2  jan

General Bipin Rawat takes over as next Chief of Army Staff

General Bipin Rawat took charge as the new 27th Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) of India. He succeed General Dalbir Singh Suhag who retired from the service. He had superseded two seniormost Lt Generals, Praveen Bakshi and PM Hariz. His appointment goes against the long-held convention of appointing the senior-most eligible officer to the topmost post. About General Bipin Rawat He is an infantry officer from the 5/11 Gorkha Rifles. Prior to this appointment, he was the Vice Chief of the Army. He has held key appointments in the Army headquarters and with the UN peacekeeping force. He hails from Uttarakhand and had received the ‘sword of honour’ when he passed out from the Indian Military Academy in 1978. General Rawat has tremendous hands on experience of serving in combat areas and at various functional levels in the Indian Army over the last three decades. He has handled various operational responsibilities in many areas, including along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, LAC (Line of Actual Control) with China and in the North-East.

Key announcements of PM Narendra Modi’s new year eve’s speech

Following the tough decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today thanked citizens for undertaking sacrifice to cleanse the economy of black money. In his address, he announced a number of welfare sops to help the poor, the rural sector, small businesses and other citizens to lighten the burden of demonetization.  Some of the few announcements are Rural and Urban Housing for poor: PM announced two new housing schemes for the urban poor. Under Pradhan Mantri Aawaz Yojana (PMAY), the poor and middle class in cities will get 4% exemption on interest for home loans up to Rs 9 lakh and 3% exemption for home loans up to Rs 12 lakh. Under PMAY, 33% more houses will be built in villages. Home loans up to Rs 2 lakh will get 3% exemptions for building a new house and also for renovation in villages. Farmers: 3 crore Kisan credit cards will be converted into RuPay cards in coming 3 months. Government will bear 60 days interest on select farm loans. Government will add Rs 20,000 crore more to fund created by NABARD of Rs 21000 crore for giving loans to cooperative banks and societies at low interest rate. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME): To give boost to the small entrepreneurs credit guarantee for small businesses doubled to Rs 2 crore. Banks have been asked to raise cash credit limit for small business to 25% from 20%. Banks also have been asked to increase working capital loans from 20% of turnover to 30% for enterprises that transact digitally. Women and elderly: Pregnant women and lactating women in above 650 rural districts will get Rs 6,000 in bank accounts to meet medical expenses and reduce child, woman mortality. Senior citizens will get guarantee of 8% interest rate on deposits up to Rs 7.5 lakh for 10 years.

India, Pakistan exchange lists of nuclear sites

India and Pakistan exchanged the list of their nuclear installations and facilities under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear installations. This is the 26th consecutive exchange of such list between the two countries after the first list was exchanged on 1 January 1992. This exchange is done every year on 1st of January between them to prevent them from attacking each other’s nuclear facilities. Both countries also exchanged the lists of nationals (including civil prisoners and fishermen) of each country lodged in their respective jails as per provisions of the Agreement on Consular Access. About Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear installations It is bilateral agreement signed between India and Pakistan that bars them from carrying out any surprise attack (or to assist foreign power to attack) on each other’s nuclear installations and facilities. Under it, both countries inform each other about their nuclear installations and facilities that need to be covered under the Agreement on 1 January every year. It was signed on 31st December 1988 and entered into force on 27 January 1991. It was signed by then Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and his Pakistani counterpart Benazir Bhutto. Agreement on consular access It was signed between the two countries on May 21, 2008. It facilitates exchange of a comprehensive list of nationals of each country lodged in their jails twice each year on January 1 and July 1.

ICBM Agni-IV successfully test-fired off Odisha coast
India successfully test-fired its home-grown long range intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Agni-IV from the Abdul Kalam Wheeler Island off Odisha coast. The test was aimed at revalidating new technologies incorporated in Agni-IV system and checking the readiness of armed forces to launch the missile on its own. About Agni-IV missile Agni-IV is two-stage surface-to-surface nuclear capable intercontinental ballistic missile. It has been designed and developed indigenously by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Feature: It is 20 metres long and weighs 17 tonnes. It has many cutting-edge technologies which can meet global standards including Pershing missile of US. It is fire and forget missile navigated using a jam proof ring laser gyroscope. Its re-entry heat shield can withstand temperatures in the range of over 4,0000 It is equipped with state-of-the-art Avionics, 5th generation on-board computer and distributed architecture. It has the latest features to correct and guide itself for in-flight disturbances. Equipped with most accurate ring laser gyro-based inertial navigation system (RINS) and supported by highly reliable redundant micro navigation system (MINGS) that ensures it hit target within two-digit accuracy. Range: It can carry a one-tonne nuclear warhead over a distance of 4,000 kilometres. Operability: The missile can be fired from locations deeper in the Indian hinterland, making it very difficult for the enemy to track and destroy it. The missile also possesses a submarine launch capability. It was the sixth test of the missile and the previous test was conducted on November 09, 2015 by the specially formed strategic force command (SFC) of Indian Army.

3 jan

India, Sri Lanka agree to exchange views to find permanent solution to fishermen issues
India and Sri Lanka have expressed confidence for finding a long-lasting solution to the issue of fishermen between the two countries. In this regard, talks co-chaired by Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh and Sri Lankan fisheries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera were held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.  A joint communiqué issued after the meeting mentioning It has reached an understanding to ensure that there was no physical harm or loss of life while arresting fishermen for poaching into each other’s waters. India will phase out bottom trawling, practiced mainly by fishermen from Tamilnadu in a graded time-bound manner. Sri Lankan to consider the request from Indian side to immediately release the fishing vessels in each other’s custody. Both countries to operationalize a hotline between the two coast guards and to set up a Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to release the fishermen in each other’s custody. Background The fishermen issue between India and Sri Lanka has been lingering for long. Fishermen from Southern states of India have been demanding release of their fellow fishermen and trawlers. Sri Lanka has been asserting that bottom trawling used by Indian fishermen has caused extensive damage to the marine eco system. Earlier both countries had agreed to resolve the issue through a structured mechanism of meetings between both sides. For this they had agreed to set up a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries and annual meeting of foreign ministers of both countries.

David R Syiemlieh appointed new UPSC chairman

President Pranab Mukherjee has appointed Prof David R Syiemlieh as the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) as per Article 316 of Constitution. He will take over from Alka Sirohi and shall remain the head of the organisation till his retirement on January 21, 2018 or till further orders. Prior to this appointment, he was functioning as a UPSC member from June 25, 2012. Prof David R Syiemlieh is academician, author and historian. He is a former Vice Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh, Arunachal Pradesh. He is author of several books and articles on the history of North East India. He is credited with discovering the date of death and other details of the last days of Tirot Sing, the Khasi chief of Nongkhlaw who resisted British colonial expansion.  About Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) UPSC is constitutional body that conducts the prestigious civil services examination to select IAS, IFS and IPS officers among others. It has been established under Article 315 of the Constitution and consists of a Chairman and ten Members; appointed and removed by President. The chairman and members of the Commission hold office for a term if six years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.


Union Government launches mobile app for Haj Pilgrimage

The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs has launched Mobile App for Haj Pilgrimage. The app will provide information and facilitate e-payments for the pilgrimage. This is for the first time digital push has been given to the Haj application process. It is also a major initiative in the government’s ‘Digital India’ programme. Key Facts The main features of the app include applying for Haj, enquiry and information, news and updates and e-payment. It is available on Google Play store. The application can be made directly on the app. Using five adults and two infants can apply as a group. After registration a PDF copy of the form will go to applicant’s email and after affixing the photo, the printout with documents is to be sent to the State Haj committees. Registration fees can also be paid through it.

Seeking votes on religious basis a corrupt act: SC

The Supreme Court in its latest verdict has held that election candidates cannot seek votes on the grounds of the religion, caste, creed, community or language of voters. The ruling was given by a 4-3 majority of the seven-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur. It held that if the candidate is found violating the order will result into call for his disqualification. Background The apex court’s verdict came while it was hearing several petitions in the Hindutva case seeking interpretation of Section 123 (3) of the Representation of the People Act. This provision says that if a candidate or his agent or any other person, with his consent, appeals for votes on religious or such grounds it would amount to a ‘corrupt practice’. Earlier in the Hindutva case, SC had held that canvassing votes in name of ‘Hindutva/Hinduism’ was not a corrupt electoral practice, as Hinduism was not a religion but a way of life in India. What SC verdict says?  The state being secular in character will not identify itself with any one of the religions or religious denominations. The relationship between man and God is an individual choice. It implies that religion will not play any role in the governance of the country and state must at all times be secular in nature. Election is a secular exercise, therefore this process should be followed and elected representatives must be secular in both outlook and practice to maintain this fabric. The word ‘his’ only in Section 123 (3) of RPA means complete ban on any reference or appeal to religion, race, community, caste and language during elections. It also extended to social, linguistic and religious identity of voter also. Significance The ruling can potentially overturn the traditional rules of the game for electoral politics in India. Traditionally parties did not hesitate to employ religion, caste and ethnicity to woo voters. With this SC verdict, greater clarity will emerge once the Election Commission of India, implement this decision and spells out the electoral rules.

SC sacks BCCI President Anurag Thakur and Secretary Ajay Shirke

The Supreme Court has sacked Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Anurag Thakur and BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke after they failed to implement the reforms recommended by the Justice Lodha committee. The apex court held that Mr. Thakur and Mr. Shirke are unfit to continue at helm of BCCI for their obstructionist attitude and their incapacity to make affiliated State associations fall in line with Lodha committee. Key Facts SC ordered them to forthwith cease and desist from associating themselves with Indian cricket’s most powerful sporting body. With this, SC set the stage for a revamp of the country’s top cricketing body. It said a committee of administrators having experience and integrity for the committee will be appointed to run the BCCI. Till the committee will be formed, the seniormost vice-president of the BCCI to take over as BCCI president and the joint secretary to replace him. Once the committee of administrators is formed, the SC appointed Lodha committee’s recommendations will be confined to overall policy-making. Besides, the court found Mr. Thakur prima facie guilty of both contempt of Supreme Court proceedings and perjury (fabrication of false evidence). The court also concluded that BCCI President had apparently acted to garner evidence that the SC appointed Lodha Committee’s interventions in the working of the BCCI amounted to “governmental interference.” 

4 jan

Justice JS Khehar sworn in as 44th Chief Justice of India

Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar was sworn in as 44th Chief Justice of India (CJI). He was administered oath to the office by President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. With this, he became the first person from Sikh communitry to become the CJI. Justice Khehar succeeded Tirath Singh Thakur who retired on 3 January 2017.  He will remain in office from January 4, 2017 till August 4, 2017 i.e. till he attains the age of 65. About Jagdish Singh Khehar Born on 28 August 1952. He was awarded the LL.B degree by the Panjab University, Chandigarh in 1977. Later he acquired the LL. M. qualification from the same University in 1979. He was enrolled as an Advocate in 1979 and practiced mainly in Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh High Court, Shimla and the Supreme Court. He was appointed as Additional Advocate General, Punjab in January 1992, and then as Senior Standing Counsel Chandigarh (UT). He was designated as Senior Advocate in February, 1995. He was elevated to Bench of High Court of Punjab and Haryana in February 1999. He was appointed as Acting Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court twice in August 2008, and again in November 2009. He was elevated as Chief Justice of the High Court of Uttarakhand in November 2009. Later he was transferred as Chief Justice of High Court of Karnataka, in August 2010. He was elevated as Judge of the Supreme Court in September 2011. He is due to retire from Supreme Court in August 2017. In SC, he had led the five-judge constitution bench which had struck down the NJAC Act and 99th Constitutional Amendment Act for appointment of judges. He has also headed a SC bench that had set aside the imposition of President’s Rule in Arunachal Pradesh in January 2016.

Government approves new projects under Namami Gange for Haridwar and Varanasi

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved new projects under Namami Gange programme in Haridwar (Uttarakhand) and Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh). In Haridwar, 68 MLD sewage treatment plants (STP) and 14 MLD STP in Sarai was with Central government funding and also under Hybrid Annuity based PPP mode. Besides, 50 MLD sewage treatment plant at Ramana in Varana under Hybrid Annuity-based PPP mode was also approved. About Namami Gange Programme The programme was launched to achieve the target of cleaning Ganga River in an effective manner with the unceasing involvement of all stakeholders, especially five major Ganga basin States Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. It envisages Sewerage Treatment Infrastructure, River Surface Cleaning, River Front Development, Public Awareness and Bio-Diversity, Afforestation. It will be implemented by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), and its state counterpart State Program Management Groups (SPMGs). It seeks to improve coordination mechanisms between various Ministries/Agencies of the Union and State governments.

Government launches Swachh Bharat Survekshan 2017 in 500 cities

The Union Ministry of Urban Development launched Swachh Survekshan 2017 to rank 500 cities/towns across the country on cleanliness with a population of 1 lakh and above The survey will be conducted by Quality Council of India (QCI) under the Swacch Bharat Abhiyan in a bid to encourage competition to improve sanitation. Key Facts Swachh Survekshan 2017 will judge cities on the basis of data provided by Municipal bodies, data collected through direct observations and independent assessment and citizen feedbacks. Data provided by Municipal bodies will carry 900 marks, data collected through direct observations and independent assessment will carry 500 marks and citizen feedbacks will carry 600 marks. Areas of evaluations: Waste collection, sweeping and transportation (40% marks), Open defecation free (ODF) and toilets (30%), Municipal Solid Waste-processing and disposal (20%) and Information, education and behavior change and Capacity building-Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) e-learning portal (5% each). The citizens can also give their feedback by either filling up a feedback form on the Swachh Survekshan website or by giving a missed call on 1969 to record their response. Swachh Survekshan 2016 had ranked 73 cities across the country and Mysore was ranked on top followed by Chandigarh. 1 lakh citizens had participated and gave their feedback.

Election Commission announces dates for assembly elections in five states

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the dates for the assembly elections in five states– Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa. With the Election Commission announcement the Model code of conduct has come into effect. Counting of votes for all five states will take place on 11 March 2017. Key facts There will be single phase elections in Uttarakhand, Goa and Punjab. Goa (40 Seats) and Punjab (117 Seats) will go to polls on 4 February 2017 while polling in Uttarakhand for 70 seats will be held on 15 February 2017. Uttar Pradesh: The biggest state in the country will go to polls in seven phases for 403 seats on 11th February, 15th February, 19th February, 23rd February, 27th February, 4th March and on 8th March 2017. Manipur: The northeastern state will go to polls for 60 seats in two phases on 4th and 8th March. Over 16 crore voters are eligible to vote in the five states. The limit for expenses for candidates is Rs 28 lakh for Punjab, Uttarakhand, UP and Rs 20 lakh for Goa and Manipur. ECI will focus on paid news and Press Council of India will help the commission in detection of paid news. It also has launched a large number of IT applications to facilitate voters, candidates, political parties.  Article 324 of the Constitution: It vests authority of superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for and the conduct of elections to Parliament, State Legislature of every state and of elections to the offices of President and Vice President to the Election Commission.

5 jan

Union Cabinet approves MoU between India and Kenya in field of agriculture and allied sectors

The Union Cabinet has approved signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Kenya on bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. Decision in this regard was taken at the Union Cabinet Meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Key Facts The MoU covers various activities in the field of agriculture and allied sectors which include agricultural research, animal husbandry and dairy, livestock and fisheries horticulture and natural resource management. It also includes post-harvest management and marketing, irrigation farming systems development, soil and conservation, water management and integrated watershed development integrated pest management, agricultural plant, machinery and implements, sanitary and phytosanitary issues. It provides for constitution of a Joint Working Group (JWG) comprising of representatives from both countries to develop detailed cooperation programmes and monitor implementation of this MoU.

Union Cabinet approves AoC between India and Portugal in field of agriculture and allied sectors

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing of an Agreement for cooperation (AoC) between India and Portugal in the field of Agriculture and allied sectors. Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Key Facts The AoC covers various activities including trade in plants and plant products, exchange of scientific and technical information, exchange of information in phytosanitary issues, training programmes etc. It provides constitution of a Joint Working Group (JWG) comprising of representatives from both countries to monitor the implementation of the present MoU. The JWG will also make concrete proposals for agriculture cooperation and develop guidelines and priorities for future cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. The AoC will enter into force on the date of its signing. It will remain in force for a period of five years and shall be automatically extended for a subsequent period of five years unless either Party gives written notice to terminate it.

