (JCPOA)

and US withdrawal

• US President Donald

Trump announced

on May 8 that he will

pull the United

States out of the Iran

nuclear deal, a 2015

agreement that

capped over a

decade of hostility between Tehran and the West over its atomic program.

• It was signed between Iran and the P5 (five permanent members of the UNSC- Britain,

China, France, Germany, Russia and the US) plus Germany and the EU. The deal made an

agreement to limit Iranian nuclear programs in return for relief from the US and other

economic sanctions. The US has pulled out of the deal citing Iran’s incompliance with the

deal, though it did not provide any evidence.



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MYANMAR MEET DIDN’T DISCUSS ROHINGYA ISSUE

GS 2: India and its neighbouring countries

Context:

• India did not discuss the deportation of Rohingya with Myanmar at a meeting held last

month.

Details:

• India has been taking a route of diplomatic channels to deport the illegal migrants from

Myanmar to send back. Recently, seven Rohingya, who were caught in Assam in 2012,

were sent to Myanmar after the latter verified their credentials

• India and Myanmar also agreed on providing security cooperation along the international

border and facilitating movement of people and trade across the border.

• They also agreed to cooperate in preventing smuggling of wildlife and narcotic drugs and

strengthening cooperation on international border management, including construction of

subsidiary pillars to better demarcate the border.

Mains Question

1. Discuss the challenges in handling Rohingyas in India and what should India do in

tackling Rohingyas?

• The Rohingyas are persecuted Muslim minority group residing in the Rakhine state of

Myanmar. They have not been recognized as citizens of Myanmar and hence considered

as ‘stateless entities’ by the Myanmar government, which is making them identity-less,

state-less. Hence, with no citizenship, this hassled to large scale exodus of the Rohingya

population to neighbouring countries like India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand and

Indonesia.

• The exact number of Rohingyas living in India is not known, it is said there are around

40,000 of them in India, of which around 5,700 are in Jammu. This illegal migration has

impacted the

Challenges:

• It is suspected that some Rohingyas have connections with Islamic states and other

extremist groups, which has high security implications in India especially in North eastern

states and Jammu Kashmir



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• It is also alleged that they are involved in illegal activities such as mobilization of funds

through hawala channels and also indulging in human trafficking

• Influx of illegal migrants would destabilize further north-eastern corridor and impact

demographic profile and cause social, economic, political and cultural problems

• They also have illegally acquired identity documents such as Aadhar, Pan card etc. which

raises the concern of naturalization of illegal migrants by fraudulent means

• Steps like deportation would also violate the fundamental rights under Article 14

(equality) and 21 (right to live with human dignity), which are guaranteed to both citizens

and foreigners. Considering the challenges in place, it is necessary for India to come out

with appropriate solutions

Solutions:

• A strong refugee policy should be adopted.

• Strengthening border management with Myanmar and regulate the inflow of illegal

migration. Also regulate ‘Free movement regime’ (FMR) (FMR allows that allows ethnic

communities living on either side of the border to travel 16km across the boundary

without a visa), because this has made checking infiltration difficult.

• India should also provide funds to Myanmar government to improve the socio-economic

conditions in the Rakhine region

• India should extend its humanitarian approach and take leadership and collaborate with

the neighboring countries and work towards ending the repression and atrocities causing

to these communities.

INDIA TO JOIN AFGHAN PEACE TALKS TODAY


Context:

• In a significant departure from India’s stand on engaging the Taliban, the government

announced it would participate at a “non-official” level. Two former senior diplomats will

attend talks on the Afghanistan peace process to be held in Russia on Friday.

Details:

• The talks, known as the “Moscow format”



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• This will include a “high-level” delegation from the Taliban as well as a delegation of

Afghanistan’s “High Peace Council”, along with representatives of 12 countries including

Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, Pakistan and the US and will mark the first time an Indian

delegation has been present at the table with the Taliban representatives based in Doha.

Implications:

• India taken this departure to support all efforts a t peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan

that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the

country

• India's consistent policy has been that such efforts should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned,

and Afghan-controlled and with participation of the government of Afghanistan

About ‘The Heart of Asia’ Process:

• The Heart of Asia Process was established in Istanbul, Turkey to provide a platform to

discuss regional issues, particularly encouraging security, political, and economic

cooperation among Afghanistan and its neighbours

• The participating countries include Pakistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, India, Iran,

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and the

United Arab Emirates.

• It is an intergovernmental organization and the Permanent chairmanship is occupied by

Afghanistan

• Three pillars of this conference process are:

✓ Political Consultations: Political consultation involving Afghanistan and its near

and extended neighbours

✓ Confidence Building Measures (CBMs): Areas for CBMs identified in the Istanbul

Process document are Disaster management, Counter-terrorism, Counter-narcotics,

Trade, Commerce and Investment, Regional infrastructure, and Education.

✓ Cooperation with Regional Organizations



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SAUDI ARABIA IN TALKS TO CUT CRUDE OUTPUT

GS 3: Effect of liberalization of Indian Economy

Context:

• Saudi Arabia, the world’s top crude exporter planned to cut output from next month

Details:

• Saudi Arabia plans to reduce oil supply to world markets by 0.5 million barrels per day in

December as the OPEC faces uncertain prospects in its attempts to persuade other

producers to agree a coordinated output cut.

• The cut represents a reduction in global oil supply of about 0.5 percent.

• Riyadh was surprised by the waivers granted by Washington to Iran's main customers

such as China and India, a move which hit oil prices. (Washington gave 180-day waivers

to eight Iranian oil buyers - China, India, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Greece, Taiwan and

Turkey. This group takes as much as three-quarters of Iran's seaborne oil exports per trade

data)

• Now Saudi Arabia wants to act to prevent a further slide in prices and is leading

discussions on cutting oil output next year.

• An agreement on oil reduction by OPEC and its allies would depend on the level of

Iranian exports after the United States imposed sanctions on Tehran but granted Iran's top

oil buyer’s waivers to continue buying oil. OPEC and its allies will meet in Vienna on

December 6-7 to decide on output policy for 2019.

FITCH RETAINS RATING FOR INDIA AT ‘BBB-’

GS 3: Indian Economy

Context:

• Fitch Ratings on Thursday retained India’s sovereign rating at ‘BBB-’, the lowest

investment grade rating, although maintaining its stable outlook.

Details:

• The company has mentioned that the economy would dismiss any hovering effects of

demonetisation and GST during 2018-19 and 2019-20. India’s rating balances a strong

medium-term growth outlook and favourable external balances with weak fiscal finances



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and some lagging structural factors, including governance standards and a still-difficult,

but improving business environment

• The agency said that a favourable economic growth outlook supported India’s credit

profile, even though real GDP growth fell to 6.6% in financial year 2017-18.

• It forecasts growth to rebound to 7.3% in FY19 and 7.5% in FY20

• It found that India had the highest medium-term growth potential among the largest

emerging markets.

Sovereign credit rating

• A sovereign credit rating is credit rating of country or sovereign entity. It gives investors

insight into level of risk associated with investing in particular country, including its

political risk.

• At request of country, credit rating agency evaluates country’s economic and political

environment to determine representative credit rating.

• Obtaining good sovereign credit rating is usually essential for developing countries in

order to access funding in international bond markets. Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investors

Service and Standard & Poor’s (S&P) are big three international credit rating agencies

controlling approximately 95% of global ratings business.

GLOBAL FIGHT ON MALARIA STALLED: WHO

GS 2: Issues Relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to

Health, Education, Human Resources.

Topic: Health

Context:

• The World Health Organization on Monday said global efforts to fight malaria have hit a

plateau as it reported there were more cases of the killer disease in 2017 than the previous

year.

Details:

• The latest WHO report showed that the number of malaria cases climbed to 219 million

last year, two million higher than 2016

• The main reason for increase in malaria cases is lack of international funding to handle

preventive and curative process



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• Another constraint in fighting malaria has been mosquitoes building up resistance to some

insecticides

• Most malaria cases reported last year were in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic

Republic of the Congo, Ghana, India, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Tanzania and

Uganda.

• A considerable proportion of people at risk of infection are not being protected, including

pregnant women and children in Africa

• The disease killed 4,35,000 people last year, the majority of them children under five in

Africa.

About Malaria:

• Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease affecting humans and other animals caused

by parasitic single-celled microorganisms belonging to the Plasmodium group.

• The disease is most commonly transmitted by an infected female Anopheles mosquito.

The mosquito bite introduces the parasites from the mosquito's saliva into a person's

blood. The parasites travel to the liver where they mature and reproduce. The disease is

widespread in the tropical and subtropical regions that exist in a broad band around the

equator. This includes much of Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

About WHO:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that

is concerned with international public health. It was established on 7 April 1948, and is

headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

• The WHO is a member of the United Nations Development Group. Its predecessor, the

Health Organization, was an agency of the League of Nations.

• It publishes reports such as

✓ World Health Statistics

✓ The global burden of disease

✓ World Health report



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MALDIVES TO PULL OUT OF CHINA FTA


Topic: India and its neighbouring countries

Context:

• The Maldives’ new government will pull out of a free trade agreement (FTA) with China

because it was a mistake for the tiny nation to strike such a pact with the world’s second

biggest economy, the head of the largest party in the ruling alliance said.

Details:

• It is the latest sign of a backlash against China in the Maldives

• The Chief of the Maldivian Democratic Party (ruling federal alliance) says that the trade

imbalance between China and the Maldives is so huge that FTA between Maldives and

China is not helping Maldives and is benefitting only China, acting as new-way treaty.

• It is said that China-led infrastructure boom has left the tiny country of a little more than

400,000 people debt-ridden, and a free trade pact would only make the situation worse

given the lopsided nature of the relationship.

• The new administration plans an audit of the deals signed by the Yameen administration,

but it said it had no plans to suspend or cancel any of the projects, such as airport

expansion and housing contracts, given to Chinese firms.

• The new President of the Maldives has decided that the country will rejoin the

Commonwealth group of former British colonies following a two-year absence

Background:

• The Maldives, a South Asian country, located in the Indian Ocean, situated in the Arabian

Sea. It lies southwest of Sri Lanka and India.

• The Maldives is a founding member of the South Asian Association for Regional

Cooperation (SAARC).

• Maldives is among a number of small countries where China has invested billions of

dollars building highways and housing as part of its Belt and Road Initiative. Through

that initiative, Beijing hopes to improve trade and investment flows with much of Asia

and parts of the rest of the world.



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WTO PANELS TO REVIEW U.S. STEEL, ALUMINIUM TARIFFS


Topic: WTO

Context:

• The World Trade Organization agreed on Wednesday to hear complaints from a range of

countries over new U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, as well as complaints from

Washington over retaliatory duties.

Details:

• The WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body

(DSB) agreed to establish panels to

review steel and aluminum tariffs of

the U.S.

• The DSB will create separate panels

for the complaints by the European

Union (EU), China, Canada, Mexico,

Norway and Russia, after the U.S.

said it would not agree to a single

panel to hear all of them.

• The DSB agreed on Wednesday to

Washington’s request for three panels

to rule on the legality of retaliatory

tariffs imposed by Canada, China and the EU.

• It also agreed to a U.S. call for a panel to be created to review “certain Chinese measures

pertaining to the protection of intellectual property rights.”

• The decision to establish the panels follows rounds of failed consultations between the

parties.

About WTO:

• The World Trade organization, an institution established in 1955 has replaced General

Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (GATT).



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• It deals with the global trade rules and makes provisions to ensure that the nations follow

rules-based trade order and hence increase international trade in entirety.

Dispute mechanism of WTO:

• Any trade disputes taken at WTO are handled by Dispute resolution body, which reports

to the Ministerial Conference of WTO. It is handled at three levels.

1) Consultations between the parties;

2) Adjudication by panels and, if applicable, by the Appellate Body; and

3) Implementation of the ruling, which includes the possibility of countermeasures in the

event of failure by the losing party to implement the ruling.

EU, U.K. REACH DRAFT DEAL ON POST-BREXIT RELATIONSHIP

GS: 2 International Relations

Topic: International organizations

Context:

• The British government’s Brexit process reached another milestone as the European

Commission said that the U.K. and the EU had agreed at a negotiator level and in

principle the draft political declaration on the future relationship between the two sides.

Details:

• This marks the symbolic victory for the Britain to move ahead with the Brexit process

• Unlike the withdrawal agreement, which would be binding, the political declaration is

more of a statement of future ambitions of new relationship between the EU and the UK,

which includes not just trade but also movement of people

• The declaration established the parameters of an “ambitious, broad, deep and flexible

partnership”

• However, the declaration appeared to live up to one point repeatedly stressed by U.K.

authorities on their intention to end free movement and bring in “visa-free travel” for

short-term visits only.

Background on Brexit:

• European Union was originally formed with six nations in 1957. European Union or EU is

an experiment to transform the relations between nations based on functionalist ideology.



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Today, it is a gigantic transnational entity of 28 countries, including the U.K., which joined

only in 1973.

• Though part of EU, Britain has traditionally had a 'Eurosceptic' stand. It continues to use

the Pound as its currency, while most EU nations have moved to Euro. Neither does it

participate in the Schengen border-free zone, which allows passport-free travel in EU.

Formation of European Union is an outcome of Single European Act, 1991.

• Mashtricht Treaty converted the EU into a monetary union. Lisbon Treaty strengthened

political, foreign affairs and security integration of policies of countries of European

Union. Interestingly, this is the second time U.K. has sought a referendum on this issue. In

1975 Prime Minister Harold Wilson called a referendum after considerable opposition rose

from within the country on U.K. staying with the European Economic Community, the

precursor of the EU. With 67 per cent of those who voted preferring to 'Remain', U.K.

stayed on.

Reasons for Brexit:

• The primary contention is that Britain does not earn, in fact loses more from being part of

European Union. Also, it was said that EU’s policies were too protectionist and did not

favour competitiveness to the extent that would be beneficial for the British economy

• Post the Sovereign Debt Crisis, EU introduced Fiscal Compact and tighter control on

national budgets. Britain was not comfortable with these ideas

• Germany’s proposal to impose taxes on financial transactions also did not find favour

with London, which is an important financial hub. Huge legal migration from EU, adding

credence to local fears was the fact that since 1997, 3/4th of jobs created are taken up by

EU immigrants

• Xenophobia, perception that immigrants pose a threat to national security, especially

when the EU obliged on it members to accommodate refugees during Syrian crisis, which

Britain refused. It was also said that the EU also gradually transforming for a More Closer

union, which is pursuing for more powers to EU parliament, while, limiting the authority

of British Parliament. A referendum was held on June 23, 2016, to decide whether Britain

should exit or remain in the European Union. 51.9% of voters favoured exit of Britain from

EU. It is the first time since the EU was founded in 1957 that a member country is leaving.



