Pib PDF

PIB (Summary from July-to-December)
July 1, 2018
GST day
 Government of India has decided to celebrate July 1st as GST day because GST was launched on
the 1stJuly, 2017 in a majestic ceremony held in the Central Hall of Parliament on the midnight
of 30th June, 2017.
 Before implementation of GST, Indian taxation system consisted of central, state and local area
levies.
 In the constitutional scheme, taxation power on goods was with Central Government but it was
limited up to the stage of manufacture and production while States had power to tax sale and
purchase of goods. Centre had the exclusive power to tax services.
 This sort of division of taxing powers created a grey zone which led to legal disputes since
determination of what constitutes a goods or service became increasingly difficult.
 The Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill (GST bill), 2014 was introduced in the Parliament on
19th December, 2014 and has been enacted as Constitution (101st Amendment) Act, 2016 w.e.f.
16th September, 2016.
 GST act consists of four acts namely CGST Act, UTGST Act, IGST Act and GST (Compensation to
States) Act.
 All the other States (except Jammu & Kashmir) and Union territories with legislature have
passed their respective SGST Acts.
 The dual GST model has been adopted by India.
 Under this model, tax is levied concurrently by the Centre as well as the States on a common
base, i.e. supply of goods or services or both.
 GST to be levied by the Centre would be called Central GST (Central tax / CGST) and that to be
levied by the States would be called State GST (State Tax / SGST). State GST (State Tax / SGST)
would be called UTGST (Union territory tax) in Union Territories without legislature.
 Inter-State supply of goods or services shall be subjected to Integrated GST (Integrated tax /
IGST). The IGST model is a unique contribution of India in the field of VAT. The IGST Model
envisages that Centre would levy IGST (Integrated Goods and Service Tax) which would be CGST
plus SGST on all inter-State supply of goods or services or both.
 The introduction of e-way (electronic way) bill is another milestone in the GST.
 It envisages one e-way bill for movement of the goods throughout the country, thereby ensuring
a hassle free movement of goods throughout the country.
 The introduction of GST is truly a game changer for Indian economy as it has replaced multi-
layered, complex indirect tax structure with a simple, transparent and technology–driven tax
regime. It will integrate India into a single, common market by breaking barriers to inter-State
trade and commerce.
 By eliminating cascading of taxes and reducing transaction costs, it will enhance ease of doing
business in the country and provide an impetus to ‘Make in India’ campaign. GST will result in
‘ONE NATION, ONE TAX, ONE MARKET’.
AI task force hands over Final Report

 The Task Force under the Chairmanship of Shri N Chandrasekharan, Chairman, Tata Sons has
submitted its report to Defence Ministry.
 The committee was constituted to study the whole gamut of issues surrounding strategic
implications of Artificial Intelligence in national security perspective, in global context.
 Task Force was represented by members from the Government, Services, Academia, Industry
Professionals and Start-ups was constituted in February 2018
 The Task Force in its report has-
 Studied the level of AI/ML development in India in general and specific in the context of defence
needs.
 Made recommendations of making India a significant power of AI in defence specifically in the
area of aviation, naval, land systems, cyber, nuclear, and biological warfare;
 Made recommendations for policy and institutional interventions that are required to regulate
and encourage a robust AI based technologies for defence sector in the country.
 Considering that most AI work is happening in private sector, made recommendations to work
with start-ups/commercial industry in the field of use of AI for defence purposes.
Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction 2018

 The Indian high level Ministerial delegation headed by Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for
Home Affairs will be participating in the AMCDRR 2018 to be held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
 The AMCDRR 2018 is expected to host over 3,000 delegates and participants from Asian and
Pacific countries, governmental and inter-governmental organisations, United Nations and
international organisations, and stakeholder groups.
 The theme of the AMCDRR 2018: ‘Preventing Disaster Risk: Protecting Sustainable Development’
reflects the essence of the Sendai Framework. Development that does not take risk into account
cannot be sustainable.
 The conference will represent a key milestone for reflection on three years into the
implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
July 2, 2018
ECI to hold a National Consultation on Accessible Elections
 The Election Commission of India (ECI) has organized a two-day “National Consultation on
Accessible Elections,” from the 3rd July, 2018 in New Delhi.
 It will be inaugurated by the Chief Election Commissioner Shri O.P.Rawat, in presence of the
Election Commissioners Shri Sunil Arora and Shri Ashok Lavasa.
 The event is a part of the ECI’s pursuit of its mission ‘leave no voter behind,’ with special focus
on “Persons with Disabilities” (PwD). During the inaugural session, a dedicated portal for the
ECI’s ‘Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation’ (SVEEP) initiative will also be
launched.
 The theme of “Inclusion of PwD’s” has been given a special focus in the ECI’s Strategic Plan
2016-2025. Besides, “Accessible Elections” has been adopted as its central theme for this year’s
National Voters’ Day celebrations.
 The “National Consultation on Accessible Elections,” will be having three technical sessions over
the course of the two days. The best practices on ‘Accessible Elections’ that were practiced in six
states during their last Assembly Elections will be shared in the meeting.
 The national consultation meet is expected to contribute significantly to evolve a policy on
“Accessible Elections,” that will help in making electoral processes more and more accessible in
the ensuing elections.
 The concluding session of the national consultation in the afternoon on 4th July, 2018 will also
be graced by the CEC and the EC’s.
Exchange of Tariff concessions through Fourth Round of Negotiations under Asia Pacific Trade
Agreement
 The results of 4th Round of negotiations under the Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA)
(formerly Bangkok Agreement) among six countries, namely, Bangladesh, China, India, Lao PDR,
Republic of Korea, and Sri Lanka, have been implemented with effect from 1st July, 2018.
 APTA is an initiative under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the
Pacific (UN ESCAP) for trade expansion through exchange of tariff concessions among
developing country members of the Asia Pacific Region, in place since 1975.
 The 4th Round of trade negotiations were formally concluded and signed by the Ministers of the
member countries during the meeting of the APTA Ministerial Council on 13th January, 2017.
The decision of the Ministerial Council has now been implemented by all members with effect
from 1 July 2018.
 India has, on its part, exchanged tariff concessions on 3142 tariff lines with all member countries
and special concessions on 48 tariff lines for LDCs, with Bangladesh and Lao PDR.
 As a founding member of APTA, India is committed to strengthening the APTA process through
these concessions.
Background: APTA is a Preferential Trade Agreement, under which the basket of items as well as
extent of tariff concessions are enlarged during the trade negotiating rounds which are launched
from time to time.
WAPCOS celebrates 50th foundation day

 Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Road
Transport, Highways and Shipping Shri Nitin Gadkari will be the chief guest at the 50th
Foundation Day celebration of Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS), being
organized at Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra, New Delhi tomorrow.
 Union Ministers of State for Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation Shri
Arjun Ram Meghwal and Dr. Satya Pal Singh will also grace the occasion. Dignitaries including
Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Water Resources and Energy Ministers from Burundi,
Congo, Ghana, Liberia, Afghanistan and other countries will also attend the August event.
Background:
 WAPCOS, was incorporated as a Public Sector Enterprise in 1969 by the Government of India. It
is a techno-commercial organization under the aegis of Ministry of Water Resources, River
Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
 WAPCOS has done Survey & Investigation/Pre-Feasibility/DPRs for more than 550 Projects in
Irrigation, Water Resources and Agricultural etc.
 The company has contributed in development of over 15 Million Ha irrigation potential; more
than 200 projects in ports and inland navigation; over 500 projects in water supply and
sanitation, rural and urban development, roads and highway engineering, EIAs for over 250
projects in the fields of irrigation, hydro/thermal power, ports and harbours in India and abroad.
 In the Hydro-Power sector; WAPCOS has completed almost 52 Hydro-Power Projects in 19
countries with an installed capacity of more than 20,500 MW; over 105 Hydro Power Projects in
India with an installed capacity of more than 9,000 MW.
 In Thermal Power; the Company has successfully completed 12 overseas projects with installed
capacity of more than 2,900 MW and 37 projects in India with an installed capacity of more than
12,000 MW.
 In Transmission & Distribution WAPCOS has accomplished more than 14 Projects in India and
Abroad.
03 July 2018: UPSC Exam PIB Summary & Analysis
July 3, 2018
Indian Army Motorcycle Expedition to Commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas
 A motorcycle expedition comprising of ‘SHWET ASHW’ the elite Motorcycle Display Team of the
Corps of Military Police, was flagged off’ on 02 July 2018 to commemorate the victory of Indian
Army in Operation Vijay 1999.
 The expedition will traverse a distance of more than 3250 Kms from Bangalore to Dras, Jammu
and Kashmir over a period of 24 days across eight states of the country, reaching Kargil War
Memorial, Dras on 26 July 2018.
 The expedition will be flagged in on 26 July 2018 at Kargil War Memorial, Dras as a part of the
‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ celebrations.
Aim of Expedition:
 To strengthen the brotherhood, pay homage to the supreme sacrifices made by our martyrs
during the Kargil War and motivate the youth to join Indian Army.
Background:
 The war took place between May and July of 1999 in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kargil district.
The conflict is believed to have been orchestrated by the then Pakistan army chief General
Pervez Musharraf without the knowledge of the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
It began with the infiltration of both Pakistani troops and terrorists into Indian territory.
The infiltrators positioned themselves in key locations that gave them a strategic advantage
during the start of the conflict.
 Based on information from local shepherds, the Indian Army was able to ascertain the points of
incursion and launch “Operation Vijay”.
 Thus, Operation Vijay (1999) was the Indian operation to push back infiltrators in the Kargil War.
National Workshop on Skill Development for Persons with Disabilities
 A “National Workshop on Skill Development for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)” was
organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
 DEPwD implements an umbrella scheme namely Scheme for Implementation of Right of Persons
with Disabilities Act (SIPDA) which has a component for Skill Development of PwDs.
 Under NAP, 75640 PwDs have been trained since 2016-17 and this year the target is to impart
skill training to 90,000 PwDs.
 The Skill Development programme for PwDs is implemented through the training Partners
empanelled with this department and also through its National Institutes, their Composite
Regional Centres and also through National Handicapped Finance & Development Corporation
(NHFDC).
 During the last 4 years about 1.4 lakh PwDs have been imparted skill training under the Skill
Development /Vocation Training program of the Department.
 The Workshop dwelt upon all the issues involved in the skill development for Persons with
disabilities and come out with workable solution in identifying core areas for skill development
in the context of PwDs, mechanism for appropriate mapping of categories of Disabilities viz. a
viz. industrial requirement and also promoting positive attitude in the private sector to consider
PwDs as one of their valuable workforce.
 According to census 2011, there are 26.8 million Persons with Disabilities in India, which
constitutes 2.21% of our population. These include Persons with Hearing Disability, Locomotor
Disability, Visual Disability, Speech Disability, Intellectual Disability, Mental Illness, Multiple
Disabilities and other unspecified categories of Disabilities.
 India is a signatory to the UNCRPD which came into the effect from May 2018. The Government
of India has enacted the RPwD act which came into force from 19.04.2017 and is aligned with
the spirit of the UNCRPD.
Election Commission of India launches Mobile App “cVIGIL”
 The Chief Election Commissioner Shri. O.P. Rawat, along with the Election Commissioners Shri
Sunil Arora and Shri Ashok Lavasa launched a mobile app, called ‘Cvigil,’ for citizens to report
any violation of the model code of conduct during elections.
 “cVIGIL” is a user-friendly and easy to operate Android application. It will be operational only
where elections are announced.
 Upon successful completion of the trial that is underway, the application will be made available
for general use by all, right from the forthcoming Assembly elections in the States of
Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram and Rajasthan.
 The practical use of the app during the four-state Assembly polls will also serve as a pilot
initiative before it is put to extensive use during the next Lok Sabha General Elections.
 “cVIGIL” will allow anyone in the election-bound state to report violations of Model Code of
Conduct (MCC) that comes into effect from the date of announcement of elections and goes on
till a day after the polls.
 By using this app, citizens can immediately report on incidents of misconduct within minutes of
having witnessed them and without having to rush to the office of the returning officer to lodge
a complaint.
 The app has inbuilt features to prevent its misuse. It will receive complaints only about Model
Code of Conduct violations. The user will get 5 minutes to report an incident after having clicked
a picture or a video. To prevent any misuse, the app will not allow uploading of the pre-recorded
or old images and videos.
 The app will not facilitate saving of the photos or videos recorded using the ‘cVIGIL’ app into the
phone gallery either. Further, the application will be active only in States where elections have
been announced. The moment a citizen exits an election-bound State, the app will become
inactive.
July 4, 2018
Cabinet approves accession to WIPO Copyright Treaty, 1996 and WIPO Performance and
Phonograms Treaty, 1996
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal
submitted by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
regarding accession to the WIPO Copyright Treaty and WIPO Performers and Phonograms Treaty
which extends coverage of copyright to the internet and digital environment The approval is a step
towards the objective laid in the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy adopted by the
Government on 12th May 2016 which aims to get value for IPRs through commercialization by
providing guidance and support to EPR owners about commercial opportunities of e-commerce
through Internet and mobile platforms.
Benefits:
 Meeting the demand of the copyright industries, these treaties will help India:
 To enable creative right-holders enjoy the fruit of their labour, through international copyright
system that can be used to secure a return on the investment made in producing and
distributing creative works;
 To facilitate international protection of domestic rights holder by providing them level-playing
field in other countries as India already extends protection to foreign works through the
International Copyright order and these treaties will enable Indian right holders to get reciprocal
protection abroad;
 To instil confidence and distribute creative works in digital environment with return on
investment; and
 To spur business growth and contribute to the development of a vibrant creative economy and
cultural landscape.
Background:
 WIPO Copyright Treaty came in force on March 6, 2002 and has been adopted by 96 contracting
parties till date and is A Special agreement under Berne Convention (for protection of literary
and artistic works). It has provisions to extend the protection of copyrights contained therein to
the digital environment. Further it recognises the rights specific to digital environment, of
making work available, to address “on-demand” and other interactive modes of access,
 WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty came in force on May 20, 2002 and has 96
contracting parties as its members. WPPT deals with rights of two kinds of beneficiaries,
particularly in digital environment – (i) Performers (actors, singers, musicians etc.) (ii) Producers
of Phonograms (Sound recordings). The treaty empowers right owners in the negotiations with
new digital platforms and distributors. It recognizes moral rights of the performers for the first
time & provides exclusive economic rights to them.
 Both the treaties provide framework for creators and right owners to use technical tools to
protect their works and safeguard information about their use i.e. Protection of Technological
Protection Measures (TPMs) and Rights Management Information (RMI).
Cabinet approves DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved The DNA Technology
(Use and Application) Regulation Bill 2018.
Details:
 The primary intended purpose for enactment of “The DNA Technology (Use and Application)
Regulation Bill” is for expanding the application of DNA-based forensic technologies to support
and strengthen the justice delivery system of the country.
 The utility of DNA based technologies for solving crimes, and to identify missing persons, is well
recognized across the world.
 By providing for the mandatory accreditation and regulation of DNA laboratories, the Bill seeks
to ensure that with the proposed expanded use of this technology in the country, there is also
the assurance that the DNA test results are reliable and the data remain protected from misuse
or abuse in terms of the privacy rights of our citizens.
 Speedier justice delivery.
 Increased conviction rate.
 Bill’s provisions will enable the cross-matching between persons who have been reported
missing on the one hand and unidentified dead bodies found in various parts of the country on
the other, and also for establishing the identity of victims in mass disasters.
Background:
 Forensic DNA profiling is of proven value in solving cases involving offences that are categorized
as affecting the human body (such as murder, rape, human trafficking, or grievous hurt), and
those against property (including theft, burglary, and dacoity). The aggregate incidence of such
crimes in the country, as per the statistics of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for
2016, is in excess of 3 lakhs per year. Of these, only a very small proportion is being subjected to
DNA testing at present. It is expected that the expanded use of this technology in these
categories of cases would result not only in speedier justice delivery but also in increased
conviction rates, which at present is only around 30% (NCRB Statistics for 2016).
Cabinet approves Umbrella Schemes for Relief and Rehabilitation of Migrants and Repatriates
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for
continuance of the 8 existing schemes of the Ministry of Home Affairs up to March 2020 for relief
and rehabilitation of migrants and repatriates under the Umbrella scheme “Relief and Rehabilitation
of Migrants and Repatriates”.
Financial Implication:
 The financial implication for this purpose is Rs. 3183 crore for the period 2017-18 to 2019-20.
The year-wise phasing of the scheme will be- Rs. 911 crore in 2017-18, Rs.1372 crore in 2018-19
and Rs. 900 crore in 2019-2020.
Benefits:
 The schemes will provide relief and rehabilitation assistance to the refugees, displaced persons,
civilian victims of terrorist/communal/LWE violence and cross border firing and mine/IED blasts
on Indian Territory and riot victims of various incidents etc.
Details:
 The 8 schemes approved for continuance are already in operation, and the benefits under each
will be extended to intended beneficiaries in accordance with the approved criterion.
The schemes are as under:
 Central Assistance for one-time settlement of displaced families from Pak Occupied Jammu and
Kashmir (PoJK) and Chhamb settled in the State of Jammu & Kashmir.
 Rehabilitation Package and up-gradation of infrastructure of the
 Bangladeshi Enclaves and Cooch Behar District after transfer of enclaves between India and
Bangladesh under Land Boundary Agreement.
 Relief assistance to Sri Lankan refugees staying in camps in Tamil Nadu and Odisha.
 Grant-in-Aid to Central Tibetan Relief Committee (CTRC) for five years for administrative and
social welfare expenses of Tibetan settlements.
 Grant-in-Aid to Government of Tripura for maintenance of Brus lodged in relief camps of
Tripura.
 Rehabilitation of Bru/Reang families from Tripura to Mizoram.
 Grant of enhanced relief of Rs. 5.00 lakh per deceased person, who died during 1984 Anti-Sikh
Riots.
 Central Scheme for Assistance to Civilian Victims/Family of Victims of Terrorist/Communal/LWE
Violence and Cross Border Firing and Mine/IED blasts on Indian Territory’.
Agartala Airport, Tripura renamed as Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore Airport, Agartala
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval to
rename the Agartala Airport in Tripura as ‘Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore Airport, Agartala.
The decision comes in the wake of the long pending demand of people of Tripura as well as the
Tripura Government for paying tribute to Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore.
Background:
 Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore, who ascended the throne of the erstwhile Tripura
Princely State in 1923, was an enlightened and benevolent ruler. Agartala Airport was
constructed in 1942 on the land donated by Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore. As a visionary
ruler, who had travelled extensively across the globe, he took several steps for the all-round
development of Tripura. Due to his initiative, an aerodrome at Agartala was constructed that has
evolved as the second busiest airport in the North East and provides crucial air connectivity to
Tripura. Hence, it is apt to rename the Agartala Airport after his name, which will be a befitting
tribute to Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore.
Shri Piyush Goyal launches the Coal Mine Surveillance & Management System (CMSMS) and ‘Khan
Prahari’ App
Union Minister of Coal, Railways, Finance & Corporate Affairs, Shri Piyush Goyal launched the Coal
Mine Surveillance & Management System (CMSMS) and Mobile Application ‘Khan Prahari’
developed by CMPDI, Ranchi a Subsidiary of CIL and Bhaskarcharya Institute of Space Application
and Geo-informatics (BISAG) at a ceremony at, New Delhi.
Objective:
 Reporting, monitoring and taking suitable action on unauthorised coal mining activities.
 Web based GIS application through which location of sites for unauthorised mining can be
detected. The basic platform used in the system is of Ministry of Electronics & Information
Technology’s (MeiTY) map which provides village level information.
 The leasehold boundary of all the coal mines are displayed on this map. The system will use
satellite data to detect changes by which unauthorised mining activity extending beyond the
allotted lease area can be detected and suitable action can be taken on it.
 The complaint originating from coal mines allotted to Coal India will go to Coal India Offices and
those originating from coal blocks not allotted to Coal India will go straight to the State
Government Officers and for each complaint the alert will also go to the District Magistrate and
SP of the district.
 Khan Prahari is a tool for reporting any activity taking place related to illegal coal mining like rat
hole mining, pilferage etc. One can upload geo-tagged photographs of the incident along with
textual information directly to the system. Hence, both satellite data and human information
will be used to capture information on the unauthorised mining activities.
 Once reported, the information will be automatically directed to the nodal officers to take
suitable action on those activities. The complainant can also track his complaint through the
system. The identity of the complainant shall not be revealed
 The uniqueness of the system is that it uses satellite data as well as public input to capture
information on unauthorised coal mining activities and also take appropriate action on them
with due transparency.
 The CMSMS will also provide other important information like reclamation work being done by
Coal India Limited which is being monitored every year by CMPDI using satellite data. Status of
Environmental Clearances /Forest Clearances etc. are also linked for information in this system.
July 5, 2018
Water storage level of 91 major reservoirs of the country goes up by two percent
 The water storage available in 91 major reservoirs of the country for the week ending on July 05,
2018 was 32.847BCM which is 20% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs.
 This percentage was at 18% for the week ending on June 28, 2018. The level of water storage in
the week ending on July 05, 2018 was 100% of the storage of corresponding period of last year
and 96% of storage of average of last ten years.
 The total storage capacity of these 91 reservoirs is 161.993 BCM which is about 63% of the total
storage capacity of 257.812 BCM which is estimated to have been created in the country.
 37 Reservoirs out of these 91 have hydropower benefit with installed capacity of more than 60
MW.
REGION WISE STORAGE STATUS:-
NORTHERN REGION
 The northern region includes States of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan.
 There are six reservoirs under CWC monitoring having total live storage capacity of 18.01 BCM.
 The total live storage available in these reservoirs is 3.00 BCM which is 17% of total live storage
capacity of these reservoirs.
 The storage during corresponding period of last year was 30% and average storage of last ten
years during corresponding period was 31% of live storage capacity of these reservoirs.
 Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and is also
less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.
EASTERN REGION
 The Eastern region includes States of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Tripura.
 There are 15 reservoirs under CWC monitoring having total live storage capacity of 18.83 BCM.
 Thus, storage during current year is equal to the corresponding period of last year but is less
than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.
WESTERN REGION
 The Western region includes States of Gujarat and Maharashtra.
years during corresponding period was 19%of live storage capacity of these reservoirs.
 Thus, storage during current yearis less than the storage of last year and is also less than the
average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.
CENTRAL REGION
 The Central region includes States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Madhya Pradesh and
Chhattisgarh. There are 12 reservoirs under CWC monitoring having total live storage capacity of
42.30 BCM.
 The total live storage available in these reservoirs is13 BCM which is 22% of total live storage
 Thus, storage during current year is less than the storage of last year but is better than the
average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.
SOUTHERN REGION
 The Southern region includes States of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, AP&TG (Two combined
projects in both states), Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
 Thus, storage during current year is better than the corresponding period of last year and is also
better than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.
Hike in Minimum Support Price for Kharif crops will help in improving the incomes of the farmers
 The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has appreciated the Government’s resolve
to double the farmers’ income and complimented the Government of India for the steep hike in
MSP for Kharif crops.
 The Vice President stressed on the need to streamline the procurement process and the PDS
network so that the farmer derives the maximum benefit apart from providing MSP at 50
percent or more over the cost of production.
 Other income enhancing measures need to be taken to mitigate agrarian distress, especially of
the small and marginal farmers, he added.
 The Vice President asked the scientific community present at the gathering to have regular
interaction with farmers through their scientific teams and Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
 A good synergy between the research institutes, farmers and the local administration is crucial
for development of farm sector, he added.
 Creating greater awareness among farmers on crop diversification, Livestock (dairy and poultry)
and horticulture (Green House cultivation, Hitech horticulture) sectors can be best bets for
enhancing farmers’ income and employment opportunities, he added.
 The Vice President asked farmers and those involved in agriculture to be aware of government
schemes like Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
(PMKSY), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and The electronic National Agriculture
Market (e-NAM).
 The Vice President said that the decreasing man power availability and their increasing costs are
making the farming less profitable and sometimes non-profitable. Secondary agriculture like
processing and value addition of farm produce has immense potential to enhance the farmers’
economy, he said.
Suggestion:
 Creation of farmers groups such as Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Village Producer
Organizations (VPOs) to scale up post-harvest operations and directly link them with markets
would also help farmers to realize higher prices for their produce.
 Generation of considerable off farm /non-farm employment opportunities for the rural youth.
First Cyber Forensic van of Delhi Police launched
 The Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said that Cyber frauds can be
curtailed if the citizens are more aware and responsible while making digital transactions. He
was speaking at “Cyber Safety and Digital awareness programme for senior citizens” organized
by Delhi Police.
 The Ministry has earmarked Rs 25,000 crore for Police modernization and to deal with
increasing rate of cybercrime in the country.
 He also launched the first Cyber Forensic van of Delhi Police for on-the-spot police investigations
at crime scene. The Van has been developed keeping in mind the need for a portable/mobile
system in view of increasing number of digital crimes. It will be available on call in all
districts/units on 24×7 basis.
 Delhi Police Chief, Shri Amulya Patnaik while addressing at programme said that Delhi Police has
established Cyber Cells in 14 districts of Delhi working under the command of a Special Cyber
Unit at Headquarter level. He said that it is our priority area and we have already trained about
800 Police officers specially to deal with cybercrimes.
HEFA will fast track Research and Academic Infrastructure Development in the country
 The Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar has said that the
cabinet decision to approve the proposal for enlarging the scope of Higher Education Financing
Agency (HEFA) by expanding its capital base to Rs. 10,000 Cr and tasking it to mobilise Rs.
1,00,000 crore for revitalizing infrastructure and systems in education (RISE by 2022) is a very
big step to boost the education sector .
 Giving more details, the Minister said that the increase of allocation for education from Rs.
65,867 Crore in 2013-14 to Rs. 1, 10,000 crore in 2018-19 (67% increase) is without any raise in
fee.
 An amount of Rs. 22,000 Cr would be mobilised in the current year by HEFA depending on the
actual requirement.
 State-of-the-art labs and research facilities will help in retaining the brightest young minds in
India, and will attract Overseas Citizens of India back to Indian universities which will
convert brain drainto brain gain.
The objectives of RISE by 2022 are:
1. Qualitatively upgrade the research and academic infrastructure in India to global best standards
by 2022.
2. Make India into an education hub by making available high quality research infrastructure in
Indian higher educational institutions.
3. To allow access of HEFA funding to institutions like Central Universities, AIIMS, IISERs and newly
created Institutes of National Importance, without creating any additional burden to the
students.
4. To bring greater accountability and speed in execution of infrastructure projects and avoid all
cost/time over-runs, moving from the block-grant mode to project-mode for all infrastructure
projects.
5. To cater to the requirements of the Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas, and medical
institutions like AIIMSs in a faster time frame.
HEFA – The journey
 HEFA has been set up on 31st May 2017 by the Central Government as a non-profit, Non
Banking Financing Company (NBFC) for mobilising extra-budgetary resources for building crucial
infrastructure in the higher educational institutions under Central Government.
 So far, funding proposals worth Rs. 2,016 Cr have already been approved by the HEFA.
July 6, 2018
PM addresses International Convention of Saurashtra Patel Cultural Samaj through video
conference
 The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed the 8th International Convention of
Saurashtra Patel Cultural Samaj through video conference. The International Convention of
Saurashtra Patel Cultural Samaj is being held in California, United States of America.
 Applauding the efforts of NRIs, particularly Saurashtra Patel community, Prime Minister said that
NRIs have always made India proud. He added that their efforts have ensured that Indian
Passport is respected everywhere.
 He also appealed to NRI community to motivate at least five foreign families to visit India every
year for Bharat Darshan. This can pave a new way to serve the purpose of Ek Bharat Shresht
Bharat Abhiyan, ultimately providing a great boost to India’s tourism development.
 Prime Minister said that India would celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi,
beginning from 2nd of October.
 In the name of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a mammoth Statue of Unity is
constructed on River Narmada and it will be completed on 31st October 2018. Once completed,
the Statue of Unity will be the highest statue in the world.
 Today India is associated with fast economic growth and honest, transparent governance.
Initiatives like GST and strict action against corruption has helped people doing honest
business.
 These initiatives have resulted in 42-place jump in the Ease of Doing Business rankings in the last
four years, he added.
Digital Aadhaar and Driving Licence from Digital Locker as proof of identity of passengers for
undertaking journey by Train
 The issue regarding accepting Aadhaar and Driving Licence as valid proof of identity when
presented from digital locker account of the passenger has been examined by Ministry of
Railways and it has been decided that while undertaking journey in a train, if a passenger shows
the Aadhaar/Driving Licence from the ‘Issued Documents’ section by logging into his/her
DigiLocker account, the same should be considered as valid proof of identity.
 It is, however, clarified that the documents uploaded by the user himself/herself (i.e. the
documents in ‘Uploaded Documents’ section) will not be considered as a valid proof of identity.
At present, the following proofs of identity are considered as valid for undertaking journey in any
reserved class of Indian Railways:-
1. Voter Photo identity card issued by Election Commission of India
2. Passport
3. PAN Card issued by Income Tax Department
4. Driving Licence issued by RTO
5. Photo identity card having serial number issued by Central/State Government
6. Student Identity Card with photograph issued by recognized School/College for their students
7. Nationalised Bank Passbook with photograph
8. Credit Cards issued by Banks with laminated photograph
9. Unique Identification Card-Aadhaar, m-Aadhaar & e-Aadhaar
10. Photo Identity cards having serial number issued by Public Sector Undertakings of State/Central
Government, District Administrations, Municipal bodies and Panchayat Administrations
11. In case of reserved tickets booked through computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS)
counters, for undertaking journey in Sleeper (SL) & Second Reserved Sitting (2S) classes, attested
photocopy of Ration Card with photographs and Nationalized Bank Passbook with Photograph
are also accepted
Sambalpur Division becomes the first to eliminate all unmanned Level Crossing Gates in Indian
Railways
 With the aim of eliminating all unmanned Level Crossing Gates over Sambalpur Division, East
Coast Railway launches highest ever 6 (six) Limited Height Subways (LHS) in Sambalpur Division
and completed it in a single block of four and half hours on 5thJuly, 2018.
 Launching of 6 Limited Height Subways in Sambalpur Division is a first of its kind not only in East
Coast Railway, but also in the entire Indian Railways.
 In view of the launching of six Limited Height Subways, seven unmanned Level Crossing gates
will be totally closed in Bhawanipatna-Lanjigarh Road Section of Kalahandi area of Odisha.
 While completion of one single LHS in a block of four hours is itself an achievement, completion
of 6 LHSs within the same time frame was unheard of earlier.
 In spite of the tremendous challenges involved in launching six LHSs in one go and despite the
unfavourable monsoon weather conditions, Sambalpur Division has converted the mighty
challenge into a favourable opportunity and completed the onerous task of launching of six LHSs
in one go and thereby has set up a new mile stone in the history of Indian Railways.
July 7, 2018
PM lays foundation stone for urban infrastructure projects
 The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, while addressing a public meeting unveiled a plaque to
mark the laying of foundation stone of 13 Urban Infrastructure projects for the State of
Rajasthan.
 He then witnessed an audio-visual presentation of experience sharing by select beneficiaries of
schemes of the Government of India and Government of Rajasthan.
 The schemes included Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, and
Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana, among many others.
 The Prime Minister spoke at length about how the Union Government is working for the welfare
of the farmers. He talked about the increase in Minimum Support Price for various crops,
announced for the current Kharif season.
 The Prime Minister also mentioned the progress made by various schemes of the Union
Government in the State of Rajasthan, including Swachh Bharat Mission, Jan Dhan Yojana,
Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana, Mudra Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and Saubhagya Yojana.
 Noting that Rajasthan completes 70 years next year, the Prime Minister gave a call to reaffirm
the commitment of creating a developed Rajasthan, which will play a pivotal role in the building
of a New India.
Dr. T.K Chand gets Knowledge Excellence Award
 Tapan Kumar Chand, CMD, NALCO, called upon industry leaders, policy makers and stakeholders
in the Aluminium value chain to scale up production of the ‘wonder metal’ to meet the rising
demand as consumption of Aluminium is poised to reach 10 million tons in the next decade.
 Addressing the 22nd International Conference on Non-Ferrous Minerals and Metals 2018 at
Ranchi, Dr. Tapan Kumar Chand, CMD, NALCO, said, ‘’We need to start thinking ahead and take
steps to protect the interests of the Aluminium sector. The consumption of Aluminium will reach
10 million tons in the next 10 years. The country needs to scale up production of Aluminium to
meet the demand.’’
 Chand received Knowledge Excellence Award from Secretary, Mines, Govt. of India for
Outstanding Contribution in Aluminium Knowledge domain.
 The Conference was inaugurated by Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Shri Anil Gopishankar Mukim
and was attended by an impressive gathering of industry leaders and policy makers, including
from major Non Ferrous producers like NALCO, Aditya Birla, Vedanta and HCL.
 Shri Anil Gopishankar Mukim spoke about the proactive role of Government in making minerals
available to producers & easing auction of mining blocks.
 Chand also cautioned, ‘’Unless we are prepared to scale our production to reach the rising
demand, our country will have to import about 50 % of the requirement, which will drain our
economy through rising import bills.’’
 Chand also focused on the role of non-ferrous metals in economy and briefed the gathering
about the future prospect of Aluminium in India.
 He appealed to the Government to explore more mineable reserves of bauxite as the current
rate is barely 17% of the deposit.
 A special NALCO booklet on Sustainable Mining titled ‘Mine with Mind’ was released at the
International Conference at Ranchi, which was organized by Corporate Monitor.
July 8, 2018
17th World Sanskrit Conference
 Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar will inaugurate 17thWorld Sanskrit Conference.
 The conference is scheduled to be held at Vancouver, Canada from 9thJuly to 13th July, 2018.
 Delegates from over 40 countries will be participating in this conference and exchange their
knowledge.
 There will be a special panel discussion on over a dozen topics like; History & Education of
Women in Vedic Literature; Sanskrit Buddhist Manuscripts; Mimamsa Beyond the Yagasala; The
Yuktidipika Forging a Place for Sankhya; Introducing Bhagavata Purana Commentaries; Research
on the Gargiyajyotisa.
 The purpose of this conference is to promote, preserve and practice the Sanskrit language all
over the world by the people.
 The World Sanskrit Conference is being held in various countries across the globe once in every
three years and so far it has been held thrice in India.
NTA to conduct entrance examinations for higher educational Institutions