Union Cabinet approves Agreement between India and Uruguay for Cooperation in Customs Matters

The Union Cabinet has approved signing and ratifying an Agreement between India and Uruguay for cooperation and mutual assistance in Customs Matters. The Agreement will help both countries in the availability of relevant information for the investigation and prevention of Customs offences. Key Facts The Agreement is also expected to facilitate trade and ensure efficient clearance of goods traded between both countries. It also takes care of concerns and requirements of Indian Customs particularly in area of exchange of information on correctness of the Customs value declared, description of the goods traded between the two countries and the authenticity of certificates of origin of goods. It will provide a legal framework for sharing of information and intelligence between the Customs authorities of the two countries. It will also help in the proper application of Customs laws, prevention and investigation of Customs offences and the facilitation of legitimate trade. Background Uruguay is one of the important trading partner of India among members of the MERCOSUR, a trading block in Latin America. India has signed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with the MERCOSUR which came into effect in June, 2009.  Trade between India and Uruguay has been expanding gradually. About Mercosur Mercosur is a sub-regional political and economic bloc of South American countries. It calls itself the common market of the South America. At present, it is a full customs union and a trading bloc. Its full members are Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Its purpose is to promote free trade and the fluid movement of goods, people, and currency. It was established in 1991 and its headquarters are located at Montevideo (Uruguay). Its associate countries are Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Suriname. Besides, New Zealand, Mexico are observer countries.

Google launches My Business and Digital Unlocked tool for small and medium businesses

Internet giant Google launched two new initiatives My Business and Digital Unlocked to train and help small and medium businesses (SMBs) in India capitalise on the digitisation wave faster. These initiatives were launched by Google CEO Sundar Pichai in New Delhi in presence of Union IT and law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in New Delhi. Key Facts My Business Websites: Under it, Google will provide free websites and web tools to small businesses in order to bolster their digital presence. This will help SMBs create a free, mobile optimised website. Digital Unlocked: It is a training programme launched in association with industry body FICCI. It will provide Indian SMBs essential digital skills to enable them to get online and connect to customers in different parts of the country. The trainings will be certified by Google, Indian School of Business and FICCI. In addition, Google also launched Primer, a free mobile application designed to teach digital marketing skills in a quick, easy and interactive way. It also works offline and is currently available in English and Hindi languages.

Union Government launches IPR Enforcement Toolkit for Police
The Union Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched an Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Enforcement Toolkit for Police. This toolkit will be provided to all state police departments across the nation to assist them in dealing with the cases relating to Trademarks and Copyrights infringements. Key Facts The toolkit has been jointly developed by the Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). It will act as a ready reckoner for police officials across the country for dealing with crimes related Intellectual Property rights (IPR) infringement, specifically Trade Marks counterfeiting and Copyrights piracy. In addition it will provide details of offences under various laws, checklists for registering a complaint and conducting search and seizures case of IP crimes. About CIPAM The CIPAM is nodal agency under the aegis of the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce & Industry. It is working to ensure effective implementation of the National IPR Policy 2016. It has undertaken several measures to strengthen the IP ecosystem in the country.

Bunkar Mitra Helpline for Handloom Weavers went live
The Union Ministry of Textiles’ Bunkar Mitra Helpline for Handloom Weavers went live. It was launched by the Union Textiles Minister Smriti Zubin Irani on the occasion of Good Governance Day (on December 25, 2016). The helpline aims to provide a single point of contact to handloom weavers across the country for addressing their queries and seek guidance. This helpline can be accessed by dialing the toll free number 1800-208-9988. Key Facts The helpline seeks to overcome the problem of unavailability of single point of contact where weavers can seek solutions for their technical issues/problems. Services available through this helpline include access to marketing linkages, assistance on technical issues and information about various schemes and procedure to avail benefits. Weavers can seek experts’ advice from the field of textiles such as guidance for raw material supply, availing credit facility, quality control, access to marketing linkages and information about various schemes. Initially the helpline will be provided in 7 languages viz., English, Hindi and 5 other regional languages Tamil, Telugu, Kannada Bengali and Assamese. Currently 28 Weavers’ Service Centres (WSCs) are functioning across the country to provide technical assistance to handloom weavers in improving their skills.

6 jan

Explained: Dispute over party symbol in Samajwadi Party

After the recent the political feud and vertical split in Samajwadi Party, the both warring factions are claiming their stakes on the party symbol, the ‘cycle’. Following this, Election Commission of India (ECI) has served notices to both factions to provide supporting documents and evidence in their favour for claiming the party symbol. What is the legal procedure? The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968 empowers the ECI to recognise political parties and allot symbols. The Paragraph 15 of the Order allows ECI to decide disputes among rival groups or factions of a recognised political party staking claim to its name and symbol. What Paragraph 15 of the 1968 Order says? This paragraph applies to disputes in recognised national and state parties. Under it, the ECI is the only authority to decide issues over claims of Party symbol in case of split. Even the Supreme Court in Sadiq Ali and another vs. ECI case (1971) had upheld its validity. However, in case of splits in registered but unrecognised parties, the ECI usually advises the warring factions to resolve their differences internally or to approach the court. What was the first case decided under Para 15? The first case was in the split in the Indian National Congress in 1969 in two factions Congress (J) led by led by Indira Gandhi and old Congress (O) led by Syndicates. The “old” Congress retained the party symbol of a pair of bullocks carrying a yoke and the breakaway faction of Indira Gandhi was given the symbol of a cow with its calf. What considerations ECI takes in to account during such scenario? The ECI primarily ascertains support enjoyed by a claimant within a political party in its organisational wing and in its legislative wing. First the commission examines party’s organisational wing by taking into consideration of support of office-bearers and finds out how many office-bearers, members or delegates support the rival claimants. If ECI fails to test the support strength to any faction based on support within the party organisation then it tests majority in legislative wing i.e. based on support of elected MPs and MLAs of party i.e. In case of the legislative wing, the ECI takes into consideration of majority of affidavits submitted by members for the support of group. Based on the majority support the symbol is allocated. So far, in almost all disputes decided by the EC, a clear majority of office bearers/party delegates, MPs and MLAs have supported one of the factions. What happens when there is no certainty about the majority of either faction? When the party is either vertically divided or it is no warring group has majority, then ECI may freeze the party symbol and allow the rival groups to register themselves with new names or add suffixes or prefixes to the party’s existing names. In case of immediate electoral purposes, ECI advise the rival groups to fight the elections in different names and on temporary symbols.

Government constitutes Injeti Srinivas Committee to frame National Sports Code
The Union Sports Ministry has constituted committee to frame comprehensive National Sports Development Code across sports disciplines. It will be headed by Injeti Srinivas, Sports Secretary. The committee will study the existing sports governance frame work, issues relating to sports governance in the country, recent developments related to sports governance. It will also study court judgments and international best practices and make recommendations on bringing out a comprehensive code across sports disciplines.  Members of the Committee: Abhinav Bindra (Olympian), Anju Bobby George (Olympian), Praksh Padukone, (eminent sports person), Narinder Batra (President, FIH), Nandan Kamath (Lawyer), Bishweshwar Nandi (Coach) and Vijay Lokpally (Sports Journalist). Terms of reference of the Committee Identify basic universal principles of ethics and good governance based on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Charter, international best practices. Study draft National Sports Development Bill, National Sports Development Code, 2011, Supreme Court and High Court judgments related to issues of good governance in administration of sports in country. Make specific recommendations for bringing out a comprehensive National Sports Code to address the issues of governance pertaining to the National Sports Federations and National Olympic Committee.

16th meeting of FSDC held in New Delhi
The 16th meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) was held in New Delhi. It was chaired by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.  It was attended by heads of all financial sector regulators as its members. It reviewed the major issues and challenges facing the economy. Key Highlights of the meeting  Indian Economy: India appears to be much better placed because of improvement in its macroeconomic fundamental despite fragile world economy. It reviewed the major issues and challenges facing the economy. Banking: The status of NPAs of public sector banks and measures taken by the government and the RBI for tackling the stressed assets were reviewed. It also discussed about further action to be taken in this regard. Financial inclusion/ financial literacy: Discussed about the various initiatives taken by the government and regulators for promoting financial inclusion/ literacy. It also discussed further measures for promoting the same. Technology: Discussed issues pertaining to Fintech, digital innovations and cyber security. It also discussed on further steps to be taken. Demonetisation: It will help in eliminating the shadow economy and tax evasion. It will have a positive impact on GDP and fiscal consolidation in the long run. Besides, a brief report on the activities undertaken by the FSDC sub-committee chaired by RBI Governor Urjit Patel was placed before the FSDC meeting. About Financial Stability and Development Council The Central Government had established Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) in December 2010 with the Finance Minister as it Chairman. The idea to create it was first mooted by the Raghuram Rajan Committee on Financial Sector Reforms in 2008. It is a super regulatory body for regulating financial sector which is a vital for bringing healthy and efficient financial system in the economy. The FSDC envisages to strengthen and institutionalise mechanism of (i) maintaining financial stability, (ii) Financial sector development, (iii) inter-regulatory coordination along with monitoring macro-prudential regulation of economy. Composition of FSDC Chairman: Union Finance Minister. Members: Heads of the financial sector regulatory authorities (i.e, RBI, SEBI, IRDA, PFRDA), Finance Secretary and/or Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (Union Finance Ministry), Secretary, Department of Financial Services, and Chief Economic Adviser. FSDC can invite experts to its meeting if required. Two Core functions Act as an apex level forum to strengthen and institutionalize the mechanism for maintaining financial stability. Enhance inter-regulatory coordination and promoting financial sector development in the country. Other functions Focus on financial literacy and financial inclusion. Monitor macro-prudential supervision of the economy. Assess the functioning of the large financial conglomerates.

India and Kazakhstan sign Protocol to amend DTAC

India and Kazakhstan have signed a Protocol to amend the existing Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC) between the two countries in New Delhi. The DTAC between both countries was earlier signed in December 1996 for the avoidance of double taxation and for the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income. Salient features of Protocol Provides internationally accepted standards for effective exchange of information on tax matters. Further, allows tax authorities to share information with other law enforcement agencies with prior authorisation. Limitation of Benefits Article has been inserted to provide a main purpose test to prevent misuse of the DTAC and to allow application of domestic law and measures against tax evasion or avoidance. Specific provisions to facilitate relieving of economic double taxation in transfer pricing cases also have been inserted. It is a taxpayer friendly measure and is in line with India’s commitment under Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Action Plan to meet standards of Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP) access in transfer pricing cases. Service PE (PE provisions) provisions also have been inserted with a threshold and the profits to be attributed to PE will be determined on the basis of apportionment of total profits of the enterprise. It replaces existing Article on Assistance in Collection of Taxes with a new Article in order to align it with international standards

7 jan

Delhi Government unveils Good Samaritan Policy
Delhi Government has approved ‘Good Samaritan Policy to encourage people to help road accident victims in emergency situation. It was approved by the state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in New Delhi. This policy will give bystanders incentive to help accident victims and more importantly provide them with legal protection. Key Facts Under this policy, monetary incentive of Rs 2,000 and appreciation certificate will be given to people who help road accident victims in the national capital. Its main intention is to encourage people to take accident victims in emergency situation to hospitals so that someone’s life could be saved. At present, most of people are unwilling to help mainly because they are scared they will land in trouble or be harassed by police. This policy seeks to change this attitude of people. Earlier, under the same scheme in April 2016 Delhi Government had decided to provide basic life support training to all auto-rickshaw drivers to provide helping hand in case of a road accident.

India’s GDP growth expected to be slower at 7.1% in 2016-17: CSO

According to growth projection released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is expected to grow at a slower pace at 7.1% in 2016-17 as compared to 7.6% in 2015-16. This estimate is in sync with the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) economic growth forecast and is largely based on data from the first seven months of the year.  The slowdown is chiefly due to an industrial slowdown. Key Facts Per capita net national income during 2016-17: estimated to be Rs.1,03,007, rise of 10.4% as compared to Rs. 93,293 during 2015-16 with the growth rate of 7.4%. Agriculture, forestry and fishing sector: likely to show a growth of 4.1% during 2016-17, as against the previous year’s growth rate of 1.2%. Manufacturing sector: It is estimated to grow by 7.4% in 2016-17 as compared to growth of 9.3% in 2015-16. Wholesale price index (WPI): food articles has risen by 6.9%, manufactured products 2.0%, and electricity -1.4% and all commodities 2.8% during April-November 2016-17 period. Consumer price index: It has shown a rise of 5.0% during April-November 2016-17. Note: This estimate does not factor in the impact of the Union Government’s demonetization decision announced on November 8, 2016. The outcome-based numbers from the September to December 2016 quarter will be captured in the next growth projection to be released in February 2017.

14th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas begins in Bengaluru

The 14th edition of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) began in the country’s IT hub Bengaluru, Karnataka. The theme of this edition is “Redefining Engagement with the Indian Diaspora”. On the first day of three day event, ‘Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas’ was inaugurated as part of the PBD 2017 with an aim to connect with the youth, the new generation of Pravasis growing up all over the world. The main convention will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian-origin Portugal Prime Minister, Dr. Antonio Costa who is the chief guest in the PBD convention. About Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD) PBD is an annual event organised since 2003 by Ministry of External Affairs to foster greater interaction between the Indian Diaspora and Indian government. It is a very important platform for engagement of the Union Government and the state governments with the overseas Indian community. It provides the single platform to Indian diaspora to put forth their issues and grievances before the government and in turn government can leverage their resources in nation building activities. It is held annually on 9 January to mark the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India i.e. on 9 January, 1915.

World Bank holds meet with India on Indus Water Treaty

India asked the World Bank not to rush in brokering a deal on its dispute with Pakistan over Ratle and Kishenganga projects coming up in Jammu and Kashmir. India conveyed its position during a meeting with World Bank representative in New Delhi. India asserted that the differences between India and Pakistan can be resolved bilaterally or through a neutral expert. Key outcomes of the meeting India also maintained its position that the designs of the Ratle and Kishenganga projects do not violate the Indo-Pak Indus Water Treaty (IWT). Following this, the World Bank decided to set up a Court of Arbitration (CoA) to settle the disputes following Pakistan’s demand and also agreed to appoint a neutral expert as sought by India. However, India reacted strongly to the decision to appoint the CoA as earlier World Bank in December 2016 had announced that it will temporarily halt the two simultaneous processes to resolve the differences.  About Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) IWT is a bilateral water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan signed in 1960. It was brokered by the World Bank (then the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development). The treaty deals with sharing of water of Indus water system having six rivers — Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Indus, Chenab and Jhelum between the two countries. It gives India control over three eastern rivers Ravi, Beas and Sutlej and Pakistan control over three western rivers Indus, Jhelum and Chenab. It is most successful water treaty in world. Even, it has survived India-Pakistan wars of 1965, 1971 and the 1999 Kargil standoff besides Kashmir insurgency since 1990.

Astronomers discover powerful cosmic double whammy

Astronomers have discovered two of the most powerful phenomena in the universe, a supermassive black hole and the collision of giant galaxy clusters about 2 billion light years from Earth. It was discovered combining data from India’s Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT), NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and other telescopes. Key Facts These two phenomenon combined to create a stupendous cosmic particle accelerator. This was the first time, scientists found cosmic combination in a pair of colliding galaxy clusters. It was found from the two colliding galaxy clusters called Abell 3411 and Abell 3412 located about two billion light years from Earth. These two clusters are very massive and each weighs about a quadrillion or a million billion times the mass of the Sun of our solar system. About Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) GMRT is an indigenous project set up by Pune based National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA). It has been designed for investigating a variety of radio astrophysical problems, ranging from nearby Solar system to the edge of observable Universe. Astronomers from all over the world use this telescope regularly to observe many different astronomical objects such as galaxies, pulsars, supernovae, HII regions and Sun and solar winds.

9 jan

 

New Ginger species with medicinal properties discovered in Andamans

Scientists from Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have discovered a new species of Zingiber (commonly referred as ginger) from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The new species has been named as Zingiber pseudosquarrosum and belongs to genus Zingiber. It is used for its medicinal values by the local Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of the Andamans. Key Facts The pseudo stem of Zingiber pseudosquarrosum is red in colour. Its flowers are lotus shaped and have a vermilion tinge and dehisced fruit. This species has tuberous root and its inflorescence buds are urceolate in shape. The morphological features of this species make it distinct from other species belonging to the genus Zingiber. Like other species of Gingers, it is edible and can be propagated vegetatively from the rhizome. The new species possesses ethno-medicinal uses. The fresh extract (juice) of fleshy tuberous roots of this species is used to treat abdominal pain and anti-helminthic troubles by native tribal communities. Note There are 141 species of genus Zingiber distributed throughout tropical Asia, including China, Japan and tropical Australia. Of these, 20 are reported from India, which include seven ( including Zingiber pseudosquarrosum) from Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Species belonging to genera Zingiber are monocotyledonous flowering plants and their hizomes are widely used as a spice or a traditional medicine. Commonly used species of Zingiber are known for its aromatic smell is cultivated widely across India.