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CHINA HOPES FOR TRADE WAR SOLUTION AT

G20 XI-TRUMP TALKS


Topic: International Organizations

Context:

• China said that it hopes US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping can

find a solution to the trade war when they meet at the G20 summit next week.

Details:

• The talks in Argentina come as the two countries have failed to reach any agreement to

resolve a dispute that escalated after Trump slapped huge tariffs on Chinese goods,

prompting tit-for-tat responses.

• The tensions between the US and China also well reflected in APEC summit recently

• It is hoped that both sides could work together on the basis of mutual respect, balance and

benefit, which could help to find a solution to solve the problem

• China hopes the G20 will uphold its backing of multilateralism at the summit, which will

take place from November 30 to December 1 in Buenos Aires. It is a fact that the global

trade has shown its decline due to unilateralist and protectionist measures.

• China also supports reforms of the World Trade Organization to enhance its authority and

effectiveness

About G20:

• It is an international forum for the

governments and central bank governors

from 20 major economies.

• Founded in 1999

• Its aim was to review policy decisions to

enhance international financial stability

• It now deliberates on global economic issues

and other important development

challenges.



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SRI LANKA SIGNS PORT DEALS WITH CHINA AMID POLITICAL

UPHEAVAL

Mains Level: GS2: International Relations

Prelims level: Not much

Context:

• Sri Lanka penned two multi-million-dollar contracts with Chinese firms for a port

upgrade project on Thursday in the middle of a political hiatus that has raised doubts over

the legitimacy of the government and the legality of the deals.

Details:

• The debt-saddled island has long been a target of Beijing’s ambitious Belt and Road

infrastructure scheme to connect China with countries cross Asia and beyond, while

regional power India has also been vying for deals to counter China’s influence.

• But a political crisis triggered by President Maithripala Sirisena’s replacement of Prime

Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe with Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was in turn sacked by

parliament, has raised doubts over who can legitimately make decisions in the country.

• Foreign countries have yet to recognize the new government and Wickremesinghe’s party

has said any decisions by Rajapaksa’s cabinet are illegal.

• State-run Sri Lanka Ports Authority had signed two contracts with Chinese firms worth

more than $50 million combined after the deals were approved by Rajapaksa’s disputed

cabinet last week.

• India, which accounts for around 80 percent of Colombo’s trans-shipment business, has

raised concerns over increasing Chinese projects in Colombo.

• New Delhi had been pushing Sri Lanka for the award of an estimated $1 billion contract

for a second foreign-operated container terminal in Colombo.

• But that deal was the subject of an argument between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe just

before his ouster, in which Sirisena reportedly said the country couldn’t give any more of

its assets to foreigners.

• The political instability and economic malaise have raised questions over Sri Lanka’s

ability to service large external debt taken to finance reconstruction following the end the

civil war in 2009. It owes around $8 billion to China, official data shows.



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ASEAN MEMBER COUNTRIES OF RCEP OFFER INDIA CONCESSION


Context:

• Several Asian member countries of the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic

Partnership (RCEP) have offered India a significant concession on the extent to which it

needs to open up its markets, in a bid to encourage it to join the partnership quickly

Details:

• Concessional offer for India to open up only about 83% of its market, as compared to the

original 92% that the RCEP agreement stipulated

• It also allows for bilateral agreements to be made so India can perhaps open up to China

gradually and not in one go. This is made to alleviate India’s concerns in opening up

markets with China and furthering the skewing trade deficit with China.

• December 2018 has been fixed as deadline for finalizing these RCEP negotiations

• Upcoming Parliament elections in India and also in Indonesia and Australia makes it

harder for governments to give any concessions on tariffs and subsidies closer to polls,

given political compulsions

About RCEP:



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• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has free trade agreements with

six partners namely People’s Republic of China, Republic of Korea, Japan, India as well

as Australia and New Zealand.

• In order to broaden and deepen the engagement among parties and to enhance parties’

participation in economic development of the region, the leaders of 16 participating

countries established the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

• The RCEP was built upon the existing ASEAN+1 FTAs with the spirit to strengthen

economic linkages and to enhance trade and investment related activities as well as to

contribute to minimizing development gap among the parties

• RCEP grouping comprise the 10 ASEAN members and their Free Trade Agreement

partners, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and Republic of Korea.

PM CALLS FOR INCLUSIVE INDO-PACIFIC

GS 2: International relations

Context:

• India calls for inclusive Indo-pacific region at recent Singapore summit

Details:

• India called for enhancing multilateral cooperation and economic and cultural ties among

member-nations at the 13th East Asia Summit (EAS) in Singapore.

• India has been participating in the EAS since its very inception in 2015

• India also reiterated its commitment to a peaceful, prosperous and open Indo pacific

region

• Inclusive EAS would indeed supplement Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership

of ASEAN

About East Asian Summit:

• The East Asia Summit (EAS) is a regional forum held annually by leaders of, initially, 16

countries in the East Asian, Southeast Asian, and South Asian regions, based on the

ASEAN Plus Six mechanism. Membership expanded to 18 countries including Russia and

the United States at the Sixth EAS in 2011. Since its establishment, ASEAN has held the

central role and leadership in the forum. EAS meetings are held after the annual ASEAN

leaders’ meetings, and play an important role in the regional architecture of Asia-Pacific.



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• Member Nations Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos,

Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand,

United States and Vietnam

• India, being a founding member of the East Asia Summit, is committed to strengthening

the East Asia Summit and making it more effective for dealing with contemporary

challenges.

About RCEP:

• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has free trade agreements with

six partners namely People’s Republic of China, Republic of Korea, Japan, India as well

as Australia and New Zealand.

• In order to broaden and deepen the engagement among parties and to enhance parties’

participation in economic development of the region, the leaders of 16 participating

countries established the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

• The RCEP was built upon the existing ASEAN+1 FTAs with the spirit to strengthen

economic linkages and to enhance trade and investment related activities as well as to

contribute to minimizing development gap among the parties

• RCEP grouping comprise the 10 ASEAN members and their Free Trade Agreement

partners, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and Republic of Korea.

INDIA, CHINA AGREE TO EXPAND MILITARY TIES


Context:

• India and China are set to expand their military ties, in tune with the spirit of the Wuhan

informal summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra

Modi in April.

Details:

• This agreement would add another layer of exchanges between military personnel of the

two countries. For the first time, cadets from Indian and Chinese military academies, as

well mid-level officers, will meet each other regularly. It tends to expand military

exchanges between personnel at all levels in the aftermath of the Wuhan summit



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• This would further ease the tension existing between military personnel following Doklam

crisis

About Wuhan Summit:

• It is the first informal summit to exchange views on overarching issues of bilateral and

global importance, and to elaborate their respective visions and priorities for national

development in the context of the current and future international situation.

• They shared the view that peaceful, stable and balanced relations and proper

management of the bilateral relations between India and China will be a positive factor for

stability amidst current global uncertainties

• The two leaders expressed their support for the work of the Special Representatives on the

India China Boundary Question and urged them to intensify their efforts to seek a fair,

reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement.

• The two leaders further directed their militaries to earnestly implement various

confidence building measures agreed upon between the two sides, including the principle

of mutual and equal security, and strengthen existing institutional arrangements and

information sharing mechanisms to prevent incidents in border regions.

• Also agreed to push forward bilateral trade and investment in a balanced and sustainable

manner by taking advantage of complementarities between their two economies

• Also discussed ways to promote greater cultural and people-to-people exchanges

• They shared views on their respective foreign policy visions of achieving global prosperity

and security such as in facilitating sustainable solutions for global challenges including

climate change, sustainable development, food security etc

• They recognized the common threat posed by terrorism, and reiterated their strong

condemnation of and resolute opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

They committed themselves to cooperate on counter-terrorism.

• It was also discussed to have more such summits, alongside an agreement between the

leaders for provision of greater ‘strategic communications’ at the highest level.

• The agreement between India and China to work together jointly on an economic project

in Afghanistan, with details to be worked out through diplomatic channels.



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INDIA, RUSSIA TO BUILD STEALTH FRIGATES

GS 3: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and

developing new technology.

Topic: Defense

Context:

• India on Tuesday signed a $500 million deal with Russia to locally manufacture two

stealth frigates with technology transfer. The agreement was signed between Goa

Shipyard Limited (GSL) and Rosoboron export of Russia.

Details:

• The deal is for material, design and specialist assistance from Russia for the ships. Balance

work will be done by GSL, and it will have a whole lot of Indian equipment, including

BrahMos missiles. The work on the two frigates will start in two years by mid-2020 and is

expected to be completed by 2026-2027.

• Also, India recently signed a $1 bn deal with Russia for direct purchase of two frigates.

The basic structures of the two frigates are already ready at the Yantar shipyard in Russia

and will be finished now.

Stealth technology:

• The goal of stealth technology is to make an

airplane invisible to radar. There are two

different ways to create invisibility:

1. The airplane can be shaped so that any

radar signals it reflects are reflected away

from the radar equipment.

2. The airplane can be covered in materials

that absorb radar signals.

• Most conventional aircraft have a rounded shape. This shape makes them aerodynamic,

but it also creates a very efficient radar reflector. The round shape means that no matter

where the radar signal hits the plane, some of the signal gets reflected back. A stealth

aircraft, on the other hand, is made up of completely flat surfaces and very sharp edges.

When a radar signal hits a stealth plane, the signal reflects away at an angle, like this. In



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addition, surfaces on a stealth aircraft can be treated so they absorb radar energy as well.

The overall result is that a stealth aircraft can have the radar signature of a small bird

rather than an airplane

INDIA, CHINA SET FOR FIRST POST-WUHAN BORDER TALKS


Topic: International Organizations

Context:

• National Security Adviser Ajit Doval arrived in Chengdu on Friday for boundary talks

with China’s Foreign Minister and State Councillor Wang Yi, to build on the Wuhan

informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi

Jinping that took place in April.

Details:

• The discussion is unlikely to yield any major breakthrough on the resolution of the

boundary question, because the political situation is not ripe at both sides of the nations.

Trade war tensions in China, forthcoming elections in India and as such. However, this

discussion is significant because this would be an important brainstorming exercise to

move forward on border management between India and China

• The meeting would also have discussions on the preparation for a meeting between Prime

Minister Modi and President Xi on the sidelines of the G-20 meeting

About Wuhan Summit

• It is the first informal summit to exchange views on overarching issues of bilateral and

global importance, and to elaborate their respective visions and priorities for national

development in the context of the current and future international situation.

• They shared the view that peaceful, stable and balanced relations and proper

management of the bilateral relations between India and China will be a positive factor for

stability amidst current global uncertainties. The two leaders expressed their support for

the work of the Special Representatives on the India China Boundary Question and urged

them to intensify their efforts to seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable

settlement. The two leaders further directed their militaries to earnestly implement

various confidence building measures agreed upon between the two sides, including the



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principle of mutual and equal security, and strengthen existing institutional arrangements

and information sharing mechanisms to prevent incidents in border regions.

• Also agreed to push forward bilateral trade and investment in a balanced and sustainable

manner by taking advantage of complementarities between their two economies

• Also discussed ways to promote greater cultural and people-to-people exchanges

• They shared views on their respective foreign policy visions of achieving global prosperity

and security such as in facilitating sustainable solutions for global challenges including

climate change, sustainable development, food security etc.

• They recognized the common threat posed by terrorism, and reiterated their strong

condemnation of and resolute opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

They committed themselves to cooperate on counter-terrorism. It was also discussed to

have more such summits, alongside an agreement between the leaders for provision of

greater ‘strategic communications’ at the highest level. The agreement between India and

China to work together jointly on an economic project in Afghanistan, with details to be

worked out through diplomatic channels.

WHY ARE ONION PRICES FLUCTUATING?

GS 3: Effect of liberalization on Indian Economy

Reasons for price volatility of onion

• Despite increase in onion production over the years from 5.5 million tonnes till 2002-03 to

nearly 20 million tonnes in recent years, there is a recurring surge in onion price every

October due to below reasons.

• Increasing domestic demand and overseas demand which is well reflected in growth in

per capita demand and change in preference for Indian consumers for onion

• Production fluctuations Reduced price changes even after increasing supply is not being

passed on to the ultimate consumers by way of reduction in prices by retailers

Way forward:

• National Agriculture Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) should keep a

check on exploitation and market manipulation by private trade, besides price

stabilization. Usage of market intelligence, public stocks, technology could also help here.

EFFORTS ON TO HARNESS AI TO IMPROVE TEA QUALITY



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Context:

• The Tea Research Association (TRA) is planning to harness front line technologies based

on artificial intelligence (AI), chatots and sensor-based machinery to boost tea quality

while equipping the age-old industry to face the ravages of climate change.

INDIA TO EXPORT SUGAR TO CHINA

Context:

• In a boost to sugar mills sitting on surplus stocks, India will start raw sugar exports to

China in early 2019, and is in talks to finalize exports to Indonesia and Malaysia as well.

Details:

• Raw sugar is the second product after non-basmati rice that China will import from India

• It is a move to reduce the $60 billion trade deficit that China has with India

• India is the world’s largest sugar producer with a production of 32 million tonnes in 2018.

However, domestic consumption is only around 25 million tonnes, sugar producers have

been left with large surplus stocks, driving down prices and affecting both mills and

sugarcane farmers. Hence this move would increase revenue for sugar producers and also

stabilize the domestic price of sugarcane.

COTTON PRICES HARDEN ON HIGHER MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICES

GS 3: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices

Context:

• The cotton season has commenced this year with an unusual trend — prices are up despite

new arrivals.

Details:

• The prices usually drop when the new season starts. However, this year, prices are

remaining firm for several reasons, say the trade and industry representatives.

