CAO PIB July2017 PDF

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 Editor-in-Chief Sandeep Sajwan

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 Editorial Team Suraj P Modi, Pradeep Kumar, Atal Tiwari, Rahul
 Cover Design Krishna Kant
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July 2017 piB Compilation Vol: 07
Contents
ECI LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE MONTH LONG SPECIAL ..............................................................................................................5

DRIVE TO ENROLL LEFT OUT ELECTORS FROM TODAY ..............................................................................................................5
{PUBLIC POLICY/POLITY} GS-2.........................................................................................................................................5

RULES RELATED TO REGISTRATION AND COMPOSITION SCHEME OF GOODS AND SERVICES TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(GSTIN) HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED .................................................................................................................................................5
{INDIAN ECONOMY} GS-3....................................................................................................................................................5

TEXTILES INDIA 2017 NOW OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC ....................................................................................................6
{DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT} GS-3 .......................................................................................................................6

SUB-MISSION ON AGRICULTURAL MECHANISATION (SMAM), KASHMIR INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE IN
SRINAGAR. ...............................................................................................................................................................................7
{INDIAN AGRICULTURE} GS-3 ...........................................................................................................................................7

SUCCESSFUL FLIGHT TEST OF QRSAM ....................................................................................................................................9
{SCIENCE & TECH. / DEFENCE} GS-3 ...............................................................................................................................9

ADB AND INDIA SIGN $220 MILLION LOAN AGREEMENT FOR IMPROVING ROAD CONNECTIVITY AND TRANSPORT
EFFICIENCY ON STATE HIGHWAYS OF RAJASTHAN ................................................................................................................10
{DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT} GS-3 .....................................................................................................................10

PUBLIC NOTICE ISSUED BY RETURNING OFFICER FOR ELECTION TO THE OFFICE OF VICE PRESIDENT OF INDIA ....................11
{INDIAN POLITICS} GS-2 ....................................................................................................................................................11

INTERGOVERNMENTAL GROUP OF EXPERTS ON CONSUMER PROTECTION LAW AND POLICY AT GENEVA – MINISTRY OF
CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION- UNCTAD .........................................................................................12
{PUBLIC POLICY} GS-2 .......................................................................................................................................................12

THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO THE CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDIAN ECONOMY .......................................14
{INDIAN ECONOMY} GS-3..................................................................................................................................................14

SHRI J P NADDA CHAIRS HIGH LEVEL REVIEW MEETING ON CONTROL OF VECTOR BORNE DISEASES ......................................15
{PUBLIC HEALTH & ISSUES} GS-2 ..................................................................................................................................15

THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS HAS SANCTIONED A NEW BROAD GAUGE LINE BETWEEN JEYPORE AND NAVARANGPUR IN
ODISHA...................................................................................................................................................................................16

INDIA-ISRAEL JOINT STATEMENT DURING THE VISIT OF PRIME MINISTER TO ISRAEL (JULY 5, 2017).....................................17
{INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS} GS-2 ............................................................................................................................17

10TH SESSION OF THE INDIA- JORDAN TRADE AND ECONOMIC JOINT COMMITTEE (TEJC)....................................................18

UNION AGRICULTURE MINISTER REVIEWS THE PROGRESS OF TWO FLAGSHIP SCHEMES – NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL
MARKETS (E-NAMS) AND SOIL HEALTH CARD ......................................................................................................................19
{AGRICULTURE} GS-3.........................................................................................................................................................19
www.currentaffairsonly.com 1 PIB July

Contents
MULTIPLE BANKING SYSTEM FOR EPFO CONTRIBUTION AND PAYMENTS BY SIGNING OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN EPFO AND
PUBLIC & PRIVATE SECTOR BANKS- (MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT) ....................................................................20
{AGRICULTURE} GS-3.........................................................................................................................................................20
5TH MEETING OF BRICS EDUCATION MINISTERS HELD IN BEIJING .......................................................................................22

PMGSY REGISTERS SIGNIFICANT SUCCESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2016-17 .....................................................................22
{PUBLIC POLICY/POLITY} GS-2.......................................................................................................................................23

“JIGYASA” – STUDENT-SCIENTIST CONNECT PROGRAMME LAUNCHED ................................................................................23
{PUBLIC POLICY/POLITY} GS-2.......................................................................................................................................23

INDIA DECLARES ITSELF FREE FROM HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA (H5N1 AND H5N8) ......................................24
{PUBLIC HEALTH & ISSUES} GS-2 ..................................................................................................................................24

INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY BOARD OF INDIA INVITES COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC ON THE REGULATIONS NOTIFIED UNDER
THE INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY CODE, 2016 .................................................................................................................26
{BANKING & ECONOMY} GS-3 .........................................................................................................................................26

BEST QUALITY HOMES UNDER PRADHAN MANTRI AWAAS YOJANA (GRAMIN) ......................................................................26
{GOVT. POLICIES & SCHEMES} GS-3 .............................................................................................................................26

NSG ORGANISES FIRST INTERNATIONAL AVIATION SECURITY SEMINAR ................................................................................27

NATIONAL ST COMMISSION TO TAKE ACTION ON VIDEO FILMS OF JARAVAS ON YOUTUBE ...................................................27
{RIGHTS ISSUES} GS-2 ........................................................................................................................................................28

MINISTER OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY LAID FOUNDATION STONE FOR FIRST MAIZE BASED MEGA FOOD PARK IN
KAPURTHALA, PUNJAB ...........................................................................................................................................................29
{SCIENCE & TECH. / GENETIC ENGINEERING} GS-3 ................................................................................................29

SCHEME FOR IPR AWARENESS – CREATIVE INDIA; INNOVATIVE INDIA .................................................................................30

SMT. HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL ADDRESSES INDUSTRIALISTS AND BUSINESS LEADERS FROM PUNJAB & HARYANA IN
CHANDIGARH .........................................................................................................................................................................31

NATIONAL CONVENTION ON DIGITAL INITIATIVES 9TH JULY 2017.........................................................................................32
{SCIENCE & TECH. / DIGITALIZATION} GS-3 ..............................................................................................................32

PRESIDENT UNVEILS ONLINE EDUCATION PORTAL SWAYAM (MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE AND DEVELOPMENT)..........32
{EDUCATION} GS-3 ..............................................................................................................................................................32

INDIAN RAILWAYS ORGANIZATION FOR ALTERNATE FUEL (IROAF) ....................................................................................33
{RAILWAYS/ SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT} GS-3 ..................................................................................................33

CABINET APPROVES ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL RICE RESEARCH INSTITUTE (IRRI), SOUTH ASIA REGIONAL
CENTER (ISARC) AT CAMPUS OF NATIONAL SEED RESEARCH AND TRAINING CENTER (NSRTC) IN VARANASI ..................34

Contents
{AGRICULTURE} GS-3.........................................................................................................................................................35
JICA ODA LOAN ASSISTANCE PROPOSAL FOR ‘DAIRYING THROUGH COOPERATIVES-NATIONAL DAIRY INFRASTRUCTURE
PLAN’’ PROJECT .....................................................................................................................................................................36
{DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT} GS-3 ...............................................................................................................36

CABINET APPROVES SASEC ROAD CONNECTIVITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM – TRANCHE 2 ...................................................37
{TRANSPORT} GS-3 ..............................................................................................................................................................37

COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY MINISTER SAYS GEM HAS ENSURED TRANSPARENCY AND REDUCTION IN COSTS IN PUBLIC
PROCUREMENT .......................................................................................................................................................................38
{ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT} GS-3................................................................................................................................38

CABINET APPRISED OF MOU BETWEEN INDIA AND BANGLADESH FOR CYBER SECURITY COOPERATION ................................38

DIPP TO SET UP INDIA’S FIRST TISC IN PUNJAB .....................................................................................................................39
{SCIENCE & TECH} GS-3 ....................................................................................................................................................39

STAKEHOLDERS DISCUSS WAYS TO PROMOTE COASTAL SHIPPING AND INLAND NAVIGATION UNDER SAGARMALA
PROGRAMME AT BHUBANESWAR ...........................................................................................................................................40
{ART & CULTURE / TRANSPORTATION} GS-1&3 .......................................................................................................40

NATIONAL LIVESTOCK MISSION (NLM) ................................................................................................................................42
{AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK} GS-3 ......................................................................................................................42

EUROPEAN UNION & INDIA ESTABLISH AN INVESTMENT FACILITATION MECHANISM ...........................................................43
{BILATERAL RELATIONS /BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT} GS-2 & 3 .....................................................................43

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS UNDERTAKES VARIOUS INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE CATERING SERVICES ..........................................44
{RAILWAYS} GS-3 ................................................................................................................................................................44

IIIDEM AND INTERNATIONAL IDEA CO-HOST TWO-DAY INTERNATIONAL CONSULTATIVE WORKSHOP ON ELECTORAL
TRAINING FOR CAPACITY BUILDING, GLOBALLY ...................................................................................................................45
{POLITY} GS-2 .......................................................................................................................................................................45

E-PATENTING .........................................................................................................................................................................46
{TECHNOLOGY/ GOVT. INITIATIVES} GS-3 .................................................................................................................46
☆ EXHIBITION “TRADITIONAL HEAD GEAR OF INDIA” BEGINS IN NATIONAL MUSEUM ........................................................47
{ART & CULTURE} GS-1 .....................................................................................................................................................47
☆ RISE IN AVERAGE TEMPERATURES ....................................................................................................................................48
{WORLD/ INDIAN GEOGRAPHY} GS-1 ...........................................................................................................................48

MOBILE APP FOR ROAD MAINTENANCE “AARAMBH LAUNCHED ...........................................................................................49

MEASURES TAKEN TO CHECK IRREGULARITIES IN MGNREGA..............................................................................................49

Contents
INDO-CANADIAN SCIENCE PROGRAMME ON CLEAN WATER TECHNOLOGY .............................................................................50
{SCIENCE & TECH.} GS-3 ...................................................................................................................................................50

☆ STEPS TO ENHANCE THE INCOME OF FARMERS ...................................................................................................................50
{GOVT. POLICIES AND SCHEMES} GS-3 ........................................................................................................................50

☆ MEET ON ISLAND DEVELOPMENT ........................................................................................................................................51
{ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY} GS-3 ..............................................................................................................................51

THE ADMIRALTY (JURISDICTION AND SETTLEMENT OF MARITIME CLAIMS) BILL, 2017 PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY RAJYA
SABHA ....................................................................................................................................................................................51
{POLITY} GS-2 .......................................................................................................................................................................51

WHAT IS SHE-BOX? ................................................................................................................................................................52

HOME MINISTRY SUBMITS REPORT ON PROPOSAL TO AMEND OFFICIAL SECRETS ACT ...........................................................53
{INTERNAL SECURITY} GS-3 ............................................................................................................................................53

FIRST TWO NOPVS SHACHI AND SHRUTI LAUNCHED BY RDEL AT PIPAVAV, GUJARAT .......................................................53
{SCIENCE AND TECH./ DEFENCE} GS-3 .........................................................................................................................53

JAL MANTHAN-IV TO BE HELD ON JULY 28 & 29 ...................................................................................................................53

☆ CABINET APPROVES REVISION OF GUIDELINES OF SOVEREIGN GOLD BONDS SCHEME .......................................................54

ACHIEVEMENTS IN SPACE SECTOR .........................................................................................................................................55
{SCIENCE & TECH.} GS-3 ...................................................................................................................................................55

SWADHAR GREH SCHEME ......................................................................................................................................................56

NPCI GETS RBI NOD TO OPERATE BHARAT BILL PAYMENT SYSTEM .....................................................................................56
{SCIENCE & TECH.} GS-3 ...................................................................................................................................................56

SAGAR VANI: AN INTEGRATED INFORMATION DISSEMINATION SYSTEM LAUNCHED .............................................................57
{SCIENCE & TECH.} GS-3 ...................................................................................................................................................57

BOOSTING POPULATION: JIYO PARSI PHASE II CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED ....................................................................................57
{INDIAN HERITAGE & CULTURE} GS-1 .........................................................................................................................58

ECI launches Nationwide Month long Special

Drive to enroll left out electors from today
{Public Policy/Polity} GS-2
This drive was started on 1st July, 2017 and will last till 31st July, 2017.
Objectives
 Registration of eligible voters with focus on left out
eligible young citizens in the age group of 18-19.
18
 Removal of names of registered dead voters, if any, from
the electoral rolls.
Special attention by election officials in all States
 Receiving Form 6 for enrolment of new electors.
 Removal of names of registered dead electors, if found
any.
Available modes for submitting form 6
 Submission of Form 6 at EROs office (Electoral Registration Officer) or sending it by post. Online
submission of form 6 at national voters’ service portal (nvsp.in)
Election Commission of India
 ECI is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering election processes in
India. The body administers elections to theLok
the Sabha, Rajya Sabha state legislatures, and the
offices of the President and Vice President in the country.
 The Election Commission operates under the authority of Constitution per Article 324, and
subsequently enacted Representation of the People Act.
Rules related to Registration and

Composition Scheme of Goods and Services
Tax Identification Number (GSTIN) have been
notified
{Indian Economy} GS-3
Timeline
 The rules related to Registration and Composition Scheme have been notified on 19th June, 2017.
 These rules have been brought into effect from 22nd June, 2017.
 Any person who has been granted PID and who opts for composition scheme, should submit an
intimation of option in a prescribed form on GSTN on or before 21st July, 2017.
 The formalities can be completed on or before 22nd September, 2017.
The intent of notifying these rules is to start the process
process of issue of registration certificate,
called Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN),, to taxpayers who have already
been issued provisional ID for registration (PID) as well as to the new taxpayers.