 The Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar has said that the National Testing Agency (NTA) has
started its work and will be conducting various entrance examinations for higher educational
Institutions from next academic sessions onwards.
 Addressing a press conference, he said that the NTA will bring qualitative difference in the
examination process by its focus on research and scientific test design.
 The Minister highlighted that for the first timein the history of competitive examinations, the JEE
(Main) and NEET (UG) will be conducted twice before admissions in the next academic session.
 He also informed that the examinations for all candidates will be conducted in computer based
mode
Features of exams to be conducted by NTA:
 This will give more chances to studentsthereby giving adequate opportunity to bring out his/her
best and reducing stress which develops due to single exam conducted on one single day in the
year.
 All the tests (UGC- NET (December), JEE (Main) & NEET (UG)) will be conducted in multiple
sittings and a candidate will have an option of dates to choose from.
 NTA will establish a network of test practice centresfor students of rural areas so that everyone
will have an opportunity to practice before the exam.
About NTA
 NTA was approved by the Union Cabinet in November 2017 as an Autonomous and self-
sustained premier testing organization to conduct entrance examinations for higher educational
Institutions.
 NTA will be given a one-time grant of Rs.25 crore from the Government of India to start its
operation in the first year. Thereafter, it will be financially self-sustainable.
Constitution of NTA
 NTA will be chaired by an eminent educationist appointed by MHRD.
 The CEO will be the Director General to be appointed by the Government.
 There will be a Board of Governors comprising members from user institutions.
 The Director General will be assisted by 9 verticals headed by academicians/ experts.