• The main cause is the hike in minimum support price (MSP) and this also increased the

market price of cotton. The movement of international prices will also have an impact on

the domestic cotton prices. If China levies duty on import of cotton from the US, which is

a major cotton producer, it will have an impact on the international and Indian cotton

prices.



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IS CROP INSURANCE SCHEME LOSING STEAM?

GS 3: Agriculture

Context:

• More than 84 lakh farmers, which are around 15% of the total farmers insured in the first

year of the Union government’s ambitious Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in 2016-17,

withdrew themselves from the scheme in 2017-18, a reply to an RTI application has

revealed.

Reasons behind the failure of the scheme:

• The scheme is routed through insurance companies, who are the most benefiters

• There is also delay in pay-outs by the insurance companies and also there is high

difference between the payments approved and the payment actually made. The problems

such as localized calamity is not investigated by the insurance companies, resulting in

lesser claims to farmers by the insurance companies

• These problems defeat the whole purpose of insurance — which is to provide timely relief

against crop loss/damage, so that the farmer can at least repay his bank loans and is not

forced to go to the moneylender

• There is lack of political will by the state governments to bear 50 per cent of the premium

subsidy and also to conduct crop cutting experiments (CCE) to determine yield losses

• There are operational issues in conducting CCE. The sample size in each village was not

large enough to capture the scale and diversity of crop losses. In many cases, district or

block level agricultural department officials do not conduct such sampling on ground and

complete the formalities only on paper. It is also noted lack of trained outsourced

agencies, scope of corruption during implementation and the non-utilization of

technologies like smart phones and drones to improve reliability of such sampling.

• The scheme is not reaching the non-loanee farmers at a larger scale. The number of

insurance coverage of non-loanee farmers to loanee farmers is substantially less

• There has been no concerted effort by the state government and insurance companies to

build awareness of farmers on PMFBY. Insurance companies have failed to set-up

infrastructure for proper implementation of PMFBY. There is still no direct linkage

between insurance companies and farmers.



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FARMERS’ MARCH TO DEMAND FIXED MSP,

FREEDOM FROM DEBTS

Mains Level: GS: 3 - Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support

prices

Prelims Level: Agriculture

Context:

• Farmers are demanding to bring legislation for a guaranteed minimum support price

(MSP) for their crops.

Details:

• The list of crops under MSP changes based on the recommendation of the Commission for

Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and approval by Cabinet Committee on Economic

Affairs (CCEA)

• Hence there is a uncertainty prevails in terms of provision of MSP, which necessitated a

guaranteed MSP structure

• Assured price would provide them the clear path to plan their crops for cultivation

combining with other factors such as climatic conditions, supply chain, credit and as such

• It is said that though MSP has been announced for 24 agricultural commodities by CCEA,

in reality the MSP is skewed in nature and more tilted towards rice and wheat.

• Lack of insured MSP for all announced crops, creates not just uncertainness but also

making farmers to fall into debt trap

• Hence farmer organizations have started to demand for a legislation to promise the price

structure.

Proposed bills by Farmer organizations:

• Last year, similar demands have been raised by farmer organizations and they proposed

the below to ensure their needs.

• Key demands of The Farmers’ (Right to Assured Price for Agricultural Produce) Bill, 2017

• Cost of production should be according to the Ramesh Chand Committee (March 2015)

recommendations and labour time spent on each crop.

• Declare MSP for all crops and farm produce. MSP should be fixed at no less than one and

half time the real cost of production.



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• Reduce cost of cultivation through appropriate subsidies, input price regulation,

production incentives and support for low or zero cost cultivation methods.

• Ensure sufficient funds to implement government’s statutory obligation under MNREGA

with wages not below the minimum wages and a social audit of implementation.

Key demands of the Debt Bill 2017:

• Immediate Debt Relief: waive existing loans and protect farmers from future debt trap by

setting up a Farmers’ Debt Relief Commission.

• Immediate waiver of entire outstanding agricultural loans of all farmers. Waiver should

cover all categories of banks.

• Debt freedom to be extended to settlement, swapping and waiving of non-institutional

loans of farmers including sharecroppers, tenants, agricultural labour, adivasi and women

farmers.

• Effective disaster relief and universal and zero premium crop insurance.

• Transition from high input agriculture to low input sustainable methods.

• Reform banking systems to ensure that priority sector agri-lending goes to small farmers

and their collectives rather than agri-business companies and city dwellers.

About Minimum Support Price:

• Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a form of market intervention by the Government of

India to insure agricultural producers against any sharp fall in farm prices.

• The minimum support prices are announced by the Government of India at the beginning

of the sowing season for certain crops on the basis of the recommendations of the

Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).

• MSP is price fixed by Government of India to protect the producer - farmers - against

excessive fall in price during bumper production years.

• The minimum support prices are a guarantee price for their produce from the

Government. The major objectives are to support the farmers from distress sales and to

procure food grains for public distribution.

• In case the market price for the commodity falls below the announced minimum price due

to bumper production and glut in the market, govt. agencies purchase the entire quantity

offered by the farmers at the announced minimum price.



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• Minimum support prices are currently announced for 24 commodities including seven

cereals (paddy, wheat, barley, jowar, bajra, maize and ragi); five pulses (gram, arhar/tur,

moong, urad and lentil); eight oilseeds (groundnut, rapeseed/mustard, toria, soyabean,

sunflower seed, sesamum, safflower seed and nigerseed); copra, raw cotton, raw jute and

virginia flu cured (VFC) tobacco.

CHALLENGE TO THE RESERVE BANK OF INDIA’S RESERVE(S)

Context:

• There are many issues on which the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Centre disagree

but the most significant one is over the treatment of the sizeable reserves in the central

bank’s balance sheet.

Details:

• The centre is facing immense challenge on recapitalization of banks, which require

sizeable amount of outlay

• Financial needs and challenges due to the forthcoming Parliament elections

• Reserves are kept under two heads- currency and gold revaluation reserve and

contingency reserve

• The reserves are built through transfers from the annual surpluses in the profit and loss

account of RBI. The balance surplus after transfer to reserves is given to the Centre as

dividend. The main aim of currency and gold revaluation reserve is to handle rupee

appreciation and in case of any decline in the rupee value of gold

• The contingency reserve is meant to cover depreciation in the value of the RBI’s holdings

of government bonds (both domestic and foreign), if yields rise and their prices fall. It is

also meant to cover expenses from extraordinary events such as demonetization, money

market operations and currency printing expenses in a year of insufficient income.

• The contingency reserve supports the central bank’s role as the lender of the last resort.

• The reserve is also a cover for the deposit insurance fund given that the Deposit Insurance

and the Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the RBI.

Solution:

• Hence considering the above importance of having sizeable reserves, it would be prudent

to consider sharing any part of the reserve with the centre.



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• The way ahead would be forming a committee having representatives from government,

the central bank, academicians and the market and consider all aspects of the RBI’s

balance sheet and suggest a safe buffer in reserves and set out a fair method of sharing the

reserve.

RBI UNLIKELY TO OPEN WINDOW FOR NBFCS


Context:

• Amid growing demand for liquidity support for non-banking finance companies, the

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is unlikely to provide any special support to the sector,

though it will continue to provide funds to the banking system as liquidity deficit in the

system is a concern.

Details:

• RBI says not all NBFCs are having liquidity, it is only mid-sized and smaller NBFCs,

mostly housing finance firms facing crisis not bigger NBFCs that have high ratings

• RBI says ‘Special window’ option should be explored only when all the other avenues fail.

Background on Liquidity crises in NBFCs:

• It all started with the failure of redemption of commercial paper dues by Infrastructure

Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS), which has blown into a possible liquidity crisis for

the entire NBFC universe.

• The government demand of having special refinance window for NBFCs has been rejected

by the RBI as it believes that there is no systemic risk now and special refinancing window

should only be the last resort.

• The RBI also mentioned that there is no liquidity crisis in the entire sector of NBFC except

housing sector, it also mentions that there is credit growth in few other sectors of NBFC.

• Anticipating liquidity crunch, the RBI has announced ₹40,000-crore liquidity infusion in

November through open market operations, which is a welcome move.

About NBFCs:

• A NBFC is a financial institution that provides banking services without meeting the legal

definition of a bank, i.e. one that does not hold a banking license.



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• It is established as a company registered under the Companies Act, 1956 but its operations

are often still covered under a country’s banking regulations.

• NBFCs may be engaged in the business of loans and credit facilities, savings products,

investments and money transfer services.

• The Reserve Bank of India is entrusted with the responsibility of regulating and

supervising the Non-Banking Financial Companies by virtue of powers vested under

Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.

GOVT. WANTS MORE SAY IN RBI DECISION-MAKING


Context:

• The government wants greater involvement in the RBI’s decision-making as it feels the

current practice leaves it out on many critical issues such as single-day default turning a

loan into an NPA.

Details:

• The Centre feels that as the representative of the people, it should be involved in

critical policy decisions made by the Reserve Bank of India

• The central board of the RBI will meet on Monday where the government is expected

to push for easing of norms for lending to the MSME sector, relaxing the Prompt

Corrective Action (PCA) framework for weak banks and appropriate size of reserve to

be maintained by the central bank, among others.

• The Centre and the RBI seem to be turning around to reach a solution, particularly

with respect to relaxation of PCA framework and easing of lending norms for the

MSMEs

Background on Centre-RBI differences:



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Key contention points:

1. Regulation of state-run banks

a. The RBI governor has stated that the RBI does not have enough powers to regulate

state-run banks. According to them, these banks have dual control that is by both

the RBI and the central government.

b. And also mentioned they have no power to remove directors and management at

state-run banks, cannot supersede bank boards, does not have the power to force a

merger or trigger liquidation of state-run banks.

c. The Central government counters this statement by mentioning that “powers of RBI

are wide-ranging and comprehensive to deal with various situations that may

emerge in all banks, including public sector banks”.

d. RBI has powers to inspect the bank and its book of accounts, has a nominee

member on the board of state-run banks and is part of a committee within the

board that approves large loans.

e. RBI can appoint additional directors on the banks’ boards.

f. Besides, the whole-time directors are appointed in consultation with RBI, the

government said.

g. The issue came in light on PNB crises which criticized banking regulator for not

taking enough measures despite having Prompt Corrective Action (PCA)

framework in place.

2. Independent payment regulator

a. The Government has suggested to have an independent payment regulator to foster

competition, consumer protection, systemic stability and resilience in payment

sector

b. However, the RBI has contended this measure mentioning that having independent

payment regulator would break the existing linkage between the activities of

traditional banking system and payment banks.

c. And also new independent payment regulator would not be practically

experienced as the RBI, who gained much experience over the last several years.

3. RBI’s PCA framework



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a. RBI has placed stringent restrictions on mainly small banks due to worsening

capital, asset quality and profitability. These stringent restrictions are defended by

the RBI that they are much less stringent that Basel norms

b. However, it has put pressure on the central government because of liquidity

pressure.

4. February 12 circular/circular on Non-performing assets

a. The RBI has this circular which put strict rules on banks to address NPAs

i. Doing away with traditional restructuring schemes

ii. Imposition of the one-day default role.

iii. The RBI has maintained that these steps would improve overall credit

culture and makes banks proactive in dealing with NPAs and reduce bad

loan accumulation in future.

b. As these measures would reduce liquidity in the economy and hence provide route

towards inflation, this has created tension between the centre and the RBI and also

agitated industry and banks.

RBI-CENTRE TUSSLE: IN CASE OF A SPLIT VOTE, GOVERNOR HOLDS

THE ACES


Topic: Banking

Context:

• The Monday’s meeting of the Reserve Bank of India’s Central Board will be as important

for the actions taken as for the fact that it’s the first time the body has met since the ‘RBI vs

Finance Ministry’ tussle broke out in the open.

Details:

• One of the main issues with bodies like the RBI Board and the Monetary Policy Committee

is whether decision making by committee is preferable to one man calling the shots.

• The government prefers decisions by committee, as can also be seen by how it pushed to

install a Monetary Policy Committee to replace the Governor as the sole arbiter of

monetary policy decisions.



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• However, provisions such as Section 13 of the RBI Act are paving a way for disagreement

between them.

• Section 13 of the RBI Act says: “The Governor, or if for any reason, he is unable to attend,

the Deputy Governor authorized by the Governor under the proviso to subsection (3) of

section 8 to vote for him, shall preside at meetings of the Central Board, and, in the event

of an equality of votes, shall have a second or casting vote.” In other words, the Governor

is the tie-breaker in all decisions of the Board. The Governor becomes a deciding authority

in case of tie.

• On the other hand, how this provision be handled by both the government and the RBI

would be decided in coming days and meetings.

ECB NORMS FOR INFRA FIRMS EASED


Context:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Tuesday relaxed external commercial borrowing (ECB)

norms for infrastructure companies and tweaked certain hedging provisions.

Details:

• The central bank has reduced the minimum average maturity requirement for ECBs in the

infrastructure space to 3 years from 5 years at present

• Also reduces the average maturity period requirement for eligible borrowers exempted

from hedging their exposure fully to 5 years from 10 years currently. ECBs with a

minimum average maturity period of 3 to 5 years in the infrastructure space will also have

to meet a 100 per cent mandatory hedging requirement.

• However, ECBs falling under this revised provision, but raised prior to the date of this

circular, “will not be required to mandatorily roll over their existing hedges.

Implications:

• The move will help firms that have been looking to raise money overseas given the tight

liquidity conditions in the domestic markets, and spiking interest rates. Any increase in

the inflow of ECBs would also ease pressure on the rupee-dollar exchange rates.



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SBI SELLS OVER ₹400 CR. ELECTORAL BONDS

GS 2: Governance; GS 3: Indian Economy

Context:

• More than ₹400 crore worth of electoral bonds were sold by the State Bank of India (SBI) in

the 10-day window of October, a sharp rise from the ₹32 crore worth of bonds sold in the

July tranche, according to data the bank released under the Right to Information.

Details:

• The electoral bond data assumes significance against the backdrop of the Assembly

elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram.

• The data also pointed that there is next-to-no demand for electoral bonds of smaller

denominations and the majority of the bonds sold were in the highest denomination of ₹1

crore

About Electoral bond:

• An electoral bond is designed to be a bearer instrument like a Promissory Note — in

effect, it will be similar to a bank note that is payable to the bearer on demand and free of

interest.