GSTIN
 All the business entities registering under GST will be provided a unique identification number
known as GSTIN or GST Identification Number.
 Currently any dealer registered under state VAT law has a unique TIN number assigned to him by
state tax authorities. Similarly, service tax registration number is assigned to a service provider by
Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC).
 Under GST regime, all these parties will come under one single authority and the different
identification
numbers will be
replaced by a single type
of registration
number for
everyone (GSTIN)
Let’s
understand the
structure of
GST
Identification Number
 Every taxpayer will be assigned a state-wise

state PAN-based
based Goods and Services Taxpayer Identification
Number (GSTIN) which will be 15 digit long.
 The first two digits of GSTIN will represent the state code according toIndian Census 2011. Each
state has a unique two digit code like “27” for Maharashtra and “10” for Bihar.
 The next ten digits of GSTIN will be the PAN number of the taxpayer.
 13th digit indicates the number of registrations an entity has within a state for the same PAN.
Textiles India 2017 Now Open to the General

Public
{Development & Employment} GS-3
A mega international event “Textile India 2017” is being organized by Ministry of

Textiles from 30th June-2nd July, 2017 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhi Nagar, Gujrat.
The event will mark the positioning, for the first time, of an annual textile trade event in
India that will be part of the annual global calendar of the trade.
Objective

 It will showcase the strength of the value chain in India, an international conference will be held with
participation from global and national leaders of the industry, technical experts and senior policy
makers from the Union and State Governments.
 The event will be an excellent platform for B2B interactions and for exploring investment and
technological tie-ups across various segments in the textiles value chain.
65 MoUs signed at Textiles India 2017
The MoUs signed relate to exchange of information and documentation, Research &
Development, commercialization of handloom products and silk production, cooperation in
Geo textiles, skill development, supply of cotton and trade promotion with overseas partners,
etc.
About Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

 After agriculture, Indian textile industry gives direct employment to 45 million people.
 At present, natural fibres are facing stiff competition and challenge from synthetic fibres like
polyester, acrylic etc.
 Welfare Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that the overall growth of natural fibre sector is
important for the country’s economy. They have economic importance and enormous impact on the
development of the society.
 Natural fibres are backbone of the Indian textile industry. It constitutes more than 60% of the total
fibre industry.
Competitor of natural fiber
Synthetic fibres are making a strong hold on the market due to their cost effectiveness and
tailormade properties.
Why?
The cost of production of natural fibre is comparatively higher than the synthetic fibres. In view
of the rapid increase in population, countries are giving importance to increase the area of food
grains cultivation as compared to fibre crops.
Current scenario
 The demand for natural fibre is steadily increasing due to the increase in the population and due
to thegreater awareness among public to use eco-friendly natural fibres.
 The Minister said currently 90 countries are producing cotton in the world. Cotton accounts for about
60% of the total fibre consumed by Indian textile industries which is less than 40% share in global
scenario. India is the leading producer of cotton in the world accounting for around one-third of the
area and one fourth of the global production.
Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation

(SMAM), Kashmir International Conference
Centre in Srinagar.
{Indian Agriculture} GS-3

Shri Radha Mohan Singh said agricultural mechanisation is one of the important
factors for sustainable development of the agricultural sector.
 Subject of the meeting: Farm Mechanisation
The Mission objectives are as follows

 Increasing the reach of farm mechanization to small and marginal farmers and to the regions where
availability of farm power is low.
 Promoting ‘Custom Hiring Centres’ to offset the adverse economies of scale arising due to small
landholding and high cost of individual ownership.
 Creating hubs for hi-tech& high value farm equipments.
 Creating awareness among stakeholders through demonstration and capacity building activities.
 Ensuring performance testing and certification at designated testing centers located all over the
country.
Central Sector Components
 Promotion and Strengthening of Agricultural Mechanisation through Training, Testing and
Demonstration.
 Demonstration, Training and distribution of Post Harvest Technology and Management (PHTM)
Training Beneficiaries
District nodal agencies will identify and sponsor beneficiaries such as Farmers, Members of
SHGs and other entities, rural youth on receipt of training calendar. If required, the training
institutions will also invite applications for specific courses from the targeted district under the
State AAP. Trainers, Officials of State Governments, Technicians, Entrepreneurs and
Manufacturers etc. will apply to the respective institutions for appropriate courses.
SMAM
 Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister said that the degree of farm mechanisation
is expressed as a ratio of mechanical power to cultivable unit area, which in India during last
43 has increased at a very slow pace from 0.48 kW/ha in 1975-76 to 1.84 kW/ha in 2013-14.
However, from the year 2014-15 to 2016-17, it has been increased to 2.02 kW/ha which is
mainly due to concentrated efforts for promotion of agricultural mechanisation through
various schemes of the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare.
 There has been a record production of food grain this year. However, the demand for food
grain is increasing and it has been estimated that by 2025 we have to produce more than 300
million tonnes. According to the 2011 census, 263 million people (54.6%) are engaged in the
agriculture sector, which is likely to declined to 190 million (33%) by 2020.
 The SMAM not only includes the traditional component of training, testing,
demonstration of agricultural machinery and procurement subsidy but also includes-
Farm Machinery Banks for Custom Hiring, Hi-Tech High Productive Equipments
Centres on custom hiring model, and Farm Mechanisation in selected villages for
enhancing productivity and creating ownership of appropriate farm equipments among
small & marginal farmers.

 Establishment of Farm Machinery Banks and High-Tech Hub for custom hiring services are
supported with financial assistance @40% of the project cost under RKVY and SMAM.
Successful Flight Test of QRSAM
{Science & Tech. / Defence} GS-3
According to the Press Trust of India news agency, the DRDO-designed missile, which uses a solid-fuel
propellant and has a stated strike range of 25-30 km, was test-fired from a truck-mounted canister,
marking the second developmental trial of the missile.
The Maitri missile project
 It is a next-generation quick-reaction surface-to-air missile (QRSAM) with a lethal near-hundred
per cent kill probability (according to manufacturer’s claim) under development by India’s Defence
Research and Development Organisation. It is a short-range (15 km, 9.3 mi) surface-to-air point
defense missile system.DRDOThe Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is
an agency of the Republic of India, charged with the military’sresearch and development,
headquartered in New Delhi, India.It was formed in 1958 by the merger of the Technical
Development Establishment and the Directorate of Technical Development and Production with the
Defence Science Organisation. It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of
Defence, Government of India.All the technologies and subsystems incorporated in the missile have
performed well, meeting all the mission requirements. All the Radars, Electro Optical Systems,
Telemetry Systems and other stations have tracked the Missile and monitored all the Parameters. The
Missile test met all the objectives.
Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QR-SAM) - The second test of the QRSAM
 The QR-SAM is an all-weather weapon system capable of tracking and firing and has a strike range
of 20 to 30 kms.
 QRSAM is also a vital component in India’s “Cold Start” Doctrine which will ensure the safety
of forward Army formations in Enemy territories.
 QRSAM and Man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) are only surface-to-air missile
systemsthat are capable and also is highly mobile to move with strike corps deep into Pakistani
territory to destroy selected targets.
 QRSAM Air Defence System has a Surveillance and target tracking systems, Command and Control
Systems, Missile launchers which can provide Air Defence coverage while on the move.
 Missiles have a reaction time of fewer than 6 Seconds once launch command of the missile is issued
to the missile launcher. The missile system can engage multiple targets within a range from 3 km to
30 km in azimuth and 30 m to 6 km in altitude.
 The missile can engage aircraft at 500m/s at 20 km and 300m/s at 30 km, along with helicopters and
UAVs. The missile also has terminal guidance using an RF seeker. The system has AESA radar with

X-band Quad Transmit Reciever Modules (QTMs), Two Way Data Link (TWDL) and IFF. the
Battery Surveillance Radar (BSR) has a range up to 120 km and the Multi-Function Fire Control
Radar (BMFR) has a tracking range of up to 80 km.
 Truck based QRSAM Air Defence System can move at speed of 50kmph and has the ability to
operate nearly 8 hours at a stretch without the need for refuelling.
 High Mobility Vehicle (HMV) used are capable of being operated in plains, deserts,semi-deserts,
terrains found in India and can also be transported through broad gauge rakes of Indian railways.
 HMV also has NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) system installed which ensures reliable protection
of the crew and internal equipment against mass destruction weapons. HMV also have a Navigation
system and Night vision devices to help Driver and Commander to move in the dark and also in
unfamiliar terrains.
ADB and India Sign $220 Million Loan

Agreement for Improving Road Connectivity
and Transport Efficiency on State Highways of
Rajasthan
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India today signed a $220 million
loan for improving connectivity as well as transport efficiency and safety on State Highways of
Rajasthan.
Objectives
 Upgrade about 2,000 kilometers of state highways and major district roads to two-lane or
intermediate-lane standards to meet road safety requirements.
 It will enhance the capacity of the State public works department in the areas of road asset
management, road safety and project management.
 To attract private sector financing through government capacity building on public private partnership
(PPP) development
The first tranche loan will improve about 1,000 kilometers of State Highways and major district
roads. It will have a 25-year term.
Asian Development Bank
 It is aregional development bank established on 19 December 1966, located in Mandaluyong, Metro
Manila, Philippines.
 The company also maintains 31 field offices around the world to promote social andeconomic
developmentin Asia.

Public Notice issued by Returning Officer for

Election to the Office of Vice President of
India
{Indian Politics} GS-2
Notification
The Election Commission has fixed the following schedule for the Vice-Presidential Elections,
2017
 July 18, 2017, as the last date for making nominations.
 July 19, 2017, as the date for the security of nominations.
 July 21, 2017, as the last date for the withdrawal of candidates.
 August 5, 2017, as the date on which a poll shall, if necessary, be taken.
Vice President
The Vice-President of India is the second-highest constitutional office in India, after
the President. Article 63 of Indian Constitution states that “there shall be a Vice-President of
India.” The Vice-President acts as President in the absence of the President due to death,
resignation, impeachment, or other situations.
Article 66 of the Indian Constitution states the manner of election of the Vice-
President
The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of
Parliament, in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the
single transferable vote and the voting in such election is by secret ballot. The Electoral
College to elect a person to the office of the Vice-President consists of all members of both
Houses of Parliament
Eligibility
 Must be a citizen of India
 Must have completed 35 years of age
 Must be qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha
 Must not hold any office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State or
under any local government (Exceptions are the offices of President and Vice-President, Governor of
any State and Ministers of Union or State)
The nomination paper of a candidate has to be signed by at least twenty (20) eligible voters as
proposers and at least twenty (20) eligible voters as seconders. Here the voters are the MPs of
the both the houses and not citizens. A voter cannot propose or second more than one
candidate.
What is the value of vote of each MP?

Unlike in the President of India’s election, the value of the vote of each MP in the Vice-
President’s election is ONE. It has to be noted that nominated members of both the Lok Sabha
& the Rajya Sabha are also eligible to vote in the Vice-President’s election. The total number
of voters in the Vice-Presidential election is 790. The number of voters from the Lok Sabha is
545 (543 elected & 2 nominated) while the number of voters from the Rajya Sabha is 245 (233
elected & 12 nominated).
Disputes regarding Election of the Vice-President.
 All doubts and disputes arising in connection with the election of the Vice-President are enquired into
and decided by the Supreme Court of India whose decision is final.
 A petition challenging the election of the Vice-President is heard by a five-judge bench of the
Supreme Court of India.
 The petition has necessarily to be accompanied by a security deposit of Rs. 20,000/-.
Intergovernmental Group of Experts on

Consumer Protection Law and Policy at
Geneva – Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food &
Public Distribution- UNCTAD
{Public Policy} GS-2
The Session on “Report on national and regional implementation of the United Nations
Guidelines for consumer protection”
Significance
 The essential function of the UN Guidelines is to assist countries in building and strengthening a
comprehensive consumer policy framework. While these guidelines remains non-binding on
countries, nevertheless it plays a crucial role in shaping up the national legislative and institutional
responses to address the consumer issues.
How to Protect and Promote the welfare of Consumers?
 India is a country of 1.25 billion people and we consider every individual as a consumer in one or
the other form.
 In order to protect and promote the welfare of consumers, we have conceptualized a system
comprising of, regulation and enforcement where a three tier system of quasi-judicial dispute
redressal agencies and a robust system to redress grievances at the pre-litigation stage; partnership
initiatives with voluntary consumer organizations, companies, academic institutions and civil society
institutions; consumer education and awareness campaigns; ensuring of minimum levels of safety and
quality, among others.
The Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE) on Consumer Protection
Law and Policy

 The Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE) on Consumer Protection Law and Policy is a
standing body established under the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection (UNGCP)
that meets annually to monitor the application and implementation of the guidelines, provide a forum
for consultations, produce research and studies, provide technical assistance, undertake voluntary peer
reviews, and periodically update the guidelines.
UN Guidelines for Consumer Protection
 The United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection are a valuable set of principles for setting
out the main characteristics of effective consumer protection legislation, enforcement institutions
and redress systems and for assisting interested Member States in formulating and enforcing domestic
and regional laws, rules and regulations that are suitable to their own economic and social and
environmental circumstances, as well as promoting international enforcement cooperation among
Member States and encouraging the sharing of experiences in consumer protection.
UNCTAD
Globalization, including a phenomenal expansion of trade, has helped lift millions out of poverty.
But not nearly enough people have benefited. And tremendous challenges remain.
We support developing countries to access the benefits of a globalized economy more fairly
and effectively. And we help equip them to deal with the potential drawbacks of greater
economic integration. To do this, we provide analysis, consensus-building, and technical
assistance. This helps them to use trade, investment, finance, and technology as vehicles for
inclusive and sustainable development.
Working at the national, regional, and global level, our efforts help countries to:
 Diversify economies to make them less dependent on commodities
 Limit their exposure to financial volatility and debt
 Attract investment and make it more development friendly
 Increase access to digital technologies
 Promote entrepreneurship and innovation
 Help local firms move up value chains
 Speed up the flow of goods across borders
 Protect consumers from abuse
 Curb regulations that stifle competition
 Adapt to climate change and use natural resources more effectively
Together with other UN departments and agencies, we measure progress by the Sustainable
Development Goals, as set out in Agenda 2030.
UNCTAD in the UN system

 UNCTAD is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General
Assembly in 1964. Our headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland, and we have offices in New
York and Addis Ababa.