PM Narendra Modi announces Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PKVY), a skill development program targeted at Indian youth seeking overseas employment. It was launched after inauguration of 14th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas convention held in India’s IT hub Bengaluru, Karnataka. Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa was the Chief Guest of the event.  Key Facts PKVY will provide training and certify Indians who are seeking overseas employment in selected sectors in line with international standards. It will be implemented by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) through its training partners and in consultation with the Union Ministry of External Affairs and the Union Skill Development Ministry. It also aims at boosting the confidence of the Indian youth so that they don’t feel like strangers when they land in a country of their choice for vocation.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Nobel Prize Series India Exhibition in Gandhinagar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Nobel Prize Series Exhibition in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. It is the first-of-its-kind conclave of Nobel laureates to be held in India. It has been organised by Nobel Media and coordinated by the Department of Biotechnology. Nine Nobel laureates are attending it and interact with students of Indian Universities. Key facts The Nobel Prize Series 2017 will feature a five week long Science Exhibition. It is being set up by the Nobel Foundation with exhibits from Nobel Museum at Stockholm, Sweden. One of the 9 Nobel laureates include India-born scientist Dr Venkatraman Ramakrishnan. He won 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on ribosome structure along with Thomas A Steitz and Ada Yonath. The other eight Nobel laureates are H C Harmut Michel (1988, Chemistry) Harold Varmus (1989, Medicine), Richard J Roberts (1993, Medicine), David J Gross (2004, Physics), Serge Haroche (2012, Physics), Randy Schekman (2013, Medicine), W E Moerner (2014, Chemistry) and Ada Yonath (2009, Chemistry). Background The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Union Ministry of Science and Technology and Nobel Media had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for hosting Nobel Prize Series in India for the next 5years in 2016. Later, a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the DBT, Gujarat Government and the Nobel Media. It aims to bring together Nobel Laureates and other experts and learners with an aim to stimulate innovation and creative thinking. The conference will exhibit various conferences, lectures, exhibitions and roundtables.

Ministry of Power unveils World’s Largest Street Light Programme

The Union Ministry of Power unveiled world’s largest street light replacement programme in South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) area. It is implemented under LED based Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP) by the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture under the Union Ministry of Power. Key Facts Under SLNP, 2 lakh street light will be replaced with LED lights in SDMC area. It will result in cumulative annual energy savings of 2.65 crore kWh and daily reduction of 22,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases. The programme will provide benefits to the residents of SDMC area as it would lead to a reduction in dark spots and increased security. It will result in cumulative savings of Rs. 135 crores in next 7 years and Rs. 50 crores per annum. Thus, help in investment in social development initiatives and that too without any extra money. Besides EESL Complaint App for SDMC was also launched. It will allow users can now lodge complaints about faulty street lights. About LED based Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP) The programme aims to install LED bulbs street-lighting across different cities in the country. The LED lights will replace inefficient lamps. The initiative is part of the Government’s efforts to spread the message of energy efficiency in the country. It will result in energy savings and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It is presently running in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Tripura, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan. Note: LED bulbs have a very long life, almost 50 times more than ordinary bulbs, and 8-10 times that of CFLs, and provide both energy and cost savings in the medium term.

Indian Railways launches IRCTC Rail Connect app

The Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu launched new passenger mobile application named ‘IRCTC Rail Connect app’ to promote ease of ticketing through digital transactions. The new mobile-based application will replace the old existing IRCTC connect app. It has been developed for reserved booking and to increase the ease to users. Key Facts The application has developed to bring the power of next generation e-ticketing system like high performance and enhanced security. It has features like 24/7 service with no time-based checks, synchronisation of mobile app with NGET (Next Generation e-Ticketing) for ticket booking. It also has simple and easy user interface and supports general, ladies, Tatkal and Premium-Tatkal quota. The sports other features like advanced security of self-assigned PIN (Personal identification number) to login without entering the username and password on each login. It will be integrated with IRCTC e-wallet for faster and hassle free transactions. It will also be inter-connected with IRCTC AIR, Food on Track mobile apps to facilitate booking of air tickets and food through e-catering. It will provide payment gateway to over 40 banks to facilitate payments through net Banking, credit or debit cards and wallets like Paytm, PayU, Mobikwik.

Health Ministry to roll out measles-rubella vaccine

The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare will roll out measles-rubella (MR) vaccine in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) in February 2017. In addition, Pneumococcal conjugate (pneumococcal pneumonia) vaccine will also become a part of the UIP basket in three other states from March 2017. Key Facts The MR vaccine will be introduced in five states and Union territories viz. Goa, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. The UIP basket already has ten vaccines of which measles is one, once MR vaccine is introduced the present monovalent measles will be discontinued. This vaccine will be introduced three years after the National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) r recommended the introduction of the MR vaccine in the UIP. The Pneumococcal conjugate (pneumococcal pneumonia) vaccine will be introduced in Himachal Pradesh and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Measles-rubella (MR): The disease commonly known as German Measles (or three-day measles) and is symptomatically similar to measles. It can have devastating consequences if a pregnant mother is infected with it and the foetus may be born with incurable congenital anomalies. Symptoms of the infection can include cataracts and deafness. It can also affect the heart and the brain. The congenital rubella infection is believed to affect approximately 25,000 children born in India every year. Universal Immunization Programme: It is a free vaccination program launched by the Union Government in 1985 against vaccine preventable diseases. It is currently one of the key areas under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) since 2005. The program consists of vaccination for 10 diseases- Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough), Poliomyelitis, measles, Hepatitis B, Diarrhoea, Japanese Encephalitis and Pneumonia.

12 jan

India-CERT inks MoU with US-CERT

India and USA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT- In) and US Department of Homeland Security on cooperation in field of cyber Security. The MoU was signed by Aruna Sundararajan, Secretary, Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Richard Verma, US Ambassador to India. Key Facts The MoU has been signed for the continuation to the cooperation in cyber security areas between both countries on the basis of equality, reciprocity and mutual benefit. It intends to promote closer co-operation and the exchange of information pertaining to the Cyber Security in accordance with the relevant laws, rules and regulations of each economy. Background Earlier US and India signed had inked MoU in July 2011 to promote a closer cooperation and timely exchange of information between the organizations of their respective Governments responsible for Cyber Security. Since, the regular interactions between US CERT and CERT-In are taking place to share the information and discuss cyber security related issues. About CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) CERT-In is a government-mandated nodal agency for information technology (IT) security established in 2004 under the aegis of the Indian Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Electronics and IT. According to the provisions of the IT Amendment Act, 2008, CERT-In is responsible for overseeing administration of the Act. Mandate of CERT-In: (i) Protect Indian cyberspace and software infrastructure against destructive and hacking activities. (ii) Respond to computer security incidents, report on vulnerabilities and promote effective IT security practices throughout the country. (iii) Issue guidelines, vulnerability notes, advisories, and whitepapers regarding to information security practices, prevention, procedures, response and reporting of cyber security incidents.

January 12: National Youth Day

The National Youth Day is observed every year on 12 January to mark the birth anniversary of social reformer, philosopher and thinker Swami Vivekananda. Observance of the day seeks to propagate the philosophy and the ideals of Swami Vivekananda for which he lived and worked.  It will also help and act as a great source of inspiration for the Indian Youth. Several functions are being organised across the country to mark the occasion. To celebrate this day, the 21st National Youth Festival was held in Rohtak, Haryana. The theme this Festival was ‘Youth for Digital India’. About Swami Vivekananda Swami Vivekananda was born as Narendranath Dutta on 12 January 1863 and died on 4 July 1902. He and was chief disciple of the 19th century saint Ramakrishna Paramhamsa. He was one of the most prominent figures of India who introduced Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the “Western” World. He is credited with raising interfaith awareness, bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion during the late 19th century. He is also considered as the major force in the revival of Hinduism in India, and contributed to the concept of nationalism in colonial India. He is best known for his speech which began, “Sisters and brothers of America …,” at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893 in which he introduced Hinduism. This speech was considered as one of his most significant contributions to the world and was a breakdown of the ancient philosophy of Hindusim, aided with logic and impeccable scientific insight.

India, Kenya sign MoU in area of agriculture

India and Kenya signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. India also announced $100 million Line of Credit (LoC) to Kenya for agricultural mechanization The agreement was signed after delegation level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kenyian President Uhuru Kenyatta in New Delhi. It was first official state visit of President from Kenya to India since 1981. Joint statement released by both leaders Expansion of bilateral trade, greater flow of capital between two countries and stronger developmental partnership is a priority. Both sides will also explore opportunities in blue economy. They also discussed long term arrangements for production and import of pulses. Both countries will focus on quick operationalisation of the defence cooperation along with hydrography, anti-piracy, communication networks, capacity building and defence medical cooperation. They will encourage industry and business in both countries to take lead in exploiting opportunities in healthcare, tourism, IT, agriculture and energy. Joint Working Group (JWG) focusing on cyber security, counter terrorism, combating narcotics trade, human trafficking and money laundering will meet early. They also condemned terrorism in all its forms and reiterated their commitment to work together in this regard. They also committed to strengthen cooperation against terror threats from extremist groups. India invited Kenya to join the framework agreement of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and also offering its expertise in the area of LED smart street lighting and LED bulbs for domestic use.

Government releases draft Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2016

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has released draft notification of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules), 2016. The objective of the Rules is to make dog breeders and their marketers accountable and to prevent infliction of any cruelty on dogs in this process. What is the issue? In recent times dog breeding and their marketing trade also mushroomed all around but with little or no accountability. This is for the first time Government has framed rules on the breeding, sale and purchase of dogs in the country. Earlier there were also no specific rules for mandatory registration of breeders and establishments and requirements to be met by such breeders. These rules have been framed in pursuance of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960 to prevent infliction of unnecessary pain, or suffering on animals. Proposed Rules Mandatory for all dog breeders and dog breeding establishments to register themselves with the State Animal Welfare Board (SAWB). Defines the breeding requirements and conditions for sale. Defines the requirements such as health-related requirements, housing facilities, manner of housing dogs, conditions for sale, breeding, micro-chipping, vaccination etc. of dogs to be met by the breeders and establishments used for breeding. Allows SAWB inspector authorised to inspect the establishment. Mandatory for dog breeders to maintain proper records of both female and male dogs, their breed, number of litters, micro-chip number, sale, purchase, death, rehabilitation etc. Every dog breeder is required to submit yearly report to the SAWB regarding animals sold, bartered, traded, given away, exhibited during previous year or any other information asked for by the board. Non-compliance of the proposed Rules by will lead dog breeders and dog breeding establishments will result in cancellation of the registration of the dog breeder.

Effects of Endosulfan use devastating: SC

The Supreme Court has described side effects of Endosulfan, a highly toxic agrochemical (pesticide) as devastating. It has directed Kerala government to release entire Rs. 500 crore compensation to over 5,000 victims in three months who have suffered from various deformities and health complications due to use of Endosulfan in the state. It also asked the state to consider setting up a centre to provide lifelong medical treatment to all the victims. The major numbers of victims were reported to be affected in Kasargode (Kerala) after Endosulfan was aerially sprayed by state owned company on cashew plantations adjoining habitats where the victims are located. The apex court in 2011 had passed order to ban the production, distribution and use of endosulfan. About Endosulfan Endosulfan is a most toxic pesticides having hazardous effects on human genetic and endocrine systems. The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants in 2011 added it in list of banned substances and phasing it out as an agrichemical. It is banned in over 80 nations due to its ‘high toxicity. It is sprayed as pesticide on crops like cotton, fruits, tea, paddy, cashew, tobacco etc. for control of pests in agriculture such as whiteflies, aphids, beetles, worms etc. Hazardous effects: In case of humans it causes delayed reproductive development, autism, bioaccumulation, endocrine disruption (stunting of hormones), long-range contamination, neurotoxicity, long-range contamination and sensory Loss. It blocks the inhibitory receptors of the Central Nervous System, disrupts the ionic channels and destroys the integrity of the nerve cells. The spraying of endsosulfan also destroys biodiversity of the area.

Delhi declared free of bird flu

National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi was declared free from bird flu (H5N8 avian influenza) after consecutive samples collected at 15 days’ intervals from the last positive results tested negative. In October 2016, cases of mortality among the birds due to H5N8 avian influenza were reported in National Zoological Park, Delhi NCR. About Avian influenza  Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu is an infectious viral disease of birds caused by strains of the influenza virus that have evolved to be specially adapted to enter avian cells. It is an infectious viral disease of birds and can sometimes spread to domestic poultry and cause large-scale outbreaks of serious disease. There are three main types of influenza: A, B, and C. Influenza viruses are further classified by analyzing two proteins on surface of virus, hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). Most avian influenza viruses do not infect humans. There is no evidence that the disease can be spread to people through properly cooked food. However A(H7N9) and A(H5N1) virus strains have caused serious infections in people. The infections in humans have been associated with direct or indirect contact with infected live or dead poultry.

13 jan

NGT orders inspection of biomedical waste plants

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered inspection of plants which treat waste in the hospitals of the National Capital Delhi and ensure proper segregation, collection and disposal of such waste. The waste plants will be inspected by joint inspection team of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). The NGT also directed the team to submit report about manner in which bio-medical waste was being handled by hospitals and situation prevailing in medical institutions adversely affecting human health and environment. Earlier the tribunal had asked hospitals and clinics to ensure proper collection, segregation and disposal of bio-medical waste. What is Bio-medical waste? Bio-medical waste is any solid or liquid waste including its container and any intermediate product generated during the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals or research activities. Biomedical waste poses hazard due to two principal reasons – toxicity and infectivity. Bio Medical waste consists of human anatomical waste like organs, tissues and body parts, waste sharps like hypodermic needles, syringes, scalpels and broken glass, discarded medicines and cytotoxic drugs, liquid waste from any of infected areas etc. In 2016, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests had issued new Bio-medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 for proper discarding of the bio-medical waste. In India, total bio-medical waste generated is 484 tonnes per day (TPD) from 1,68,869 healthcare facilities (HCF), out of which 447 TPD is treated.

Union Government forms committee to look into Haj subsidy issue

The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs has decided to set up a six-member committee to look into the Hajj subsidy issue. The decision has been taken in light of a 2012 Supreme Court order on gradually reducing and abolishing subsidy given to pilgrims by 2022. Key Facts The committee will figure out whether the pilgrims can travel to Saudi Arabia paying less in the absence of such subsidy. It will look into the subject whether giving subsidy has any benefits. It will engage all the stakeholders concerned before submitting its report. What is the issue? The Union Government gives Haj subsidy to Indian Muslim Hajj pilgrims in the form of airfare subsidy as well as assistance to pilgrims for domestic travel to reach specially designed haj departure airport terminals. In 2012, the Supreme Court had directed the Union Government to gradually reduce and abolish Haj subsidy by 2022. It had ordered government to invest the subsidy amount (approximately Rs 650 crore a year then) on educational and social development of the community.

SC refuses to pass judgment on Jallikattu before Pongal
The Supreme Court has rejected a plea urging it to pass judgement on Jallikattu before the harvest festival of Pongal. It had also dismissed the review petition against its 2014 verdict. Earlier, the apex court had questioned the Union Government for its January 2016 notification allowing use of bulls in events like Jallikattu, saying that its 2014 verdict banning the use of the animals cannot be negated. About Jallikattu Jallikattu is a bull taming or bull vaulting sport played in Tamil Nadu on Mattu Pongal day as a part of Pongal celebrations i.e. harvest festival. It is one of the oldest living ancient tradition practiced in the modern era. Jallikattu has been derived from the words ‘calli’ (coins) and ‘kattu’ (tie), which means a bundle of coins is tied to the bull’s horns. In the ancient Sangam literature the sport has been called as ‘Yeru thazhuvuthal’ (means to embrace bulls). In older times Jallikattu was popular amongst warriors during the Tamil classical period. The bull tamer sought to remove this bundle from the animal’s head to win gold or silver coins to be called ‘brave’ and ‘valourous’. All castes participate in the event and majority of jallikattu and bulls used for the sport belong to the pulikulam breed of cattle. Supreme Court Ban The Supreme Court had banned Jallikattu in May 2014 and held that bulls could not be used as performing animals. It completely banned use of bulls for Jallikattu events or bullock-cart races across the country. The ban was imposed by SC as it violated provisions of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCAA), 1960; fundamental duty Article 51A (g): compassion towards animal; Article 21 (Right to Life), which prohibits any disturbance to the environment, including animals as it is considered essential for human life. It also had held that Jallikattu has nothing to do with exercise of the fundamental right of religious freedom. It also runs counter to the concept of welfare of the animal, which is the basic foundation of the PCAA.