• It can be purchased by any citizen of India or a body incorporated in India.

• The bonds will be issued in multiples of ₹1,000, ₹10,000, ₹1 lakh, ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore and

will be available at specified branches of State Bank of India. They can be bought by the

donor with a KYC-compliant account.

• Donors can donate the bonds to their party of choice which can then be cashed in via the

party's verified account within 15 days.

• Every party that is registered under section 29A of the Representation of the Peoples Act,

1951 (43 of 1951) and has secured at least one per cent of the votes polled in the most

recent Lok Sabha or State election will be allotted a verified account by the Election

Commission of India. Electoral bond transactions can be made only via this account.

• The bonds will be available for purchase for a period of 10 days each in the beginning of

every quarter, i.e. in January, April, July and October as specified by the Central

Government. An additional period of 30 days shall be specified by the Central

Government in the year of Lok Sabha elections.



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• The electoral bonds will not bear the name of the donor. In essence, the donor and the

party details will be available with the bank, but the political party might not be aware of

who the donor is.

• A donor will get a deduction and the recipient, or the political party, will get tax

exemption, provided returns are filed by the political party

• Apart from this, the maximum amount of cash donation that a political party can receive

be capped at ₹2,000 and that parties be entitled to receive donations by cheque or digital

mode, in addition to electoral bonds.

GST, A GAME-CHANGER REFORM FOR LOGISTICS SECTOR


Topic: Taxes and Taxation

Context:

• It has been 15 months since the rollout of what is considered one of India’s biggest tax

reforms — the Goods and Services Tax (GST). But we are already witnessing a major

positive transition in the logistics sector.

Details:

• As per a recent survey, the Indian logistics sector provides livelihood to 22 million-plus

people, which is expected to be over 40 million by 2020. The high rate of growth in the

next couple of years is expected largely due to implementation of GST.

• How GST has transformed the logistics sector in a positive way

• It has reduced complex procedures, documentation and formalities in the supply chain of

logistics sector. For example, GST has replaced at least 7 indirect tax heads and has

eliminated the need for warehouse hubs across States. Also, GST has eliminated check

posts across the nation and thereby waiting time, leading to at least 12-15% reduction in

the turnaround time of trucks.

• This has led to better utilization of assets like vehicles and warehouses, which lead to

efficiency and increased productivity thus lowering overall cost.

• This would considerably benefit the supply chain directly and India’s growth indirectly.

• GST implementation has paved for logistics players to invest in optimizing supply chains

and invest in value-added planning



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• Post GST, there is a marked improvement in the use of technology and digitization by

logistics players

• Equipped with technology and software for load design solutions, vehicle geo-tracking,

inventory tracking and route optimization, third party players add more value to their

customers’ supply chain.

• The Centre created a new division in the Commerce Ministry to deal with the integrated

development of logistics and urged all stakeholders to bring to India relevant best

practices to enhance efficiency in logistics.

• The centre has also conferred 'infrastructure' status to the logistics sector, which is helping

the sector to avail cheaper finance (2% lower) for its warehousing and cold storage needs.

• Together, the implementation of GST and other reforms have already started bringing

efficiencies into the supply chain of various firms.

• The above steps have resulted in jump from the 54th position in 2014 to 44th in 2018 in the

World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index for India.

• With improvement in logistics sector, there would definitely be an uptrend in exports

sector.

• And since the logistics sector is indirectly related with manufacturing and employment

growth, these domains could see positive reflections due to the improvement in the

supply chain of the logistics sector and hence better economic growth in entirety.

GOVT PLANS LINKING E-WAY BILL WITH FASTAG, LOGISTICS

DATA BANK TO CHECK GST EVASION


Topic: Tax and Taxation reforms

Context:

• The Revenue Department is planning to integrate e-way bill with NHAI’s FASTag

mechanism and DMICDC’s (Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Project) Logistics Data

Bank (LDB) services, to facilitate faster movement of goods and check GST evasion.

Details:

• This will improve operational efficiencies across the country’s logistic landscape.

Currently, lack of harmonization under the ‘track and trace’ mechanism in terms of



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sharing information among different agencies is affecting the ease of doing business in the

country. Besides, it is also impacting the logistic costs of the companies.

• The proposal will also help in preventing goods and services tax (GST) evasion by

unscrupulous traders who take advantage of the loopholes in the supply chain

• The integration of the e-way bill system with FASTag and LDB is expected to help boost

tax collections by clamping down on trade that currently happens on cash basis

• Integration of e-way bill with FASTag will help revenue authorities track the movement of

vehicles and ensure that they are travelling to the same destination as the transporter or

the trader had specified while generating the e-way bill.

• It will also help the suppliers locate the goods through the e-way bill system. Transporters,

too, would be able to track their vehicles through SMS alerts that would be generated at

each toll plaza

• The official said that the implementation of the proposal would require inter-ministerial

coordination as integration would have several operational and technical challenges.

About FASTag:

• FASTag is a device that employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for

making toll payments directly from the prepaid account linked to it. It is affixed on the

windscreen of your vehicle and enables one to drive through toll plazas without stopping

for cash transactions.

• It has a validity of five years. They have to be recharged as and when the requirement

arises. They facilitate quick checkout of the vehicles from the toll lanes.

• National Highway Authority of India operates FASTags on Electronic Toll collection

System

SIX AIRPORTS SET TO BE PRIVATIZED

GS3: Indian Economy and Infrastructure

Context:

• The Union Cabinet on Thursday gave an “in principle” approval for operating, managing

and developing six non-metro airports — Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati,

Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru — under the Public Private Partnership (PPP).



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Implications:

• The PPP model would help to create world-class infrastructure in airports

• It also helps in increasing revenue for Airports Authority of India (AAI)

• PPP in infrastructure projects brings efficiency in service delivery, expertise, enterprise

and professionalism, apart from harnessing the needed investments in the public sector

About Airports Authority of India:

• The Airports Authority of India or AAI under the Ministry of Civil Aviation is responsible

for creating, upgrading, maintaining and managing civil aviation infrastructure in India.

• It provides Air traffic management (ATM) services over Indian airspace and adjoining

oceanic areas. It is a Miniratna- Category – 1 Public Sector enterprise

About GAGAN:

• GAGAN stands for GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) is a satellite-based

navigation system that

will serve as a low-cost

substitute to GPS

service over the India,

Bay of Bengal, South-

east Asia and Middle

East along with

expansion up to Africa.

• The system has been

jointly developed by

ISRO and AAI.

• It is primarily being

used in aviation sector

for precise position information Services.

• With this, India becomes the third country in the world, after USA and European Union,

to offer Global Navigational Satellite System (GNSS) based precision approach services to

civil aviation sector.



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• It will make airline operations more efficient by increasing fuel savings, direct routes, ease

of search and rescue operations, reduced workload of flight crew and Air Traffic

Controllers and cost savings due to withdrawal of ground aids.

GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES INCENTIVES FOR MSMES


Context:

• The government has announced 12 measures to boost the Micro, Small and Medium

Enterprises (MSME) sector

Key aspects covered in these measures

• Access to credit

✓ Announcement of launch the 59-minute loan portal to enable easy access to credit for

MSMEs.

✓ 2% interest subvention for all GST registered MSMEs, on fresh or incremental loans

and for exporters who receive loans in the pre-shipment and post-shipment period, the

Prime Minister announced an increase in interest rebate from 3 percent to 5 percent.

• Access to market

✓ Compulsory 25% procurement instead of 20% of total purchases from MSMEs, to

strengthen the market access for MSMEs. Out of 25% mandated procurement, 3%

should be reserved for women entrepreneurs. Compulsory registration of public

sector undertakings on GeM

• Technology upgradation

✓ 20 innovation hubs and 100 spokes in the form of tool rooms to be formed across

the country to support the MSMEs

• Ease of doing business

✓ Simplification of government procedures such as factory inspections will be

sanctioned only through a computerized random allotment, and inspectors must

upload reports on portal within 48 hours.

✓ Also, for minor violations under the Companies Act, the entrepreneur will no

longer have to approach the courts, can correct them through simple procedures.



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Clusters of pharma MSMEs will be formed, given the sector’s importance, with the

Centre bearing 70 per cent of the cost of establishing these clusters.

• Sense of security for employees

✓ The mission will be launched to ensure that they have Jan Dhan Accounts,

Provident fund and insurance. All the above measures said to be monitored over

the next 100 days in 100 districts to check its implementation progress and

requirement on changes.

About MSME sector:

• It is the second largest employment generating sector after agriculture sector

• It contributes to around 31% to nation GDP and 45% share in overall exports. At present

Section 7 of MSMED Act classifies MSMEs on the basis of investment in plant and

machinery for manufacturing units and investment in equipment for service enterprises.

Significance of MSME sector:

• It plays a crucial role in providing large employment opportunities at lower capital cost

and also help in industrialization of rural and backward areas and helps in reducing

regional imbalances. They act as a ancillary units to large industries. They contribute

immensely to the socio-economic development of the country

IIP GROWTH SLIPS TO 4.5% IN SEPTEMBER; RETAIL INFLATION

EASES TO 3.31% IN OCTOBER


Context:

• Growth in industrial activity as measured by the Index of Industrial Production slowed

marginally in September to 4.5% due to slowing growth in the manufacturing and capital

goods sectors

Details:

• Consumer inflation stood at a 13-month low of 3.31 per cent in October, government data

showed on Monday, this was lower than estimates of 3.67 per cent.

• Food deflation stood at 0.86 per cent in October, as against inflation of 0.51 per cent in the

previous month, according to the official release.



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• Economists said the surprise dip in food prices led to softening of consumer inflation.

TRAI TO ANALYSE IMPLICATIONS OF OVER-THE-TOP SERVICES’

GROWTH


Context:

• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Monday re-started the

discussion on “regulatory issues and economic concerns” with regard to over-the-top

(OTT) services such as WhatsApp and Skype, with its consultation paper on

‘Regulatory Framework for OTT Communication Services’.

Details:

• This consultation paper seeks to analyse and discuss the implications of the growth of

OTT services

• Also, the relationship between TSPs and OTT players, whether any change is required

in the current regulatory framework and the manner in which such changes should be

affected

• The telecom operators have been pitching that the OTT players be brought under a

licensing regime to create a level playing field since they offer similar services such as

voice calling and messaging. A licensing regime will likely lead to OTT players paying

up levies such as license fee, spectrum charges, besides adhering to quality of service,

lawful interception and customer grievance redressal norms.

NATIONAL BIOPHARMA MISSION

GS 3: Science and Technology

About National Biopharma Mission:

• The pharmaceutical industry holds a promising future for India, and the National

Biopharma Mission is anticipated to be the game changer for Indian Pharmaceutical

Industries.

• The mission aspires to create a conducive ecosystem to encourage entrepreneurship

and indigenous manufacturing in the sector by strengthening technology transfer

capabilities in the private and the public sector.



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• It aims to make India a hub for design and development of affordable, novel and

effective biopharmaceutical products and solutions.

• The mission strives to encourage entrepreneurship to transform the health standards of

the people of India through affordable medicines.

• A Public Sector Undertaking of Department of Biotechnology – Biotechnology Industry

Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) is involved in the implementation of the mission.

It is expected to integrate expertise from national and international corridors to

provide strategic guidance and direction to yield promising results through the

product development value chain. The government of India launched the Innovate in

India (I3) program under the National Biopharma Mission. It is the first ever industry-

academia mission to speed up biopharmaceutical development in India. It aims at

plugging-in the gaps in the pharmaceutical sector such as,

• Unconnected centres of excellence.

• Lower focus on translational research.

• Staggered funding.

Innovate in India Program:

• It is a flagship program of Government of India and has received financial assistance

from the World Bank.

• It will build sustainable networks for collaboration between the industry, academia

and in turn support the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

• The program is expected to widen India’s share (currently 2.8%) to 5% in the global

biopharmaceutical market resulting in additional business opportunity.

• Though India is an active participant in the global biopharmaceutical market and has

contributed towards manufacture of low-cost life-saving drugs such as heart valve

prosthesis, affordable insulin, rotavirus vaccine etc., it is still 10-15 years behind its

peers and faces stiff competition from Korea, China etc. Therefore, there was an urgent

need for innovation, creation and facilitation of scientific discoveries.



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BEHIND INDIA’S LEAP IN EASE OF DOING BUSINESS


Context:

• India’s leap in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings this year has slipped

under the radar, in the cacophony (loud confusion) over demonetization and the RBI-

Centre spat.

Details:

• India has been one of the biggest improvers in terms of improving the Ease of doing

business rank, with its rank shooting up from 100 to 77, among 190 countries. This is quite

a big jump, given that its rank crept up from 142 to 100 in the four years from 2015 to 2018.

• The improvement in ranking has placed India a better destination to do business than

BRICs peers such as Brazil (109) and South Africa (82) and West Asian economies such as

Qatar (83) and Saudi Arabia (92).

• On the other hand, India’s biggest competitors such as China (46) are ahead of India

What did India has improved to get this jump

• Mainly from sharply higher scores on two ‘doing business’ indicators — securing

construction permits and trading across the borders. It also made smaller improvements

in starting a business and getting credit. Quicker GST registration moves, abolition of site



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inspections in Mumbai, Upgrades in port infrastructure (such as a move to online

documentation and facilities for exporters to seal their containers on their own) have

helped to improve the rankings

Scope for improvement

• Registration of properties – existing system takes 69 days to register a piece of property

and the norm for OECD countries is 20 days

• Despite GST in place, tax payment in India is still complex. A typical Mumbai-based

firm makes 13 tax payments a year, spends 278 hours on this and coughs up 52% of its

profits.

SC TO HEAR PLEA ON PF PENSION PLAN

Mains Level: GS 2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services

relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Prelims Level: Rights issues

Context:

• The Supreme Court has posted for hearing on January 25 a petition filed by retirees and

members of the Employee’s Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995 against the government and the

Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), which administers the scheme.

Details:

• The petitioners claim that a 2014 amendment and a 2017 circular exclude thousands of

pensioners from receiving pension

• The EPFO’s August 28, 2014 amendment had raised the wage ceiling amount for the

scheme to Rs. 15,000 and amended the option for contribution on higher salary for existing

employees, introducing a cut-off date of September 1, 2014.