 UNCTAD is part of the UN Secretariat. We report to the UN General Assembly and the Economic
and Social Council but have our own membership, leadership, and budget. We are also part of
the United Nations Development Group.
The government is committed to the

continuous development of the Indian
economy
{Indian Economy} GS-3
India can become one of the world’s major economic powers by developing the enterprises
related to agriculture, where the products can be stored, processed and are brought to the
market. Shri Singh said it while speaking to the farmers in Srinagar.
Government Schemes introduced till date
 Distribution of soil health card.  Horticultural Development.
 Expansion in irrigation facilities.  Beekeeping, Milk, fish and egg production
 Low-cost Organic Farming. and agricultural education
 National Agriculture Market.
Area of progress for increasing Farmers income:- Production of Neem Coated

Urea and all the above schemes.
J&K is a food deficit state Why?
 Due to geographical and climatic conditions.
 Most of the area is mono-cropped.
 Small fragmented holdingsof lands which minimise the scope of mechanization.
The National Horticulture Board is entrusted with the task of establishing Rs. 24.45
crore Saffron Park in Pampore, Pulwama.
The park will have facilities of Quality Control Lab, Export Promotion Activity and e-auction
Centre. The park is likely to become operational by November 2017.
Target
Doubling the income of the farmers by 2022.
e- NAM
e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) is a pan-India electronic trading portal launched by
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Govt of India, to facilitate farmers, traders,
buyers, exporters and processors with a common platform for trading commodities.
Objectives
 A reduction in book keeping and reporting system (reports were previously prepared viz. daily
minimum, maximum and modal prices and arrivals of commodities) that are now generated
automatically
 For better monitoring and regulation of traders and commission agents (CA’s).

 Completely transparent system that eliminates any scope of intentional/un-intentional manipulation

of tendering / auctioning process
 Improvement in the market fee collection by means of accounting all the transactions that are
taking place in the market
 Reduction in manpower requirements as tendering/auctioning process takes place through the
system
 Analysis and forecasting of the arrivals and prices
 Availability of the activities of each APMC on the website directly.
Shri J P Nadda chairs high level review

meeting on control of vector borne diseases
{Public Health & Issues} GS-2
Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, held a high level meeting to
review the preparedness of the Ministry for prevention and control of vector borne diseases
(dengue, malaria, chikungunya) in the country, here today. During the meeting, Shri Nadda
asked the States for mounting aggressive IEC campaigns to enhance awareness on
prevention and control of vectors in their surrounding areas and neighbourhoods.
Vector-borne diseases
Disease that results from an infection transmitted to humans and other animals by blood-
feeding anthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.Examples of vector–borne
diseases include Dengue fever, West Nile Virus, Lymedisease, and malaria.
 Vector-borne diseases account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases, causing more than 1
million deaths annually.
 More than 2.5 billion people in over 100 countries are at risk of contracting dengue alone.
 Malaria causes more than 400 000 deaths every year globally, most of them children under 5 years
of ago.
How it spreads?
Bloodsucking insects, which ingest disease-producing microorganisms during a blood meal
from an infected host (human or animal) and later inject it into a new host during their
subsequent blood meal.
Intensity of these diseases
 50 new cases of malaria have been reported in the past week alone.
 In Kerala, there have been more than 10,300 new dengue infections.
 Tamil Nadu has reported 4,400 cases,
 Karnataka has more than 2,100 cases.
 In just three years between 2014 and 2016, there has been a 300-400%
 India that is a breeding ground for at least six major vector-borne diseases—
malaria, dengue, chikungunya, filariasis, Japanese encephalitis and visceral
leishmaniasis.

Indian Government Stand

 Notices has been issued to several premises where mosquito-breeding was found.
 Union Health Ministry has already provided all logistical and technical support to the
States including Delhi in terms of surveillance and diagnostic kits to strengthen their efforts
in addressing Dengue and chikungunya.
 The Health Minister also directed the officers to conduct regular supervisory visits to
the States and various hospitals for assessing the situation, preparedness and to provide on
the spot technical guidance to the health authorities.
 He also directed the officers to be vigilant and monitor the situation in the northern states
including Delhi as vector borne diseases increases with monsoon in these states.
Possible Solutions
 Public awareness.
 Not allowing vector-born insect’s breeding in localities
 Keeping the surrounding clean
 providing training on clinical management, diagnosis and vector control with some of its
collaborating centres throughout the Country
 developing new tools to combat the vectors and deal with the disease, for example
insecticide products and spraying technologies.
The Ministry of Railways has sanctioned a

new broad gauge line between Jeypore and
Navarangpur in Odisha
Cost-sharing basis (50% by Ministry of Railways under GBS and 50% by State Govt. of
Odisha). It will serve Odisha / Koraput and Navarangpur
Background
The Project is important for connecting Navarangpur District of Western Odisha, with
Jeypore, an existing Station on Kottavalasa- Kirandul line. This line will provide connectivity
to important towns viz. Koraput, Jeypore, Jagdalpur, Dantewada. Further, the line is useful
for connecting Navarangpur to Junagarh/Kalahanidi District and result in short lead to many
other places of Odisha, Chhattisgarh & Andhra Pradesh.
Outcome
Once implemented, this important rail line will connect Navarangpur District of Western
Odisha, not connected with railway line, with Jeypore, the existing station on Kottavalasa-
Kirandul line, thus connecting other important towns viz. Koraput, Jeypore, Jagdalpur,
Dantewada. This line will also connect Navarangpur with Junagarh/Kalahandi District and

result in short lead to many other places of Odisha, Chhattisgarh & Andhra
Pradesh. Besides freight traffic viz. Maize, Rice, fertilizer, cement, wheat, POL etc. is
expected from various villages en-route.
India-Israel Joint Statement during the visit

of Prime Minister to Israel (July 5, 2017)
{International Relations} GS-2
Marking the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two
countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India visited Israel from 4-6 July 2017 at the
invitation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. Modi’s visit is precisely that it
would be the first visit by a serving Indian Prime Minister to Israel.
 India is one of the world’s largest arms importers and has emerged as
Israel’s biggest defence buyer.
Since April, India has inked three missile deals with Israel worth $2.6 billion, two senior
defence officials said, declining to be identified as they are not approved to speak about the
deals. Important deals
OCI card
Prime Minister Modi has assured faster facilitation of OCI cards for Jewish Citizens of Indian
origin in Israel. He also assured that the OCI card will be given even to those people of
Indian origin who had served in the Israeli government’s compulsory army service.
Air Connectivity
The launch of a new Air India flight connecting India and Israel was announced, the flight is
expected to connect Delhi/Mumbai with Tel Aviv.
Israeli flower named after PM Modi
As a special gesture, a new fast growing Israeli Crysanthumun flower was named
“MODI” after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the Indian Premier’s visit to the Danziger
flower farm, which is one of the leading floriculture companies of Israel having founded in
1953.
Strategic partnership
India and Israel have announced that they have elevated their ties to a strategic partnership
as India has identified Israel as a major development and technological
partner. Both countries have also agreed to combat growing radicalization and terrorism and
expand co-operation in cyber security.
Indian Cultural Centre
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the establishment of an Indian Cultural
Centre in Israel to enhance people-to-people contacts between the two countries. Israel’s
has also voiced its strong support to promote the practice of yoga by designating June 21
as International Yoga Day.
Israel India Innovation Initiative Fund (I4F)
The $40 million Israel India Innovation Initiative Fund has been launched as a five-year
technology fund with an aim at growing the business relationship between both the

countries. The similar type of fund had boosted Israel’s ties with that of the US in the past
40 years.
List of MoU’s
1. MoU between the Department of Science & Technology, India and National Technological
Innovation Authority, Israel for setting up of India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological
Innovation Fund (I4F).
2. MoU between the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation of the Republic of India and the
Ministry of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources of the State of Israel on
National Campaign for Water Conservation in India
3. MoU between U.P. Jal Nigam, Government of Uttar Pradesh, of the Republic of India and the
Ministry of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources of the State of Israel on State
Water Utility Reform in India
4. India-Israel Development Cooperation – Three Year Work Program in Agriculture 2018-2020

5. Plan of Cooperation Between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Israel
Space Agency (ISA) regarding cooperation in Atomic Clocks
6. MoU between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Israel Space Agency
(ISA)regarding cooperation in GEO-LEO Optical Link
7. MoU between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Israel Space Agency
(ISA) regarding cooperation in Electric Propulsion for Small Satellites
Fact
 Haifa in Israel that is very dear to India. This is the final resting place for forty-four of the
Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War 1 to liberate that city.
 In the 13th century, the Indian Sufi Saint Baba Farid had come to Jerusalem, and meditated
in a cave.
10th Session of the India- Jordan Trade and

Economic Joint Committee (TEJC)

The 10TH India-Jordan Trade and Economic Joint Committee (TEJC) Meeting was held in
New Delhi on 4th and 5th July, 2017.
The two countries emphasized the need for diversification of bilateral trade and deepening
their engagements for greater cooperation in investment sector.
Areas of cooperation
 The two sides also reaffirmed their mutual interest and discussed the roadmap for cooperation in
various fields such as Fertilizer Sector, Customs, Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, Visa
and Consular issues, Health and Pharmaceuticals, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Maritime
Transport, Rail Transport, and Air Transport, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Smart
Grid development, Information Technology, Higher Education and Vocational Training,
Agriculture sector etc.
Union Agriculture Minister reviews the

progress of two flagship schemes – National
Agricultural Markets (E-Nams) and Soil
Health Card
{Agriculture} GS-3
About Soil Health Card (SHC)

 Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme is a flagship scheme of the Government to promote the use of
fertilisers based on analysis of Soil Health and enable farmers to get maximum yields at lower
cost with minimum damage to the ecosystem.
 The central Government launched this scheme in February 2015 to provide SHC to more than 12
crore farmers once every 2 years.
 Comprehensive testing of soil samples on 12 parameters including the status of micro-nutrients is
being carried out for each and every soil sample under the scheme.
 The first cycle (2015-17) of the scheme is expected to be completed by July 2017. Shri Singh
said that States have reported 100% collection of soil sample i.e. 253 lakh soil samples and testing
of 244 lakh soil samples.
 So far 9 crore soil health cards have been distributed to farmers.
Agricultural produce market committee (APMC)
APMC Act 2017

 APMC Act 2017 provides the facility of creating private market yards and farmer-
consumer markets. Now, if the states actively enforce the act, it will be easier for the

farmers to have a liberal market available as this Act is based on the model of “ease of
doing business” to encourage direct marketing.
 Anagricultural produce market committee (APMC) is a marketing board established by
a state government in India.
APMC operate on two principles
 Ensure that farmers are not exploited by intermediaries (or money lenders) who compel
farmers to sell their produce at the farm gate for an extremely low price.
 All food produce should first be brought to a market yard and then sold through auction.
 Each state which operates APMC markets geographically divide the state and markets
(mandis) are established at different places within the state. Farmers are required to sell
their produce via auction at the mandi in their region. Traders require a license to operate
within a mandi. Wholesale and retail traders (e.g. shopping mall owners) and food
processing companies cannot buy produce directly from a farmer.
Multiple Banking System for EPFO

contribution and payments by Signing of
Agreement between EPFO and Public &
Private Sector Banks- (Ministry of Labour &
Employment)
{Agriculture} GS-3
Government’s mandate for facilitating ‘Ease of doing business’, EPFO has taken a step
further. The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour & Employment, EPFO has
entered into agreement for collection of EPF dues from employers and payment to
beneficiaries as well through multiple-banks in place of erstwhile single banking system.
Zero transaction charge
 This is the first time that the EPFO has tied up with private banks– namely, ICICI Bank,
HDFC Bank, Axis Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank.
 Earlier, only State Bank of India was authorised to collect contributions from employers and make
payment to employees. The move will help the EPFO save about 300 crore annually as the five
banks have agreed to zero transaction charges.
 Tied up with 10 banks now to collect provident fund contribution and pay dues to the workers.
EPFO settles around 1.16 crore claims every year and collects 75,000 crore annually from
establishments under the EPF Act.