NITI Aayog calls for review RTE Act

The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog has called for a review of the provisions of the Right To Education (RTE) Act that stipulate children who do not perform well cannot be held back up to 8th Class. The RTE Act aims to provide primary education to all children aged 6 to 14 years. It stipulates that no child can be held back in a grade, regardless of his performance, all the way up to the 8th grade.  This means that a child is entitled to an 8th grade diploma even if he cannot recognise a single letter or a number if he has spent eight years in school. Key Observations The government think tank pointed out that the purpose behind this provision in the Act was to minimise drop-out rate as demoralisation from failing a class may result children to withdraw from school altogether. However, despite good intention, the provision has a detrimental effect on learning outcomes, since it takes away the pressure to learn and to compete. So the NITI Aayog called revision of the RTE Act. The real problem is the quality of education as measurement by student achievements. The education quality trend between 2010 and 2014 has been worsening instead of improving performance. The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2014 report, the proportion of children aged 6-14 years enrolled in school in rural areas has been above 96% for the past six years but more than 50% of the 5th graders cannot read second standard level text.

Ken-Betwa River linking project receives environment, forest & tribal clearances

The ambitious Ken-Betwa river linking project has received formal environment, forest and tribal clearances. The project aims at addressing water needs of dry swathes in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation is working out the funding pattern with NITI Aayog. The Ministry is pursuing NITI Ayog to change its funding pattern of Centre state share from 60:40 to 90:10 for the project as it is a special project.  Key Facts It is India’s first river interlinking project that will connect Ken river in Madhya Pradesh with the Betwa in Uttar Pradesh. The project was envisaged first in 1980 to transfer surplus river water to dry and arid areas of Bundelkhand region. It will help irrigate an area of 6.35 lakh hectares annually in Bundelkhand region. Of this, 3.69 lakh hectares will be covered in Madhya Pradesh’s Tikamgarh, Chattarpur and Panna districts. The remaining 2.65 lakh hectares of area falls in Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi, Mahoba and Banda districts. The project is estimated to provide 49 million cubic metres (mcm) of drinking water to a population of 13.42 lakh in Bundelkhand region in the two states. Besides, it will also generate 78 mega watt (MW) of power.

14 jan

India ink MoU with Sri Lanka to construct 3,000 rain water harvesting systems

India has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sri Lanka to construct 3000 rain water harvesting systems in Rin Jaffna District at a cost of 300 million Rupees (Sri Lankan). The rain water project envisages construction of 3000 rainwater harvesting systems for 3000 households in selected divisions of Jaffna District. Key Facts The project aims to assist resettlement efforts of people especially internally displaced families in Jaffna by providing modern rain water harvesting systems for clean drinking water supply facility to households. The scope of the project also includes training of the households on operation and maintenance (O&M) of the rain water harvesting systems. It will also generate employment opportunities in Sri Lanka. Beneficiaries will be identified by Sri Lankan Government in consultation with the Indian Government. The selected beneficiaries will d include women headed families and recently resettled families. This project was approved by the Union Government in response to a request received from Sri Lanka’s National Unity and Reconciliation of Government.

India, US ink MoU for collaboration in third world countries
India and the United States has signed MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) to collaborate in the fields of developmental activities and aid in third world countries. The MoU was signed between the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and Union Ministry of External Affairs’ Development Partnership Administration (DPA). As per the MoU Both countries will collaborate on exchange of information and experience in sectors or issues pertaining to project development or implementation in partner countries. They will provide advisory or technical assistance to third countries regarding sector policy reform, project and sector management, project implementation and economic growth promotion strategies in relevant sectors. Officials of both countries will conduct site visits to cross-border or other relevant projects and capacity building of partner countries. Comment The MoU was signed by both countries based of their share a vision of reducing poverty globally through sustainable economic growth. Based on this vision, they intend to cooperate with goal of advancing their mutual interests to strengthen regional integration and connectivity, particularly in areas of energy, trade, and investment. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC): It is a US agency for providing eligible countries with grants to fund country-led solutions for reducing poverty through sustainable economic growth. Development Partnership Administration (DPA): Under the MEA, look after implementation of India’s development cooperation programmes with partner countries.

CBDT inks Bilateral Advance Pricing Agreement

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has entered into a Bilateral Advance Pricing Agreement (BAPA) on the with Indian subsidiary of a Japanese trading company. Earlier, CBDT also had modified an existing Bilateral APA with another Indian subsidiary of a Japanese company to include rollback provisions. Thus, total three BAPAs have been signed by CBDT with Indian subsidiaries of Japanese companies all including rollbacks. With this total number of BAPAs entered into by CBDT is now eight. What is Advance Pricing Agreement (APA)? The APA Scheme was introduced in the Income Tax (IT) Act, 1961 in 2012 and the provisions related to rollback were introduced in 2014. It strengthens Government’s mission of fostering a non-adversarial tax regime.  It endeavours to provide certainty to taxpayers in the domain of transfer pricing by specifying the methods of pricing and setting the prices of international transactions in advance. Under BAPA, certainty in tax treatment is provided for the next 5 years while rollback provides dispute redressal for a maximum of four past years preceding APA years.

The Expert Group set up to prepare Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) has submitted its report to the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD). The expert group was headed by former Finance Secretary Sumit Bose. The objective of the expert group was to study criteria for allocation of resources to States and identification and prioritization of beneficiaries under various programmes using SECC data. The MoRD will use the SECC data for identification of beneficiaries and generating priority list of beneficiaries under its programmes. Based on it appropriate guidelines were issued for making inter-state allocation to cover households under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana and Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission. Key Observation of the Expert Group The use of SECC data and its TIN Number will enable the government to improve the efficacy of its interventions and it will also result in improved outcome. However there is need for regular updation and verification of SECC data in order to eliminate the need to mount standalone SECC in long run, which can put additional burden on public resources. The SECC has the potential to function as Social Registry Information System (SRIS) from being only census-like socio-economic database. SRIS will have several advantages in implementation of social sector schemes. The use of SECC data will lead to better budgetary planning and allocation of resources for various programmes.

Expert Group on SECC submits report to Rural Development Ministry

The Expert Group set up to prepare Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) has submitted its report to the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD). The expert group was headed by former Finance Secretary Sumit Bose. The objective of the expert group was to study criteria for allocation of resources to States and identification and prioritization of beneficiaries under various programmes using SECC data. The MoRD will use the SECC data for identification of beneficiaries and generating priority list of beneficiaries under its programmes. Based on it appropriate guidelines were issued for making inter-state allocation to cover households under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana and Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission. Key Observation of the Expert Group The use of SECC data and its TIN Number will enable the government to improve the efficacy of its interventions and it will also result in improved outcome. However there is need for regular updation and verification of SECC data in order to eliminate the need to mount standalone SECC in long run, which can put additional burden on public resources. The SECC has the potential to function as Social Registry Information System (SRIS) from being only census-like socio-economic database. SRIS will have several advantages in implementation of social sector schemes. The use of SECC data will lead to better budgetary planning and allocation of resources for various programmes.

16 jan

SEBI tightens merger norms

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has tightened rules for mergers and amalgamations by Indian companies in a bid to safeguard the interests of the public shareholders. The market regulator amended rules in an effort to make listing process more transparent and ensure wider public holding, prevent mergers of large unlisted firms with small ones. The new rules will ensure that all classes of shareholders get an equitable treatment during mergers and acquisitions. It will also stop practice using route of merger to get an indirect listing for an unlisted company. What new rules say? Holding of public shareholders post the merger cannot be less than 25%. Similar threshold must be for institutional shareholders of the unlisted entity as well, post-merger. Unlisted company can be merged with a listed company only if the latter is listed on a stock exchange having nationwide trading terminals. e-voting will be mandatory in cases wherein the stake of public shareholders reduces by more than 5% in the merged entity. In case of merger of an unlisted company with a listed company, the unlisted company will have to disclose all the material information in the form of an abridged prospectus, similar to initial public offering (IPO). Companies must follow the pricing formula for stocks as per SEBI’s ICDR (issue of capital and disclosure requirements) norms during mergers. About Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) SEBI is the statutory regulator for the securities market in India. It was established in 1988 and given statutory powers through the SEBI Act, 1992. Purpose: Protect the interests of investors in securities, promote the development of securities market and to regulate the securities market. SEBI has is responsive to needs of three groups, which constitute the market, issuers of securities, investors and market intermediaries. It has three functions: quasi-legislative (drafts regulations in its legislative capacity), quasi-judicial (passes rulings and orders in its judicial capacity) and quasi-executive (conducts investigation and enforcement action in its executive function).

Union Commerce Ministry launches SEZ India app

The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has launched a mobile application named “SEZ India” under its broader e-Governance initiative to help the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Units and Developers. It will help the SEZ Units and Developers to find information easily and track their transactions on Online System. It will also facilitate them to file all their transactions digitally through SEZ Online system and track the status on the go through the SEZ India mobile app. The app has four sections SEZ Information: It consists of compendium of the SEZ Act, 2005, MOCI Circulars, SEZ Rules, 2006, details of SEZs and Units etc. and gives up to date comprehensive details on all these aspects. Trade Information: It gives access to important information and tools such as Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), Hand Book of procedure, Customs & Excise Notification, Duty Calculator and MEIS Rates. Contact Details: It consists of contact details of all Development Commissioners Office, DG System, DGFT, DGCI & S and SEZ online. SEZ online Transaction: It dynamic submenu that tracks the Bill of Shipping/Entry Bill processing status and also does verification. It also helps the Exporters/Importers to track status of Shipping Bill/ Bill of Entry integration and processing in the EDI system of the ICEGATE.

17 jan

Timothy Gonsalves committee recommends reservation for girl students in IITs
The sub-committee under chairmanship of professor Timothy Gonsalves has recommended reservation for girl students in IITs to address the issue of slump in number of female students entering the prestigious institutes. The recommendation of the committee will be taken up in the meeting of the Joint Admission Board (JAB) for a final decision, which will decide whether the reservation will come in effect from 2017 or from 2018. Key Facts The committee has suggested creating up to 20% supernumerary seats for girls out of the total number of seats. But only candidates who have already qualified in JEE-Advanced will be considered. The reservation for girl students will not affect the number of seats for male candidates. It will help IITs achieve the one lakh target by 2020. In 2016, there was a 2% dip in the number of girls who cleared the JEE-Advanced, as compared to the previous one. Over 1,000 girls had cracked the examination (roughly 10% of total 10,000 seats) in 2015, only 840 female students (coming up to 8%) made it to institutes in 2016-17. None of the selected girls made it to top 100.

Environment Ministry notifies Graded Response Action Plan to combat air pollution in NCR

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified the Graded Response Action Plan to combat air pollution in NCR Delhi region. In this regard, MoEFCC amended laws and formally tasked a Supreme Court-appointed panel with implementing a graded action plan for pollution control. Key Facts Graded Response Action Plan defines the measures to taken based on air quality on the basis of PM 2.5 and PM 10 in the atmosphere. Based on the air quality the grades have been classified as Emergency, Severe, Very Poor and Moderate poor. It will be enforced by Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA). Under this plan eemergency measures will be automatically enforced in NCR if level of PM2.5 breaches 300 micrograms per cubic metre (µgm/m3) and PM10 levels stay above 500 (µgm/m3)for two consecutive days. The plan recommends measures like odd-even car rationing scheme and ban on construction activities to combat air pollution. During ‘very poor’ air quality, it recommends banning diesel generators and parking fee increased by three to four times. It also lists a number of other measures such as closing brick kilns, stone crushers, hot mix plants and intensifying public transport services and increasing the frequency of mechanised cleaning and sprinkling of water on roads. For enforcement of the action plan, the Union Government has assigned the task of implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan to the EPCA (Environment Pollution Control Authority) in pursuance of sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986). Background The Delhi specific comprehensive action plan was prepared by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and was submitted to the Supreme Court in December 2016. The court had accepted the plan and asked the Union Government to notify it. Particulate Matter (PM): They are tiny particles of dust which can cause very serious respiratory disorders and even damage the lungs.

India ranks 60th in Inclusive Development Index

India ranked 60th among the 79 developing countries in 2017 Inclusive Development Index (IDI) released in World Economic Forum’s (WEF) ‘Inclusive Growth and Development Report’. The index is based on 12 performance indicators and countries are ranked on IDI scores based on a scale of 1-7. It has three pillars Growth and Development, Inclusion and Intergenerational Equity, and Sustainability in order to provide a more complete measure of economic development than GDP growth alone. Key Highlights of 2017 IDI Top 10 developing economies in 2017 IDI: Lithuania (1st), Azerbaijan (2nd), Hungary (3rd), Poland (4th), Romania (5th), Uruguay (6th), Latvia (7th), Panama (8th), Costa Rica (9th) and Chile (10th). Top 10 advance economies in 2017 IDI: Norway (1st), Luxembourg (2nd), Switzerland (3th), Iceland (4th) and Denmark (5th), (6th), Netherlands (7th), Australia (8th), New Zealand (9th) and Austria (10th). BRIC’s countries: Russia (13th), China (30th) and Brazil (30th). India’s neighbours: India’s many of the neighbouring nations are ahead in the rankings. China (15th), Nepal (27th), Bangladesh (36th) and Pakistan (52nd). India, with a score of only 3.38, ranks low among 79 developing economies, despite its growth in GDP per capita is among the top 10 and labour productivity growth has been strong. India scores well in terms of access to finance for business development and real economy investment. Reasons for India’s lower rank: India’s debt-to-GDP ratio is high, that raises some questions about the sustainability of government spending. India’s labour force participation rate is low, informal economy is large and many workers are vulnerable to employment situations with little room for social mobility. India needs more progressive tax system to raise capital for expenditures in infrastructure, health care, basic services and education,

India ranks 92nd in 2017 Global Talent Index
India was ranked 92nd among 118 countries in the 2017 Global index of talent competitiveness (GTI) list. The index measures ability of countries to compete for talent i.e. how countries grow, attract and retain talent. The index is produced by global business school INSEAD in partnership with Adecco Group and Human Capital Leadership Institute (HCLI) of Singapore. Key Highlights of 2017 GTI Top 10 Countries: Switzerland (1st), Singapore (2nd), United Kingdom (3rd), United States (4th), Sweden (5th), Australia (6th), Luxembourg (7th), Denmark (8th), Finland (9th) and Norway (10th). BRICS Countries: India’s ranking is worst among the five BRICS countries. China (54th), Russia (56th), South Africa (67th) and Brazil (81st). It noted that BRICS countries are not getting stronger and both China and India have slipped from their year-ago rankings. India Related Facts: In this edition of the list, India slipped by 3 places compared to 89th rank in 2016 GTI. India stood on a relatively solid in pool of global knowledge skills compared with other emerging markets. But in terms of retaining and attracting talent indices, India ranked lowly 104th and 114th, respectively. Overall a major challenge for India is to attract talent from abroad, particularly in the context of large emigration rates of high-skilled people. India has been able to create a stable pool of global knowledge skills, but still experiences a brain drain. India’s ranking will improve only if it improves in its regulatory (94th) and market (99th) landscapes. GTI global ranking of cities: 2017 edition of GTI also released the first-ever global ranking of cities on the basis of their reputation and growing footprint in attracting, growing, and retaining global talent. Top 10 global cities in terms of talent competitiveness: Zurich, Helsinki, San Francisco, Gothenburg, Madrid, Paris, Los Angeles, Eindhoven and Dublin. Mumbai was only Indian city to make into this list.

18 jan

 

India becomes associate member of CERN

India formally became an associate member of CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) with the government completing the internal approval procedures for the agreement it signed in November 2016. Prior to it, in September 2016, CERN Council had adopted a resolution upgrading India’s position as associate member from earlier ‘observer’ status (since 2004). Benefits for India Now, India can take part in meetings of the CERN Council and its committees (Scientific Policy Committee and Finance Committee). However India will not have voting rights on decisions of the council. It will enhance participation of young scientists and engineers from India in various CERN projects and bring back knowledge for deployment in the domestic programmes. It will open up new avenues for Indian scientists to engage with their counterparts in front line research in physics and engineering. Also, Indian scientists will become eligible for staff appointments. It will help to boost India’s science credentials and give access to high end scientific technology. It will also make Indian scientists eligible for staff appointments in CERN. Besides, Indian industries will be entitled to bid for CERN contracts. Thus, it will open up opportunities for industrial collaboration in areas of advanced technology. About European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) CERN as an organisation is world’s largest nuclear and particle physics laboratory. It is situated in North West suburbs of Geneva on France-Swiss Border. It was established in 1954. Members: It has 22 member states, four associate members (including India, Pakistan, Turkey and Ukraine) and three International Organisations have observer status. Functions: The laboratory helps scientists and engineers probing fundamental structure of Universe using the most sophisticated scientific instruments and advanced computing systems. Provide the necessary infrastructure needed for high-energy physics research including particle accelerators. Achievements: CERN operates the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) which is the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator. It is associated with the discovery of the Higgs Boson which is popularly known as the God particle. India-CERN India has been actively involved in CERN’s activities for over 50 years. Indian physicists, engineers and technicians have made substantial contributions to various projects of CERN. In 1991, India and CERN had signed a Cooperation Agreement, setting priorities for scientific cooperation. Since then India and CERN have signed several other protocols. Indian scientists had active in construction of the LHC in the areas of design, development and supply of hardware accelerator components, software development and deployment in the machine. They also had played significant role in the CMS (Compact Muon Experiment), one of the two large experiments that led to discovery of God particle.