July 9, 2018
Read the daily PIB update and stay up-to-date on current affairs for the UPSC exam
PM, Korean President, inaugurate mobile manufacturing facility in Noida
 The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, and the President of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Moon
Jae-in, today jointly inaugurated a large mobile manufacturing facility of Samsung India
Electronics Pvt. Ltd, at Noida.
 The Prime Minister said the investment of about Rs. 5000 crore, would not only strengthen
Samsung’s business links with India, but is also significant in the context of the relationship
between India and Korea.
 He spoke of the expansion of smartphones, broadband and data connectivity, which he
described as signs of a digital revolution in India.
 He also spoke of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), growth of digital
transactions, BHIM App, and RuPay cards.
 He said the ‘Make in India’ initiative is not just an economic policy measure, but also a resolve of
better ties with friendly nations such as South Korea.
 He said that there is an open invitation for businesses across the world, who want to take
advantage of the transparent business culture of New India.
 He said India’s growing economy, and rising neo middle class, create immense investment
possibilities.
Impact:
 The Prime Minister noted that India now ranks second, globally, in the manufacture of mobile
phones, with the number of mobile phone manufacturing factories rising from just 2, to 120, in
about four years’ time. He said this has created lakhs of employment opportunities.
CIPET: Centre for Skilling & Technical Support (CSTS)

 Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananthkumar will be
inaugurating the CIPET: Centre for Skilling & Technical Support (CSTS) at ITI Building and laying
the foundation stone of new Central Institute of Plastics Engineering &Technology (CIPET)
Building at Doiwala, Dehradun.
 The CIPET Centre at Doiwala will train and develop around 1000 students in the first yearof its
operation through various skill development training programmes and subsequently Diploma
level programmes..
 The CIPET: CSTS at Dehradun is being established with a total project cost of 51.32 crorehaving
funding support of Government and of India and Government of Uttarakhand on 50:50 basis.
 CIPET, under the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Government of India, offers
Diploma, Post Diploma, Post Graduate Diploma, Undergraduate, Post Graduate & Doctoral
programmes in the entire gamut of plastics engineering and technology.
 CIPET has established two Schools for Advanced Research in Polymers (SARP) – Advanced
Research School for Technology & Product Simulation (ARSTPS) & Laboratory for Advanced
Research in Polymeric Materials (LARPM).
 These SARPs exclusively focus on application oriented sponsored research projects in the niche
area of Polymer Science & Technology.
Contribution of CIPET:
1. Towards ‘Make in India’, wherein plastics industries spread across the country are utilizing the
Technology Support Services provided by CIPET to all key sectors of Indian economy viz.,
Agriculture, Automobiles, Aerospace, Building & Construction, Information Technology,
Electrical & Electronics, Telecommunications, Defence, Medical, FMCG etc.
2. Towards SWACCH BHARAT ABHIYAN-through organizing awareness programmes and seminars
on plastics recycling & waste management, research and developmental activities aimed at cost
effective environmental solutions for managing the plastics waste. As a part of CSR initiative,
CIPET has constructed 25 toilets across the country for the benefit of the girl children.
3. Implementing DIGITAL INDIA initiative through establishment of Video Conferencing Facilities,
Wi-Fi connectivity at CIPET Campus, Digital Library and introduction of e-Learning programs for
the benefit of student fraternity and the plastic industries.
4. Contributing towards yet another initiative of Govt. of India – “Start-up India”. Every year
around 2-3 % of the students take-up entrepreneurship and they in-turn provide employment to
thousands of youth.
Introduction of First Double Stack Dwarf Container Service from Rajkot Division, Western Railway
 Under the guidance of Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Finance, Corporate Affairs, Railways and
Coal, in order to capture the lost traffic through new delivery model for domestic cargo, Indian
Railways has introduced Double Stack Dwarf Container Services.
 This train was booked from the Reliance Rail Siding at Kanalus to Rewari in the state of Haryana;
it was loaded with 82 containers Polypropylene Granules. Due to this Double Stacked Dwarf
Container service, Indian Railways has received increased revenue of Rs. 18.50 lakhs.
 The Double Stacked Container is 6 ft 4 inches in height and can run on electrified tracks. Despite
being smaller in size, the dwarf containers can hold a capacity of 30,500 kgs.
 In comparison with regular containers, these containers are 662 mm short but 162 mm wider.
The dwarf containers can hold a volume of approximately 67% more when compared to
traditional containers.
 Presently, due to its height, the regular double stack ISO containers can run only on few chosen
routes on Indian Railways but these short-heighted Double Containers can run on most tracks
very easily. These containers in double stack formation can run under 25kV overhead lines.
 With the use of these double-stack dwarf containers, the cost of the unit will be significantly
reduced due to the rail transport being cheaper than the road.
 Currently, ‘Low Density Products’, such as plastic granules, PVC polyester fabric, white goods,
FMCG products, polyethylene, auto car, etc. are being transported mostly by road, but due to
the low cost of transportation in dwarf containers, Railways now offers a viable transport.
 At the general freight rate, the double-stack dwarf container trains can generate more than 50%
of the revenue.
July 10, 2018
Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu becomes first Chairman of Rajya Sabha to sign an MOU
 Rajya Sabha has, for the first time in 76 years since it came into being, entered into a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a foreign counterpart for promoting inter-
parliamentary dialogue.
 Shri Venkaiah Naidu, has, in the process, become the first Chairman of Rajya Sabha to sign such
an agreement when he inked an MOU with the visiting President of the Senate of the Republic
of Rwanda, Mr. Bernard Makuza.
 The MOU with 6 articles of cooperation seeks to promote Inter-Parliamentary dialogue, Capacity
building of parliamentary staff, Organisation of conferences, forums, seminars, staff attachment
programmes, workshops and exchanges, Collaboration in mutual interest in regional and
international multilateral parliamentary bodies in furtherance of bilateral relations and
friendship between the two countries.
Republic of Rwanda:
 The Parliament of Rwanda have 60% of women legislatures.
 Rwanda was elected as the Chair of the African Union in January this year and successfully
hosted capital Kigali of the Assembly of the African Union in March that resulted in the signing of
the African Continent Free Trade Agreement.
 The Senate of Rwanda has the special role of in monitoring and punishing those responsible for
the genocide policy in the country that resulted in the killing of about one million people and
also overseeing implementation of the social justice programmes.
The dream of ‘New India’ will be realised with the vision of a ‘New North East’
 The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh has said the road to ‘New India’ will go through a
developed and peaceful ‘New North East’. Addressing the concluding session during the
67th Plenary Session of the NEC in Shillong, he said the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has a
dream of New India by 2022.
 “The North East needs better Road Connectivity and it has recently made some progress in this
area. The economic potential of the region will be realised with better connectivity,” said Shri
Rajnath Singh. “If we can provide quality broadband services in the region the youth of the
North East will find the employment opportunities closer to their home. It would also stop the
migration of local youth to distant areas of the country,” he added.
 The Union Home Minister said the ITIs and Polytechnic Institutes should play a role in Skill
Development. “NEC should also consider setting up the Regional Institute for Skill
Development,” he said.
 “The North-Eastern states need to create a conducive environment for private investments
which should make the investors feel safe and their problems are addressed. It will give a big
boost to investments,” he said.
Action plan for boosting cruise tourism
Government of India has taken several steps to promote Cruise Tourism in the country. These
include
1. Certainty of berth to cruise ships.
2. Ousting charges have been removed – this has reduced overall cost
3. Discount of 42-66 % allowed in Port Charges
4. Simplified SOPs issued for processes to be observed by multiple agencies like port authorities,
Customs, Immigration, Security, State Govt, Ship Agents, Tour Operators etc
5. E-Landing card system is ready for ease of travelling among Indian ports
6. E- visa introduced for online and on arrival visa facilities
7. Cabotage waived for foreign cruise vessels on Indian shores enabling passengers to board the
vessel at Indian Ports for voyage along Indian shores.
8. Cruise terminals upgraded with more passenger amenities
9. New cruise terminals to be constructed
10. Reputed consultant appointed by Shipping Ministry to draw up a road map for Cruise Tourism in
India. They have projected that the number of tourists is likely to go up to 4.5 million by 2042-
43.
India, South Korea Sign Five MoUs in Science & Technology
 India and South Korea signed five MoUs in the field of Science & Technology.
 Union Minister for Science & Technology, Dr Harsh Vardhan and his South Korean counterpart,
Mr. You Young Min signed three MoUs for:
1. Programme of Cooperation 2018-21;
2. Establishment of Future Strategy Group;
3. Cooperation in Biotechnology & Bioeconomy.
 The MoU on Establishment of Future Strategy Group was signed by Indian Science & Technology
and Commerce Ministers, while on the Korean side, it was signed by Science and ICT and Trade
Ministers.
 Two other MoUs were signed to further accelerate future-oriented cooperation in their
respective sectors, between:
 Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), and South Korean National Research Council
for Science & Technology
 IIT Mumbai and Korea Institute of Science &Technology,
 The Ministers also agreed to establish a Future Strategic Group, which will build a collaborative
platform that can utilize the potential of both the countries towards fostering innovation and
create impact which is of social and economic good.
 To begin with, both sides will be co-funding collaborative enterprise-led joint R&D projects
covering (i) Digital Transformation (ii) Future Manufacturing (iii) Future Utilities and (iv) Health
Care.
 It was also agreed to jointly establish two additional India-Korea Joint Network Centres in
areas among ‘Cyber Physical System- Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things focused on
agriculture, energy, water and transportation and ‘Semiconductor Electronics’.
 In the area of biotechnology, New Delhi and Seoul have agreed to extend cooperation in health
and medicine, agro-fishery products developed with the adoption of biotechnology;
environment-related challenges and developing environmental and energy sectors through bio-
technology, big data biotechnology; bio-research resources; synthetic biology, genome editing
and microbiomes, etc.
 Both countries renewed the Programme of Cooperation in the field of Science and Technology
for 2018-21 to augment the cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation.
July 11, 2018
India, UK to take forward the exchange of legal practitioners
 Hon’ble Minister for Law & Justice and Electronics & IT Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad visited United
Kingdom and met Mr. David Gauke, Secretary of State for Justice, UK.
 The two Ministers discussed taking forward the exchange of legal practitioners on the basis of
reciprocity in accordance with the prevailing legal provisions in their respective countries.
 The two Ministers signed an MoUfor enhancing bilateral cooperation in legal
affairs which, inter alia, provides a framework for promoting greater co-operation between the
judicial and legal professionals in both countries through exchange of expertise and training;
exchanging information regarding current issues of international significance.
 The Minister appreciated the tremendous interest shown by UK companies in India’s digital
story and listed out some of the key areas such as skill enhancement, Fintech, emerging
technologies such as AI and Cyber Securityas the possible areas of growth, where UK IT firms
could leverage the growth potential and size of India’s growing digital economy.
Technology Challenge Launched for Promoting Suitable Techniques for Cleaning of Sewers and
Septic Tanks
 The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has launched a technology challenge for promoting
suitable techniques for cleaning of sewers and septic tanks with the objective of eliminating the
human entry into septic tanks/manholes etc.
 This is in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who, in a meeting chaired by him
on May 4, 2018 had desired a technology challenge to promote latest technologies to avoid
human intervention in cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.
 The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which was entrusted with the task, has now launched
the “Technology Challenge: Identifying solutions for cleaning of Sewerage Systems and Septic
Tanks”. The said challenge will be a part of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation
Convention which is to be held on October 2, 2018 and will remain open up to 17:30 Hrs on 14
August, 2018.
Technology Challenge – Details
 Elimination of human entry into sewer drains and cleaning of the septic tank is the ultimate goal
of this Challenge. Proposals have been invited by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
(MoHUA), Govt of India, from interested innovators, individuals, consortium partners,
companies, academic institutions, research and development centers, NGOs, Parastatal and
municipal bodies, to provide innovative technical solutions which eliminate the need for human
entry into septic tanks and sewers.
Objectives
 Identify technological as well as business process innovations.
 Endorse viable business models that are suitable for a different size, geographies, and class of
cities.
 Pilot test and handhold to scale the shortlisted technologies/solutions in select project cities.
 Bridge the gap between innovators/manufacturers and beneficiaries- i.e. ULBs, citizens
Evaluation Process and Criteria
 For evaluation and scrutiny of the technological solutions submitted by the participants, a jury
shall be constituted from among experts from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, faculty
from IITs/IIMs and representatives of leading civil society groups. The jurors for evaluation of
the proposals shall adopt the following broad criteria.
1. The operational effectiveness of the Technology
2. Life of machinery/ Durability
3. Ease of use (automation)
4. Ease of availability/Economies of scale
5. Adaptability/Versatility
6. Made in India
7. Environmentally Sustainable
Categories
The Challenge shall be conducted for two separate categories.
 Category A-Technological solutions for cleaning and maintenance of sewerage systems that
eliminate need for human entry.
 Category B-Technological solutions for cleaning and maintenance of septic tanks that eliminate
need for human entry.
List of MoUs/Documents signed between India and the Republic of Korea during the State Visit of
President of Korea to India
S.
Name of Document Indian Signatory RoK Signatory Objectives
No.
Joint Statement on Early To facilitate ongoing
H.E. Kim Hyun-
Harvest Package of the negotiations on upgrading the
Shri Suresh Prabhu, chong, Minister
Upgraded India-RoK CEPA by identifying
1 Commerce and for Trade,
Comprehensive key areas for trade liberalization
Industry Minister, India Industry &
Economic Partnership (including Shrimp, Molluscs and
Energy, RoK
Agreement (CEPA) Processed Fish).
For cooperation in the area of
trade remedies viz. anti-
dumping, subsidy, countervailing
H.E. Kim Hyun-
and safeguard measures through
Shri Suresh Prabhu chong, Minister
consultations and exchange of
2 MoU on Trade Remedies Commerce & Industry for Trade,
information through
Minister, India Industry &
establishment of a Cooperation
Energy
Committee comprising
government officials and domain
experts.
H.E Kim Hyun- For cooperation in development
chong, Minister of cutting edge technologies for
Shri Suresh Prabhu
for Trade, commercialization to reap
Commerce & Industry
Industry & benefits of the 4th Industrial
MoU on Future Strategy Minister, India and Dr.
3 Energy, RoK revolution. Thrust areas include
Group Harsh Vardhan, Science
and Mr. You Internet of Things (IOT), Artificial
and Technology
Young Min Intelligence (AI), Big Data, Smart
Minister, India
Minister for Factory, 3D Printing, Electric
Science and Vehicle, Advance Materials and
ICT, RoK affordable healthcare for the
elderly and disabled.
To deepen cultural and people-
to-people relations by providing
H.E. Shin Bong for institutionalized cooperation
Cultural Exchange Shri Raghvendra Singh,
Kil, in fields of Music and Dance,
4 Programme for the Secretary, Ministry of
Ambassador, Theatre, Art Exhibitions,
period 2018 – 2022. Culture, India
RoK to India Archives, Anthropology, Mass
Media Programmes and
Museum Exhibits.
For cooperation in scientific &
MoU on cooperation in Dr. Wohn
technological research, including
the field of scientific and Kwang Yun,
in areas of affordable water
technological research Chairman,
purification technologies,
between Council for National
Dr. Girish Sahni, DG, intelligent transport systems,
5 Scientific and Industrial Research
CSIR new/ alternative materials,
Research (CSIR) and Council of
traditional and oriental
National Research Science and
medicines and technology
Council of Science and Technology
packaging and
Technology (NST) (NST)
commercialization.
For cooperation in railway
MoU on cooperation research, exchange of railway
between Research related experience and
Design and Standards Mr. Na Hee- development of railway
Shri M. Hussain, DG
6 Organization (RDSO) and seung, industries. Both sides will
RDSO
Korea Railroad Research President KRRI explore planning and execution
Institute (KRRI) of joint research projects,
including setting-up an advanced
Railways R&D facility in India.
For cooperation in adoption of
biotechnology and Bio Big-Data
Mr. You Young
MoU on cooperation in Dr. Harsh Vardhan, in health, medicine, Agro fishery
Min, Minister
7 the field of biotechnology Minister of Science and products, digital healthcare,
of Science and
and bio-economics. Technology, India precision medicine, brain
ICT, RoK
research, and next generation-
medical equipment.
For cooperation in development,
modernization and expansion of
state-of-the-art
Shri Manoj Sinha, Telecommunication/ICT services
Mr. You Young
MoU on cooperation in Minister of State, and next generation Wireless
Min, Minister
8 the field of ICT and Ministry of Communication Networks such
of Science &
Telecommunications telecommunications, as 5G, Cloud Computing, Big
ICT, RoK
India Data, IOT, AI and their
applications in services, disaster
management, emergency
response, and cyber security.
MoU on cooperation in
For cooperation in the
the field of Micro, Small
development of Micro, Small
and Medium Enterprises Shri Ravindra Nath Mr. Lee sang
and Medium Enterprises in both
between India and RoK Chairman and Jik, President,
countries and in improving their
(Nodal Agencies: NSIC – Managing Director, Small and
9 competitiveness in global
National Small Industries National Small Medium
markets. The two sides will also
Corporation of India) and Industries Corporation Business
explore the possibility of
(SBC – Small and Medium (NSIC) Corporation
establishing an India-RoK
Business Corporation of
technology exchange centre.
RoK)
To enhance industrial and
investment relations between
South Korean companies and
the State of Gujarat through
Mr. Kwon
cooperation in areas of urban
Pyung-oh,
MoU between infrastructure, food processing,
President &
Government of Gujarat Shri M. K. Das, Principal agriculture related industries,
CEO, Korean
10 and Korea Trade Secretary, Industries & startup ecosystem, skill training
Trade-
Promotion Agency Mines, Govt. of Gujarat and development and new &
Investment
(KOTRA) renewable energy. KOTRA shall
Promotion
open an office in Ahmedabad
Agency
and will become one of the
partner organizations for the
Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit
2019.
To facilitate upgradation and
expansion of the existing
monument commemorating
Princess Suriratna (Queen Hur
Hwang-ok), a legendary Princess
Shri Awanish Kumar of Ayodhya, who went to Korea
MoU regarding Queen H.E. Shin Bong
Awasthi, Additional in AD 48 and married King Kim-
11 Suriratna Memorial Kil, Ambassador
Chief Secretary and DG, Suro. A large number of Koreans
Project RoK
Tourism, Govt. of U.P. trace their ancestry to this
legendary princess. The new
monument will be a tribute to
the shared cultural heritage and
long-lasting friendship between
India and RoK.
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Haryana Top Rankers in Ease of Doing Business
 Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry,
released the final rankings of States in Ease of Doing Business in New Delhi. The top rankers are
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Haryana. Jharkhand and Gujarat stood fourth and fifth
respectively.
 DIPP, Ministry of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the World Bank conducted an
annual reform exercise for all States and UTs under the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP).
Aim: To improve delivery of various Central Government regulatory functions and services in an
efficient, effective and transparent manner.
 The current assessment under the BRAP 2017 is based on a combined score consisting
of Reform evidence score that is based on evidences uploaded by the States and UTs
and Feedback score that is based on the feedback garnered from the actual users of the services
provided to the businesses.
 It is for the first time that DIPP has introduced taking feedback to ensure that the reforms have
actually reached ground level.
 The feedback was collected through face-to-face interviews of actual users selected from more
than 50,000 users of the services provided by the State and UT governments. 78 reforms out of
372 were identified for the survey.
 More than 5,000 private sector users in 23 States and UTs, including 4,300 businesses and 800
architects, lawyers and electrical contractors from across the country shared their experience.
 The State reform exercise under Ease of Doing Business in India is creating a lot of interest in
other countries like Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia which proves that such reforms are
imperative for improving the business and regulatory environment.
July 12, 2018
Use of Aadhaar in Ayushman Bharat – Desirable and not “Must”
 Notification of the Ayushman Bharat – National Health Protection Mission being issued by
MoHFW under Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, merely enables the implementation agencies to ask
for the beneficiary Aadhaar Card to authenticate their identity.
 In order to authenticate the identity of beneficiaries accurately, the use of Aadhaar card is
preferable, but it is not a “must”. There shall be no denial of benefit for want of Aadhaar
number.
 The Union Health Minister Shri J P Nadda confirmed that “we will provide services to all eligible
beneficiaries with or without Aadhaar cards.”
 ABNHPM guidelines on beneficiary identification very clearly state that beneficiaries can bring
Aadhar or any other valid government id(s) decided by the State if they do not have an Aadhaar.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan Inaugurates 16th Workshop on Greenhouse Gas Inventories in Asia
 Harsh Vardhan has said that for India, action on climate change is a moral and ethical
responsibility and India is working as per Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)
principles.
 “We have committed to achieve 175 GW of installed capacity of renewable energy generation
by 2022. We are firmly on path to achieve these targets. Other policy initiatives of the
government include increasing penetration of LEDs, 5-10% Ethanol blending in petrol, increasing
efficiency of coal power plants, and more efficient public transport”, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said.
 He also referred to the decision to leapfrog from Bharat Stage IV (Euro IV) to Bharat Stage VI
(Euro VI) standards for vehicular emissions by 2020.
 The Environment Minister outlined Green Good Deeds, Green Good Behaviour, Green Good
Practices and Green Social Responsibility being promoted amongst different stakeholders and
accepted at various international forums, including BRICS Environment Ministers meeting
recently.
 Harsh Vardhan urged the participants to perform one Green Good Deed every day and become
its strong messenger and votary in transforming individual Green Good Deeds into a mass
movement in all the participating countries.
 Charge d’áffaires ad interim, Embassy of Japan in India, Mr. Hideki Asari said that India has
emerged as a leading voice in the field of environment, especially after the announcement to
achieve 175 GW renewable energy capacity by 2022, setting up and coordinating International
Solar Alliance, hosting of World Environment Day 2018 and a number of similar initiatives.
Background:
 WGIA (Workshop on GHG Inventories in Asia) is an initiative of Government of Japan to improve
the quality of Greenhouse Gas Inventories of Asian countries by building capacities through
training and exchange of experience. A reliable and robust inventory is the backbone of climate
action. Such efforts will contribute towards meeting the requirements towards enhanced
reporting and transparency as required under the Convention and its Paris Agreement.
 15 countries including Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Lao
PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam are WGIA
members and around 100 GHG inventory experts from these countries participated along with
representatives from UNFCCC, IPCC, FAO and other specialized agencies. India is hosting WGIA
for the first time.
6th meeting of BRICS Education Ministers at Cape Town