Benefits
 It will facilitate all the stakeholders of EPFO by allowing the employers to deposit their EPF dues
in a hassle-free, anywhere, anytime manner and PF members by direct payments of their bank
accounts.
 Consequent upon signing of agreement, the employers having bank account with these banks may
deposit EPF dues directly in EPFO’s account using internet banking on real time basis instead of
going through the aggregator mode.
Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
 EPFO is a statutory body of Union Government that comes under the aegis of Ministry of Labour
and Employment.
 Headquarters: New Delhi.
 Functions: Administers a compulsory contributory Provident Fund Scheme (1952), Pension
Scheme (1995) and an Insurance Scheme (1976). It is one of the largest social security
organisations in India interms volume of financial transactions undertaken and number of
covered beneficiaries.
MERIT app and e-Bidding portal for utilization of domestic coal in IPP Power Stations for
reducing the cost of power generation launched
Background
 The Cabinet, on4th May 2016, approved the proposal for allowing flexibility in utilization of
domestic coal amongst power generating stations.
 Central Electricity Authority(CEA) has issued the methodology for utilization of domestic coal
within State/Central generating stations on 8th June 2016, followed by the issuance of a
memorandum by the Ministry of Power on 10th June 2016.
 The methodology for use of transferred coal in Independent Power Producers (IPPs) generating
stations was issued by Ministry of Power on 20th February, 2017.
Objective
 The launch of the app and the portal is aimed at promoting the vision of ‘Minimum Government
and Maximum Governance’ through ‘Speed, Skill and Scale’.
 It would result in optimum utilisation of Coal and would save the consumer around Rs.
20,000 crores in the next five years.
 It would increase the transparency and accountability.
 24×7 Power for All.
The advantages of MERIT app
 Empowerment of the Consumer and participative governance
 Transparent information dissemination pertaining to marginal variable cost and source wise
purchase of electricity
 Promotes economy and efficiency in operations

 Helps understand the utility portfolio and its complexity

 Optimization of the power procurement costs
 Facilitates renewable integration and handling of the variability and uncertainty of renewables
 Indication of supply side reliability, adequacy, and co
 The flexibility in utilization of domestic coal scheme envisages transferring coal to more efficient
IPPs generating stations, leading to lower generation costs and ultimately lesser cost of electricity
for the consumers.
E-bidding
 An eBidding is an electronic bidding event (without awarding commitment) according
to defined negotiation rules (eAgreement). A buyer and two or more suppliers take
part in this online event
 It has been designed to facilitate States in inviting bids for procurement
5th Meeting of BRICS Education Ministers

held in Beijing
Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Education was held on 5th July, 2017 at Beijing, China.
Five areas of cooperation are prioritised which are Communication and IT, Economics,
Climate Change, Water Resources and Pollution, and BRICS study.
India’s initiative
 National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) which provides a relative ranking of
Indian institutions, India’s indigenous MOOCs platform, SWAYAM, which has already
hosted over 480 courses online and, this year, plan to host 2000 courses and GIAN (Global
Initiative for Academics Network)
 Under which 600 professors from 62 countries have already conducted their courses in
India and, this year, we expect to receive another 800 faculty from across the world.
 The Minister spoke about India’s research initiative, IMPRINT, which identifies priority
areas for research for India, National Digital Library, which provides over 7.2 million
online resources free of cost and is ever expanding National Academic Depository (NAD).
PMGSY registers significant success in the

first quarter of 2016-17

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is being implemented across the country,
particularly, in States having historical deficit of rural roads (Assam, West Bengal, Odisha,
Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, J&K and
Utttrakhand ) as never before.
Background
 It is a nationwide plan inIndia to provide good all-weather road connectivity to
unconnected villages.
 The PMGSY is under the authority of theMinistry of Rural Development and was begun on
25 December 2000. It is fully funded by the central government. Recently it has been
announced that the project will be funded by both the central government (60%) and states
(40%), after a recommendation by state finance officials.
PMGSY has also focused on use of non-conventional construction materials (waste
plastic, cold mix, fly ash, jute and coir geo-textiles, iron and copper slag, cell filled
concrete, paneled cement concrete etc.) and “Green Technologies” in PMGSY roads.
Current Status
In the first quarter of the present financial year 2017-18 (April-June, 2017), a total of 10,556
kms of PMGSY roads have been constructed, clocking an average of 117.28 kms per day.
Target
To provide connectivity to 16,600 eligible habitations, in the first quarter of the financial year
2017-18, 2,543 habitations have been provided connectivity, which is 15.31% of the annual
target.
“JIGYASA” – Student-Scientist connect

programme launched

Jigyasa, a student- scientist connect programme has been officially launched. Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) will
jointly implement this programme.
Highlights
 The focus is on connecting schoolstudents and scientists so as to extend student’s classroom
learning with that of a very well planned research laboratory based learning.
 The Jigyasa programme was inspired by “Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR)” of scientific
community and institutions.

 The “JIGYASA” would inculcate the culture of inquisitiveness on one hand and scientific temper
on the other, amongst the school students and their teachers.
 The Programme is expected to connect 1151 Kendriya Vidyalayas with 38 National Laboratories
of CSIR targeting 100,000 students and nearly 1000 teachers annually.
 The program will also enable the students and teachers to practically live the theoretical concepts
taught in science by visiting CSIR laboratories and by participating in mini-science projects.
The model of engagement includes
 Student Residential Programmes.
 Scientists as Teachers and Teachers as Scientists.
 Lab specific activities / Onsite Experiments.
 Visits of Scientists to Schools/Outreach Programmes.
 Science and Maths Clubs.
 Popular Lecture Series/ demonstration programme at Schools.
 Student Apprenticeship Programmes.
 Science Exhibitions..
 Projects of National Children’s Science Congress.
 Teacher Workshops.
 Tinkering Laboratories.
“JIGYASA” is one of the major initiatives taken up by CSIR at national level, during
its Platinum Jubilee Celebration Year. CSIR is widening and deepening its Scientific
Social Responsibility further with the programme.
About CSIR
 Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR),India, a premier national R&D organisation,
is among the world’s largest publicly funded R&D organisation. CSIR’s pioneering sustained
contribution to S&T human resource development is acclaimed nationally.
 It was established by the Government of India in 1942 is an autonomous body that has emerged as
the largest research and development organisation in India. It runs thirty-seven laboratories and
thirty-nine field stations or extension centres throughout the nation, with a collective staff of over
17,000 workers. Although it is mainly funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology, it
operates as an autonomous body through the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
 CSIR has been contributing for several decades for socio-economic development in the country. It
has been through development and deployment of knowledge base focused at Technology and
Innovation. CSIR has also been playing a key role in human resource development, in particular
training of the young researchers through Ph. D. programmes in diverse fields.
India declares itself free from Highly

Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 and
H5N8)
{Public Health & Issues} GS-2

India had reported outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian influenza at various epicenters in
Delhi, Gwalior (MP), Rajpura (Punjab), Hissar (Haryana), Bellary (Karnataka), Allappuzha
and Kottayam (Kerala), Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Daman (Daman) and Khordha and Angul
(Odisha during October, 2016 to February, 2017.
All the outbreaks of Avian Influenza (HPAI) mentioned above were notified to OIE and
the control and containment operations were carried out as per the Action Plan on
Preparedness.
How India Declares itself free from influenza?
Surveillance was carried out throughout the country and around the areas of the outbreaks
since completion of the operation (including culling, disinfection and clean-up)
Result
Surveillance in the states showed no evidence of presence of Avian Influenza Virus.
Asian Avian Influenza (H5N1)
 Avian Influenza Refers to disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu)
Type-A viruses.
 Occur naturally among wild aquatic birds Can infect domestic poultry and other bird and
animal species.
 Do not normally infect humans- sporadic human infections with avian flu viruses have
occurred often with terrible consequences. Image of Avian Influenz
 In the majority of cases, people got HPAI Asian H5N1 virus infection after direct or close
contact with sick or dead poultry that were infected with the virus.
Currently, HPAI Asian H5N1 virus does not transmit efficiently from
person to person
The 1976 swine flu outbreak, also known as the swine flu fiasco, or the swine flu debacle, was
a strain of H1N1 influenzavirus that appeared in 1976.
H5N8
H5N8 is a subtype of the Influenza A virus (sometimes called bird flu virus). Although H5N8
is considered one of the less pathogenic subtypes for humans, it is beginning to become
more pathogenic.
Symptoms
For the most part, symptoms of the H5N8 virus are respiratory. The common symptoms are
“flu-like”: fever, chills, headache, coughing, and weakness. Conjunctivitis reportedly has
been associated with the virus, as well.
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
Formation
The need to fight animal diseases at global level led to the creation of the Office
International des Epizooties through the international Agreement signed on January 25,
1924. In May 2003 the Office became the World Organisation for Animal Health but kept its
historical acronym OIE.
It is an intergovernmental organization coordinating, supporting and promoting animal
disease control.
Objective
 The main objective of the OIE is to control epizootic diseases and thus to prevent
their spread. It is recognized as a reference organisation by the World Trade
Organization (WTO) and in 2014 had a total of 181 member states.

 The OIE maintains permanent relations with 45 other international and regional
organisations and has Regional and sub-regional Offices on every continent
 The OIE does not depend on the UN system; its autonomy is both institutional and financial
and its activities are governed by its own constitutional texts.
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India

invites comments from public on the
Regulations notified under the Insolvency
and Bankruptcy Code, 2016
{Banking & Economy} GS-3
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (Code) is a modern economic

legislation. Section 240 of the Code empowers the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of
India (IBBI) to make regulations subject to the conditions that the regulations
(a) carry out the provisions of the Code.
(b) consistent with the Code and the rules made thereunder.
(c) made by a notification published in the official gazette.
(d) laid, as soon as possible, before each House of Parliament for 30 days.
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)

 The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) is the regulator for overseeing
insolvency proceedings and entities like Insolvency Professional Agencies (IPA),
Insolvency Professionals (IP) and Information Utilities (IU) in India.
 It was established on 1 October 2016 and given statutory powers through the Insolvency
and Bankruptcy Code, which was passed by Lok Sabha on 5 May 2016.
 It covers Individuals, Companies, Limited Liability Partnerships and Partnership firms.
 The new code will speed up the resolution process for stressed assets in the country.
 It attempts to simplify the process of insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings.
 It handles the cases using two tribunals like NCLT(National company law tribunal) and
Debt recovery tribunal.
Best quality homes under Pradhan Mantri

Awaas Yojana (Gramin)
{Govt. Policies & Schemes} GS-3
Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Gramin) or PMAY-G was launched on 20th November, 2016
from Agra in Uttar Pradesh.

Previously it was known as Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY). It is is a social welfare flagship
programme, created by the Indian Government, to provide housing for the rural poor
in India. A similar scheme for urban poor was launched in 2015 as Housing for All by 2022.
Purpose
The broad purpose of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to some of the weakest
sections of society for them to upgrade or construct a house of respectable quality for their
personal living. The vision of the government is to replace all temporary (kutchcha) houses
from Indian villages by 2017
Current Status
 So far, nearly 55,000 houses are already completed and approximately 10 lakhs are
at the advanced stages of completion.
 Awaasoft MIS is managing PMAY-G completely, end to end, including fund transfer
and geo-tagging of houses at every stage of construction.
 All payments are IT/DBT enabled and the beneficiaries receive it through their Bank
account. This has not only brought down corruption, but also has improved the
quality of houses constructed
NSG organises first International Aviation

Security seminar

NSG has organised the first International Aviation Security seminar. National Security
Guard (NSG) has organised the seminar, with the aim of bringing all major stakeholders
under one roof and facilitate them sharing views/opinion, discussions, brain storming with
the matters concerning Aviation Security.
About NSG
 It is a security force of India constituted “for combating terrorist activities with a view to protect
States against internal disturbances“.
 It was set up in 1984 as a Federal Contingency Deployment Force to tackle all facets of terrorism
in the country.
 It is under the authority Ministry of Home Affairs.
 The force is a unique combination of personnel on deputation from Indian Army and Central
Armed Police Forces.
 The two components of NSG are the Special Action Group (SAG), which consists entirely of
Indian Army personnel; and the Special Ranger Groups (SRG), which comprises personnel drawn
from Central Armed Police Forces and State Police Forces.
 The chief of the force designated as a Director General is an officer from the Indian Police Service.
National ST Commission to take action on

video films of Jaravas on YouTube

{Rights Issues} GS-2
Taking suo-moto cognizance of objectionable video films and pictures of protected Jarava
and other tribal communities of Andaman Islands on YouTube social media platform, the
National Commission for Scheduled Tribe (NCST) has initiated action on it.
 The commission has decided to take up the matter with Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of
External Affairs, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Chief
Secretary of A&N Island for removal of these objectionable video films from YouTube and initiate
action on those who uploaded these video clips on social media platform.
Laws protecting these tribes
 As per provisions of Andaman and Nicobar Island (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes)
Regulation, 1956 (PAT), the Andamanese, Jarawas, Onges, Sentinelese, Nicobarese and
Shom Pens have been identified as “aboriginal tribes”.
 The PAT contains the provisions of protection of these communities from the outside interference.
 Penalty provisions for promoting tourism through advertisement relating to aboriginal tribes has
also been made in the year 2012.
 Whoever enters these areas in contravention of the notification under section 7 (which prohibits
entry into reserve areas) for taking photographs or making videos shall be punishable with
imprisonment up to three years.
 Besides, Section 3 (i) (r) of the Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities
Act) also accords protection.
NCST
 NCST was established by amending Article 338 and inserting a new Article 338A in the
Constitution through the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003. By this amendment, the
erstwhile National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was replaced by two
separate Commissions namely- (i) the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), and (ii)
the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST).
 The term of office of Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and each member is three years from the date
of assumption of charge. The Chairperson has been given the rank of Union Cabinet Minister and
the Vice-Chairperson that of a Minister of State and other Members have the ranks of a Secretary
to the Government of India.
 NCST is empowered to investigate and monitor matters relating to safeguards provided for STs
under the Constitution or under other laws or under Govt. order. The Commission is also
authorized to inquire into specific complaints relating to rights and safeguards of STs and to
participate and advise in the Planning Process relating to socio-economic development of STs and
to evaluate the progress of their development under the Union and States.