• It also reduced the pensionable salary considerably by averaging 60 months’ salary

instead of 12 months to determine the last drawn salary amount, hence it reduced the

effect of salary increase over the period of time in pension calculation.

• According to the petition, the effect of this amendment is to

✓ Exclude all new employees who joined after September 2014 from joining the

pension scheme altogether



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✓ Exclude serving employees from benefiting from the option of contributing to the

pension scheme on maximum salary

✓ Deny the benefit of opting for the scheme to retired employees if they missed the

cut-off date.

• The amendment and cut-off date were not given sufficient publicity to allow employees to

opt for pension on higher salary if they wished. Hence the majority of the employees

remained ignorant of the options available to them to get pension.

461 ELEPHANTS ELECTROCUTED BETWEEN 2009 AND 2017

GS3: Biodiversity

Context:

• Between August to October 2018, more than a dozen of elephants died of electrocution in

the eastern and north-eastern part of India, including seven in Odisha’s Dhenkanal

district.

• Electrocution: Electrocution is death or serious injury caused by electric shock, electric

current passing through the body.

More in details:

• This is causing a serious concern, because upon analyzing the elephant deaths in India due

to electrocution between 2009 and 2017 points out that, every year, about 50 elephants



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have died on average due to electrocution, totaling 461 elephants electrocuted between the

year period.

• It is said that main reason for these deaths particularly in east-central and northeastern

parts of the country is because of the expansion of elephants in the new areas causing

human-elephant conflict and improper monitoring.

Steps to be taken:

• Need for greater surveillance and protection of elephant corridors

• Greater coordination between the Forest and Power department

• Continuous monitoring of electrical wires passing through areas of elephant movement

• Proper zone wise management plan for different elephant landscapes as no one-fits all

approach would work out due to different landscapes in elephant dominated areas.

Fact:

• The States with the highest elephant population are Karnataka (6,049), followed by Assam

(5,719) and Kerala (3,054).

Where to use this:

• Man-wildlife conflict

• Role of community in wildlife protection

• Development Vs Biodiversity

WATER ATMS MAY HELP IN BRIDGING SAFE WATER GAP

Context:

• With 82 crore people who still do not have access to piped water and 70% of water in the

country contaminated by pollutants, the government is increasingly starting to accept

small water enterprises — such as water ATMs and community purification plants — as

an alternative solution to the safe drinking water challenge.

About Water ATM:

• The water ATM is a dispensation system, which can be automatic with a coin or smart

card, or manual. This which provide communities with 24/7 safe water access. They are



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solar powered and cloud connected, thus enabling remote tracking of the water quality

and of each pay per use transaction

NEW TEAM OF WILDLIFE EXPERTS TO PROBE KILLING OF TIGRESS AVNI

Context:

• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has constituted a three-member team

of independent wildlife experts to probe how the man-eating tiger Avni (T1) was killed.

(State Wildlife Warden was authorised to decide on a declaring an animal a man-eater)

• The three-member team will have experienced wildlife experts from the Wildlife Trust of

India

6 KG OF PLASTIC FOUND IN DEAD WHALE’S STOMACH

GS 3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact

assessment

Topic: Environmental Pollution

Details:

• A sperm whale has been found dead in Indonesia with 115 plastic cups and 25 plastic bags

in its stomach, raising concern among environmentalists and throwing the spotlight on the

country’s rubbish problem.

• The items were part of nearly 6 kg of plastic waste discovered in the 31-foot carcass when

it washed ashore in Wakatobi National Park, in Southeast Sulawesi province, on Monday.



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• Indonesia is the world’s second biggest contributor to marine debris after China.

Consequences of plastic pollution:

• Large impact on ocean wildlife and habitats

• Small pieces of plastic are eaten by fish, turtles and seabirds, often resulting in their death.

Animals and birds can also become tangled up in plastic debris, leading to serious injuries

and fatalities.

• Over time, plastic material does not bio-degrade, but breaks down into tiny particles

known as micro plastics, which can be eaten by small marine animals and enter the food

chain and polluted the food chain. Tiny particles of plastic even build up in fish brains,

altering their behaviour. Plastic debris often contains chemicals added during

manufacture that can absorb and concentrate contaminants such as pesticides, heavy

metals and persistent organic pollutants (e.g. polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs).

• This pollution is extremely difficult to remove from the environment or trace back to its

source due to bioaccumulation and biomagnification.

Solution:

• Local actions such as bans on plastic bags, maximum daily limits for emissions into

watersheds, and incentives for fishing gear retrieval. Countries should come together to

establish measurable reduction targets for plastic waste. A meaningful international

agreement—one with clearly defined waste reduction targets is the need of the hour.

• Effective policies must take into account all stages of the lifecycle of plastic—connecting

producers to users and ultimately to waste managers.

• Banning single-use bags and making consumers pay a significant amount for the more

durable ones is a feasible solution.

ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS: HOME TO A TENTH OF INDIA’S

FAUNA SPECIES

Mains level: GS 3: Environmental protection

Prelims level: Biodiversity

Context:

• A recent publication by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) titled Faunal Diversity of

Biogeographic Zones:



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• Islands of India has for the first time come up with a database of all faunal species found

on the island, putting the number at 11,009. The documentation proves that the islands,

comprising only 0.25% of India’s geographical area, are home to more than 10% of the

country’s fauna species.

Details:

• It implies the presence of rich faunal species in such a small area of an island, making the

islands one of the richest ecosystems and biodiversity hot spots in India

• Another unique feature of the islands’ ecosystem is its marine faunal diversity, which

includes coral reefs and its associated fauna.

• Some species are very restricted in a particular area and hence make it vulnerable to any

anthropogenic threat

• The population of the islands, which includes six particularly vulnerable tribal groups

(PVTGs) — Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa, Sentinelese, Nicobarese and Shompen’s —

is not more than 4 lakhs. But the number of tourists has crossed more than the population

putting pressure on ecosystem

• The report also cautions that tourism, illegal construction and mining are posing a threat

to the islands’ biodiversity, which is already vulnerable to volatile climatic factors.

INDIAN LEOPARD

Mains Level: GS 3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental

impact assessment

Prelims Level: Biodiversity

• It is a leopard subspecies widely distributed on the Indian Subcontinent

• It is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List because populations have declined

following habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching for the illegal trade of skins and body

parts, and persecution due to conflict situations. The Indian leopard is one of the big cats

occurring on the Indian subcontinent, apart from the Asiatic lion, Bengal tiger, snow

leopard and clouded leopard. The Indian leopard is distributed in India, Nepal, Bhutan

and parts of Pakistan. Bangladesh has no viable leopard population except on occasional

sightings. The Indian leopard inhabits tropical rain forests, dry deciduous forests,



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temperate forests and northern coniferous forests but does not occur in the mangrove

forests of the Sundarbans.

• It is thought that the Indus River in the west and the Himalayas in the north form

topographical barriers to the dispersal of this subspecies. In the east, the Ganges Delta and

the lower course of the Brahmaputra River are thought to form natural barriers to the

range of the Indochinese leopard.

• Panthera Pardus is listed in CITES appendix

JAPAN ISLAND FEARED TO BE ‘MISSING’

GS 1: Important Geophysical phenomena

Context:

• A tiny island named ‘Esambe Hanakita Kojima’ is missing.

About Esambe Hanakita Kojima:

• It is in northern Japan, which was officially surveyed and registered by Japan’s coastguard

in 1987, but the exact size of the island was not measured because of its tiny size. Until

recently, it rose 1.4-metre (four-and-a-half feet) above sea level, and was visible from the

very northern tip of Japan's northern Hokkaido island, but now, it has disappeared.

• The disappearance of the island might affect Japan’s territorial water spread.

REPORT SEES CLIMATE RISK FROM RISE IN INDIAN AC UNITS

GS 3: Environmental conservation

Context:

• By 2022, India is expected to have a fourth of the world’s air conditioning units, and the

risks to climate from this could be immense, according to a report.

Details:

• The refrigerants (hydroflurocarbons-HFCs) used for cooling are the major contributors to

global warming, and if left unchecked, they could cause global temperatures to rise by 0.5

degrees Celsius

• Hence there is need to have a technology solution that could help to reduce the impact by

one-fifth and ensure that air conditioning units use 75% less electricity. Why

Hydroflurocarbons are posing threat to climate. Earlier Chloroflurocarbons were used as



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cooling agents in refrigerators and air-conditioners. But these were found to be Ozone-

depleting substances; they had been phased out by Montreal Protocol.

• These ozone depleting substances have been replaced by hydroflurocarbons as cooling

agents in refrigerators and air-conditioners. They have a thousand times more potential to

cause global warming effect than commonly known greenhouse gases like carbon Dioxide,

methane etc.

• For this an amendment to Montreal protocol has been made and this amendment is

referred as Kigali agreement

Kigali Agreement:

• It is a legally binding agreement between the signatory parties with non-compliance

measures.

• It will come into effect from 1st January 2019 provided it is ratified by at least 20-member

parties by then.

• It has divided the signatory parties into three groups-

• The first group consists of rich and developed economies like USA, UK and EU countries

who will start to phase down HFCs by 2019 and reduce it to 15% of 2012 levels by 2036.

• The second group consists of emerging economies like China, Brazil as well as some

African countries who will start phase down by 2024 and reduce it to 20% of 2021 levels

by 2045.

• The third group consists of developing economies and some of the hottest climatic

countries like India, Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia who will start phasing down HFCs by

2028 and reduce it to 15% of 2024-2026 levels till 2047.

• It also has a provision for a multilateral fund for developing countries for adaptation and

mitigation.

Significance of Kigali agreement

• It strengthens the Paris Agreement which sets an ambitious target of restricting the rise in

global temperature below 2O Celsius, as compared to pre-industrial level.

• Unlike Paris agreement, it gives clear, concrete and mandatory targets with fixed timelines

to the signatory parties to achieve their targets.

• It would prevent the emission of HFCs equivalent to 70 billion tons of CO2.



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VIRTUAL CLIMATE SUMMIT TO CUT CARBON FOOTPRINT


assessment

Topic: Climate change and its impacts

Context:

• World leaders will participate in an innovative climate change summit on Thursday

that will take place entirely online so it is carbon neutral.

Details:

• The eco-friendly event stands in stark contrast to many other international political

summits, which involve thousands of delegates jetting across the world to a venue

where they stay in air-conditioned comfort.

• The Virtual Climate Summit is the brainchild of Marshall Islands President Hilda

Heine, whose low-lying Pacific island nation will drown beneath rising seas if global

warming continues unabated.

• This will be the first global political meeting to be held online. This step has shown that

even small nations such as the Marshalls could make a big difference on the world

stage using creative, climate-friendly solutions.

• The virtual summit’s main aim is to encourage the international community to keep

global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

EXTREME WEATHER TURNING ARCTIC BROWN, MAY

IMPACT CLIMATE CHANGE: STUDY

Mains Level: GS: 3- Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental

impact assessment

Prelims Level: Climate Change

Context:

• The increasing number of extreme events is causing dieback of Arctic plants or ‘browning’

across Arctic regions, a study has found.

Details:

• According to the research, Arctic is warming twice as fast as the global average.



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• This causes plants to dieback and overall reduce the ability of Arctic ecosystems to help

combat climate change. Previously, scientists had found that increasing summer warmth

in the Arctic was encouraging vegetation to grow, turning areas green.

• But this study brings out the other picture of the climate change on the Arctic ecosystem

About Arctic Browning:

• Arctic browning is declining biomass or productivity in Arctic regions

• Extreme events linked to winter weather—such as abrupt periods of extreme warmth—are

among the key drivers of Arctic browning

• These events can cause sudden plant damage across huge areas.

FRAGILE CLIMATE PUTS FOOD SECURITY AT RISK: UN REPORT

Mains Level: GS 3: Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations,

revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security

Prelims Level: Agriculture, Growth and Development

Context:

• Feeding a hungry planet is growing increasingly difficult as climate change and depletion

of land and other resources undermine food systems, the U.N. Food and Agricultural

Organization said on Wednesday as it renewed appeals for better policies and

technologies to reach “zero hunger.”

Highlights of the Report:

• The report says humans have outstripped Earth's carrying capacity in terms of land, water

and climate change, which is in-turn putting pressure on these natural resources and

causing depletion and hence making food availability to all a difficult job.

• The report quoted that about 820 million people are malnourished due to unavailability of

nutritious food to all. The efforts at the global level have to be made to avail food to all.

• According to the report, the prime reasons for food security are

▪ Poverty

▪ Civil Strife and other conflicts. Below are few examples.

✓ In Yemen, where thousands of civilians have died in airstrikes by a Saudi-led

coalition, the aid group Save the Children says 85,000 children under 5 may have

died of hunger or disease in the civil war.



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✓ In Afghanistan, severe drought and conflict have displaced more than 2,50,000

people, according to UNHCR, the U.N. refugee agency.

• According to the FAO estimates, the global demand for food would jump by half from

2013 to 2050.

• And it says the solution lies in expanding land to help in increasing crop productivity. On

the other hand, it also admitted the challenges on land due to urbanization and industrial

growth.

• UN ‘s State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report also pointed on the

worrying trend on food security at global level.

According to it, the challenges towards food security:

• Impact of the economic downturn

• Violent conflicts

• Fall in commodity export revenues

• Failure of agriculture owing to drought and floods

• All the findings represent a setback to all countries trying to meet the Sustainable

Development Goals, in particular Goal 2 on Zero Hunger "End hunger, achieve food

security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture"

About Food and Agriculture organization:

• It is a specialized agency of the UN with headquarters Italy, leads international efforts to

defeat hunger.

• It acts as a neutral forum, serving both developed and developing countries, where all

nations meet as equals to negotiate arguments and debate policy

• It is also a source of knowledge and information, and helps developing countries in

transition modernize and improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices, ensuring

good nutrition and food security for all.



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BRAZIL LOSES FORESTS EQUAL TO ‘1 MN FOOTBALL PITCHES’

Mains Level: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact

assessment

Prelims: Climate change

Context:

• Deforestation in Brazil has reached such epic proportions that an area equivalent to one

million football pitches was lost in just one year, Greenpeace said.

Details:

• Between August 2017 and July 2018, deforestation increased by almost 14%, with an area

of 7, 900 sq. km of forest cleared, according to the governmental institution of special

investigations.