Railway Ministry unveils Mission 41K to save energy worth Rs 41,000 crore

Union Railway Ministry has unveiled ‘Mission 41K’ to save Rs. 41,000 crore on the Indian Railways’ expenditure on energy consumption over the next 10 years. The launch of this programme was announced at a Roundtable Discussion on Energy Initiatives of Indian Railways with external stakeholders headed by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu. Key Facts This target of ‘Mission 41K will be achieved by taking a slew of measures which include moving 90% of traffic to electric traction over diesel from present 50% of the total rail traffic. The railways will also procure more and more electricity at cheaper rates through open market instead of sourcing it through DISCOMs. Thereby it hopes to save as much as 25% on its energy expenses. New technologies will be also explored to bring down electric consumption and change the energy mix of Indian Railways. The Electrification Mission will help Indian Railways to reduce dependence on imported fuel, change energy mix, and rationalize the cost of energy for Railways. In the 2016-17 Budget, Indian Railways already had set a target of generating 1000 MW of solar power and 200 MW of wind energy. During 2014-2015 period, Indian Railways had consumed over 18.25 billion units of electrical energy for its traction and non-traction application for which it paid a total of Rs 12,635 crore. In the same period, for diesel traction it spent Rs 18,586 crore.

Ministry of Earth Sciences commissions Higher Resolution Weather Prediction Model
The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has commissioned a very high resolution (12 km) global deterministic weather prediction model for generating operational weather forecasts. The model has been on trial since September 2016. It has shown significant improvements in skill of daily weather forecasts. It was made operational from January 2017. Key Facts This model replaces the earlier version which had a horizontal resolution of 25 km which was very helpful, in predicting track and intensity of recent Cyclonic Storm Vardah and cold wave over northern India. MoES’s operational Ensemble Prediction System (EPS) was upgraded to 12 km. For this, High Performance Computing (HPC) system resources were augmented to 10 Peta Flops (PFs) from current 1.2 PFs. The EPS was adopted to overcome problem of uncertainties in the forecasts. It involves the generation of multiple forecasts using slightly varying initial conditions. The EPS also help generate probabilistic forecasts and quantify the uncertainties. The latest model replaces the earlier version that had a horizontal resolution of 25 km. Note: MoES provides climate, weather and hydrological services to various users round the year and 24/7. Both operational and research aspects for these services are implemented through India Meteorological Department (IMD), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information System (INCOIS).

Union Cabinet approves Trade Agreement negotiations with Peru
The Union Cabinet has approved holding negotiations for Trade Agreement with Peru on trade in goods, services and investment. The trade agreement will be an important landmark in India-Peru relations and consolidate the traditional fraternal relations that have existed between India and LAC countries. The trade agreement will enhance the trade and economic relations between the two countries. Background India and Peru had agreed to carry forward the discussions on trade in goods, trade in services and investment after they concluded Joint Study Group (JSG) Report in October, 2016. A JSG between India and Peru was constituted in order to explore the possibility for entering into trade agreement in January, 2015. India-Peru relations India has friendly relations with Peru. During 2015-16, Peru ranked third amongst export destinations for India in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region. India’s bilateral trade with Peru was $107.32 million during 2005-06 and registered a growth of 1319.45% during 2015-16. During 2015-16, bilateral trade stood at $1,523.35 million with India’s exports at $703.12 million and imports $820.22 million respectively.

Union Cabinet approves India’s Membership in the International Vaccine Institute

The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the proposal for India’s taking full membership of the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) Governing Council. This decision involves payment of annual contribution of US $5,00,000 to the IVI (headquartered in Seoul, South Korea). Background In 2007 with the approval of Union Cabinet, India joined IVI. Since then India is a long-term collaborator and stake-holder of IVI. In 2012, IVI’s Board of Trustees (BOT) had approved the formation of its new governance structure. As per the new structure of its member state has to contribute to the IVI by paying a portion of its core budget. Since India has been classified in Group-I, it has to pay an annual contribution of US $50,000. About International Vaccine Institute (IVI) IVI is an international nonprofit organization devoted to developing and introducing new and improved vaccines to protect the people, especially children, against deadly infectious diseases. It was established in 1997 on the initiatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Its work is exclusively on vaccine development and introduction specifically for people in developing countries, with a focus on neglected diseases affecting these regions. Currently, IVI has 40 countries and the World Health Organization (WHO) as signatories to its Establishment Agreement.

Second Raisina Dialogue held in New Delhi

The second edition of Ministry of External Affairs’ annual Raisina Dialogue was held in New Delhi with the theme “The New Normal: Multilateralism in a multipolar world”. The flagship geo-political conference was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was attended by delegates from 65 countries.  Highlights PM Narendra Modi’s speech Outlined government’s foreign policy from May 2014 and also referred to differences with China, and India’s close partnerships with the US, Russia and Japan. Pakistan and Terrorism: Pakistan must walk away from terror for dialogue with India as India alone cannot walk the path of peace. Peaceful South Asia: India remained committed to vision for a “peaceful and harmonious” South Asia, and neighbourhood first. Globalisation: Growing sentiment against trade and migration and rising parochial and protectionist attitudes are putting globalisation’s gains at a risk. China: It has unprecedented business and commercial opportunities for India. However, rising ambition and festering rivalries (in Asia) are generating visible stress points such as freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. CPEC: The ambitious $45 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) connectivity project cannot override sovereignty as it runs through disputed parts of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). United States: US administration led by Donald Trump and India will further focus on building bilateral relationship. About Raisina Dialogue Raisina Dialogue is an annual conference held in New Delhi. It is envisioned to be India’s flagship conference of geopolitics and geo-economics. The conference is held jointly by Ministry of External Affairs and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), an independent think tank based in India. The name of conference comes from Raisina Hill which is the elevation in New Delhi where presidential palace of India, Rashtrapati Bhavan is located. The first edition of the conference was held in March 2016 with the theme “Asia: Regional and Global Connectivity”. It is organized on the lines of the Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore. It is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectorial conclave, involving policy and decision makers, including cabinet ministers from various Governments, high-level Government officials and policy practitioners, leading personalities from business and industry etc.

19 jan

AAI receives 45 initial bids under Regional Connectivity Scheme

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has received 45 initial bids from 11 parties to fly routes under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) launched by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation. The initial bid proposals covers more than 200 routes and as many as 65 airports, 52 of them not served by any airline and 13 under-served airports. Now, Government has invited counter-bids against these initial proposals. After that, these routes will be awarded to bidders who quote the lowest Viability Gap Funding (VGF) requirement against the routes under the RCS. About Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) The RCS aims to boost air travel in Tier II and Tier III cities by capping fares at Rs 2,500 per one hour flight. The AAI is the implementing authority of the scheme. Its objective is to make flying affordable for the masses, to promote tourism, increase employment and promote balanced regional growth. As per the scheme, the Union Government will subsidise the losses incurred by airlines flying out of dormant airports to allow airlines to charge Rs. 2,500 for an hour’s flight to passengers. About 80% of the subsidy will be collected by charging a levy of up to Rs. 8,500 on each departing flight of domestic airlines and the rest 20% will come from the respective state governments.

Government launches ShaGun portal to monitor Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan

The Union Government launched a dedicated web portal ShaGun (http://ssashagun.nic.in) for monitoring the progress of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). The portal was developed by World Bank in collaboration with Union Ministry of Human Resource Development. Its name has been derived from the words Shala (means schools) and Gun (i.e. Gunvatta meaning Quality). Key Facts ShaGun portal was developed with a twin track approach to monitor schools under the SSA and also the quality of education imparted by them. It will capture and showcase innovations and progress in Elementary Education sector of India by continuous monitoring SSA. ShaGun will help in monitoring progress in implementation of SSA by assessing the performance of states/UTs on key parameters that will help Government to plan and deliver quality education to all. It will collect and report data to enable the government and administrators to track the efficiency with which SSA funds are being utilised and the results are been delivered. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA): It is a centrally sponsored flagship scheme for providing universal access to education to children in the age group of six to fourteen years of age. In addition, Toolkit for Master Trainers in Preparing Teachers for Inclusive Education for Children with Special Needs (CWSN) was also unveiled. The toolkit is part of the series of 5 training modules that will provide the teachers with practical information on the effective inclusion of CWSN. It will help in building pedagogical practices that will address the needs of all children with special needs.

Union Cabinet approves to augment CGTMSE for supporting MSEs

The Union Cabinet has approved package for augmentation of the Corpus of Credit Guarantee Trust Fund for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) for supporting Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). With this, the corpus of the Trust has been increased from Rs. 2,500 crore to Rs. 7,500 crore and it will be fully funded by the Union Government. Cabinet’s proposal also entails to Increase coverage of the loans covered under the credit guarantee scheme from Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 2 crore; Increase coverage of the credit guarantee scheme for loans extended to MSEs by NBFCs also. This will enable the Trust to enhance the quantum. Benefits of these measures Lower the level of leverage Improve sustainability of the Fund. Improve financial management. Limit the unfunded contingent liabilities. Enable the CGTMSE to enhance the quantum of credit guarantee to larger number of MSEs. Comment    Augmentation of the corpus of the fund will facilitate larger flow of credit to MSEs. This in turn, will lead to increase output and employment and thereby promote equity and inclusiveness. Start-ups will also be encouraged to set up enterprises based on innovation and new ideas as the scheme provides credit without collateral and third-party guarantee.

CCEA approves listing of five general insurance PSUs at the stock exchanges

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its ‘in principle’ approval for listing the five Public Sector General Insurance Companies (2016-17) owned General Insurance Companies in the stock exchanges. They are New India Assurance Company Ltd, United India Insurance Company Ltd, Oriental Insurance Company Ltd, National Insurance Company Ltd and General Insurance Corporation of India. The shareholding of these PSGICs will be divested from 100% to 75% in one or more tranches over a period of time as per Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) rules and regulations. Significance of listing of PSGICs Bring transparency and equity in the companies functioning as listing on the stock exchange necessitates compliance requirements of SEBI. Improve corporate governance and risk management practices leading to improved efficiency. It will lead to greater focus on growth and earnings. Open the way for the companies to raise resources from the capital market to meet their fund requirements to expand their businesses, instead of being dependent on the Government for capital infusion. Divestment in these companies will help government in raising resources and portion of the funds can be used by the company for expansion. Background The Union Finance Minister in his 2016-17 Budget speech had announced that public shareholding in Government-owned companies is a means of ensuring higher levels of transparency and accountability. In order to promote this objective, the general insurance companies owned by the Government will be listed on the stock exchanges.

Union Cabinet approves amendment in Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for amendment in the Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS) for electronics manufacturing. These modifications will further incentivize investments in electronic sector and move towards Union Government’s goal of ‘Net Zero imports’ in electronics by 2020.  Key Amendment The applications will be received under M-SIPS scheme till December 2018 or till such time that an incentive commitment of Rs 10,000 crore is reached, whichever is earlier. In case the incentive commitment of Rs 10,000 crore is reached, a review will be held to decide further financial commitments. For new approvals, the incentive under the scheme will be available from the date of approval of a project and not from the date of receipt of application. The incentives will be available for investments made within 5 years from the date of approval of the project. Unit receiving incentive will provide undertaking to remain in commercial production for at least 3 years. The Appraisal Committee chaired by Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and IT will recommend approval of project. Significance of amendment in M-SIPS Expedite investments into the Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector in India. Create employment opportunities and reduce dependence on imports.  About Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS) The Union Cabinet in 2012 approved the M-SIPS to provide a special incentive package to promote large scale manufacturing in the ESDM sector to boost domestic electronic product manufacturing in the country. The scheme provides subsidy for capital expenditure 20% for investments in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and 25% in non-SEZs. It also provides reimbursement of countervailing duty/excise for capital equipment for non-SEZ units and also reimbursement of duties and central taxes for some of the projects with high capital investments.

Delhi Police commissioner Alok Verma appointed as new CBI director

Delhi Police Commissioner and Senior IPS officer Alok Kumar Verma was appointed as new Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation. He will have tenure of two years. He was selected by a three-member committee comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Justice J S Khehar and Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge. He will take over from interim director Rakesh Asthana, who was handed the reins of the premier investigating agency after former director Anil Sinha retired on December 2, 2016. About Alok Verma He is a 1979 batch IPS officer of the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre. Prior to taking charge as the Commissioner of Delhi Police in February 2016, he was the Director General of Tihar jail. He has served in the Delhi Police in number of positions, including DCP (south district), JC of Crime Branch, JCP (New Delhi Range), Special CP (Intelligence) and Special CP (Vigilance). He has also served as the Inspector General (IG) of Police in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Puducherry. About Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) CBI is the foremost investigative police agency in India. It derives power to investigate from Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. It was established in 1941 as the Special Police Establishment. It was renamed to present nomenclature in 1963. Headquarters: New Delhi. Motto: Industry, Impartiality, Integrity. It is headed by Director, an IPS officer of DGP rank. He is selected as per the provisions of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) Act, 2003. The CBI Director is selected by a collegium comprising Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India and Leader of Opposition or leader of the largest party in opposition in Lok Sabha.

20 jan

FIPB clears 6 FDI proposals worth Rs 1,187 crore
The Inter-ministerial body Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approved six investment proposals envisaging foreign investments of Rs 1,186.5 crore.  Decision in this regard was taken by FIPB meeting headed by Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das. It has approved the proposals of Sanofi Synthelabo India, Star Den Media Services, Idea Cellular Infrastructure Services, Boehringer Ingelheim India Pvt. Ltd, Menarini India Private Limited and Recipharm Participation B.V. Netherlands. Background India allows FDI in most sectors through the automatic route, but in certain segments considered sensitive for the economy and security, then those proposals first have to be cleared by FIPB. The Union Government has taken a slew of measures in the recent past to boost foreign direct investment into the country. The FDI in the country has grown to $40 billion in the financial year 2015-16 as against $30.94 billion in the previous FY 2014-15. About Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) The FIPB is inter-ministerial body that offers a single window clearance for applications on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) that are under the approval route. The finance secretary is the chairman of the FIPB. It is housed in the Department of Economic Affairs, Union Ministry of Finance. Presently, FDI proposals up to 3,000 crore rupees are cleared by the FIPB. However, those proposals involving FDI of more than 3,000 crore rupees are given final clearance by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) headed by Prime Minister.

Cabinet approves the exclusion of States from National Small Savings Fund
The Union Cabinet has excluded States and Union Territories except Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala, Delhi (UT) and Madhya Pradesh from National Small Savings Fund (NSSF) investments with effect from 1 April 2016 The cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi also approved one-time loan of Rs. 45000 crore from NSSF to Food Corporation of India (FCI) to meet its food subsidy requirements. Key Facts Arunachal Pradesh will be given loans to the tune of 100% of NSSF collections within its territory, while Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi (UT) will be provided with 50% of collections. Through the budget line of Department of Food and Public Distribution, the servicing of interest and principal of debt will be extended to Food Corporation of India (FCI). The repayment obligation of the FCI in respect of NSSF Loans will be treated as the first charge on the food subsidy released to the FCI. In addition, FCI will be required to reduce the amount of its current Cash Credit Limit with the banking consortium to the extent of the NSSF loan amount. An legally binding agreement will be signed between Department of Food, FCI and NSSF on the modalities for repayment of interest rate and the restructuring of FCI debt will be made possible within 2-5 years. In the future, NSSF will invest on items whose expenditure is ultimately borne by Union Government and Union budget will meet requirement of the repayment of the principal and interest of that amount. Background The 14th Finance Commission (FFC) had recommended that the State Governments should be excluded from the investment operations of the NSSF. The main reason given was that NSSF loans come at an extra cost to the State Governments compared to the market rates which are considerably lower. Following this, Union Cabinet in February 2015 held that this recommendation will be examined in due course in consultation with various stake holders. Later, all states except Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh expressed their desire to be excluded from NSSF investments. About National Small Savings Fund (NSSF) NSSF was set up on 1 April, 1999 with an objective to account all the monetary transactions under small savings schemes of the Union Government under one umbrella. It was set up in the Public Account of India. The net accretions under the small savings schemes are invested in the special securities of various States/ Union Territories (with legislature)/Central Governments. States not only can borrow from this account but have the obligation to borrow. The minimum obligation of States to borrow from the NSSF has been brought down from 100% to 80% of net collections from 2007.