 The commission submits its report to the President annually on the working of safeguards and
measures required for effective implementation of Programmers/ Schemes relating to welfare and
socio-economic development of STs.
Minister of Food Processing Industry laid

foundation stone for First Maize Based
Mega Food Park in Kapurthala, Punjab
{Science & Tech. / Genetic Engineering} GS-3
Union Minister of Food Processing Industry laid the foundation stone for First Maize based
Mega Food Park in Kapurthala, Punjab on 7th July
Maize is an amazing cereal and is an alternate to Jhona (paddy) and Kanak (wheat). Maize
is rich in protein, provides nutritional requirements that India needs and Maize consumes
much lesser water and could contain the problem of further water depletion.
Dark Zone
 Kapurthala has been declared as a Dark Zonedistrict where slow desertification is happening
because of overexploitation of water due to cash crops. So establishment of this Mega Food Park
was not allowed.
 Since this would be a maize based Mega Food Park which will promote crop diversification and
water conservation, special efforts were made by the Ministry of Food Processing Industry to get
this Mega Food Park approved from Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga
Rejuvenation.
 Establishment of this Mega Food Park will result in the development of this Dark Zone which
includes Job opportunities, Environmental Conservation.
There is an urgent need to turn to Maize and our government would relentlessly work to
make Maize as the third viable staple crop of Punjab after Wheat and Rice and growing of
maize with enhanced quality of seeds.
Highlighting the new flagship scheme “KISAN SAMPADA YOJANA”, Minister of Food
Processing Industries said that with the aim of making every farmer a Food Processor also,
this scheme has been designed where farmers can also set up big or small food processing
units and marketing units.
Background
 Maize Based Mega Food Park is the first major and serious step in the history of India for
containing the desertification problem of Punjab and would make farmers turn to maize cultivation
which need less water for more production.

 Maize is being used by different industries for seed, starch, brewery, food additives, sweeteners etc
and it is also a basic raw material to thousands of industrial products like oil, proteins,
pharmaceutical, cosmetics, beverages, film, textile, gum, value added foods, paper industries, bio-
ethanol etc.
Several initiatives taken by the Government for Northeast youth, says Dr
Jitendra Singh
 The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has come out with a “Venture
Fund” for the young Start-Ups.
 The minister has said that considering the incredible talent of the Northeast youth in excelling in
international athletics and gymnastics, a state-of-the-art Sports University will soon come up in
Manipur, for which the land has already been acquired.
 He has mooted the idea of holding coaching classes for preparation of Civil Services Examination
via satellite and tele-education for youth living in the remote parts of peripheral States, where they
felt deprived of such facility unlike their counterparts in some of the metros and other cities.
 Public-Private-Participation (PPP) model will help to carry forward all these initiatives and the
private sector can also be encouraged to spend a substantial part of CSR (Corporate Social-
Responsibility) funds in the remote areas of NER.
Scheme for IPR Awareness – Creative India;

Innovative India
Taking forward the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy 2016, a ‘Scheme for
IPR Awareness – Creative India; Innovative India’ has been launched by Cell for IPR
Promotion and Management (CIPAM) under the aegis of the Department of Industrial Policy
and Promotion.
Key facts
 The Scheme aims at raising IPR awareness amongst students, youth, authors, artists, budding
inventors and professionals to inspire them to create, innovate and protect their creations and
inventions across India including Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 cities as well as rural areas in the next 3
years.
 The Scheme will conduct over 4000 IPR awareness workshops/seminars in academic institutions
(schools and colleges) and the industry ,including MSMEs and Startups, as also IP training and
sensitization programmes for enforcement agencies and the judiciary.
Workshops will cover all vital IP topics including international filing procedures, promotion of
Geographical Indications and highlighting the ill effects of piracy and counterfeiting.

Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal addresses

Industrialists and Business Leaders from
Punjab & Haryana in Chandigarh
 Haryana will be the partner state for World Food India

 India has a vast scope in food processing sector and offers tremendous investment and
employment opportunities.
 Setting up of 42 Mega Food Parks will lead to direct employment for up to 5 lakh and
benefit 25 lakh farmers.
 It is desirable that every farmers gets together as self-help group to progress.
 The aim of these Mega Food Parks and SAMPADA scheme is to double farmers’ income.
 The SAMPADA scheme being implemented now promises to benefit from small farmers to
an affluent one.
 Food sector will expand three times by 2020.
 The world is looking towards India and through a platform like World Food India 2017,
and all international markets are looking to India to source.
About World Food India 2017

 The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is organising, in collaboration with
the Confederation Indian Industry (CII), World Food India in New Delhi from 3rd to 5th
November, 2017.
 World Food India 2017 is the platform for showcasing the food processing strength of
India and an opportunities to connect with international and Indian key players in food
processing and allied sectors.
 World Food India will be the largest gathering of investors, manufacturers, producers, food
processors, policy makers, and organizations from the global food ecosystem. It will
provide opportunities for both investment and trade in the food processing sector for both
domestic and international companies.
 Italy has confirmed to be a Focus Country and Haryana and Andhra Pradesh will be Partner
States of World Food India.
About SAMPADA
 SAMPADA is an umbrella scheme incorporating ongoing schemes of the Ministry like
Mega Food Parks, Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure, Food
Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure, etc. and also new schemes like

Infrastructure for Agro-processing Clusters, Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages,

Creation / Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities.
 The SAMPADA is a comprehensive package to give a renewed thrust to the food
processing sector in the country.
 It includes new schemes of Infrastructure for Agro-processing Clusters, Creation of
Backward and Forward Linkages and Creation / Expansion of Food Processing &
Preservation Capacities aim at development of modern infrastructure to encourage
entrepreneurs to set up food processing units based on cluster approach, provide effective
and seamless backward and forward integration for processed food industry by plugging
gaps in supply chain and creation of processing and preservation capacities and
modernization/ expansion of existing food processing units.
National convention on Digital Initiatives

9th July 2017
{Science & Tech. / Digitalization} GS-3
 It is a 17 point action plan for 2017 – for building digital campuses and high quality
education.
 The action plan covers measures like universal adoption of digital education, digital
financial transactions in the campuses from the current academic year.
 It was adopted at the end of the recently concluded National Convention of Vice
Chancellors of all Universities in the Country, and Heads of IISc/IITs/IIMs/NITs/IIITs.
President unveils online education portal

Swayam (Ministry Of Human Resource and
Development)
{Education} GS-3
President of India recently launched the SWAYAM, the portal that takes high quality
education to the doorstep of everyone and the SWAYAM Prabha – the 32 DTH channels
operationalised for telecasting high quality educational content free of charge using the
GSAT-15 satellite transponders.
Swayam

 With the launch of SWAYAM, India has become one of the few countries in the
World which has its own online interactive learning platform that provides, not only
video lectures, reading material but also assignments/quizzes that could end up in
securing credits after completing the assessment system.
 More than 400 Courses are available on SWAYAM covering all the engineering and non-
engineering subjects at undergraduate and post-graduate levels.
 The UGC has already issued Regulation that allows transfer of credits earned through the
courses done through SWAYAM into the academic record of the students.
 It is now possible for the students and others to take courses of the prestigious IITs or IIMs
without formally studying there.
 The platform has been constructed by Microsoft with totally indigenous efforts.
Key facts
Swayam and Swayam Prabha to take education to the remotest corners of the country on
Sunday. Mukherjee also launched a ‘National Academic Depository’ where verified
educational records will be digitally stored by universities and boards to counter forgery.
Swayam Prabha
 The SWAYAM PRABHA is conceived as a group of 32 DTH channels devoted to telecasting of
high-quality educational programmes on 24X7 basis using the GSAT-15 satellite.
 Higher Education: Curriculum-based course contents at post-graduate and under-graduate level
covering diverse etc.
Indian Railways Organization for Alternate

Fuel (IROAF)
{Railways/ Sustainable Development} GS-3
Indian Railways achieves a major landmark in the field of Eco friendly fuel technologies
at Indian Railways Organization for Alternate Fuel (IROAF) which has been awarded the
coveted National level “Golden Peacock Award for the Year 2017 for Eco-Innovation” for
substitution of fossil fuels (Diesel) by environment friendly CNG in DEMU passenger train
services.
 Use of CNG in Train Sets for passenger transportation has been done for the first time in the world.
 The CNG based dual fuel 1400 HP engine used in DEMU trains developed by IROAF has
successfully substituted diesel fuel with CNG upto 20%.

 This innovation will reduce emissions considerably by bringing down NOx by 16%, CO2 by
6% and Particulate Matter by 18% besides achieving economy in fuel cost by 8%.So far, 19
Engines of DEMUs have been successfully converted into CNG based dual fuel engines with this
technology.
Golden Peacock Awards
 Golden Peacock Awards, instituted by the Institute Of Directors (IOD),India in 1991, are now
regarded as a benchmark of Corporate Excellence worldwide.
 Golden Peacock awards have become a hallmark of excellence, both locally & globally. Based on
internationally recognised criteria, the credibility of these awards lies in the transparency depth &
impartiality of the assessment process.
NITI Aayog sorts out the pending issues of Punjab with various Ministries of Union
Government.
 NITI Aayog is closely working with the States to foster cooperative federalism through
structured support and mechanisms.
 One of the mandates assigned to NITI Aayog is to offer a platform for resolution of
pending issues with the Central Government to accelerate the implementation of
developmental agenda of the States.
NITI Aayog
 NITI Aayog or the National Institution for Transforming India is a Government of India
policy think-tank established by the NDA government to replace the Planning Commission
which followed the top-down model.
 The stated aim for NITI Aayog’s creation is to foster involvement and participation in the
economic policy-making process by the State Governments of India.
 The emphasis is on bottom-up approach and make the country to move towards cooperative
federalism.
 The Union Government of India announced the formation of NITI Aayog on 1 January
2015, and the first meeting was held on 8 February 2015.
 The Prime Minister serves as the Ex-officio chairman.
 The governing council consists of all state Chief Ministers, chief ministers of Delhi and
Puducherry, Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar, and vice chairman nominated
by the Prime Minister.
 In addition to full members, there are two part-time members and four ex-officio members
and a chief executive officer. The temporary members are selected from the leading
universities and research institutions.
Cabinet approves establishment of the

International Rice Research Institute (IRRI),
South Asia Regional Center (ISARC) at

campus of National Seed Research and

Training Center (NSRTC) in Varanasi
{Agriculture} GS-3
Under the proposal, a Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition (CERVA) will be set up in
Varanasi. This will include a modern and sophisticated laboratory with capacity to determine
quality and status of heavy metals in grain and straw. The Centre will also undertake
capacity building exercises for stakeholders across the rice value chain.
Benefits from ISARC

 The Centre will help in utilizing the rich biodiversity of India to develop special rice
varieties.
 This will help India to achieve higher per hectare yields and improved nutritional
contents.
 India’s food and nutritional security issues will also be addressed.
 The Centre will support in adopting value chain based production system in the country.
 This will reduce wastage, add value and generate higher income for the farmers. The
farmers in Eastern India will benefit in particular, besides those in South Asian and
African countries.
Management of ISARC
 ISARC will operate under the governance of the IRRI Board of Trusteeswho will appoint
an appropriate IRRI staff member as Director.
 A Coordination Committee will be headed by Director General, IRRI as Chair and
Secretary, Government of India, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and
Farmers Welfare(DACFW) as Co-Chair.
 The other members of Coordination Committee are Deputy Director General (Crop
Sciences), ICAR; Director, NSRTC; IRRI representative in India,representative of
Government of UP and representatives of Governments of Nepal & Bangladesh and
Private Sector.
 For setting up of the Centre, A Memorandum of Agreement, will be signed between
DAC&FW and IRRI, Philippines. The Department of DAC&FW will provide physical
space for laboratories, offices, training classes, etc. with associated infrastructure and land
at NSRTC, Varanasi. The Centre will be commissioned within six months.
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

 It is an international agricultural research and training organization with headquarters in
Los Baños, Philippines.