• The Amazon rainforest represents more than half of Earth’s remaining rainforest and

covers an area of 5.5 million sq. km, about 60% of which is in Brazil.

• But it is under threat from illegal logging as well as farming, in particular from soybean

plantations and pasture land for cattle.

• Between 2004 and 2012, deforestation in Brazil was slowed through controls imposed at a

government level as well as by the private sector. But these controls seem not be under

control, showing high deforestation.

• It is said that if these are not controlled now, Amazon deforestation could explode into an

unimaginable situation.

ONLY ‘GREEN’ CRACKERS CAN BE SOLD IN DELHI, SAYS SC

What are green crackers?

• The commonly used pollution-causing chemicals – aluminum, barium, potassium nitrate

and carbon – have either been removed or sharply reduced in the green crackers to reduce

emissions by 15-30%

• They do not contain harmful emission chemical and hence less harmful than the

conventional crackers

• The “green” crackers have been tested for color, smoke, brightness and particulate matter

and are found to emit less smoke and noise. The biggest factor is that they would be 25-



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30% cheaper to manufacture and manufacturers would not have to make any changes in

their facilities.

Other judgments made by SC:

• The SC has provided 2-hour slot to fire crackers and asked the states to fix their own slot

based on their own tradition and custom except Delhi. As far as Delhi-NCR is concerned,

the court did not relax its rigor both in terms of the time-slot for bursting crackers and the

mandatory manufacture and sale of green crackers.

• The court also refused to lift the pan-India ban on sale of crackers online through e-

commerce websites

DELHI AIR WORSENS AFTER DEEPAVALI

GS 3: Environmental pollution

Context:

• Amidst a flagrant violation of the Supreme Court’s restrictions on bursting crackers, a day

after Deepavali, Delhi saw its Air Quality Index (AQI) in the ‘severe’ category in line with

the previous two years, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board

(CPCB).

Details:

• This poor air quality is attributed to “unfavourable conditions coupled with pollutants

generated from fireworks.” The air quality has reached its severe pollution level (AQI-

410) after 8 p.m.

• The cumulative effect of existing pollution load and pollutants release due to use of

fireworks as well as meteorological conditions like calm condition with significant

humidity attributed to present situation

• There are also instances which reported instances of crackers being burnt beyond the

interval (8-10 p.m as permitted by the Supreme court)

About National Air Quality Index:

• Launched under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in 2014.

• Aim is ‘one number- one colour-one description’ for the common man to judge the air

quality within his vicinity Air quality is declared in 6 categories



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• Index considers eight pollutants i.e. PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb for

which short-term (up to 24-hourly averaging period) National Ambient Air Quality

Standards are prescribed

• The AQI has been developed by the Central Pollution Control Board in consultation with

IIT-Kanpur and an expert group comprising medical, air-quality professionals and other

stakeholders.

About SAFAR

• It has been introduced by the Ministry of Earth Sciences for greater metropolitan cities to

provide location-specific information on air quality in near real time and its forecast 1-3

days in advance for the first time in India

• In addition to regular air quality parameters like PM2.5, PM10, Sulfur Dioxide, Ozone,

Nitrogen Oxides, Carbon Monoxide, the system will also monitor the existence of

Benzene, Toluene and Xylene.

• New system also to track UV-Index, PM1, Mercury and Black carbon in real time.

NGT IMPOSES RS 50 CRORE FINE ON PUNJAB OVER RIVER POLLUTION


Context:

• The National Green Tribunal on Wednesday ordered the Punjab government to submit a

fine of Rs. 50 crore as environmental compensation for polluting rivers Sutlej and Beas due



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to industrial discharge. The Bench has asked the Punjab government to recover the fine

from industries in two weeks

About National Green tribunal:

• The National Green Tribunal has been established on 18.10.2010 under the National Green

Tribunal Act 2010 for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental

protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.

• The responsibilities also include enforcement of any legal right relating to environment

and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters

connected therewith or incidental thereto.

• It is a specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental

disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues.

• The Tribunal is not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure,

1908, is guided by principles of natural justice.

• The Tribunal's dedicated jurisdiction in environmental matters shall provide speedy

environmental justice and help reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts.

• The Tribunal is mandated to make and endeavour for disposal of applications or appeals

finally within 6 months of filing of the same.

EPCA CALLS FOR CURBS ON NON-CNG PRIVATE VEHICLES


Context:

• The Environment Pollution Control Authority has asked the CPCB to look into curbing the

use of non-CNG private vehicles during high pollution episodes in Delhi-NCR.

Why Compresses Natural Gas (CNG) is better than other fuels

• Cleanest Burning fuel of all fossil fuels, since natural gas is composed mainly of methane,

burning it produces only carbon dioxide and water vapour rather than other fossil fuels

which produces higher carbon emissions, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and also

particulate matter.

• It is said that carbon monoxide emission is reduced by about 80% in CNG-powered cars

compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. CNG also produces 45% less hydrocarbons than

gasoline. And although natural gas also produces greenhouse gases, it is considerably



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reduced compared to gasoline or diesel. This helps reduce the harmful effects of

greenhouse gases to the environment particularly through global warming.

• It leaves little or no residue compared to gasoline or diesel. Thus, the damage to the pipes

and tubes of the vehicle’s engine is greatly reduced.

• There is also less particulate matter that can contaminate the motor oil. This results to

longer periods in between maintenance procedures and hence reduces maintenance costs

• CNG also has a high ignition temperature of about 1163 degrees Fahrenheit and a

flammability rating of approximately 5 to 15% gas in air. This reduces the risk of fire if and

when a leak happens.

• CNG is also lighter than air and will simply dissipate into the atmosphere in the case of

leaks. Meanwhile, gasoline or diesel will pool in the ground when there is a leak which

results to a very dangerous fire hazard. CNG is a non-toxic fuel that does not pose any

danger of contamination to ground water.

NEW INDEX QUANTIFIES HOW AIR POLLUTION CUTS LIFE EXPECTANCY


assessment

Topic: Pollution

Details:

• A new index has found that fossil fuel-driven particulate air pollution reduces global

average life expectancy by 1.8 years, making it the single greatest threat to human health.

• Produced by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), the Air

Quality Life Index (AQLI) — the ‘L’ stands for ‘Life’ — found that particulate pollution’s

effect on life expectancy exceeds that of communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and

HIV/AIDS, behavioral killers like cigarette smoking, and even war.

• In India, people would live 4.3 years longer on an average if their country met WHO

guidelines on particulate concentration – expanding the average life expectancy at birth

there from 69 to 73 years

• Loss of life expectancy is highest in Asia, exceeding 6 years in many parts of India and

China. India and China, which make up 36% of the world’s population, account for 73% of

all years of life lost due to particulate pollution.



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SAVING WETLANDS IN TAMIL NADU FROM EXTINCTION

GS 3: Biodiversity

Context:

• The Madras High Court has decided to step in to ensure wetlands conservation

Details:

• The High court has decided to take up suo motu PIL petitions to ensure that Ramsar

Convention sites within their jurisdictions are maintained properly

• The step has been taken recently to appoint amicus curiae (senior counsel) to suggest steps

on preservation of wetlands

About Wetlands:

• According to the Ramsar Convention on Wetland, wetlands are defined as “areas of

marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with

water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the

depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters".

Significance of wetlands

• Protect shores from wave action, reduce the impact of floods, absorb pollutants and

improve water quality

• Provide habitat for animals and plants

• Provide a range of environmental, social and economic services

• Play a significant role in aesthetic enhancement of landscapes.

AMARAVATI: MOEF ‘NO’ TO FOREST USE

Mains Level: GS 3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental

impact assessment

Prelims Level: Biodiversity

Details:

• The Ministry of Environment’s Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has rejected eight

proposals from the Andhra Pradesh government entailing the diversion of about 3,300

hectares of forest land for infrastructure projects in the State’s capital city of Amaravati.

According to the records of a meeting of the FAC, the State government had sought



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permission to divert land in various forest divisions in Guntur district for projects

including an ‘Adventure Eco Theme Park’ and a ‘Science City’.

About Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change:

• It is the nodal agency in the administrative structure of the central government for the

planning, promotion, co-ordination and overseeing the implementation of India's

environmental and forestry policies and programmes.

• The primary concerns of the Ministry are implementation of policies and programmes

relating to conservation of the country's natural resources including its lakes and rivers, its

biodiversity, forests and wildlife, ensuring the welfare of animals, and the prevention and

abatement of pollution.

• While implementing these policies and programmes, the Ministry is guided by the

principle of sustainable development and enhancement of human well-being.

• The broad objectives of the Ministry are:

✓ Conservation and survey of flora, fauna, forests and wildlife

✓ Prevention and control of pollution

✓ Afforestation and regeneration of degraded areas

✓ Protection of the environment and

✓ Ensuring the welfare of animals

• Article 48A says that "The State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment

and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country."

• The effect of this article also transferred wildlife and forests from state list to concurrent

list of the constitution, thus giving the central government the power to overrule state

decisions on that matter.

CALIFORNIA FIRE DEATH TOLL RISES TO 83

GS 3: Environment

Topic: Environmental Degradation

Context:

• The death toll from the wildfire in northern California rose to 83 Wednesday after crews

found two more sets of remains in burned-out buildings, officials said.



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Details:

• Climate change has brought warmer temperatures and extreme variations in snow and

rainfall, causing both dry and wet years, these variations brings more fires through

burning.

• Fires that move quickly through tinder-dry brush can also be more deadly

• Dry conditions delay the winter rains, and gusty winds fan the fires that are still burning.

• Shifting population means more chances for ignitions, with people moving into flammable

places and literally building homes in the line of fire

• It is said that humans cause 84 percent of wildfires, and lightning causes the rest

• Malfunctioning equipment and downed power lines are also reasons behind

• Careless campers are responsible for some fires

‘NASA’S HISTORIC DAWN MISSION TO ASTEROID

BELT COMES TO END’


Context:

• A NASA spacecraft that launched 11 years ago, which studied two of the largest objects

the asteroid belt, has need its mission after running out of hydrazine fuel and is in an

uncontrolled state about Ceres, thus ending its mission

About Dawn mission:

• It has a mission of studying two of the three known protoplanets of the asteroid belt, Vesta

and Ceres

• It is the first spacecraft to orbit two extra-terrestrial bodies.

Asteroid belt:

• Circumstellar disc in the solar system located roughly between the orbits of the planet Mars

and Jupiter

• It is occupied by numerous irregularly shaped bodies called asteroids or minor planets

• About half of the mass of the belt is contained in the four largest asteroids: Ceres, Vesta,

Pallas, Hygiea



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GSAT11


Context:

• GSAT-11 returns to the Guiana Space Centre (a French and European Spacecraft to the

northwest of Kourou in French Guiana, France) for the second time in six months after it

was taken back to ISRO in April for inspections. And the target data for launch has been

postponed to December 4 2018.

About GSAT 11

• The heaviest geostationary communication satellite with its lift-mass of about 5600 Kg

• It is planned to be launched using the European spacecraft (Ariane-5 launch vehicle) in

French Guiana as ISRO’s own Geo Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV

MKIII) rocket can only lift a satellite weighing not more than four tonnes to Geostationary

transfer orbit

Significance

• It is a multi-beam satellite operating over India in Ka/Ku bands employing frequency

reuse technique

• It helps to link the villages and towns in this country with quality high-speed Wi-Fi

service and also integrate internet and television services

• It could generate a bandwidth of more than 12GBPS connectivity and hence could provide

the Indian region superior communication and much supportive for internet-driven

services, VSAT operations and rural connectivity

Why it has been recalled:

• GSAT-11 had the same set of power system configuration has GSAT-6A and RISAT-1

✓ RISAT-1 died prematurely and GSAT-6A has lost communication soon after launch

because of suspected power system failure

• Also, to check the if the provisions made for the deployment of the solar panel are per

requirements



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NEW SPACE INDUSTRY EMERGES: SERVICING

SATELLITES IN ORBIT

GS 3: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-technology, bio-

technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights

Topic: Space Technology

Details:

• Today's world has been seeing increasing number of satellites from nations and also

private players on various purposes. But when these satellites run out of fuel, they can no

longer maintain their precise orbit, rendering them useless even if their hardware is still

intact.

• In recent years, new aerospace companies have been founded to try and extend the

lifespan of satellites, which many clients would find this more profitable than relaunching

new ones.

• These aerospace companies finding ways to inspect it, refuel it, and possibly even repair it

or change components, and put it back in the correct orbit.

LUNAR LANDER FACES CRUCIAL TEST


Topic: Space

Context:

• The Chandrayaan-2 lunar lander’s sensors

will undergo a crucial test in the next few

days as the mission is planned to be

launched in around two months.

Details:

• The ISRO plans to fly the sensors on an

aircraft over its artificial lunar site at

Challakere to see how they will function

and guide the Chandrayaan-2 landing



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craft when it starts descending on the lunar terrain.

• For the test, a prototype module carrying the sensors will be flown on one of ISRO’s two

small aircraft. As the plane descends from around 7 km to about 1 km over the artificial

terrain, the sensors must show how they will guide the soft landing of the lunar craft at

the right spot, speed and position.

• The recent success of the GSLV-MkIII-D2 launch vehicle has given ISRO the confidence to

go ahead for its operational vehicle which will launch Chandrayaan-2.

About Chandrayaan-2:

• Chandrayaan-2 is India's second lunar exploration mission after Chandrayaan-1.

• Developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the mission is planned to be

launched to the Moon by a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk

III).

• It includes a lunar orbiter, lander and rover, all developed by India.

ISRO’S IMAGING SATELLITE HYSIS IS ALL SET FOR LAUNCH ON

NOVEMBER 29th

Mains level: GS 3: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-

technology, bio technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

Prelims level: Space Technology

Context:

• HysIS, the country's first hyperspectral imaging satellite for advanced earth observation, is

slated for launch on Thursday from Sriharikota.

Details:

• ISRO is all set to launch its workhorse rocket PSLV-C43 carrying India’s earth observation

satellite HysIS and 30 co-passenger satellites, including 23 from the US, from Sriharikota

on November 29.

• The space agency said the 45th flight of PSLV will be launched from the First Launch Pad

(FLP) of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota.