th
 Union Minister of State for HRD, Dr Satya Pal Singh attended the 6 meeting of BRICS Education
Ministers at Cape Town, South Africa.
 In the opening remarks, Dr Satya Pal Singh said that Government of India supports the efforts of
the BRICS nations to further deepen the collaborations in areas of Research, Innovation,
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with special emphasis on promotion of
workplace-based learning for improved student learning outcomes and employability.
 Dr Singh mentioned that the Government of India considers ‘Education’ as a strategic priority,
which relies on – Accessibility, Equity, Quality, Affordability and Accountability. He emphasized
that we should not only focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) but
also Art of life, importance of life and above all happy and satisfied life.
 In this meeting of BRICS, India was allotted the key theme of ‘Digitization in Education’.
 Dr Satya Pal Singh showcased the significant strides which India has made in field of digitization
of education to ensure access of education to anyone, anytime and anywhere.
 He said the ‘Digital India’initiative of the Government of India is at the fulcrum of the
Digitization of Education.
 He apprised to all present about the India’s initiatives like SWAYAM, SWAYAM PRABHA, National
Digital Library, National Academic Depository, E-Yantra, Virtual Labs, Operation Digital Board, E-
Pathshala, Diksha, and Geographic information System (GIS).
Concluding Remarks:
th
 The meeting culminated by signing the Declaration of the 6 meeting of BRICS Ministers of
Education, 2018. In the declaration Member States declared their commitment to the United
Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which aims to “Ensure inclusive and equitable
quality education and promote life-long learning opportunities for all” that was set within the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDG 4 – Education 2030 Framework for
Action.
 Also to support an initiative by India to develop a proposal on digitisation to improve education
and training, as well as policy in this area. This would include a comparative study of digital
learning (e-learning) across schools, colleges and universities in BRICS Member States, with a
view to, inter alia, learning and applying lessons from good practices.
July 13, 2018
Hima Das wins Gold in 400m of World U20 Championships
 The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has congratulated athlete Hima Das on winning Gold in
400m of World U20 Championships.
 “India is delighted and proud of athlete Hima Das, who won a historic Gold in the 400m of World
U20 Championships. Congratulations to her! This accomplishment will certainly inspire young
athletes in the coming years”, the Prime Minister said.
Commerce Minister Meets World Bank Team
 Minister of Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, met with the World Bank
team in New Delhi.
 The team was led by Ms. Caroline Freund, Director of Trade, Regional Integration and
Investment Climate and Junaid Ahmad, Country Director for the World Bank in India.
 Aim: Discussions were held to explore ways to strengthen World Bank support towards India’s
development with collaboration in specific areas of trade, logistics and investment.
 In the meeting it was agreed that a workshop will be conducted with World Bank and concerned
Ministries in order to identify specific interventions required to streamline logistics in the
country with an aim to integrate Indian products into Global value chains.
Century’s Longest Total Lunar Eclipse on July 27-28
 A total lunar eclipse will occur on July 27-28, 2018 with a totality duration of 1 hour 43 minutes.
The duration makes it the longest total lunar eclipse of this century (2001 AD to 2100 AD).
 On July 27, the red planet Mars, will also be at opposition, meaning that the Sun and Mars will
lie opposite to each other, keeping the Earth in the middle. This will result in Mars coming close
to the Earth, causing it to appear brighter than normal and it will be seen from evening to dawn
towards the end of July.
 Such long duration of total lunar eclipses had earlier occurred on July 16, 2000 for totality
duration of 1 hour 46 minutes and another one on June 15, 2011 for totality duration of 1 hour
40 minutes.
 The entire eclipse will also be visible from all parts of India. The eclipse will also be visible in the
region covering Australia, Asia, Russia – except the northern part, Africa, Europe, east of South
America and Antarctica.
182 School Drops out and Madrasa students have successfully completed the Bridge Course
 Ministry of Minority Affairs, in collaboration with Jamia Millia Islamia University, had started
“Bridge Course” to bring Madrasa students and school drop outs into mainstream education
system.
 This year, a total of 260 students had been trained under “Bridge Course” out of which 182
students have successfully completed the course and they will be given their certificates
tomorrow.
 Minority Affairs Ministry, in collaboration with Jamia Millia Islamia University, has been
organising residential training programme for Madrasa teachers. These teachers are providing
mainstream education like- Science, Maths, Computer, Hindi, English etc.
ASI issues order to permit photography within the premises of centrally protected
monuments/sites
 The Archaeological Survey of India, an organisation under the Ministry of Culture, Government
of India decided to allow photography within the premises of all centrally protected
monuments/sites (except 3).
 The 3 monuments/sites in which the photography would not be permitted are Ajanta Caves and
Leh Palace having paintings, and Mausoleum of Taj Mahal, Agra.
 The above comes in the wake of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi observing in his Speech
at the Inaugural Event of ‘Dharohar Bhawan’ in New Delhi that Space Technology in the modern
era has developed to such an extent that one can photograph even minute objects from far off
distances, and in this background, it is indeed ironical to restrict the tourists/visitors from
taking photographs of their experiences at heritage monuments and sites.
Widening of NH-16 between Icchapuram and Anakapalli in Andhra Pradesh
 Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Water Resources, River
Development and Ganga Rejuvenation will lay the foundation stone for, and inaugurate National
Highways and Port Connectivity projects worth Rs 6688 Crores in Andhra Pradesh at an event in
Vishakhapatnam.
 These projects will improve connectivity between Chennai and Kolkata, reduce travel time
between the two cities and also lower traffic congestion in Vishakhapatnam city.
 The Port Connectivity projects for which Shri Gadkari will lay the foundation stone include 12.7
km long 4-lane connectivity from NH-16 to Vishakhapatnam Port under Bharatmala and 0.85 km
Grade Separator from H7 area to port connectivity road bypassing convent junction in Vizag.
July 14, 2018
Champion Services Sectors
 It is proposal of the Department of Commerce to give focused attention to 12 identified
Champion Services Sectors for promoting their development, and realizing their potential.
 It includes include Information Technology & Information Technology enabled Services (IT &
ITeS), Tourism and Hospitality Services, Medical Value Travel, Transport and Logistics Services,
Accounting and Finance Services, Audio Visual Services, Legal Services, Communication Services,
Construction and Related Engineering Services, Environmental Services, Financial Services and
Education Services.
 This initiative is expected to enhance the competitiveness of India’s service sectors thereby
creating more jobs in India, contributing to a higher GDP and export of services to global
markets.
NAMASYA
 NALCO Micro & Small enterprise Yogayog Application
 It is designed by NALCO a Navratna CPSE under Ministry of Mines
 This mobile App is to provide a platform and support to the Micro & Small Scale industries to
carry out their businesses.
 It provides a platform for MSE vendors to understand NALCO’s efforts towards development of
MSE by putting in place MSE related specific programmes and providing special benefits to this
sector. Information like Reserved Items, Annual procurement plan, information on other MSE
vendors etc. are provided on this easy to use App.
PM lays Foundation Stone for Poorvanchal Expressway in Azamgarh
 The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, laid the Foundation Stone of the Poorvanchal
Expressway in Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh.
 The 340 kilometer long Poorvanchal Expressway would transform the towns and cities that it
passes through. It would also provide swifter connectivity between Delhi and Ghazipur.
 He said new industry, and institutions can develop along the Expressway. He said the
Expressway would also boost tourism in the places of historical significance in the region.
 The Prime Minister reiterated his vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and stressed on balanced
development of the region. On digital connectivity, he mentioned that optical fibre connectivity
had been provided for one lakh Panchayats so far, and added that three lakh Common Service
Centres are now making the lives of people simpler.
 The Prime Minister also spoke of other development initiatives such as PM Awas Yojana, PM
Gram Sadak Yojana, and other welfare schemes of the Union Government. He also referred to
the recent increase in MSP of Kharif crops, which will benefit farmers.
 The Prime Minister criticised attempts by certain elements to stall the law which would provide
protection to Muslim women from “triple talaq.” He expressed a firm resolve to attempt to
make this law a reality.
 The Prime Minister said that the Union Government has also taken initiatives for the weavers of
this region. In this context he mentioned modern machines, loans at low interest, and the Trade
Facilitation Centre in Varanasi. He also mentioned initiatives taken by the State Government.
July 15, 2018
Bansagar Canal Project to the Nation
 Shri Narendra Modi dedicated, The Bansagar Canal Project to the Nation in Mirzapur.
 The project will provide a big boost to irrigation in the region, and will be greatly beneficial to
the farmers of Mirzapur and Allahabad districts of Uttar Pradesh.
 He also inaugurated 100 Jan AushadhiKendras in the State also dedicated a bridge over the River
Ganga at Balughat, Chunar, which will facilitate connectivity between Mirzapur and Varanasi.
 The area of Mirzapur holds immense potential around the region
 The project was made a part of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, and all efforts were
made to complete it as early as possible.
 About measures taken for the welfare of farmers by the Union Government, he mentioned the
recent increase in MSP for Kharif crops.
 Also the measures taken to provide affordable healthcare to the poor, including Jan Aushadhi
Kendras.
 The Swachh Bharat Mission is also proving effective in controlling disease and the health
assurance scheme Ayushman Bharat would be rolled out soon.
Asia Pacific Region of World Customs Organisation (WCO)