 It is also the largest non-profit agricultural research centre in Asia. It was established in
1960 and has offices in 17 countries.
 It aims to reduce poverty and hunger, improve the health of rice farmers and consumers,
and ensure environmental sustainability of rice farming.
 IRRI is known for its work in developing high yeilding rice varieties that contributed to the
Green Revolution in the 1960s. It advances its mission through collaborative research,
partnerships, and the strengthening of the national agricultural research and extension
systems of the countries IRRI works in.
JICA ODA loan assistance proposal for

‘Dairying through Cooperatives-National
Dairy Infrastructure Plan’’ Project
{Development and Employment} GS-3
 India ranks first among the world’s milk producing Nations since 1998 and has the largest
bovine population in the World.
 About 54% of the milk produced in the country is surplus for marketing in the domestic
market, of which only 20.5% is procured/processed by the organised sector being equally, shared
by Cooperatives and Private dairy organizations.
 Government is mandated to double milk producers’ income at farm level by providing rural milk
producers with greater access to the organised milk processing sector.
 Government has therefore submitted a proposal for availing loan from Japan International
Cooperation Agency for ‘Dairying through Cooperatives-National Dairy Infrastructure Plan’’ in
line with the mandate of Government to double farmers income in next five years.
Declaration of Historic City of Ahmadabad as a UNESCO’s World Heritage Property
 India now has overall 36 World Heritage Inscriptions with 28 Cultural, 07 Natural and 01
Mixed site.
 While India stands second largest in number after China in terms of number of world heritage
properties in ASPAC (Asia and Pacific) region, it is overall seventh in the world.
 In the past 3 years alone, India has managed to put five built heritage sites on the world heritage
list of UNESCO.
 Founded in 15th century, the walled city of Ahmadabad, on the eastern bank of the Sabarmati
river, presents a rich architectural heritage. Within this complex are 28 ASI Centrally Protected
Monuments.

Cabinet approves SASEC Road Connectivity

Investment Program – Tranche 2
{Transport} GS-3
The project is being developed with ADB’s loan assistance under the South Asian Sub-
Regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Road Connectivity Investment Program which aims
at upgradation of road infrastructure in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and India (BBIN) in order
to improve the regional connectivity among BBIN nations.
 The project corridor is also a part of the Asian Highway No. 01 (AH01) and acts as India’s
Gateway to the East. Thus trade, commerce and tourism in the region will get a boost.
Key facts
 Manipur being a landlocked state with almost 90% of the area under difficult terrain presently
has only road transport as a means of mass transport system within the state.
 Hence development of the road infrastructure is of paramount importance to improve connectivity
and progress of the State and to ensure that the administrative set up reaches the isolated and
remote habitats.
 The project will improve connectivity between Imphal with the eastern part of the state.
 Based on the existing and projected traffic requirements the NH-39 will be widened to 4 lane
between Lilong village and Wanginj village, while the stretch between Wanginj village to
Khongkhang will be upgraded to 2 lane with paved shoulder.
Background
 For fulfilling India’s “Look East” Policy and to promote and enhance trade link with South
East Asia, the Government of India has notified an Integrated Custom Post (ICP)at Moreh.
 The development of this project is essential in order to support the increased traffic volume due to
coming up of ICP. T
 he workers of Manipur who specialize in creating bamboo and wood based handicraft items and
uniquely designed hand woven textile items will get a new market among the Myanmar’s
customers. Small scale industries such as those making farm implements and tools, stationery,
plastic extrusion items, carpentry units, could also develop markets beyond the border.
SASEC: ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
 Myanmar was accorded an observer status of SASEC in 2013 when ADB’s annual meeting was
held in Noida, India. Myanmar has been participating in annual SASEC Nodal Officials’ meetings
as an observer since 2014. It was invited by the participating countries of SASEC countries to
become a full member in 2015.
 The SASEC program was formed in 2001 in response to the request of the four countries of South
Asia – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal – from ADB to assist in facilitating economic
cooperation among them. These four countries comprise the South Asia Growth Quadrangle

(SAGQ), formed in 1996, as a vehicle for accelerating sustainable economic development through
regional cooperation.
 As a project-based partnership, the SASEC program has been helping realize regional prosperity
by enhancing cross-border connectivity, facilitating faster and more efficient trade and promoting
cross-border power trade.
 Maldives and Sri Lanka joined SASEC in 2014, further expanding opportunities for enhancing
economic linkages in the sub-region.
Commerce and Industry Minister says GeM

has ensured transparency and reduction in
costs in public procurement
{Economic Development} GS-3
 GeM has ensured transparency and reduction in costs in public procurement.

 GeM is being recognized as the national e-procurement portal.
 Following the processes under GeM platform, around 20-30% reduction of price has been achieved
as compared to what it was prior to GeM.
 Therefore, there is substantial tangible evidence that the processes followed at the portal is indeed
bringing cost down.
 Most importantly, the sellers do not have to run around from pillar to post to get their payment,
which will be made within 10 days of the delivery of the products and services.
About Government E-Marketplace (GeM)
 Based on recommendations of Group of Secretaries made to Hon’ble Prime Minister, the
Government decided that DGS&D will create a one stop Government eMarketplace (GeM) to
facilitate online procurement of common use Goods & Services required by various Government
Departments / Organizations / PSUs.
 GeM aims to enhance transparency, efficiency and speed in public procurement.
 It provides the tools of e-bidding, reverse e-auction and demand aggregation to facilitate the
government users achieve the best value for their money.
 DGS&D took appropriate actions to align the existing rules to cater to GeM including swift
payment to Suppliers / Sellers after successful delivery of Goods & Services.
Cabinet apprised of MoU between India and

Bangladesh for cyber security cooperation

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister has been apprised of the Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) between India and Bangladesh on cyber security cooperation
between Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) under the Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology of India and Bangladesh Government Computer
Incident Response Team (BGD e-Gov CIRT) Bangladesh Computer Council of Information
and Communication Technology Division under the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications
and Information Technology of Bangladesh. The MoU was signed on 8th April, 2.017.
Key facts
 The MoU intends to promote cooperation between CERT-In and BGD e-Gov CIRTand
includes exchange of information on Cyberattacks and cyber security incidents;
 Cyber security technology cooperation;
 Exchange cyber security policies and best practices and Human Resource Development in this
field in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations of each country and on the basis of
equality, reciprocity and mutual benefits.
 The MoU between CERT-In and BGD e-Gov CIRT would be implemented through a duly set up
Joint Committee on Cyber Security.
Background
 CERT-In is a national nodal agency under Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology, Government of India, with the objective of securing Indian cyber space.
 Hence, CERT-In is collaborating with overseas Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs)
for incident response and resolution.
 The agreement comes in the backdrop of Governments, business and consumers are increasingly
faced with a variety of cyber threats. Besides, there is a need to further improve cyber security
readiness and raise awareness around the importance of keeping systems secure and security
practices and procedures current and recognizing the importance of cooperation by the two
organizations in the area of cyber security.
DIPP to set up India’s first TISC in Punjab
{Science & Tech} GS-3
The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce &
Industry, Government of India, has signed an Institutional agreement with the Punjab State
Council of Science and Technology to establish India’s first Technology and Innovation
Support Center (TISC) at Patent Information Centre, Punjab, under the World Intellectual
Property Organization’s (WIPO) TISC program.
Key facts

 The Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM) is designated as the National Focal Point
for the TISC national network.
 As the national focal point, CIPAM shall identify potential host institutions, assess their capacities
and support them in joining the TISC program.
 CIPAM will also act as the main intermediary between WIPO and TISC host institutions and
coordinate all the activities of the national TISC network.
 Over 500 TISCs operate worldwide and establishing TISC in India will give the host institutions an
access to the global network.
TISC
 WIPO’s Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) program provides innovators in
developing countries with access to locally based, high quality technology information and related
services, helping them to exploit their innovative potential and to create, protect, and manage their
Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs).
 The objective of the TISC is to stimulate a dynamic, vibrant and balanced Intellectual Property
Rights (IPRs) system in India to foster creativity and innovation, thereby promoting
entrepreneurship and enhancing social, economic and cultural development by establishing a
network of TISCs in India.
Services offered by TISCs
 Access to online patent and non-patent (scientific and technical) resources and IP-related
publications.
 Assistance in searching and retrieving technology information.
 Training in database search.
 On-demand searches (novelty, state-of-the-art and infringement).
 Monitoring technology and competitors.
 Basic information on industrial property laws, management and strategy, and technology
commercialization and marketing.
Stakeholders discuss ways to promote

coastal shipping and inland navigation
under Sagarmala Programme at
Bhubaneswar
{Art & Culture / Transportation} GS-1&3
A National Level Workshop titled “Accelerating Sagarmala Implementation – Promoting Coastal

Shipping and Inland Navigation in India” was organized by the Ministry of Shipping and Indian
Chamber of Commerce at Bhubaneswar.

 The focus was to bring all the port and maritime infrastructure stakeholders of the Sagarmala
Programme to deliberate and discuss challenges and incentives for promoting Coastal Shipping
and Inland Navigation in India.
Objectives
 The prime objective of the Sagarmala project is to promote port-led direct and indirect
development and to provide infrastructure to transport goods to and from ports quickly, efficiently
and cost-effectively.
 Therefore, the Sagarmala Project shall, inter alia, aim to develop access to new development
regions with intermodal solutions and promotion of the optimum modal split, enhanced
connectivity with main economic centres and beyond through expansion of rail, inland water,
coastal and road services.
How Sagarmala will address the challenges in the sector?
 The Sagarmala initiative will address challenges by focusing on three pillars of development,
namely
 Supporting and enabling Port-led Development through appropriate policy and institutional
interventions and providing for an institutional framework for ensuring inter-agency and
ministries/departments/states’ collaboration for integrated development,
 Port Infrastructure Enhancement, including modernization and setting up of new ports, and
 Efficient Evacuation to and from hinterland.
Coastal Economic Zone (CEZ)
 The Sagarmala initiative would also strive to ensure sustainable development of the population
living in the Coastal Economic Zone (CEZ).
 This would be done by synergising and coordinating with State Governments and line Ministries of
Central Government through their existing schemes and programmes such as those related to
community and rural development, tribal development and employment generation, fisheries, skill
development, tourism promotion etc. In order to provide funding for such projects and activities
that may be covered by departmental schemes a separate fund by the name ‘Community
Development Fund’ would be created.
Background
 Presently, Indian ports handle more than 90 percent of India’s total EXIM trade volume.
 However, the current proportion of merchandize trade in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of India
is only 42 percent, whereas for some developed countries and regions in the world such as
Germany and European Union, it is 75 percent and 70 percent respectively.
 Therefore, there is a great scope to increase the share of merchandising trade in India’s GDP.
 With the Union Government’s “Make in India” initiative, the share of merchandise trade in India’s
GDP is expected to increase and approach levels achieved in developed countries.

 India lags far behind in ports and logistics infrastructure. Against a share of 9 percent of railways
and 6 percent of roads in the GDP the share of ports is only 1 percent.
 In addition high logistics costs make Indian exports uncompetitive.Therefore Sagarmala project
has been envisioned to provide ports and the shipping the rightful place in the Indian economy and
to enable port-led development.
National Livestock Mission (NLM)
{Agriculture and Livestock} GS-3
 There is a need to augment resources for the sector and synergise activities through appropriate
convergence.
 Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries is implementing National Livestock
Mission for sustainable development of Livestock Sector, especially for poultry, goats, sheep, pig,
pack animals, etc.
 NLM provides assistance to improve availability of quality feed and fodder, risk mitigation and
extension, skill development and training for livestock sector including cattle and buffaloes.
 The livestock rearers and farmers, especially women, are unorganised, as these activities are
primarily backyard in nature. However, rearing small ruminants, backyard poultry, pigs and other
minor livestock offers tremendous opportunities for improving both nutritional and livelihood
security of livestock rearers with specific scientific interventions.
Why NLM is needed?

 One of the reasons for setting up NLM from scheme-mode to mission-mode is to provide the
necessary flexibility to all States and UTs in undertaking appropriate interventions suited to their
conditions.
 Taking into account the overall requirement of the livestock sector, there is a need to augment
resources for the sector and synergise activities through appropriate convergence, under the
umbrella of NLM to supplement the efforts of the States and UTs to take care of the activities
which cannot be accommodated within other ongoing schemes.
 All components under the NLM are made flexible and modular, looking into the needs of farmers
and stake holders, and as per the geographical and regional requirements so that even the small and
marginal farmers can also avail the benefits of the activities proposed under NLM.
 The distribution of resources and subsidies are also made equitable with considerations for APL,
BPL beneficiaries and beneficiaries of North Eastern Region, Hilly, Left Wing Extremism areas so
that the beneficiaries in more disadvantageous position get equitable benefits for sustainable
livelihood.

 All animals are now covered such as indigenous/crossbred milch animals, Pack animals (Horse,
Donkey, Mules, Camels, Ponies and Cattle Buffaloes male) and other livestock (Goat, Sheep, Pigs,
Rabbit, Yak and Mithun) instead of only milch animals earlier.
The National livestock Mission is organised into the following four sub-Missions
 Sub-Mission on Livestock Development
 Sub-Mission on Pig Development in North-eastern Region
 Sub-Mission on Fodder and Feed Development
 Sub-Mission on Skill Development, Technology Transfer and Extension
European Union & India establish an

Investment Facilitation Mechanism
{Bilateral Relations /Business and Investment} GS-2 & 3
European Union (EU) and India today announced the establishment of an Investment Facilitation
Mechanism (IFM) for EU Investments in India.
The mechanism will allow for a close coordination between the European Union and the Government
of India with an aim to promote and facilitate EU investment in India.
Investment Facilitation Mechanism
 Ease of doing business is a fundamental priority of our Government’s Make in India Campaign and
the establishment of IFM for facilitating EU investments in India is another step to achieve this
goal.
 The IFM has been established with the key objectives of paving the way for identifying and
solving problems faced by EU companies and investors with regard to their operations in India.
 The IFM will cover new investors as well as those already established in India.
 The IFM is also going to serve as a platform for discussing general suggestions from the point of
view of EU companies and investors with regard to ease of doing business in India, which would
boost and encourage the EU investors to avail the investment opportunities available in India.
Invest India
 Invest India, the official Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of the Government of
India, will also be part of the Mechanism. It will create a single-window entry point for EU
companies that need assistance for their investments at the central or state level.
Background
 Trade and Investment are key elements of the EU-India Strategic Partnership launched in 2004.