Church courts cannot veto divorce law: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has ruled that Canon law and decrees of divorce given by ecclesiastical tribunals or ‘Church Courts’ cannot veto the statutory law of divorce. Ruling in this regard was given by SC Bench of Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud on writ petition filed in 2013 seeking a judicial declaration that divorce decrees passed by ecclesiastical tribunals are valid and binding. SC Ruling Referring to SC 1996 judgment in the case of Molly Joseph versus George Sebastian, SC held that binding nature of the Indian Divorce Act, 1869 governs divorce among Christians. After Divorce Act, 1860 came into force, dissolution or annulment under Christian personal law cannot have any legal impact as statute has provided a different procedure and a different code for divorce. Thus, SC order grants supremacy to parliamentary laws over personal laws of religious groups. It can be held that divorce decrees of religious institutions can’t override law enacted by the state. 1996 judgment: In Molly case (1996), SC had held that implication of the Canon law is confined to either theological or ecclesiastical and has no legal impact on the divorce of marriage between two persons professing Christian religion.

21 jan

AYUSH Ministry, ASCI ink MoU to co-regulate advertisements in AYUSH sector

The Union Ministry of AYUSH and Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) have signed a Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) to co-regulate malpractices in the advertisement of AYUSH sector. ASCI will comprehensively monitor these advertisements across print and electronic media with respect to AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) drugs, treatments and related services. Key Facts The Ministry of AYUSH has given ASCI a self-monitoring mandate to identify potentially misleading advertisement in the AYUSH sector and process complaints through its Consumer Complaints Council (CCC). The Ministry will also redirect complaints against misleading advertisements they receive, to the ASCI, which will be reviewed using ASCI’s code and guidelines. The MoU also requires ASCI to report to the Ministry of AYUSH, all advertisements in potential violation of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 and Rules thereunder. Background There is unbridled marketing of Ayush drugs across media platforms, including print and television channels. At present, there is no mechanism in place to penalise companies and individuals selling AYUSH products on the basis of false and unsubstantiated claims. The co-regulation between Ministry of AYUSH and ASCI will ensure that consumers have access to safe and effective medicines. About Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) ASCI is a self-regulatory voluntary non-governmental organization (NGO) of the advertising industry in India. It aims to maintain and enhance the public’s confidence in advertising. It was established in 1985 by by three main constituents of advertising industry viz advertisers, advertising agencies and media. Its headquarters are in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Government constitutes negotiation committee on Mahanadi and its Tributaries

The Union Ministry of Water Resources has constituted negotiations committee to assess availability and utilisation of waters of Mahanadi and its tributaries to resolve disputes over sharing of river waters among five states. These five states are Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Jharkhand. The committee will be chaired by member (water planning and projects) of the Central Water Commission (CWC). It will have 11 other members comprising representatives from the state governments. Key Facts The committee will also examine existing water sharing agreements on river Mahanadi and will consider claims of the 5 states regarding availability and utilisation of waters of these rivers. It has been set up with reference to complaint of State of Odisha under section 3 of the ISRWD Act, 1956 regarding utilisation of waters of Mahandi Basin. It will also have member representatives of Union Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, India Meteorological Department and CWC.

India, UAE hold first strategic dialogue

India and the UAE held the first meeting of their strategic dialogue in New Delhi to elevate the bilateral relationship to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The meeting was co-chaired by Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs M J Akbar and MoS in Ministry of Foreign Affairs of UAE Anwar Gargash. The first dialogue took place pursuant to the decision to elevate the relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE in August 2015 followed by crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visit to India in February 2016. Key Highlights of first India-UAE strategic dialogue Two sides discussed several issues ranging from cooperation in the areas of trade and investments to expanding the bilateral cooperation to new areas under the strategic partnership. The news areas include energy security, renewable energy, defence and security, electronics and information technology and space. Both sides also finalised the Strategic Cooperation Agreement aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation to new key areas including energy, defence and security between both countries. They also agreed on a number of new initiatives to further strengthen the bilateral cooperation and on signing of fresh instruments of cooperation. India-UAE Relations India-UAE Relations deeply rooted in history and strategic cooperation which is driven by mutual aspirations of both countries. UAE is lynch-pin of the economic, defence and strategic strands of the India’s coordinated strategy to outreach west Asia. UAE is India’s third largest trading partner after China and the United States. Bilateral trade between India and the UAE stood at about $50 billion in 2015-16. UAE is among the top investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments (FDI) and was the fifth largest supplier of crude oil to India in 2015-16. Besides, there are also more than 2.6 million Indians living in the UAE and their annual remittance is estimated to be around 14 billion dollars.

Union Government clears Tamil Nadu’s Ordinance on Jallikattu
The Union Government has Tamil Nadu government’s proposal to promulgate an ordinance to hold Jallikattu, a traditional bull taming sport. The Union Ministries of Home, Law and Environment has vetted the state’s draft ordinance and cleared the amendment. Now, Tamil Nadu Governor can promulgate ordinance as per Article 213 of the constitution. Key Facts It was mandatory for Tamil Nadu government to get a nod from the Centre as subject in this regard was falling in the Concurrent list of the Constitution. The ordinance will denotify the bull from the list of performing animals. This will ensure that provisions of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA), 1960 will not apply to the bull. It will circumvent Supreme Court imposed ban on Jallikattu in May 2014. The apex court had banned use of bull as performing animals including traditional events like Jallikattu, bullock-cart races. Jallikattu is bull-taming sport and an age-old annual event celebrated during Pongal (Harvest festival) in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the oldest living ancient traditions practiced in the modern era. Read more Article 213 of Constitution: It gives legislative power to Governor i.e. state executive.  Governor can promulgate ordinances when legislative assembly (incase of unicameral legislature) is not in session i.e. recess or both houses of state legislature (incase of bicameral legislature) if there is urgent need to have a law on some urgent public matter. The promulgated ordinance has similar effect to a law enacted by the state legislature. However, every ordinance must be laid and approved state legislature (or legislative assembly) within 6 weeks from the reassembling. If not placed and approved by both houses of the state legislature ( or legislative assembly) after reassembling it lapses or becomes invalid.

India Innovation Index to measure performance of Indian states

The World Economic Forum (WEF), NITI Aayog, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and Cornell University will work to develop an India Innovation Index to provide impetus to states to drive innovative spirit. Based on the WIPO’s GII (Global Innovation Index), the India Innovation Index will be tailored to better reflect of India’s ground reality and include metrics well suited to the Indian context for innovation. Key Facts The India Innovation Index will measure and rank the innovation performance of all states in India with the aim of moving India towards an innovation-driven economy. It will be based on key pillars of innovation and sub-indices that together will assist in tailoring policies for innovation that inturn will promote inclusive growth. The pillars of index include the capacity of human capital and research, strength of institutions, supporting infrastructure and the level of business sophistication, among others. Each partnering organization will nominate a working group member to work on the index. The first ranking of Indian states will released at the India Economic Summit to be held in October 2017. This index will encourage states to compete with each other and, in turn, lead to better policies for inclusive growth. It will create a transparent benchmark of innovation for Indian states and spur competition among states. It will also ensure progress towards innovation at the local level in India.

Don’t add Hindi dialects in Eighth Schedule: Scholars
A group of Hindi professors have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting not to add dialects of Hindi, like Bhojpuri and Rajasthani, in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution as full-fledged Indian languages. This development comes months after Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal had announced that Rajasthani will be added to 8th Schedule. In December 2016, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also had raised a similar demanded for Bhojpuri. What these HIndi scholars are arguing? Eighth schedule means independent identity of a language and Hindi’s prime strength is the large number of its speakers. Recognition of its dialects as separate languages will deprive Hindi of millions of its speakers. They fear that there will be eventually be no Hindi left if its key dialects are recognised as separate languages.  Eighth Schedule of the Constitution They are the lists official languages recognised by the Constitution. The Eighth Schedule to the Indian Constitution contains a list of 22 scheduled languages viz. Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Sindhi (added by 21st Amendment Act, 1967), Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali (added by 71st Amendment Act, 1992), Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santal (added by 92nd Amendment 2003). The list had originally 14 languages only but subsequently through amendments 8 new languages were added (highlighted in bold).

23 jan

Government to launch prevention, screening and control programme for 5 non-communicable diseases

The Union Health Ministry will soon launch population based prevention, screening and control programme for five common non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on the occasion of World Cancer Day (4th February). They are Hypertension, Diabetes, and Cancers of oral cavity, breast and cervix. This programme will be launched as part of the National Health Mission. Key Facts Under this programme screening will be rolled out in 100 districts in 32 states and Union Territories before March 31, 2017 in the first phase. ASHA and ANM workers will be trained for this purpose. They will also be capture information on major risk factors so that persons at risk could be counselled on leading healthy lifestyles to prevent onset of NCDs. In subsequent phases, Chronic Obstructive Respiratory diseases will be also included and the programme will be scaled up to cover other districts. Need for such Programme Non-Communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and stroke, Diabetes, Chronic Respiratory Diseases (Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases) and Cancer account for over 60% of all mortality in India, of these, nearly 55% are premature mortality. Since these conditions do not exhibit symptoms until complications set in, it is essential to detect them early which enables treatment and prevents high financial costs and suffering. Besides, NCDs imposes a financial and social cost on families and the country.  According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), India stands to lose $ 4.58 trillion (Rs 311.94 trillion) due to non-communicable diseases between 2012 and 2030

Government shifts disinvestment advising role to Department of Economic Affairs

The Union Government has transferred the advising role of Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) on utilisation of the proceeds from disinvestment to the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA). This announcement comes after the Union Cabinet approved an alternative mechanism to decide the modalities to do with stake sales in PSUs, so as to speed up the process and to streamline the disinvestment process. Key Facts The DEA in the Union Finance Ministry will now be in charge of financial policy in regard to the utilisation of proceeds of disinvestment channelised into the National Investment Fund (NIF). The National Investment Fund was created in 2005 in which the proceeds from the disinvestment of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) were to be channelised. During his Budget speech 2016-17, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had announced renaming the previously known Department of Investment as DIPAM. Earlier the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) had given its approval to Alternative Mechanism to decide the modalities to do with stake sales in PSUs. Under this mechanism, the quantum of disinvestment in a particular Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSE) will be decided on a case-by-case basis subject to Government retaining 51% equity and management control.

Committee constituted to set rules for implementation of Disabilities Act, 2016

The Union Government has constituted committee (Working Group) to frame uniform rules for the states to avoid delay in proper implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 across the country. The Committee will be headed by Secretary from Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). It will submit its report within three months. Composition: It will comprise of representatives from the Union Ministry of Health, DoPT, Labour, Legislative Department and representatives from NGOs as members. It will also have Principal Secretary/Secretary, Social Welfare Department from Karnataka, Gujarat, Odisha, Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Terms and References of Committee: Suggest model draft rules for the states in order to have a uniform rules across the country and also to avoid delay in finalization of rules by any state. Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 The Act was notified in December 2016, after it received assent of President. It comprehensively covers a whole spectrum of problems from physical disabilities to mental illness and multiple disabilities under it. It raises number of disabilities from 7 to 21. It also raises reservation in government jobs for persons with benchmark disabilities from present 3% to 4% and in higher education from 3% to 5% per cent. It includes mental illness, autism, spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, chronic neurological conditions, specific learning disabilities, speech and language disability, sickle cell disease, deaf ,blindness, acid attack and Parkinsons disease under the definition of disability. The Act aims to bring Indian laws in line with the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to which India became a signatory in 2007. Once it comes into effect, every child with benchmark disability between the age group of 6 and 18 years will have the right to free education.

Draft steel policy anticipates Rs. 10 lakh crore investments

The Steel Ministry has released new draft National Steel Policy of 2017, envisaging to double India’s domestic steel production capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2030-31. The draft policy anticipates a requirement of Rs. 10 lakh crore of fresh investments to meet production goal and expects creation of at least 11 lakh new jobs in the process. Key Features of Policy Two alternatives vision: (i) Create a globally competitive steel industry that promotes inter-sectoral growth (ii) Create a self-sufficient steel industry that is technologically advanced, globally competitive and promotes inclusive growth. Focuses on: Impediments like high input costs, import dependency, availability of raw materials and financial stress plaguing the sector. Couple of factors such as the demand and production of sponge iron are still under discussion. Gas-based steel plants: Proposes gas-based steel plants and technologies such as electric furnaces to bring down use of coking coal in blast furnaces in order to cut down reliance on expensive imports of coking coal. Public sector firms in the steel sector: They should aim for economies of scale. The will be encouraged to divest their non-core assets through mergers and restructuring. Greenfield steel plants along India’s coastline: These plants will be set up under the aegis of Sagarmala project to tap cheap imported raw materials such as coking coal and export the output in a more cost-effective manner. Cluster-based approach: It will be pursued, especially for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to ensure easy availability of raw materials, optimum land use and economies of scale.

24 jan

 

N K Singh panel submits report on changes in FRBM Act  

The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Committee has submitted its 4 volume report on changes in FRBM Act, 2013 to the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. The 5 member committee was headed by N.K. Singh, former Revenue and Expenditure Secretary and former MP. Its member included RBI Governor Urjit Patel, Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian, former Finance Secretary Sumit Bose, and National Institute of Public Finance and Policy Director Rathin Roy. Key Facts The committee was constituted in May 2016 following Finance Minister Budget 2016-17 announcement. It was assigned task to review the working of the FRBM Act over last 12 years to suggest the way forward. It was also tasked to examine the need and feasibility of having a ‘fiscal deficit range’ as the target in place of the existing fixed numbers (percentage of GDP) as fiscal deficit target. The committee has kept in view the broad objective of fiscal consolidation and prudence and has suggested changes required in the context of the uncertainty and volatility in the global economy. The first volume of the report addresses the issue of the fiscal roadmap, fiscal policy, international experience and recommendations therein. The second volume refers to international experience especially from a lot of international organisations particularly OECD, the World Bank, ILO. The third volume deals with Centre-State issues. The fourth volume deals with views of domain experts both from national and international appropriate for fiscal policy

25 jan

Cabinet clears interest waiver for farm loans
The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval for an interest waiver of farmers accessing short-term crop loans from cooperative banks for the two months of November and December, 2016 The decision also provides for interest subvention to National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD) on additional refinance provided by NABARD to Cooperative Banks. Key Facts This decision will ensure availability of resources with Cooperative Banks to help farmers to get easy access to crop loans from Cooperative Banks to overcome difficulties due demonisationduring Rabi operations. Additional resources are to be provided to Cooperative Banks through NABARD for refinance to the Cooperative Banks on account of interest waiver of two months for November and December, 2016. A sum of Rs. 15, 000 crore already has been allocated to NABARD during 2016-17 to implement the Interest Subvention Scheme (ISS) has already been utilised. NABARD to make short-term borrowings The Union Cabinet also approved NABARD to make short-term borrowings for approximate Rs.20,000 crore at prevailing market rate of interest for on-lending to Cooperative Banks at 4.5% rate of interest. Additional capital of Rs. 2,000 crore will be be provided to NABARD for this purpose through the Union Budget.

Cabinet approves New Scheme for promotion of Rural Housing

The Union Cabinet has approved a new scheme for promotion of Rural Housing in the country. It will enable people in rural areas to construct new houses or add to their existing pucca houses to improve dwelling units. Under it, Government will provide interest subsidy to every rural household who is not covered under the Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana (Grameen)-PMAY(G). Features of Scheme It will be implemented by National Housing Bank (NHB). Under the scheme, the beneficiary will be provided interest subsidy for loan amount upto Rs. 2 Lakhs for taking loan. Government will provide net present value of interest subsidy of 3% to NHB upfront which will, in turn, pass it to the Primary Lending Institutions (Scheduled Commercial Banks, NBFCs etc.). Government will also take necessary steps for proper convergence of the scheme with PMAY-G including technical support to beneficiary through existing arrangements. It will improve housing stock in the rural areas, as well as create employment opportunities in rural housing sector.