 India has become the Vice-Chair (Regional Head) of the Asia Pacific Region of World Customs
Organization (WCO) for a period of two years, from July, 2018 to June, 2020.
 The WCO has divided its Membership into six Regions. Each of the six Regions is represented by
a regionally elected Vice-Chairperson to the WCO Council.
 Being the Vice Chair of AP Region of WCO will enable India to take on leadership role. India is a
wealth of experience in promoting security and facilitation of cross border trade.
 To mark the assumption of Vice Chair, an event is being organised on Monday, 16th July, 2018 in
New Delhi by Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in partnership with
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
 The event will be attended by the Customs delegations of 33 countries of the Asia-Pacific
Region, Customs officers from different Ports in India, Partner Government Agencies and
representatives from the trade among others.
 The underlying Theme of the Inaugural Ceremony is “Customs – Fostering Trade Facilitation”
 The Ceremony shall be followed by a Seminar on Cross Border Trade through e-commerce and
the role of Customs administration.
 The Seminar would focus on the framework of standards spearheaded by WCO to cope with the
exponential growth in e-commerce shipments and the tsunami of parcels that cross borders
every day.
 Recognizing that e-commerce has become a Game Changer in the International Trade Arena,
bringing in efficiency of clearance and delivery of low value and high volume shipments has
become a matter of critical interest for every Customs administration.
 WCO represents 182 Customs administrations across the globe that collectively process
approximately 98% of world trade.
 As the global centre of Customs expertise, the WCO is the only international organization with
competence in Customs matters and can rightly call itself the voice of the international Customs
community.
MCA has constituted a 10-Member Committee to review the offences under the Companies Act,
2013
 To review the penal provisions in the Companies Act, 2013 it has been setup to examine ‘de-
criminalisation’ of certain offences.
 The MCA seeks to review offences under the Companies Act, 2013 as some of the offences may
be required to be decriminalised and handled in an in-house mechanism, where a penalty could
be levied in cases of default.
 It can also allow the trial courts to pay more attention on offences of serious nature.
The terms of reference of the Committee are as follows:
 To analyse the nature of all ‘acts’ categorised as compoundable offences viz. offences
punishable with fine only or punishable with fine or imprisonment or both under the CA-13 and
recommend if any of such ‘acts’ may be re-categorised as ‘acts’ which attract civil liabilities
wherein the company and its ‘officers in default’ are liable for penalty;
 To review the provisions ally to non-compoundable offences and recommend whether any such
provisions need to be re-categorised as compoundable offence.
 To investigate the existing mechanism of levy of penalty under the CA-13 and suggest any
improvements thereon;
 To lay down the broad contours of an in-house adjudicatory mechanism where penalty may be
levied in a MCA21 system driven manner so that discretion is minimised.
 To take required steps in formulation of draft changes in the law and other matter which may be
relevant.