 Along with being the first trade partner in goods and services, EU is one of the biggest provider of
foreign investment in India, with a stock exceeding US$ 81.52 billion (more than 4.4 lakh crores
INR) as of March 2017.
 There are currently more than 6,000 EU companies present in India, providing direct and indirect
employment to over 6 million people.
Ministry of Railways undertakes various

Initiatives to improve Catering Services
{Railways} GS-3
23 Million Passengers travel on Indian Railways on a daily basis. Indian Railways provide
approximately 1.1 million meals to passengers every day out of these 1 million are provided on
board itself.
Classification of catering services on Indian Railway
 Mobile catering
 static catering services
New Catering Policy, 2017
New Catering Policy has been issued on 27th February 2017 with the objective to provide quality
food to rail passengers by unbundling of catering services on trains.
The salient features of the new Catering Policy 2017
 IRCTC to manage catering service on all mobile units. Pantry car contracts awarded by zonal
railway to be reassigned to IRCTC.
 Meals for all mobile units to be picked up from the nominated kitchens owned, operated and
managed by IRCTC.
 IRCTC not to out rightly outsource or issue licenses for provision of catering services to
private licensees. IRCTC to retain the ownership and be fully accountable for all the issues
pertaining to setting up and operation of the Base Kitchens and quality of food.
 IRCTC to engage service providers from hospitality industry for service of food in trains.
 Kitchen structures/land/space to be handed over by zonal Railways to IRCTC, for a period of

10 years extendable for another period of 5 years, on a token license fee.
 IRCTC to be responsible for management of Food Plaza, Food Courts, Fast food units within
the ambit of this policy.

E-Catering
 Revamp of E-Catering services in September 2015 also permitted Food Aggregators to join
the E-Catering initiative. Aggregators like, Railrestro, Zoop, Comesum, Mera Food Choice,
Rail Darbar have been integrated through API covering 529 vendors and 244 offline vendors
have also been incorporated for e-catering services across 357 stations.
 Passengers travelling from these stations are now able to access E-Catering facilities for all
trains passing through these stations. IRCTC is facilitating booking of meals through a
specified phone number/ website / SMS / Mobile Apps etc. Passengers having mobile
number are able to book meals under this scheme. CoD facility to passengers under this
scheme has also been made available.
 The Payment gateways integrated on E-Catering Portal:-
E-wallet, Net Banking and Credit/Debit cards on Portal and

PAYTM
Mobile app
HDFCPG Credit/Debit Cards on Portal and Mobile app
COD COD
Mobikwik Wallet in Mobile app
Water Vending Machines
 The project of setting up WVM was launched on 7.12.2015. With an objective to provide
potable water at nominal rates, water vending machines have been installed at
stations. Clean R.O. water is dispensed through these water vending machines to travelling
passengers at affordable rates.
Ready to Eat (RTE) Meals
 In order to provide more options to passengers in trains RTE meals like Veg biryani, Masala
Upma, Poha, Idli Samber etc are being provided to passengers. These RTE meals have long
shelf life and are very useful in meeting the exigencies like late running of trains due to
fog etc.
IIIDEM and International IDEA Co-Host Two-

Day International Consultative Workshop on
Electoral Training for Capacity Building,
Globally
{Polity} GS-2

The India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in partnership
with International IDEA are conducting a two-day International Consultative Workshop on
‘Leveraging Electoral Training Facilities for Global Democracies’.
The workshop is being held here on July 24th and 25th, 2017. Members from the Election
Management Bodies (EMBs) of Australia, Nepal, Bulgaria, Nigeria and Georgia, delegates
from International Organizations such as Association of World Election Bodies, United Nations
Development Programme and United Nations Electoral Assistance Division along with other
Indian Directors from Administrative Training Institutes are participating in this two-day workshop.
ECI deploys over 11 million election and security personnel.
☆ Why this workshop is held?
 This workshop is an attempt to bring together election officers from across the world facing
similar changes.
 The mandate is to brainstorm on electoral training challenges and explore possibilities for
future collaboration.
The inaugural session of the workshop also saw the official book launch of ‘How the World Votes’–
a compendium of voting processes used by 130 democracies complied by the IIIDEM.
E-Patenting
{Technology/ Govt. Initiatives} GS-3
The Government has launched the system of issuing e-patent certificates after grant of patent, by
issuing a public notice on 3-7-2017
Salient features
i. The patent certificate will be generated through an automated system after the patent is granted by
the Controller and shall be transmitted to the applicant concerned or his authorised patent agent on
record to the email address recorded with the office.
ii. The patent certificate shall also be made available along with status of the application concerned
on the official website (www.ipindia.gov.in), so that the same may be downloaded and printed, as
desired by applicants.
Merits
It eliminates the delays in dispatch of patent certificates to the applicants concerned who can
download and print certificates from the website, thus ushering in greater transparency. It also
enables them to take further action in a timely fashion.

☆ Exhibition “Traditional Head Gear of

India” Begins in National Museum
{Art & Culture} GS-1
Smt. Rashmi Verma, Secretary, Ministry of Culture & Tourism inaugurated an exhibition
entitled “Traditional Head Gear of India” organised by the National Museum in National Museum
Complex, Janpath, New Delhi today.
This small exhibition is arranged to showcase printed turban, embroidered dopalli and Maratha
stitched cap and zardozi cap.
Spreading of Indian Culture
Government of India has taken a number of initiatives to disseminate Indian Culture across the world
which inter alia includes signing of multilateral and bilateral agreements on cultural relations,
promotion of Indian culture through Festival of India in foreign countries, providing assistance to
Indo Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies in foreign countries for cultural activities. Various
activities taken up in the financial year 2016-17 include holding of Festival of India in 18 countries,
sanction of an amount of Rs 11.56 crores to Indo-Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies in foreign
countries, signing of Agreements on bilateral cultural relations with 7 countries etc.
Promotion of Traditional Art and Folk Art
Government of India has set up 7 Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) with headquarters at Patiala,
Nagpur, Udaipur, Allahabad, Kolkata, Dimapur and Thanjavur.
To develop traditional art across the country including the State of Andhra Pradesh, these ZCCs are
implementing a number of schemes viz. Award to Young Talented Artistes, Guru Shishya
Parampara Scheme, Theatre Rejuvenation Scheme, Research & Documentation Scheme,
Shilpgram Scheme, Octave and J&K Festivals and National Cultural Exchange Programme
(NCEP).
About Project Mausam
Project ‘Mausam’ is the initiative of Ministry of Culture to be implemented by the Archaeological

Survey of India (ASI) as the nodal agency with research support of the Indira Gandhi National Centre
for the Arts (IGNCA) and National Museum as associate bodies.
Objective of this project
 To explore the multi-faceted Indian Ocean ‘world’–collating archaeological and historical

research in order to document the diversity of cultural, commercial and religious interactions
in the Indian Ocean.
 To promote research on themes related to the study of Maritime Routes. Main objective of the
project is to inscribe places and sites identified under Project Mausam as trans-national
nomination for inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The project was launched in June, 2014 during 38th session of the World Heritage Committee.
An SFC was approved in April, 2015 for 2 years i.e. 2015-16 and 2016-17.
Some of the major achievements are: -
I. A national conference organized by ASI and Kerala Tourism in November, 2014 at

Kochi, Kerala.
II. II. Exhibition on Unearthing Pattanam; Histories, Cultures and Crossings at National
Museum in November, 2014.
III. Seventeen lectures were held on various themes related to Project Mausam by IGNCA.
IV. An exhibition on ‘Africans in India: A rediscovery’ in IGNCA.
V. Symposium on ‘Maritime culture of India and its potential’ in January, 2017.
☆ Rise in Average Temperatures
{World/ Indian Geography} GS-1
The latest Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report (2014) highlights that mean
surface temperature of the globe has risen by 0.850C + 0.180C. However, all India mean temperature
has risen around 0.640C over the last 110 years.
Following steps have been undertaken in the area of Climate Change:
i) Launched a High-priority Programme to address the Science issues of Global and Regional
Climate Change (GRCC) with a well-equipped state-of-the-art Center for Climate Change
Research (CCCR) at Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune for
interdisciplinary research and training in the area of science of climate change.
ii) The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) released in 2008 by Government of India.
Outlines eight missions in specific areas of Solar Energy, Enhanced Energy Efficiency, Sustainable
Habitat, Water, Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem, Green India, Sustainable Agriculture and
Strategic knowledge for Climate Change.
Rise in Global Sea Levels
According to the Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) of Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC) that global mean sea level had risen by 0.19m over the period 1901-2010 with a rate of global
averaged sea level rise of 1.7mm/year between 1901 and 2010 within which an accelerated rate of
3.2mm/year was noticed between 1993 and 2010.
The possibility of sea level rise in the next ten years is about 3.2 cm in the north Indian Ocean, if the
sea level acceleration remains similar to 3.2 mm per year.
As a part of an Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project, the MoEFCC has been implementing
the four components, namely:
(i) National Coastal Management Programme.

(ii) ICZM-West Bengal.

(iii) ICZM-Orissa.
(iv) ICZM-Gujarat.
Setting UP of a High Altitude Cloud Observatory near Munnar, Kerala
A high altitude cloud physics observatory has been established at Munnar (Kerala), in Western
Ghats, the region which is gateway for the monsoon of India.
Objective
High altitude cloud physics observatory at Munnar is used to observe cloud and rain processes over
that region with state of the art observations.
Such facility will enable understanding of rainfall distribution and will allow better characterization
of rainfall processes in the numerical models used for prediction of monsoon rainfall.
Mobile App for Road Maintenance

“Aarambh launched
The Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Tomar and Ms. Greenfield launched the following publications and
Mobile App for Road Maintenance “Aarambh”
Objectives
This Mobile Phone App aims at use of GIS based mapping for making road inventories, condition
surveys, and producing cost estimates and other relevant data for preparation and monitoring of
annual road maintenance plans.
Its usage would greatly enhance the service delivery of the state level institutions in planning and
implementing performance based rural roads maintenance contracts.
Measures taken to check irregularities in

MGNREGA
On July 24th The Government said that the launching of National Electronic Fund Management
System (NeFMS) in 21 States and one UT for direct transfer of wages into workers account, eFMS,
Direct Benefit Transfer,

Aadhaar based payment System are among the several measures being taken to tackle issues like
misappropriation of funds, corruption and other irregularities under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) from time to time.
Indo-Canadian Science Programme on

clean water technology
{Science & Tech.} GS-3
India and Canada are collaborating with Canada through the India-Canada Centre for Innovation
Multi-disciplinary Partnerships to Accelerate Community Transformation and Sustainability (IC-
IMPACTS), on programme focusing on Clean Water technology.
Projects that are being implemented
i. Bio-sensors for detection of toxins: Impedance-based hand-held bio-sensors for assessment

of the water quality and a nano-particle based water treatment system to eliminate toxins and
microorganisms in water. Toxins which will be detected are cyanotoxin (microcystins, anatoxins) and
micro-organisms (Enterococcus, Salmonella, Staphylococcus).
ii. Heavy metal detection and removal: Plastic cartridges for color based test monitoring kit
for detection of multiplex heavy metal. Developing fixed bed biochar columns to remove heavy
metals from waste water.
iii. Bio-recovery from waste water (waste to wealth): Integrated pilot-scale 915 MHz MW-
AOP for advanced anaerobic digestion system for resource recovery.
iv. Survey to identify and explore alternatives in domestic water management: Technology
and financial appropriateness of water and wastewater infrastructure in selected cities of India.
☆ Steps to enhance the income of Farmers
{Govt. Policies and Schemes} GS-3
(i) Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme by which the farmers can know the major and minor
nutrients available in their soils which will ensure judicious use of fertiliser application and reduce
cost of inputs and improve soil fertility.
(ii) Neem Coated Urea is being promoted to regulate use of urea, enhance its availability to the
crop and reduce cost of fertilizer application. The entire quantity of domestically manufactured and
imported urea is now neem coated.