• The satellite will be placed in 636 km polar sun synchronous orbit (SSO) with an

inclination of 97.957 deg. The mission life of the satellite is five years. The co-passengers of

HysIS (the primary satellite of PSLV-C43) include one micro and 29 nano satellites from



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eight different countries, the agency said, adding, all these satellites will be placed in a 504

km orbit by PSLV-C43.

• The countries comprise United States of America (23 satellites), Australia, Canada,

Columbia, Finland, Malaysia, Netherlands and Spain (one satellite each).

• These satellites have been commercially contracted for launch through Antrix Corporation

Limited, the commercial arm of ISRO

About HysIS:

• It is an earth observation satellite, which provides hyperspectral imaging services for

range of applications in agriculture, forestry and assessment of coastal zones, inland

waters, soil and other geological environments and as such.

• Indian military would also be a user of its data

• The primary goal of HysIS is to study the earth’s surface in visible, near infrared and

shortwave infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

• HysIS will be ISRO’s first full-scale working satellite with this capability

• India has been one of the forerunners to use hyperspectral imaging technique in their

satellite services

About Spectral imaging and Hyperspectral imaging:

Spectral Imaging:

• It is an imaging process that uses multiple bands across the electromagnetic spectrum.

• While an ordinary camera captures light across three wavelength bands in the visible

spectrum, red, green, and blue (RGB), spectral imaging encompasses a wide variety of

techniques that go beyond RGB.

• Spectral imaging may make use of the infrared, the visible spectrum, the ultraviolet, x-

rays, or some combination of the above.

• It may include the acquisition of image data in visible and non-visible bands

simultaneously, illumination from outside the visible range, or the use of optical filters to

capture a specific spectral range.

• It is also possible to capture hundreds of wavelength bands for each pixel in an image,

instead of just three.



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Hyperspectral imaging:

• Hyperspectral imaging, like other spectral imaging, collects and processes information

from across the electromagnetic spectrum.

• The goal of hyperspectral imaging is to obtain the spectrum for each pixel in the image of

a scene, with the purpose of finding objects, identifying materials, or detecting processes

About PSLV:

• The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is an expendable medium-lift launch vehicle

designed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

• PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle with alternating solid and liquid stages. PSLV-C43 is

the Core Alone version of PSLV which is the lightest version of PSLV.

• Due to its unmatched reliability, PSLV has also been used to launch various satellites into

Geosynchronous and Geostationary orbits, like satellites from the IRNSS constellation.

• Payload to Sub GTO: 1,425 kg

NASA'S INSIGHT LANDS ON MARS 'WITH 1 LAKH INDIANS'

Mains level: GS 3: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-

technology, bio technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

Prelims level: Space Technology

Context:

• Around 1,38,899 Indians landed on the flat Elsium Planitia region of Mars after travelling

for six months jn NASA's Insight (Interior Exploration Using Seismic Investigations,

Geodesy and Heat Transport) mission.

Details:

• It was not a manned mission.

• The names of these space-crazy Indians had been etched on a silicon wafer microchip

using an electron beam to form letters with lines one-one thousandth the diameter of a

human hair.

• This tiny chip was attached to the top hull of the lander

About NASA’s InSight:

• The Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport

(InSight) mission is a robotic lander designed to study the deep interior of the planet Mars.



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• It was manufactured by Lockheed Martin and is managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion

Laboratory.

• It has to place 'seismometer', on the surface to measure the seismic activity and provide

accurate 3D models of Mars's interior and measure heat flow and transfer within Mars

using a heat probe to study the planet's early geological evolution.

ISRO PUTS ‘SHARP EYE’ INTO ORBIT

Mains Level: GS 3: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-

technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

Prelims Level: Space

Context:

• Indian Space Research Organization’s reliable workhorse PSLV rocket soared into the

skies from Sriharikota's first launchpad carrying with it India's first hyperspectral imaging

satellite (HysIS), an advanced earth observation satellite, and 30 foreign satellites.

Details:

• During the 112-minute-long mission, PSLV C43 first delivered India's primary satellite

into the polar sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 630 km 17 minutes and 27 seconds

after the launch and is now in the process of delivering 30 international co-passengers

after descending to 504 km altitude in two batches. The 30 commercial satellites, including

one micro and 29 Nano satellites, are from eight countries. Of the total 30 satellites whose

combined weight is 261.5 kg, 23 are from the US. In another first for ISRO, satellites from

Australia, Colombia, Malaysia and Spain are being flown of the first time by an Indian

rocket.

• Though hyperspectral imaging was first tried by ISRO in an 83-kg IMS-1 experimental

satellite way back in May 2008 and later on Chandrayaan-1 mission in the same year for

mapping lunar mineral resources, this is the first time a full-fledged hyperspectral

imaging satellite has been launched. HysIS, which can see in 55 spectral or Colour bands

from 630 km above the ground, carries two payloads. One to capture images in the visible

near-infrared (VNIR) range of the light spectrum and another in the shortwave infrared

infrared (SWIR) range. The satellite is designed to provide earth observation service for

five years till 2023.



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About HysIS:

• It is a earth observation satellite, which provides hyperspectral imaging services for range

of applications in agriculture, forestry and assessment of coastal zones, inland waters, soil

and other geological environments and as such.

• Indian military would also be a user of its data. The primary goal of HysIS is to study the

earth’s surface in visible, near infrared and shortwave infrared regions of the

electromagnetic spectrum.

• HysIS will be ISRO’s first full-scale working satellite with this capability

• India has been one of the forerunners to use hyperspectral imaging technique in their

satellite services

About Spectral imaging and Hyperspectral imaging:

Spectral Imaging:

• It is an imaging process that uses multiple bands across the electromagnetic spectrum.

• While an ordinary camera captures light across three wavelength bands in the visible

spectrum, red, green, and blue (RGB), spectral imaging encompasses a wide variety of

techniques that go beyond RGB.

• Spectral imaging may make use of the infrared, the visible spectrum, the ultraviolet, x-

rays, or some combination of the above.

• It may include the acquisition of image data in visible and non-visible bands

simultaneously, illumination from outside the visible range, or the use of optical filters to

capture a specific spectral range. It is also possible to capture hundreds of wavelength

bands for each pixel in an image, instead of just three.

Hyperspectral imaging or Hypsex imaging

• Hyperspectral imaging, like other spectral imaging, collects and processes information

from across the electromagnetic spectrum.

• It combines the power of digital imaging and spectroscopy.

• The goal of hyperspectral imaging is to collect and process the information from across the

electromagnetic spectrum and enables distinct identification of objects, material and

processes on the earth by reading the spectrum for each pixel of a scene from space



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About PSLV:

• The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is an expendable medium-lift launch vehicle

designed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). PSLV is a four-

stage launch vehicle with alternating solid and liquid stages. PSLV-C43 is the Core alone

version of PSLV which is the lightest version of PSLV. Due to its unmatched reliability,

PSLV has also been used to launch various satellites into Geosynchronous and

Geostationary orbits, like satellites from the IRNSS constellation. Payload to Sub GTO:

1,425 kg.

ISRO PLANS TO MAKE GAGANYAAN MISSION INDIGENOUS



Prelims Level: Space

Context:

• The Indian Space Research Organisation wants to make the ambitious manned mission

Gaganyaan “more and more” indigenous by utilising the facilities available in the country,

ISRO Chairman K. Sivan said here on Thursday.

Details:

• The space agency is aiming to undertake the first unmanned programme under the

Gaganyaan project by December 2020. If Gaganyaan is successful, India would become the

fourth nation to achieve the feat.

About the Gaganyaan Mission:

• It will be India’s first manned space mission.

• Under it, India is planning to send three humans (Gaganyatris) into space in low earth

orbit (LEO) by 2022 i.e. by 75th Independence Day for a period of five to seven days.

• The mission was announced by Prime Minister during his 72nd Independence Day

speech.

• Under this mission, crew of three astronauts will conduct experiments on microgravity in

space. The crew will be selected jointly by Indian Air Force (IAF) and ISRO after which

they will undergo training for two-three years. India will be fourth nation in the world

after USA, Russia and China to launch a human spaceflight mission. Enhancement of



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science and technology levels in the country, serve as national project involving several

institutes, academia and industry, improve of industrial growth, inspire youth, develop

technology for social benefits and improve international collaboration.

‘CHINA HALTS WORK ON GENE-EDITING BABIES’



GS4-Ethics

Prelims Level: Biotechnology

Context:

• A Chinese scientist who stoked criticism over his claim that he had created the world’s

first genetically-edited babies faced mounting pressure as China ordered a halt to his

scientific activities and warned he may have broken the law.

Details:

• China's National Health Commission has ordered an investigation into the experiment,

which was condemned by the scientific community in China and abroad. Chinese

government has said that creation of gene-edited babies blatantly violated the country's

relevant laws and regulations and said that it has breached the bottom line of morality and

ethics.

About the experiment:

• The experiment has successfully altered the DNA of twin girls born a few weeks ago to

prevent them for contracting HIV. But the details of this experiment have not yet been

revealed. And not independently verified, triggered an immediate backslash.



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HIV INFECTED CHILDREN LIKELY TO SUFFER COGNITIVE

IMPAIRMENT: STUDY

Mains Level: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services

relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Prelims level: Acts and Amendments

Context:

• Children infected with the Human

Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) have to endure a

significant adverse impact on their

neurodevelopment and cognitive functioning, a

new study has revealed.

Details:

• HIV infected children have shown lower scores in

neuropsychological test.

• This shows their attention deficit, reduced memory life, decreased visual-motor

coordination and as such

• Also shows significant fluctuations in regions of the brain that are associated with

auditory, language, sensory and motor functional networks

• The condition that is seen often with HIV infected adults is dementia. This is associated

with the decline in memory and thinking skills and also affects the structure and

functioning of the brain. The HIV-infected children are also seemed to be affected with

similar conditions of dementia

About HIV:

• HIV (Human Immunodeficieny virus) is a virus spread through certain body fluids that

attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, often called T cells.

• Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections

and disease. These special cells help the immune system fight off infections.

• Untreated, HIV reduces the number of CD4 cells (T cells) in the body. This damage to the

immune system makes it harder and harder for the body to fight off infections and some

other diseases.



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HIV in India:

Few important facts:

• A new report from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) says

India has brought down HIV incidence

• HIV is highly prevalent in states of South, West and North East

• India achieved MDG goal 6. Between 2010 and 2017, new HIV infections have decreased

by 27% and AIDS-related deaths have decreased by 56%

Reason for HIV in India:

• Unsafe sex

• Migration and mobility

• Injecting drug usage with contaminated injecting equipment

• Stigma with HIV infected patients, making less accessible to health care

Steps taken by the government:

• National AIDS Control Program (NACP) has been established in 1986, implemented AIDS

Control program in four stages

• Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 (Professional Conduct, & Ethics) Regulations, 2002– It

lays down certain duties on the part of doctors towards the HIV/AIDS patients.

• Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act, 1986- It provides for conducting compulsory medical

examination for detection of HIV/AIDS among the victims of trafficking.

• HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017- It seeks to provide rights and prevent

discrimination against persons with HIV and AIDS

• National Strategic Plan (2017-24) aims towards fast track strategy of ending the AIDS

epidemic by 2030 and is expected to pave a roadmap for achieving the target of 90:90:90.

• Mission SAMPARK aim is to trace those who are Left to Follow Up and are to be brought

under Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) services. Project Sunrise: It aims for prevention of

AIDS specially among people injecting drugs in the 8 North-Eastern states.



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’MINI HUMAN PLACENTA’ MAY HELP PREVENT REPRODUCTIVE

DISORDERS



Prelims Level: Biotechnology

Context:

• Scientists have created artificial mini-placentas in the laboratory after nearly three decades

of research, offering hope for tackling miscarriages, stillbirths and premature births as

well as transform pregnancy research.

Details:

• The new 'mini-placentas' are a cellular model of the early stages of the placenta and may

shed light on mysteries surrounding the relationships between the placenta, the uterus

and the foetus and enable research to prevent some infections passing from the mother's

blood to the foetus as well as on Zika virus. It will play an important role in helping us

investigate events that happen during the earliest stages of pregnancy and yet have

profound consequences for the life-long health of the mother and her offspring.

• The placenta supplies all the oxygen and nutrients essential for growth of the foetus, and

if it fails to develop properly the pregnancy can sadly end with a low birthweight baby or

even a stillbirth

• The placenta is absolutely essential for supporting the baby as it grows inside the mother.

When it doesn't function properly, it can result in serious problems, from pre-eclampsia to

miscarriage, with immediate and lifelong consequences for both mother and child.

• Many pregnancies fail because the embryo does not implant correctly into the lining of the

womb (uterus) and fails to form a placental attachment to the mother and also there lies

complexities in studying this early period of development and hence giving little

understanding on the whole picture.

• Hence creation of artificial mini-placenta will help in better understanding of inner

processes and inter-connections.



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KILOGRAM GETS A NEW DEFINITION


Context:

• Scientists have changed the way the kilogram is defined.

Details:

• Currently, it is defined by the weight of a platinum-based ingot called "Le Grand K" which

is locked away in a safe in Paris.

• Researchers voted to get rid of it in favor of defining a kilogram in terms of an electric

current.

• The decision was made at the General Conference on Weights and Measures.

• For more than a century, the kilogram has been defined as the mass of a cylinder of

platinum-iridium alloy kept in a high-security vault in France. That artifact, nicknamed

‘Le Grand K,’ has been the world’s sole true kilogram since 1889. But now, the kilogram

and all of the other main measurement units will be defined using numerical values that

fit handily onto a wallet card.

• The new definition involves an apparatus called the Kibble balance, which makes use of

the constant to measure the mass of an object using a precisely measured electromagnetic

force.

• Unlike a physical object, the new formula for the kilo, also known as “the electric kilo,”

cannot pick up particles of dust, decay with time or be dropped and damaged. It is

expected to be more accurate when measuring very, very small or very, very large masses

and help usher in innovations in science, industry, climate study and other fields.

RAFALE FIGHTER MADE FOR INDIA TAKES MAIDEN FLIGHT

GS 3: Internal Security

Context:

• As the political controversy over the Rafale fighter jet deal continues in India,

manufacturing of the aircraft customised as per specifications of the Indian Air Force (IAF)

is making progress. The first aircraft built by Dassault Aviation for the IAF, a two-seater



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variant, made its maiden flight on October 30 in France and is designated RB 008,

according to official sources.