Union Cabinet approves Indian Institute of Management Bill, 2017
The Union Cabinet has approved the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bill, 2017, under which the IIMs will be declared as Institutions of National Importance. It will also enable IIMs to grant degrees rather than diplomas to their students. At present IIMs are not authorised to award degrees as they registered as societies. Hence, they are awarding Post Graduate Diploma and Fellow Programme in Management. Salient features of the Bill Allow IIMs to grant degrees to their students. Grant complete autonomy to IIMs, combined with adequate accountability. Coordination Forum of IIMs as an advisory body will be established. Board of an IIM will drive the management of the institution. It will select Chairperson and Director of IIM. Board will have greater participation of experts and alumni. It will also include women and members from Scheduled Castes/Tribes. Periodic review of the performance of IIM will be conducted by independent agencies and their results will be placed in public domain. The Annual Report of the IIMs will be placed in the Parliament and CAG (Comptroller and auditor general of India) will audit their accounts.  Background Indian Institutes of Managements (IIMs) are the country’s premier institutions imparting best quality education in management and are recognized as world-class management Institutions and Centres of Excellence. All IIMs are separate autonomous bodies registered under the Societies Act and are not authorized to award degrees. These awards are treated as equivalent to MBAs and Ph.D, respectively, but their equivalence is not universally acceptable, especially for the Fellow Programme.

Union Cabinet approves ratification of the Second Commitment Period of Kyoto Protocol

The Union Cabinet has given its approval to ratify the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol on containing the emission of Green House Gases (GHGs). The second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 2012 and is set to expire in 2020. So far, 75 countries have ratified the Second Commitment Period. Significance This decision is considered as token measure to put pressure on developed countries to deliver on climate change commitments. It further underlines India’s leadership in the comity of countries committed to global cause of environmental protection and climate justice. India’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol will encourage other developing countries also to undertake this exercise. It will attract some investments in implementation of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects under this commitment period in accordance with Sustainable Development priorities. About Kyoto Protocol The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 1997 to fight global warming by reducing GHGs emission and came into effect in 2005. The 1st commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol was from 2008-2012. The 2nd commitment period for the period 2013- 2020 was adopted in 2012 by the Doha Amendment of the Kyoto Protocol. The protocol is based on principle of Equity and Common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR). It places obligations on developed nations to undertake mitigation targets to reduce emissions by 5.2% of 1990 levels during 2008-2012 period) and provide financial resources and technology to developing nations. Developing countries like India have no mandatory mitigation obligations or targets under the Kyoto Protocol.

Union Government releases National Action Plan for Children, 2016

The Union Ministry of Women & Child Development (WCD) has released National Action Plan for Children (NPAC), 2016  on the occasion of National Girl Child Day (24th January). It was released by Union Minister of Women & Child Development Meneka Sanjay Gandhi in New Delhi. The NPAC has been developed by the Ministry of WCD. Features of NPAC, 2016  The Action Plan has four key priority areas. They are survival, health and nutrition; education and development; participation and protection. It defines objectives, sub-objectives, strategies, action points and indicators for measuring progress under the four key priority areas. It also identifies key stakeholders for the implementation of different strategies. It puts focus on new and emerging concerns for children such as children affected by natural and man-made disasters, climate change and online child abuse etc. Its strategies and action points largely draw upon the existing programmes and schemes of various Ministries and Departments. It takes into account the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provides a roadmap towards achieving them though co-ordination and convergence with different stakeholders. Background The National Action Plan for Children (NPAC), 2016   was prepared as per the mandate of the National Policy for Children (2013). The policy provides for formation of a National Co-ordination and Action Group (NCAG) under the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development for coordinating and implementation of the plan and monitor the progress with other Ministries concerned as its members.

Union Cabinet approves Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana 2017

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for launching of Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana 2017 (VPBY 2017).  The scheme will be launched as part of Government’s commitment for financial inclusion and social security. The scheme will be implemented through Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) during the current financial year i.e. FY 2016-17. It will be open for subscription for a period of one year from the date of launch. Features of Scheme The purpose of the scheme is to provide social security during old age and protect elderly persons aged 60 years and above against future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market conditions. It will provide an assured pension based on a guaranteed rate of return of 8% per annum for ten years, with an option to opt for pension on a monthly, quarterly, half yearly and annual basis. The Union Government will bear the differential return i.e., the difference between the return generated by LIC and the assured return of 8% per annum as subsidy on an annual basis.

India, UAE sign 14 agreements

India and the UAE (United Arab Emirates) inked 14 agreements in various areas to boost bilateral cooperation between both countries. These agreements were signed after delegation level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in New Delhi. The Crown Prince who is Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces is on a three-day visit. He is chief guest of 2017 Republic Day Parade. Agreements signed are  MoU in agriculture and Allied sectors Agreement on Oil Storage And Management MoU for cooperation in programme exchange MoU on cooperation in the field of Defence Industry Agreement on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. MoU on Institutional Cooperation on Maritime Transport MoU on Mutual Recognition of Certificates of Competency MoU on cooperation in prevention and combating of human trafficking MoU on Bilateral Cooperation in the Road Transport and Highways Sector MoU on trade remedial measures to promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest MoU for the cooperation in the field of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and innovation MoU on mutual exemption of entry visa requirements to the holders of Diplomatic, special and Official Passports.

27 jan

Government launches Rubber Soil Information System

The Union Government has launched Rubber Soil Information System (RubSIS), an online system for recommending appropriate mix of fertilizers to plantations of rubber growers depending upon their soil nature. It was launched for Kottayam (Kerela), the largest rubber growing district of India which will be extended to the entire traditional rubber growing region i.e. the states of Kerela and Tamilnadu.  Key Facts RubSIS has developed by Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) under the Rubber Board in collaboration with three other agencies. They are Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Kerala, National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, ICAR and National Remote Sensing Center, ISRO RubSIS brings soil data to the fingerprints of rubber growers and recommends the optimum mix and quantities of chemical fertilizers required for the rubber plantation. It is a cost effective tool for sustainable and scientific management of rubber growing soils. Its adoption will prevent indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and soil degradation. It will also lead to reduction in the cost of production of rubber, increase in productivity and reduction in environmental pollution.

68th Republic Day celebrated on 26 January 2017
India celebrated its 68th Republic Day on January 26, 2017 with the theme “Skill India and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao”. The day honours the date on which the Indian Constitution came into force on 26th January, 1950 replacing the Government of India Act, 1935 as the governing document. Key Facts This year, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the Chief Guest of the official ceremony. The country’s military prowess and achievements in different fields, state-of-the-art defence platforms, and diverse culture was displayed at the Republic Day parade at Rajpath in Delhi. For the first time, a contingent of the National Security Guard (NSG), popularly known as the Black Cat Commandoes, also took part in the parade. A contingent of UAE soldiers also marched down the Rajpath. The Indian Army’s missile firing capability, Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP-2K, T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tank, Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the BrahMos Missile System, Akash Weapon System, and Dhanush Gun System were displayed at the event. Tableaux from seventeen states and union territories, six Central Ministries and Departments were also presented depicting varied historical, art and cultural heritage of the country. President Pranab Mukherjee awarded Ashok Chakra, country’s highest peacetime military decoration to Havaldar Hangpan Dada posthumously for selfless service to nation.

India, France sign pact on maritime information sharing in Indian Ocean Region

India and France have signed White Shipping agreement to enable information sharing on maritime traffic and maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The agreement was signed in New Delhi after both countries held their second dialogue on maritime cooperation for the IOR. Key Facts The agreement will enable navies of India and France to coordinate their roles in stabilising Indo-Pacific region. It will enhance Indo-French maritime security cooperation in the region. It will be implemented over the next few months. Background India and France firmed up cooperation on sharing of radars in the Indian Ocean during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Paris in 2015. India is setting up a grid of coastal surveillance radars in the IOR that will enable it to monitor increasing Chinese presence in the area, France has shown interest in sharing data from surveillance systems on its Indian Ocean territories in the region that includes Mayotte, besides military bases in UAE and Djibouti.  Both countries in the last couple of years are coordinating their naval movements and surveillance in the IOR. France retains interests and assets with territories like Reunion Islands in the IOR.

Padma awards 2017

President Pranab Mukherjee announced the names of recipients of year 2017 Padma awards viz. Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. He approved conferment of Padma Awards on 89 persons. The list includes 7 Padma Vibhushan, 7 Padma Bhushan and 75 Padma Shri Awardees. Out of these selected 89 persons, 19 are women, 5 awardees are from the category of foreigners, NRIs, PIOs while 6 are posthumous awardees. This edition of list includes more than 15 unsung persons and alsopeople who rendered selfless service at the grassroots. Padma Awards, the country’s highest civilian awards given in various disciplines- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. PADMA VIBHUSHAN: It is the second highest civilian award. It is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service. Sl. No Name Field State 1.                   K J Yesudas Art-Music Kerala 2.                   Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev Others-Spiritualism Tamil Nadu 3.                   Sharad Pawar Public Affairs Maharashtra 4.                   Murli Manohar Joshi Public Affairs Uttar Pradesh 5.                   Prof. Udipi Ramachandra Rao Science & Engineering Karnataka 6.                   Sunder Lal Patwa (Posthumous) Public Affairs Madhya Pradesh 7.                   PA Sangma (Posthumous) Public Affairs Meghalaya Padma Bhushan: It is the third highest civilian award. It is awarded for distinguished service of high order. Sl. No. Name Field State 8.                   Vishwa Mohan Bhatt Art-Music Rajasthan 9.                   Prof. (Dr.) Devi Prasad Dwivedi Literature & Education Uttar Pradesh 10.               Tehemton Udwadia Medicine Maharashtra 11.               Shri Ratna Sundar Maharaj Others-Spiritualism Gujarat 12.               Swami Niranjana Nanda Saraswati Others-Yoga Bihar 13.               H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (Foreigner) Literature & Education Thailand 14.               Cho Ramaswamy (Posthumous) Literature & Education –Journalism Tamil Nadu  Padma Shri: It is the third highest civilian award. It is awarded for distinguished service of high order. Sl. No Name Field State 15.               Basanti Bisht Art-Music Uttarakhand 16.               Chemanchery Kunhiraman Nair Art-Dance Kerala 17.               Aruna Mohanty Art-Dance Odisha 18.               Bharathi Vishnuvardhan Art-Cinema Karnataka 19.               Sadhu Meher Art-Cinema Odisha 20.               T K Murthy Art-Music Tamil Nadu 21.               Laishram Birendrakumar Singh Art-Music Manipur 22.               Krishna Ram Chaudhary Art-Music Uttar Pradesh 23.               Baoa Devi Art-Painting Bihar 24.               Tilak Gitai Art-Painting Rajasthan 25.               Dr. Prof. Aekka Yadagiri Rao Art-Sculpture Telangana 26.               Jitendra Haripal Art-Music Odisha 27.               Kailash Kher Art-Music Maharashtra 28.               Parassala B Ponnammal Art-Music Kerala 29.               Sukri Bommagowda Art-Music Karnataka 30.               Mukund Nayak Art-Music Jharkhand 31.               Purushottam Upadhyay Art-Music Gujarat 32.               Anuradha Paudwal Art-Music Maharashtra 33.               Wareppa Naba Nil Art-Theatre Manipur 34.               Tripuraneni Hanuman Chowdary Civil Service Telangana 35.               T.K. Viswanathan Civil Service Haryana 36.               Kanwal Sibal Civil Service Delhi 37.               Birkha Bahadur Limboo Muringla Literature & Education Sikkim 38.               Eli Ahmed Literature & Education Assam 39.               Narendra Kohli Literature & Education Delhi 40.               Prof. G. Venkatasubbiah Literature & Education  Karnataka 41.               Akkitham Achyuthan Namboothiri Literature & Education Kerala 42.               Kashi Nath Pandita Literature & Education Jammu & Kashmir 43.               Chamu Krishna Shastry Literature & Education Delhi 44.               Harihar Kripalu Tripathi Literature & Education Uttar Pradesh 45.               Michel Danino Literature & Education Tamil Nadu 46.               Punam Suri Literature & Education Delhi 47.               VG Patel Literature & Education Gujarat 48.               V Koteswaramma Literature & Education Andhra Pradesh 49.               Balbir Dutt Literature & Education-Journalism Jharkhand 50.               Bhawana Somaaya Literature & Education-Journalism Maharashtra 51.               Vishnu Pandya Literature & Education-Journalism Gujarat 52.               Dr. Subroto Das Medicine Gujarat 53.               Dr. (Smt.) Bhakti Yadav Medicine Madhya Pradesh 54.               Dr. Mohammed Abdul Waheed Medicine Telangana 55.               Dr. Madan Madhav Godbole Medicine Uttar Pradesh 56.               Dr. Devendra Dayabhai Patel Medicine Gujarat 57.               Prof. Harkishan Singh Medicine Chandigarh 58.               Dr. Mukut Minz Medicine Chandigarh 59.               Arun Kumar Sharma Others-Archaeology Chhattisgarh 60.               Sanjeev Kapoor Others-Culinary Maharashtra 61.               Meenakshi Amma Others-Martial Art Kerala 62.               Genabhai Dargabhai Patel Others-Agriculture Gujarat 63.               Chandrakant Pithawa Science & Engineering Telangana 64.               Prof. Ajoy Kumar Ray Science & Engineering West Bengal 65.               Chintakindi Mallesham Science & Engineering Andhra Pradesh 66.               Jitendra Nath Goswami Science & Engineering Assam 67.               Daripalli Ramaiah Social Work Telangana 68.               Girish Bhardwaj Social Work Karnataka 69.               Karimul Hak Social Work West Bengal 70.               Bipin Ganatra Social Work West Bengal 71.               Nivedita Raghunath Bhide Social work Tamil Nadu 72.               Appasaheb Dharmadhikari Social Work Maharashtra 73.               Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal Social Work Punjab 74.               Virat Kohli Sports-Cricket Delhi 75.               Shekar Naik Sports-Cricket Karnataka 76.               Vikasa Gowda Sports-Discus Throw Karnataka 77.               Deepa Malik Sports-Athletics Haryana 78.               Mariyappan Thangavelu Sports-Athletics Tamil Nadu 79.               Dipa Karmakar Sports-Gymnastics Tripura 80.               P R Shreejesh Sports-Hockey Kerala 81.               Sakshi Malik Sports-Wrestling Haryana 82.               Mohan Reddy Venkatrama Bodanapu Trade & Industry Telangana 83.               Imrat Khan (NRI/PIO) Art-Music USA 84.               Anant Agarwal (NRI/PIO) Literature & Education USA 85.               H.R. Shah (NRI/PIO) Literature & Education-Journalism USA 86.               Suniti Solomon (Posthumous) Medicine Tamil Nadu 87.               Asoke Kumar Bhattacharyya (Posthumous) Others-Archaeology West Bengal 88.               Dr. Mapuskar (Posthumous) Social Work Maharashtra 89.               Anuradha Koirala (Foreigner) Social Work Nepal

28 jan

India ranks 79 in Corruption Perception Index

India has been ranked 79th out of 176 countries in the recently released Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for the year 2016 by the Berlin-based corruption watchdog Transparency International (TI). The index has been complied by using World Bank data, the World Economic Forum (WEF) and other institutions  It ranks countries on the score in the scale ranging from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). Key Facts Top 10 Countries: New Zealand and Denmark in joint first place (with a score of 90), followed by Finland (3rd), Sweden (4th), Switzerland (5th), Norway (6th), Singapore (7th), Netherlands (8th), Canada (9th) and Germany (10th). Counties bottom of the index: Somalia was ranked the most corrupt country. Other countries with lower rankings were Syria, South Sudan, North Korea, Afghanistan, and Iraq. In this edition of list, India, China and Brazil with a score of 40 each figured in the 10 key economies in the mid-range. Over two-thirds of the 176 countries in this year’s index fall below the midpoint of the scale of 0 to very clean of index. The global average score is 43, indicating endemic corruption in a country’s public sector. In this edition of list, India has marginally improved its ranking index for 2016 by two points from 38 score in 2015. India’s condition showed growth with inequality. India’s ongoing poor performance with a score of 40 reiterates the state’s inability to effectively deal with petty corruption and large-scale corruption scandals. Regionally, South Asia had performed poorly. Bangladesh at 27th and Nepal at 29th positions were slotted in the highly corrupt section.

President appoints Banwarilal Purohit as Governor of Meghalaya
President Pranab Mukherjee has given Governor of Assam Banwarilal Purohit additional charge of Meghalaya.  Besides, President also gave Governor of Nagaland PB Acharya additional charge of Arunachal Pradesh. These appointments come after President accepted the resignation of V. Shanmuganathan, as Governor of Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. Banwarilal Purohit was appointed as the Governor of Assam by President in August 2016. He had succeeded Padmanabha Acharya who was the additional in-charge of Assam. Padmanabha Acharya was appointed as the Governor of Nagaland in July 2014 after the President accepted the resignation of of Tripura Governor Vakkom Purushothaman. Constitutional provisions of Governor Article 153: It says that there shall be Governor for each state. But 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956 facilitated the appointment of the same person as a governor for two or more states. Article 156: Governor is appointed by President and hold office during the pleasure of President. It should be also noted that this article also mentions tenure of Governor. In this regard it says that Governor shall hold office for the term of 5 years from date he enters upon his office.