(iii) Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is being implemented with a view to promote
organic farming in the country. This will improve soil health and organic matter content and increase
net income of the farmer so as to realise premium prices.
(iv) Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) is being implemented to expand
cultivated area with assured irrigation, reduce wastage of water and improve water use efficiency.
(v) National Agriculture Market scheme (e-NAM) was launched on 14.04.2016. The Scheme
envisages initiation of e-marketing platform at national level and will support creation of
infrastructure to enable e-marketing in 585 regulated markets across the country by March
2018.
(vi) Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is being implemented from Kharif 2016
season and is available to the farmers at low rates of premium. This scheme would provide insurance
cover for all stages of the crop cycle including post-harvest risks in specified instances. The
Government provides interest subvention of 3% on short-term crop loans up to Rs.3.00
lakh. Presently, loan is available to farmers at an interest rate of 7% per annum, which gets reduced
to 4% on prompt repayment.
☆ Meet on island development
{Environment & Ecology} GS-3
Island Development Agency (IDA)
The Union Home Minister presented the vision for developing India’s maritime economy while
preserving the natural eco-system and addressing the security concerns. He emphasized upon the
need for sustainable development of Islands with people’s participation. The decision was taken at
the first meeting of the newly- constituted Islands Development Agency (IDA).
 Ten islands Smith, Ross, Aves, Long and Little Andaman in Andaman & Nicobar and Minicoy,
Bangaram, Suheli, Cherium and Tinnakara in Lakshadweep have been identified
for development in the first phase
 The IDA was set up on June 1 this year following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s review
meeting for the development of islands
 The meetings of the agency are chaired by the Union Home Minister.
 Members of the IDA include cabinet secretary, home secretary, secretary (environment, forests
and climate change), secretary (tourism) and secretary (tribal welfare).
The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement

of Maritime Claims) Bill, 2017 Passed
Unanimously by Rajya Sabha
{Polity} GS-2

The Bill seeks to consolidate the laws relating to admiralty jurisdiction, legal proceedings in
connection with vessels, their arrest, detention, sale and other related matters
 Earlier only the High Courts of Bombay, Calcutta and Madras could take up maritime cases
 The Bill extends the power to the High Courts of
Karnataka, Kerala, Hyderabad, Orissa and Gujarat, besides any other High Courts as
notified by the Centre
 As per the new Bill, High Courts of all the coastal states shall exercise admiralty jurisdiction over
maritime claims which include several aspects not limited to goods imported and chattel as
earlier, but also other claims such as payment of wages of seamen, loss of life, salvages,
mortgage, loss or damage, services and repairs, insurance, ownership and lien, threat of
damage to environment etc.
 The Bill accords highest priority to payment of wages of the seafarers.
 The Bill also provides for protection against wrongful and unjustified arrest and has provision for
transfer of cases from one High Court to other High Court.
What is She-Box?
Online complaint management system titled Sexual Harassment electronic–Box (SHe-Box)
About the portal:
 The Minister of Women & Child Development launched an online complaint management
system titled Sexual Harassment electronic–Box (SHe-Box) for registering complaints related to
sexual harassment at workplace in New Delhi. The complaint management system has
been developed to ensure the effective implementation of Sexual Harassment of Women at
Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act (the SH Act), 2013.
 This portal is an initiative to provide a platform to women working or visiting any office of
Central Government (Central Ministries, Departments, Public Sector Undertakings, Autonomous
Bodies and Institutions etc.) to file complaints related to sexual harassment at workplace under
the SH Act. Those who had already filed a written complaint with the concerned Internal
Complaint Committee (ICC) constituted under the SH Act are also eligible to file their
complaint through this portal. The SHe-Box portal can be accessed at the link given below:
http://www.wcd-sh.nic.in/
 It is also an effort to provide speedier remedy to women facing sexual harassment at workplace
as envisaged under the SH Act.
 Once a complaint is submitted to the portal, it will be directly sent to the ICC of the concerned
Ministry/Department/PSU/Autonomous Body etc. having jurisdiction to inquire into the
complaint. Through this portal, WCD as well as complainant can monitor the progress of inquiry
conducted by the ICC.

Home Ministry submits report on proposal

to amend Official Secrets Act
{Internal Security} GS-3
 After a detailed review of the Official Secrets Act 1923, the hone ministry has submitted a
report to the Cabinet secretariat with various suggestions on how to amend the Act
 The exercise was aimed at amending the OSA to make a seamless transition from
the secrecy period of the 20th century to a modern and democratic transparency regime
 The Right to Information Act, which facilitates access to government records, came into
existence in 2005 and the new amended OSA may try to remove thecontradictions between the
two
 Currently, the RTI Act overrides the provisions of the Official Secrets Act and any other law
which has provisions inconsistent with the transparency law
First Two NOPVs Shachi and Shruti Launched

by RDEL at Pipavav, Gujarat
{Science and Tech./ Defence} GS-3
Reliance Defence and Engineering Limited (RDEL) today launched the first two Naval Offshore
Patrol Vessels (NOPVs) at their shipyard in Pipavav, Gujarat. The ships are part of a five ship project
being constructed for the Indian Navy. The two NOPVs, Shachi and Shruti were launched
Role of NOPVs
To undertake surveillance of the country’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) besides operational
tasks such as anti-piracy patrols, fleet support operations, maritime security of offshore assets, coastal
security operations, and protection of shipping lanes. The NOPVs would increase the ocean
surveillance and patrolling capabilities of the Indian Navy.
Jal Manthan-IV to be held on July 28 & 29
The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation will be organising a
two-day national seminar titled “Jal Manthan – IV” on July 28 and 29, 2017 at New Delhi.
The Jal Manthan will focus on consultations and discussions on Pradhan Mantri Krishi
Seenchai Yojana (PMKSY) and its implementation and the Review of progress made by States

under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) and Command Area Development
(CAD) etc.
☆ Cabinet approves revision of guidelines of

Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme
The Union Cabinet has given approval for revision of guidelines of Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB)
Scheme
Two sets of changes have been made in the scheme
I. Specific changes have been made in the attributes of the scheme to make it more attractive,
mobilise finances as per the target and reduce the economic strains caused by imports of gold and
reduce the Current Account Deficit (CAD).
II. Flexibility has been given to Ministry of Finance to design and introduce variants of SGBs with
different interest rates and risk protection / pay-offs that would offer investment alternatives to
different category of investors.
Following specific changes in the scheme have been approved
i. The investment limit per fiscal year has been increased to 4 kg for individuals, 4 Kg for Hindu
Undivided Family (HUF) and 20 Kg for Trusts and similar entities notified by the Government from
time to time.
ii. The ceiling will be counted on Financial year basis and will include the SGBs purchased during
the trading in the secondary market.
iii. The ceiling on investment will not include the holdings as collateral by Banks and Financial
institutions.
iv. SGBs will be available 'on tap’. Based on the consultation with NSE, BSE, Banks and Department
of Post, features of product to emulate 'On Tap' sale would be finalised by Ministry of Finance.
v. To improve liquidity and tradability of SGBs, appropriate market making initiatives will be
devised. Market makers, could be commercial banks or any other public sector entity, such as
MMTC or any other entity as decided by Gol.
vi. The Government may, if so felt necessary, allow higher commission to agents.
Background
Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) Scheme was notified by the Government of India on November 05,
2015 after due approval of the Cabinet.

The main objective of the scheme was to develop a financial asset as an alternative to purchasing
metal gold. The target was to shift part of the estimated 300 tons of physical bars and coins purchased
every year for Investment into 'demat' gold bonds. The target mobilisation under the scheme at Rs.
15,000 crore in 2015-16 and at Rs.10,000 crore in 2016-17. The amount so far credited in
Government account is Rs. 4,769 crore.
In view of less than expected response of the investors to the scheme, and considering its bearing on
CAD and consequently on overall macro-economic health of the country, it was felt necessary to
make changes in this scheme to make it a success.
Achievements in Space Sector
During the last three years (June 2014 to June 2017), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has
successfully accomplished 41 missions, which includes 19 launch vehicle missions, 19 satellite
missions and 3 technology demonstrator missions. Some of the notable achievements include:-
(i) Operationalisation of GSLV-MkII with home-grown Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) with
indigenous capability for launching 2-tonne class satellites.
(ii) Successful launch of first developmental flight of GSLV-MkIII, which validated new version of
Indigenous Cryogenic Engine. With this capability, it will be possible to launch upto 4-tonne class of
communication satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits (GTO).
(iii) Launch of 14 flights of PSLV, which includes launch of 104 Satellites in a single PSLV (PSLV-
C37) mission – Maximum satellites launched in a single launch mission till date. (iv) Realisation of
South Asia Satellite to enable South Asian countries to establish SATCOM based services such as
Television/DTH, VSAT, e-governance, banking, tele-medicine & tele-education etc., with coverage
over South Asia.
(v) Realisation of 7-satellite NavIC (Navigation – Indian Constellation) to provide Position,

Navigation and Timing Services, with five satellites launched during the last three years.
(vi) Augmentation of Satellite Communication capability with 7 more satellites viz. GSAT-6, GSAT-
9, GSAT-15, GSAT-16, GSAT-17, GSAT-18 & GSAT-19.
(vii) Successful Technology Demonstration missions viz. Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry
Experiment (CARE), Re-usable Launch Vehicle (RLV-TD) and Scramjet Air-breathing Engine.
(viii) INSAT-3D & 3DR together are providing meteorological data every 15 minutes for enabling
weather forecasting. Ocean surface wind vector data from SCATSAT-1 are being used operationally
by global user community.
(ix) Augmentation of earth observation capability with 4 satellites viz., 3 High Resolution
Cartographic and 1 Resource monitoring satellites.

(x) Placing a unique multi-wavelength observatory ‘Astrosat’ in orbit, carrying instruments realised
through Indian academic institutes to enhance understanding of universe and astronomical
phenomena.
(xi) Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) completed 1000 days in the orbit. Earlier, Mars Orbiter Spacecraft
was successfully placed in Martian orbit on September 24, 2014 making India the first country to do
so in its first attempt.
(xii) Enabling host of applications using synergy of earth observation, communication and navigation
satellites in governance and development.
Swadhar Greh Scheme
 Targets the women victims of difficult circumstances who are in need of institutional support for
rehabilitation so that they could lead their life with dignity
 The Scheme envisages providing shelter, food, clothing and health as well as economic and
social security for the women victims of difficult circumstances
 The scheme focuses on establishing one Swadhar Greh in each district.
NPCI gets RBI nod to operate Bharat Bill

Payment System
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has received final nod from the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) to function as the Bharat Bill Payment Central Unit (BBPCU) and operate the
Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS).
The final clearance from RBI comes almost a year after NPCI launched the BBPS pilot project to
make payment of utility bills easier. The pilot started in August 2016 with eight BBPS operating
units that had received in-principle approval from RBI. The total number of Bharat Bill Payment
Operating Units certified by NPCI now stands at 24. The certified units include 10 private sector
banks, 3 public sector banks (Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India and Indian Overseas Bank), five
cooperative banks and six non-bank biller aggregators.
Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS)

 BBPS is an integrated bill payment system offering interoperable and accessible bill payment
service to customers through a network of agents, enabling multiple payment modes and
providing instant confirmation of payment.
 The BBPS initiative aims to provide a major push to digital payments as it is a big step forward
in formalizing the bill payment system in the country.
 Under the BBPS framework, a customer will be able to pay several bills such as electricity,
telephone, water, gas, and DTH television at a single location—physical or electronic—and
receive instant confirmation once the payment is made.
 Nearly 45 crore bills are permitted under BBPS. Payments through BBPS can be made using
cash, transfer cheques and electronic modes. Bill aggregators and banks, who will function as
operating units, will carry out these transactions for the customers.
 At present the bulk of transactions on BBPS are of electricity bills. It contributes to about 180
million bills per month out of which only 10% is digital.
Sagar Vani: An Integrated Information

Dissemination System launched
The Union Ministry of Earth Science has launched Sagar Vani, an integrated information
dissemination system on the occasion of its foundation Day. Sagar Vani is an integrated information
dissemination system that will serve the coastal community, especially the fishermen
community with the advisories and alerts towards their livelihood as well as their safety at Sea.
 Sagar Vani has been developed by ESSO-Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services
(INCOIS) through the Industry M/s. Gaian Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
 It is a software platform where various dissemination modes will be integrated on a single central
server.
 It includes Multi Lingual SMS, Voice Call/Audio Advisory, Social Media (Facebook, Twitter,
etc.), Mobile Apps (User/Admin modules), email, Fax, GTS, Digital Display Boards, IVRS,
Radio/Television broadcast units, Cloud Channels, etc.
 The system also has facility to provide access to various stakeholders (State Fishery
Departments, Disaster Management Authorities, NGOs etc.) so that they will be able to further
disseminate these ocean information and alerts to the user community.
 This ‘Sagar Vani’ system compares with the most advanced countries’ services in terms of speed
of delivery, diverseness of services and omni channel capabilities.
 It can disseminate services in local languages using advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and
machine learning capabilities.
Boosting population: Jiyo Parsi phase II

campaign launched

{Indian Heritage & Culture} GS-1
The ‘Jiyo Parsi’ (Live Parsi) campaign was launched three years ago in 2014, to address the issue of
dwindling population of India’s Parsi community
Key facts:
 For the first time in the world, there has been an ad campaign to save a community.
 The first Jiyo Parsi campaign was mildly controversial, but it helped us grab attention and
convinced many.
 To point it out from an individuals perspective rather than a community’s.
 The campaign was a challenge for us as it meant trying to intrude into someone’s private life.
Talking openly about one’s personal choice.
Jiyo Parsi scheme:
 Declining population of parsi community in India is a matter of concern. Therefore, “Jiyo Parsi
Publicity Phase-1” was initiated in 2013 for containing the declining trend of population of the
Parsi community and reverse it to bring their population above the threshold level.
 The main objective of the “Jiyo Parsi” scheme is to reverse the declining trend of Parsi
population by adopting a scientific protocol and structured interventions, stabilize their
population and increase the population of Parsis in India.
 Ministry of Minority Affairs’ scheme has two components: Medical Assistance and
Advocacy/Counselling.

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 Editor-in-Chief Sandeep Sajwan

Executive Editor: Current Affairs Only©

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