About Rafale Aircraft:

• It is a 4th generation aircraft with twin engine, multi role aircraft.

• It is capable of carrying out all combat missions: air defence, interception, ground support,

in-depth strikes, reconnaissance, anti-ship strikes and nuclear deterrence, can carry out

both air-ground as well as air-to-air attacks

• This could be used for long range possession attack missions. The 4th generation Aircraft

capabilities involve Situational awareness in which Aircraft has got those sensors which

enable the pilot to be aware situationally and detect the enemy Aircraft for which the

Rafale has got AESA radar.

NAVY MAKES FORMAL REQUEST FOR MULTI-ROLE U.S. COPTERS

GS 3: Internal Security

Topic: Defense

Context:

• India made a formal request to the U.S. for the purchase of 24 MH-60R Multi-Role

Helicopters (MRH) for the Navy in a deal estimated at $2bn. This is among a series of

defence procurements and inductions from the U.S. and Russia in the last two months.

Details:

• This is because of shortage of helicopters

• Also, as replacement of existing helicopters which are in obsolete in nature

• Multi role helicopters are integral part of frontline warships like aircraft carriers,

destroyers, frigates and corvettes. Availability of MRH with Indian Navy will help to plug

existing capability gap. For years, Indian Navy has argued that its warships lack any

modern anti-submarine helicopters with existing Sea King fleet now being obsolete. At

present less than 10 Sea King helicopters are operational and their absence has forced

Indian Navy to sail its warships without support of these helicopters. Frontline destroyers

of Indian Navy have hangars which can house two helicopters of this class but frequently

put to sea without any integral helicopter support.



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IEDS POSE BIGGEST RISK IN MANIPUR, INSURGENTS

COMING FROM MYANMAR: ARMY

GS 3: Challenges to internal security

Context:

• There have been efforts to taken to contain the Manipur’s decades old insurgency and

reduce the insurgent camps in the Manipur state. However hidden militancy continues to

take advantage of the hilly terrain and porous border with Myanmar and carry out attacks

with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and sophisticated weapons.

Details:

• Hidden militancy become evident by the recoveries of weapons, IEDs and apprehension

of cadres

• It is found that they have Ak-47s, rocket launchers and missiles

• Secured border networks in the North-Eastern states especially Manipur becomes

important, because of its greater significance in connecting ASEAN countries and hence

India’s Act East policy. 16km Free movement regime along the Manipur-Myanmar border

also adds difficulties in finding insurgents

Why IEDs are posing much threat:

• IEDs is a bomb constructed from military or non-military components, that is frequently

employed by guerrillas, insurgents, and other non-state actors against conventional

military force. It is cheap and relatively easy to construct, can be made anywhere from a

wide range of materials- from everybody tools to commercial explosives

• It could inflict grievous physical injuries and kill thousands upon explosion of single

bomb

NSCN-K FACTION OPENS TO PEACE TALKS

GS 3: Internal security

Context:

• A breakaway group of the outlawed National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang

(NSCN-K) on Monday said that the outfit was keen on pursuing the Naga peace process

that it had abrogated three years ago.



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Background of Naga political issue:

• The British annexed Assam in 1826, and in 1881, the Naga Hills too became part of British

India. The first sign of Naga resistance was seen in the formation of the Naga Club in 1918,

which told the Simon Commission in 1929 “to leave us alone to determine for ourselves as

in ancient times”. In 1946 came the Naga National Council (NNC), which, under the

leadership of Angami Zapu Phizo, declared Nagaland an independent state on August 14,

1947. The NNC resolved to establish a “sovereign Naga state” and conducted a

“referendum” in 1951, in which “99 per cent” supported an “independent” Nagaland.

Origin of NSCN:

• On November 11, 1975, the government got a section of NNC leaders to sign the Shillong

Accord, under which this section of NNC and NFG agreed to give up arms. A group of

about 140 members led by Thuingaleng Muivah, who were at that time in China, refused

to accept the Shillong Accord, and formed the National Socialist Council of Nagaland in

1980. Muivah also had Isak Chisi Swu and S S Khaplang with him. In 1988, the NSCN split

into NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) after a violent clash. While the NNC began to fade away,

and Phizo died in London in 1991, the

NSCN (IM) came to be seen as the “mother

of all insurgencies” in the region.

• The Government of India, while taking

effective measures to put down the

insurgency, decided to meet the genuine

aspirations of Nagas and, therefore, carved

out a separate State of Nagaland on

December 1, 1963.

• Demand of Naga militant group

The Naga rebels have been insisting on

their sovereignty and also demanding the

creation of a ‘Greater Nagaland’ or

Nagalim, which consists all the Naga-

inhabited areas of neighbouring Assam,



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Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and some portions Myanmar, which it considers to be the

rightful homeland of the Nagas.

Establishment of Nagalim is the objective of NSCN (IM), according to which Nagalim lies

in the Patkai range at the trijunction of China, India and Myanmar.

Issues in conceding to the demands of Nagalim

• It would affect sovereignty and integrity of the nation as well as the states

• It would also create problems mainly in geopolitical aspects and border management in

the neighbouring country Myanmar.

• The solution lies in negotiations, for which NSCN-K decision to open for peace talks is a

good step.

CRIMINAL LAW ILL-EQUIPPED TO DEAL WITH

CASES OF RIOTS: DELHI HC

Mains Level: GS 2: Governance

Prelims: Judiciary

Context:

• Noting that the general criminal law is ill-equipped to deal with communal riots cases, the

Delhi High Court on Wednesday suggested several reforms, including possibility of

entrusting investigative and prosecution process in such cases to authorities other than

normal agencies of the State.

Details:

• The Delhi High court has mentioned that there are always allegations of political

influence, which acted as the root cause for those communal riots, helped the perpetrators.

• The High Court’s observation came while upholding the conviction of 70 persons in

connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases in Capital’s Trilokpuri area.

• The High court mentioned that judicial reforms in terms of assessing, investigating and

prosecuting communal riots have not yet happened in a meaningful way

• It went ahead and said that possibility of entrusting such tasks to authorities other than

normal agencies of the State needs to be explored, to inject a sense of neutrality in the

investigative and prosecution process and hence to avoid political influence.



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• It also suggested handling the initial task of gathering evidence and preserving evidence

to entrust to the National Human Rights Commissions in these cases of communal riots

situations.

• Once a Commission of Inquiry is instituted, under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952,

further investigative process by gathering all evidence for such cases can be taken over by

such Commissions of Inquiry.

• And for this it suggested amendments to the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952 and the

Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 to entrust the responsibility of investigation in

communal riots

HEAVY SNOWFALL SNAPS CONNECTIVITY TO VALLEY


Context:

• Kashmir witnessed an early spell of snowfall this year, forcing closure of all three major

highways (Jammu-Kashmir, Poonch-Srinagar, Kargil-Srinagar) connecting the Valley with

the rest of the country.

• Air traffic was suspended and heavy snowfall also affected power supply.

Details:

• According to the Indian meteorological department, this was the first time since 2009 that

Srinagar city witnessed snowfall in November.

• This is the rare occurrence that in the last decades, it was only the fourth time that it has

snowed in Srinagar in November with 2008 and 2004 being the earlier instances

• Presence of western disturbances has brought heavy snowfall in the Himalayan region

and a cold wave to North Indian plains.

CYCLONE GAJA


Context:

• A deep depression in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm ‘Gaja’ and is

likely to cross the North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh coast between Cuddalore

and Sriharikota on November 15



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About Cyclone Gaja:

Cyclone ‘Gaja’ is named by Sri Lanka

• Cyclone, 'Gaja', which lay around 860 km northeast of Chennai and moving at a speed of

12 kmph is likely to intensify into a 'severe cyclonic storm' within in 24 hours

• It is also likely to weaken gradually and cross the north Tamil Nadu and south A.P. coasts

between Cuddalore and Sriharikota as a cyclonic storm during November 15 forenoon.

LITERACY LEVELS IN RURAL INDIA SUFFER

FROM MIGRATION OF FAMILIES

GS 2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to

Health, Education, Human Resources.

Topic: Education

Context:

• Literacy levels in rural households of India dip with seasonal migration, the UNESCO

global education monitoring report 2019 has observed, bringing out the educational

challenges thrown up by migration.

Details:

• Seasonal migrant children lack access to education due to absence of educational

institutions near work sites. And they end in work, rather than education. This early work

makes them vulnerable to abuse and exploitation



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• Broken families in rural areas mainly due to migration of male member in families have

psychologically impacted the education of children at home. Also lack of literacy of female

members at home also not enabled the sharing of importance of education to next

generation

Steps taken by India to address this:

• The Right to Education Act in 2009 made it mandatory for local authorities to admit

migrant children.

• National-level guidelines were issued, allowing for flexible admission of children,

providing transport and volunteers to support with mobile education, create seasonal

hostels and aiming to improve coordination between sending and receiving districts and

states

• Few state governments have also taken steps for migrant children’s education

• But, most of the interventions are focused on keeping children in home communities

instead of actively addressing the challenges faced by those who are already on the move.

• The solution lies in having inter-state migration policy by the states emphasizing on

education to strengthen education for children at both migrated and home states.



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FARMERS BADLY HIT BY DEMONETIZATION, ADMITS AGRICULTURE

MINISTRY

GS 3: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of

irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and

issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers

Topic: Agriculture

Context:

• Millions of farmers in India were unable to buy seeds and fertilizers for their winter crops

because of demonetization, according to a report submitted by the Union Agriculture

Ministry to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance.

Details:

• Demonetization came at a time when farmers were engaged in either selling their Kharif

crops or sowing the Rabi crops. Both these operations needed huge amounts of cash,

which demonetisation removed from the market.

• Agriculture is a cash economy and millions of farmers were unable to get enough cash to

buy seeds and fertilizers for their winter crops due to demonetisation

• Even bigger landlords faced a problem such as paying daily wages to the farmers and

purchasing agriculture needs for growing crops.

• As per report by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), it says that 1.5

million jobs were lost during January-April 2017 post-demonetisation.



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AN ENDANGERED TRIBE- THE SENTINELESE

GS 1: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

Topic: Diversity of India

Details:

• The Sentinelese, a negrito tribe who live on the North Sentinel Island of the Andamans,

have not faced incursions and remain hostile to outsiders.

• The inhabitants are connected to the Jarawa on the basis of physical, as well as linguistic

similarities. Archeological reports confirm the presence of Sentinelese in the islands to

2,000 years ago.

• The Govt. of India issued the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal

Tribes) Regulation, 1956 to declare the traditional areas occupied by the tribes as reserves,

and prohibited entry of all persons except those with authorization.

• Photographing or filming the tribe members is also an offence. The rules were amended

later to enhance penalties. But restricted area permits were relaxed for some islands

recently.

• The Sentinelese have been fiercely hostile to outside contact. But in 1991 they accepted

some coconuts from a team of Indian anthropologists and administrators. Some

researchers argue that the Sentinelese have been mostly left alone even from colonial

times, unlike other tribes such as the Onges, Jarawas and Great Andamanese, because the

land they occupy has little commercial attraction.

INDIA TO STUDY MARIJUANA-DERIVED DRUGS


Topic: Medicines and Pharma

Context:

• Three major science administrators in India — the Council of Scientific and Industrial

Research, the Indian Council for Medical Research and the Department of Biotechnology

— are getting together to promote research in herbal drugs, some of which involve

deriving new drugs from marijuana.



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Details:

• The researchers to study if the strains of marijuana could be effective in the treatment of

breast cancer, sickle-cell anaemia as well as be “bio-equivalent” to marijuana-derived

drugs already approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA)

• Marijuana (or hemp), more formally parts of the cannabis super-family, is illegal for

commercial cultivation though it grows as weed in several parts of the country.

Uttarakhand, Jammu, Uttar Pradesh have allowed restricted cultivation of the plant for

medical research.

• Because of restrictions, the scope of these drugs in treating terminal cancer patients is not

studied properly

• The studies into the therapeutic potential of marijuana is part of a larger governmental

thrust to making new drugs derived from herbs and plants that find mention in

Ayurvedic and other traditional-medicine knowledge systems.

INCREDIBLE INDIA CAMPAIGN: TAWANG MONASTERY

Mains Level: GS1: Art and Culture

Prelims Level: Places in news

• The Incredible India campaign has goofed up on Tawang Monastery in Arunachal

Pradesh, suggesting the ancient structure was built just three decades ago.

About Tawang Monastery.

• Known in Tibetan as Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, the Tawang Monastery was built according

to the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso. It was founded in 1680-81

by a monk named Merag Lodre Gyatso of the Gelug sect after the 4th Dalai Lama gave

him a painting of goddess Palden Lhamo to be kept in the monastery.



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• An eight-meter high gilded statue of Lord Buddha dominates the sanctum of the

monastery.

• Local legend has it that China had attacked Tawang in 1962 primarily to extract the secret

to eternal youth believed to be buried under the monastery built at about 10,000 ft above

sea level.

SAUBHAGYA YOJANA

GS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Topic: Infrastructure

Details:

• Surprisingly, despite the many rural electrification schemes that India has launched

since 2005, there are about 3.21 crore households in India still without electricity.

Pradhan Mantri Saubhagya scheme has been announced to fix this.

• This was flagged off in September 2017, with the objective of electrifying all left-out

Indian households

• The original completion date of March 2019 has been advanced to December 2018.

• The scheme covers both urban and rural households.

• Under it, free electricity connections are provided to below poverty line (BPL)

households, while other households have to pay ₹500 for the connection. This is

recoverable by the power distribution company in 10 instalments along with the

electricity bills.

• Defaulting households whose electricity connections have been disconnected will not

be covered. The beneficiaries for free electricity connections will be identified using

Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data.

• The cost of electricity consumption shall have to be paid by the respective consumers

as per prevailing tariff of the DISCOM/Power Dept.

• Solar power packs of 200 to 300 Wp with battery bank for un-electrified households

located in remote and inaccessible areas

• The Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) is the nodal agency for the

operationalization of the scheme. The Gram Panchayat and public institutions in the

rural areas will be authorized to carry out billing and collection tasks.


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