Sports Ministry reconstitutes committee to identify athletes under TOP Scheme

The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has reconstituted TOP committee with objective of identifying and supporting potential medal prospects for 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games under Target Olympic Podium (TOP) scheme. The committee will be headed by Abhinav Bindra, Olympic Gold Medalist. Its members are Anil Khanna, Prakash Padukone, Karnam Malleshwari, P. T. Usha, Murlidhar Raja, Anjali Bhagwat, Rekha Yadav, Dr. S.S. Roy and Inder Dhamija. Key Facts The committee will select elite athletes to provided financial assistance for their customized training at Institutes having world class facilities and other necessary support. It will decide on its own procedures and will be competent to invite subject experts as and when required. It will have initial tenure of one year. About TOP (Target Olympic Podium) Scheme The TOP Scheme was formulated by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports within the overall ambit of National Sports Development Fund (NSDF). Its objective is to identify and support potential medal prospects for 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games. Under the scheme the selected athletes are provided financial assistance for their customized training at Institutes. These sports institutes will have world class facilities and other necessary support to improve performance and higher position in medals tally for the country. Under it benchmark for selection of athletes is in relation to international standards.

ISRO Successfully tests Cryogenic Engine for Upper Stage of GSLV Mk III
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested indigenously developed cryogenic engine for the upper stage ‘GSLV Mk III’ rocket.  The cryogenic upper stage, designated as C25, was tested for 50 seconds at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) at Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu demonstrating all the stage operations. It was the first test in a series of two tests.  The second test is planned for flight duration of 640 seconds. Key Facts  Cryogenic engines are used in the upper stage of a rocket launch as they provide the maximum thrust to a launcher vehicle. The development of C25 cryogenic stage started after approval of GSLV MkIII, ISRO’s next generation launch vehicle, capable of launching heavy four tonne class spacecraft in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). C25 stage was conceptualised, designed and realised by Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) with support from Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) and Sathish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC). GSLV MkIII vehicle consists of two solid strap-on motors, one earth storable liquid core stage and the cryogenic upper stage. The C25 stage is most powerful upper stage developed by ISRO. It uses Liquid Oxygen and Liquid Hydrogen propellant combination. This stage carries 27.8 tons of propellants loaded in two independent tanks. Note: Development of a cryogenic stage has unique design challenges liquid Oxygen stored at -195 deg C and as liquid Hydrogen is stored at -253 deg C in its tanks. To store these cryogenic fluids, special multi-layer insulation is provided for the tanks and other structures. Comment The 50 second test of C25 is a significant milestone in the ISRO’s development of indigenous cryogenic propulsion technology. The successful hot test of the stage in the first attempt itself demonstrates the ISRO’s ability to work in new areas like cryogenic technology. The first flight stage for ‘GSLV MkIII-D1’ mission is in an advanced stage of realisation. It is scheduled to launch GSAT-19 during first quarter of 2017. Its flight engine was successfully tested earlier in the High Altitude Test facility and integrated with the flight stage.

Dr Vijay Bhatkar appointed new vice-chancellor of Nalanda University

President Pranab Mukherjee has appointed Dr Vijay Bhatkar, architect of India’s first supercomputer the Param series, as the chancellor of Nalanda University. He will have term of three years from the date of his appointment as provided under Section 11(3) of the Nalanda University Act. He shall succeed George Yeo, former Foreign Minister of Singapore, who resigned after the Board of the University was reconstituted. About Dr Vijay Bhatkar Dr. Bhatkar is one of the acclaimed scientists and IT leaders of India. He is best known as the architect of India’s first supercomputer Param series. He is also known as the founder executive director of C-DAC, India’s national initiative in supercomputing. He is also credited with the creation of several national institutions. He also was member of the scientific advisory committee to the cabinet of Union Government and as also of the governing council of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Bhatkar studied at the Indian Institute of Technology (Delhi) and the Maharaja Sayaji Rao University. He has been honoured with Padma Shri, Maharashtra Bhushan, Padma Bhushan (2015) awards for his contribution to field of science and technology. About Nalanda University Nalanda University revived version of ancient Nalanda University located at Rajgir in Nalanda District in Bihar. It is a non-state, non-profit, secular and self-governing international institution. Its idea was mooted by former President APJ Abdul Kalam in 2006. It was established through Nalanda University Act, 2010. It functions under Ministry of External Affairs. It is mandated to be engaged in the pursuit of intellectual, philosophical, historical and spiritual studies Note: The ancient Nalanda University was established in 427 AD during the reign of Gupta king Sakraditya. It was one of India’s earliest university. At its peak, it had attracted scholars and students from near and far with some travelling all the way from Tibet, China, Korea, and Central Asia

Indian Navy’s Theatre Level Exercise TROPEX 17

The Indian Navy’s Annual Theatre Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX) 2017 is being conducted off the Western Seaboard. The month long exercise will see participation of ships and aircraft of both the Western and Eastern Naval Command and also assets from the Indian Air Force, Indian Army and the Indian Coast Guard. Key Facts TROPEX 17 exercise is aimed at testing combat readiness of the combined fleets of the Indian Navy, and the assets of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Coast Guard. It seeks to strengthen inter-operability and joint operations in a complex environment. It assumes special significance in the backdrop of the current security scenario. TROPEX 17 exercise will be conducted in various phases, both in harbour and at sea encompassing the various facets of war-fighting and combat operations. It will see participation of major surface combatants and air assets of the Indian Navy including the aircraft carrier Vikramaditya, nuclear submarine Chakra, Landing Platform Dock (LPD) Jalashwa. It will also see participation of recently commissioned destroyer Chennai, the P-8I long range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. The assets of Indian Navy will operate alongside SU-30 MKI, Jaguars, AWACS, IL-78 Flight Refuelling Aircraft of the Indian Air Force and Infantry units of the Indian Army. The last edition of TROPEX exercise was conducted in January 2015 and since its launch it has grown in scale and complexity over the years.

GAAR will be effective from April 1, 2017

The Union Finance Ministry has announced that the General Anti Avoidance Rule (GAAR) will be effective from the 1 April, 2017. In this regard Income Tax (IT) department has issued a slew of clarifications on implementation of GAAR, seeking to address concerns of foreign investors over implementation of the anti-evasion measure. GAAR seeks to prevent companies from routing transactions through other countries to avoid taxes. The rules are framed mainly to minimize and check avoidance of tax. India will be the 17th nation in the world to have laws that aim to close tax loopholes.  At present, GAAR is in force in nations like Australia, Singapore, China and the UK. Issued clarifications GAAR seeks to give the IT department powers to scrutinize transactions structured in such a way as to deliberately avoid paying tax in India. It will not be invoked in cases where investments are routed through tax treaties that have a sufficient limitation of benefit (LOB) clause to address tax avoidance. It should be noted that LOB clause in tax treaties generally requires investors to meet certain spending and employment criteria to avail the benefits of the treaty. All transactions or arrangements approved by courts and quasi-judicial authorities like the authority for advance ruling and that specifically address the issue of tax avoidance will not be subject to the GAAR test. GAAR will not be applicable on compulsorily convertible instruments, bonus issuances or split/consolidation of holdings in respect of investments made prior to 1 April 2017 in the hands of the same investor. In order to prevent misuse of GAAR provisions by the IT department, adequate safeguards also have been put in place based on which GAAR will be invoked. The proposal to apply GAAR first will be vetted by an officer at the level of the principal commissioner or commissioner of income tax and at the second stage by an approving panel headed by a high court judge. GAAR will not apply on foreign portfolio investor if its jurisdiction is based on non-tax commercial considerations and the main purpose is not to obtain tax benefits.

31 jan

Government launches Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign

The Union Government has launched nationwide “Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign (SLAC)” on the occasion of Anti-Leprosy Day (observed on the last Sunday of January). The day is observed every year on January 30 in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi who attained martyrdom on this day in 1948, to remember his selfless efforts and care for the people affected with Leprosy. Need for Campaign Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and it usually affects the skin and peripheral nerves. The mode of transmission of leprosy is still not known. According to WHO, the diseased had affected 2,12,000 people globally in 2015. India alone reported 1,27,326 new cases, accounting for 60% of new  cases globally. India is among the 22 countries considered as having a “high burden for leprosy” along with high transmission. The other high-burden countries were Brazil and Indonesia.  Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign The thrust of SLAC campaign is to promote community participation in diagnosis and treatment of leprosy in its early stages and to spread awareness about the disease to help in early diagnosis and treatment. It seeks to promote decentralised community-based demand-driven approach from present centralised top-down delivery-driven approach to fight the disease. It also seeks to empower local communities to take over the responsibility of sensitising people to not stigmatise and discriminate against those affected.

Karnataka government to amend law for conducting kambala

 

The Karnataka government has decided to bring an amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA), 1960 for conducting traditional sports of Kambala and bull-cart race in the State. State Cabinet meeting presided by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah approved amendments to the Act and announced that bill will be placed before both Houses of the State legislature. Karnatak state government is going to follow the model of the Tamil Nadu government and bring changes to the PCA. The Bill passed by the legislature will require an assent from the President.  Issue The traditional sport along with bull-cart race was banned in the state by the Karnataka high court in November 2016 in an interim order while hearing a case filed by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) citing animal cruelty. Earlier, the high court had stayed this event in view of the Supreme Court’s verdict on jallikattu, a traditional bull taming sport of Tamil Nadu. What is Kambala? Kambala is an annual traditional Buffalo Race (he-buffalo) held in coastal districts of Karnataka to entertain rural people of the area. Slushy/marshy paddy field track is used for Kambala. The sports season generally starts in November and lasts till March. The contest generally takes place between two pairs of buffaloes, each pair race in two seprate wet rice fields tracks, controlled by a whip-lashing farmer. In the traditional form of Kambala, buffalo racing is non-competitive and he-buffalo pairs run one by one in paddy fields. Besides, there is also ritualistic approach also as some agriculturists race their he-buffaloes for thanks giving to god for protecting their animals from diseases. But in recent times, Kambala has become an organised rural sport.

SC appoints Committee of Administrators headed by Vinod Rai to run BCCI

The Supreme Court has appointed former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Vinod Rai as head of four-member Committee of Administrators to run Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Other three members of the committee are noted historian Ramachandra Guha, former Indian women’s  cricket team captain Diana Edulji and managing director of IDFC Limited Vikram Limaye. They will function as the interim bosses of the BCCI and run the day-to-day administration of  cricket body till the Lodha Committee reforms are fully implemented and elections held. SC order Committee of Administrators’ first task will be to find out how much the BCCI has complied with the recommendations made by the Justice R.M. Lodha Committee. Named Amitabh Chaudhary, Anirudh Chaudhary of BCCI and Vikram Limaye as representative of BCCI at the ICC meeting to be held in the first week of February, 2017. Declined Centre’s request to appoint Secretary of Sports Ministry as the member of the committee. It referred to its earlier judgement debarring Ministers and Government servants from holding office in BCCI. Dismissed the names to be appointed as BCCI administrators, submitted in a sealed envelope, while asserting that any individual over the age of 70 will not be appointed as BCCI administrators.  Background In its earlier order of January 2, 2017 the Supreme Court had removed Anurag Thakur as BCCI president, Ajay Shirke as BCCI secretary and disqualified all the board and its state association office bearers after they had failed to implement new norms set by the Justice Lodha Committee.  In its order SC had indicated that it would soon appoint a panel of administrators to carry out the reforms in the BCCI to make its affairs transparent.

Government Constitutes Task Force to prepare Action Plan for Next three Olympic Games
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the constitution of eight members Task Force committee for preparing action plan for next three Olympic Games 2020, 2024 and 2028. It has been given three months’ time to submit its report regarding a comprehensive action plan including short, medium and long-term measures for effective participation of Indian sports-persons in the Olympic games.  The members of Task force: Pulella Gopichand, Abhinav Bindra, Rajesh Kalra, Om Pathak, Viren Rasquinha, S. Baldev Singh, Prof. G.L. Khanna and Sandeep Pradhan. Terms of Reference of Task Force Suggest a comprehensive action plan for effective participation of Indian sportspersons in the next three Olympic Games. Suggest effective methods to identify core probable medal prospects for 2020 Olympics, their coaches and support staff. Suggest effective talent identification system for 2024 and 2028 Olympics. Identify components of world class support system for elite sportspersons and lay down further the pathway. Suggest ways to achieve synergy in the efforts of key stakeholders within Union Government and across State Governments, Indian Olympic Association (IOA), National Sports Federations, NGOs, etc. Suggest ways to significantly improve the standards of coaching and sports scientist within the country and to create and upgrade sports infrastructure required to train top-level athletes. Make suggestion regarding foreign training and exposure of top-level athletes and also make recommendations on any other matters referred to it.

IT Ministry urges tax incentives for PC manufacturers too
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in its key recommendations for Union Budget 2017-18, has suggested differential excise duty regime and tax exemptions to be expanded to personal computers and servers. Ministry’s suggestions were as per the Phased Manufacturing Roadmap, it had worked out in consultation with the NITI Aayog. Recommendations for Budget Retain differential excise duty regime and tax exemptions granted for the manufacture of mobile handsets and tablets, under the impending GST regime, to boost domestic manufacturing of electronic products. The current differential duty makes imports of mobile handsets more expensive compared with making them locally, encouraging smartphone players to set up manufacturing units in India. Specified capital goods for the manufacture of electronic goods be exempted from basic customs duty and countervailing duties to increase the competitiveness of the Indian electronics Industry. Specified key raw materials and inputs for the boosting manufacture of LCD and LED panels should be permitted at 0% customs duty. Extension of income tax benefit for research and development (R&D) to software products and the chip design industry. The proposal is expected to boost the generation of intellectual property in the country.

Finance Ministry to aid Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh for rail safety

The Union Finance Ministry has agreed to contribute partially to a new dedicated railway safety fund named as ‘Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh’ in the upcoming Union Budget 2017-18. The proposed safety fund will be utilised for track improvement, bridge rehabilitation, rolling stock replacement, human resource development, improved inspection system and safety work at level crossing, among other things. Key Facts The Finance Ministry is likely to grant a fresh infusion of only Rs. 5,000 crore in the upcoming financial year out of the initial proposed corpus of Rs. 20,000 crore. About Rs. 10,000 crore will be earmarked from the Central Road Fund (CRF) that is collected by levying a cess on diesel and petrol at present for safety-related work. Railways may now be asked to fund the remaining Rs. 5,000 crore for the initial corpus from its own resources. For this Indian Railway’s may either have to bring back a cess on rail tickets to finance its share of Rail Safety Fund or look to fund it from non-budgetary resources.  Background The Railway Ministry had requested the Union Finance Ministry to create ‘Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh’, a ‘non-lapsable’ safety fund of Rs. 20,000 crore over five years. Its request was based on the recommendations of a high-level safety review committee headed by Dr. Anil Kakodkar, former Chairman Atomic Energy Commission.  The Committee, in its report submitted in 2012, had projected an investment requirement of Rs. 1 lakh crore on safety over five years.

Bombay Natural History Society launches climate change programme in Central Himalayas

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has launched climate change programme to conduct study to assess the status, distribution and conservation of Pheasants and Finches in Central Himalayas. It is long-term monitoring project funded by Oracle and facilitated by CAF-India. It will focus on their conservation in the context of climate change with the help of community participation. Background The Himalayas hold a rich natural heritage with diverse flora and fauna enhancing the beauty of the region. Indian subcontinent is home to nearly 62 species of finches and 50 species of pheasants, with several species listed in ‘Globally Threatened’ category by IUCN. Both these groups are spread across the Himalayas. Shrinking habitats combined with several biotic factors, along with poaching and trapping pressures in many areas have pushed several of them to near extinction. Besides, climate change is influencing vertical and horizontal distribution of these groups. Those species adapting with it will be able survive, but those species sensitive to temperature rise will suffer. Climate change programme  It will help in making an inventory of pheasants and finches, documentation of local specific conservation issues, and designing local as well as species specific conservation action plan with the community participation. The conservation action plan of these sites will be the first step towards the protection of the ecosystem which benefits both biodiversity as well as the people in the system. It also aims to assess the socio-economic activities of local communities and involve them in conservation efforts and sensitize the local forest department staff. About Bombay Natural History Society (BHNS) BNHS is one of the largest non-governmental organisations in India engaged in conservation and biodiversity research. It was founded on 15 September 1883 and headquartered at Hornbill House, Mumbai. It supports many research efforts through grants and publishes the Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society. Department of Science and Technology has designated as a ‘Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’.