July 16, 2018
CIC bilingual Mobile app launched
 The Central Information Commission (CIC) has launched a newly updated version of mobile app
in Hindi also, – “CIC App”, which is available in Google Play Store and Apple store with the
following features:
1. Applicant can submit his/her 2nd Appeal(s)/ Complaint(s) / link paper(s) in both the languages
i.e. in Hindi and English
2. The appellant can search and trace dak, 2nd Appeal/Complaint in both the languages.
3. Real time status is available in both the languages (Hindi & English)
4. Appellant can download copy of Hearing notice, Facilitation memo & decision.
Inauguration of the MAHAGENCO Pipe Conveyor System -An Initiative by WCL & MAHAGENCO
 The Union Minister of Railways, Finance, Corporate Affairs and Coal, Shri Piyush Goyal
inaugurated the MAHAGENCO Pipe Conveyor System for coal transportation from cluster of
mines of Western Coalfields Limited (WCL).
 The first Pipe Conveyor project of 6.3 Km length is a dedicated system for Chandrapur Super
Thermal Power Station of MAHAGENCO by taking coal from Bhatadi OC mine, Chandrapur Area
and feeding to MGR at Padmapur.
 The second project of approx. 20 Km length will have five feeding Open Cast Mines of Nagpur
Area of WCL, namely Gondegaon, Kamptee, Inder, Bhanegaon and Singhori dedicated to
Khaparkheda and Koradi Power Plants of Maharashtra State Power Generation Co. Ltd.
(MSPGCL).
 This project is being carried out in two phases. On completion of this project, road
transportation of coal will be stopped and 100 per cent coal production from these mines of
WCL will be transported through Koradi & Khaperkheda Coal pipe conveyor.
Effects:
 The pipe conveyor system is a step in the direction of developing a modern, efficient and eco-
friendly mode of coal transportation from mines of WCL to the Pit head Power stations of
MAHAGENCO, Maharashtra State Power Generation Co. Ltd. (MSPGCL) has taken up the
installation of Pipe Conveyor System through WCL acquired land.
 This dedicated coal transportation system will be first of its kind in Coal India Limited (CIL).
 It will go a long way in mitigating environmental impact of Road Transport by eliminating
dispersed coal dust & vehicular emissions.
 It will also help in avoiding coal pilferage and facilitate assured quality & quantity of supply of
coal to power plants at lower transport costs.
Successful Test Firing of Brahmos to Validate Service Life Extension
 BrahMos, the supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired at 1017 hrs today, from the
Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Balasore, Odisha.
 The test-firing conducted from a Mobile Autonomous Launcher was part of service life extension
programme for Indian Army under extreme weather condition.
 The precision strike missile followed the designated trajectory and the key components
functioned perfectly.
 BrahMos has proved again all-weather capability flying in sea-state 7 with waves as high as 9
meters. BrahMos is a joint venture between DRDO of India and NPOM of Russia.
 BrahMos missile has established itself as a major force multiplier in modern-day complex
battlefields with its impeccable land-attack, anti-ship capabilities with multi-role and multi-
platform abilities.
Sagarmala Initiative
 The Centre of Excellence in Maritime & Shipbuilding (CEMS), a well-funded startup in skill
development for maritime and shipbuilding sector has announced that its hi-tech labs at
Visakhapatnam are ready for starting orientation programmes for trainees.
 It will provide industry-relevant employable skills to students in the port and maritime sector.
This initiative will further boost Make in India and Skill India efforts in the maritime sector.
Registration of all child care institutions and linking to CARA within the next one month.
 The Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi has directed state
governments to ensure that all the child care institutions should be registered and linked to
CARA within the next one month.
 Taking cognizance of the recent cases of illegal adoptions carried out by Missionaries of Charity
in Jharkhand, Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi has instructed the states to get child care homes run
by Missionaries of Charity all over the country inspected immediately.
 The mandatory registration of CCIs and linking to Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)
has been provided in Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 which came
into force more than two years ago but some orphanages had challenged the validity of this
clause.
 Since then, approximately 2300 child care institutions have been linked to CARA and about 4000
are still pending for linkage.
 Minister has also expressed displeasure that even the 2300 institutions that have been linked to
CARA, the children available in these institutions have still not been brought into on the
adoption system.
July 17, 2018
Amendments Proposed to Central Motor Vehicles Rules
 Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified draft amendments to the Central Motor
Vehicles Rules.
Amendments proposed are as such:
1. Making FASTags and Vehicle Tracking System device mandatory for all commercial vehicles
obtaining national permit.
2. The front wind screen of the vehicle will have to be affixed with a sticker confirming fitting of
the Fastag.
3. The draft amendments also stipulate other additional conditions for obtaining national permit
that include display of the words “National Permit or N/P” in the front and rear of the vehicles in
bold letters.
4. In case of trailers, the words “N/P” will have to be inscribed on the rear and left side of the
vehicle. The body of a tanker carrying dangerous or hazardous goods has to be painted in white
colour and display the prescribed class label on both the sides and rear of the tanker. The
vehicle will be affixed with reflective tapes at front and rear.
5. No fitness certification shall be required at the time of registration for new transport vehicles
sold as fully built vehicles. Such vehicles will be deemed to be having certificate of fitness for a
period of two years from the date of registration.
6. Fitness certificate of transport vehicles will be renewed for a period of two years for vehicles up
to eight years old and for one year for vehicles older than eight years.
7. Driving License and Pollution under Control certificates can be carried in physical or digital form.
8. All goods carriage vehicles will be required to carry goods in a closed body of the vehicle or
container. If it is necessary to carry goods in open bodies, goods will be covered by using
appropriate cover like tarpaulin or any other suitable material.
9. Goods of indivisible nature, not capable of being carried in a closed body or being covered, may
be carried without cover.
Steel CPSE Employees Pension Scheme Announced

 Ministry of Steel has agreed to the proposal received from various CPSEs under its control to
introduce the pension scheme with effect from 1stJanuary 2007 in case of executives and
1stJanuary 2012 in case of non-executives or from a subsequent date as decided by the
company.
 The agreement was reached after detailed consultation with representatives of employees
unions and officers associations belonging to SAIL, RINL, MSTC, FSNL, MECON and KIOCL.
Committee set up to synergise NCC and NSS

 Government has decided to set up a committee under the Chairmanship of Shri Anil Swarup,
former Secretary, School Education, with suitable representations from NCC, M/o Youth Affairs
and Ministry of HRD to suggest measures to strengthen National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National
Service Scheme (NSS).
 NSS has been playing a very active role in the service of the nation, particularly in the
Government’s Programme such as Swachh Bharat Mission.
Issues to be dealt with:
 Expansion
 Strengthening training infrastructure,
 Rationalizing resources,
 Reducing manpower deficiency affecting NCC and NSS
 Building synergies between these two institutions viz. NCC and NSS
MoU signed between AIIA and IIT Delhi AYUSH Ministry

 The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik inaugurated
Raising towards Excellence – A two day Conference of Heads of AYUSH National Institutes
organized by All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) at New Delhi.
Vision:
1. To develop National AYUSH institutes as light house institutions, streamlining quality in
research, hospital care facilities, education, harmonization and rationalization of infrastructure
and activities, and forming uniform service guidelines.
2. The purpose of this conference is to upgrade the status of AYUSH institutes at par with IITs and
IIMs.
3. There is a need for comprehensive review of traditional systems of medicine in terms of policy,
legislation, regulation, research, development, financing, training and professional development,
quality control and safety regulations of these systems of medicine.
 The AYUSH Minister said that the Ayurveda is more oriented towards the management of
lifestyle disorders, which are in prominence due to stress-related phenomena and some other
reasons among certain age groups in the society.
July 17, 2018
Amendments Proposed to Central Motor Vehicles Rules
 Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified draft amendments to the Central Motor
Vehicles Rules.
Amendments proposed are as such:
1. Making FASTags and Vehicle Tracking System device mandatory for all commercial vehicles
obtaining national permit.
2. The front wind screen of the vehicle will have to be affixed with a sticker confirming fitting of
the Fastag.
3. The draft amendments also stipulate other additional conditions for obtaining national permit
that include display of the words “National Permit or N/P” in the front and rear of the vehicles in
bold letters.
4. In case of trailers, the words “N/P” will have to be inscribed on the rear and left side of the
vehicle. The body of a tanker carrying dangerous or hazardous goods has to be painted in white
colour and display the prescribed class label on both the sides and rear of the tanker. The
vehicle will be affixed with reflective tapes at front and rear.
5. No fitness certification shall be required at the time of registration for new transport vehicles
sold as fully built vehicles. Such vehicles will be deemed to be having certificate of fitness for a
period of two years from the date of registration.
6. Fitness certificate of transport vehicles will be renewed for a period of two years for vehicles up
to eight years old and for one year for vehicles older than eight years.
7. Driving License and Pollution under Control certificates can be carried in physical or digital form.
8. All goods carriage vehicles will be required to carry goods in a closed body of the vehicle or
container. If it is necessary to carry goods in open bodies, goods will be covered by using
appropriate cover like tarpaulin or any other suitable material.
9. Goods of indivisible nature, not capable of being carried in a closed body or being covered, may
be carried without cover.
Steel CPSE Employees Pension Scheme Announced

 Ministry of Steel has agreed to the proposal received from various CPSEs under its control to
introduce the pension scheme with effect from 1stJanuary 2007 in case of executives and
1stJanuary 2012 in case of non-executives or from a subsequent date as decided by the
company.
 The agreement was reached after detailed consultation with representatives of employees
unions and officers associations belonging to SAIL, RINL, MSTC, FSNL, MECON and KIOCL.
Committee set up to synergise NCC and NSS

 Government has decided to set up a committee under the Chairmanship of Shri Anil Swarup,
former Secretary, School Education, with suitable representations from NCC, M/o Youth Affairs
and Ministry of HRD to suggest measures to strengthen National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National
Service Scheme (NSS).
 NSS has been playing a very active role in the service of the nation, particularly in the
Government’s Programme such as Swachh Bharat Mission.
Issues to be dealt with:
 Expansion
 Strengthening training infrastructure,
 Rationalizing resources,
 Reducing manpower deficiency affecting NCC and NSS
 Building synergies between these two institutions viz. NCC and NSS
MoU signed between AIIA and IIT Delhi AYUSH Ministry
 The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik inaugurated
Raising towards Excellence – A two day Conference of Heads of AYUSH National Institutes
organized by All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) at New Delhi.
Vision:
1. To develop National AYUSH institutes as light house institutions, streamlining quality in
research, hospital care facilities, education, harmonization and rationalization of infrastructure
and activities, and forming uniform service guidelines.
2. The purpose of this conference is to upgrade the status of AYUSH institutes at par with IITs and
IIMs.
3. There is a need for comprehensive review of traditional systems of medicine in terms of policy,
legislation, regulation, research, development, financing, training and professional development,
quality control and safety regulations of these systems of medicine.
 The AYUSH Minister said that the Ayurveda is more oriented towards the management of
lifestyle disorders, which are in prominence due to stress-related phenomena and some other
reasons among certain age groups in the society.
July 19, 2018
Ganga Vriksharopan Abhiyan
 National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is organising “Ganga Vriksharopan Abhiyan” with 9th
July to 15th July 2018 being observed as ‘Shubharambh Saptah’ in five main stem Ganga basin
states – Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Aim of the campaign:
 To bring greater awareness among people and other stakeholders regarding the importance of
afforestation for the task of Ganga Rejuvenation.
 A number of schools, colleges and departments have been requested to “Adopt a Plant” for
turning this campaign into a people’s movement.
 Plantation activities are being carried out with great enthusiasm all along the banks of the River
Ganga with participation of local people.
Getting Forest Research Institute (FRI) on board
 In order to implement the afforestation project in a scientific manner, Forest Research Institute
(FRI), Dehradun was assigned the project to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) on the basis
of which the State Forest Departments would carry out their plantation activities.
 The FRI report provides a multi-disciplinary approach with potential plantation and treatment
models. Considering the type of natural ecosystem, identification of native vegetation, soil
conditions and agro-climatic zones, potential models of various types have been developed.
 The implementation plan aims to contribute towards the Clean Ganga Mission, particularly
Aviral Dhara and Nirmal Dhara besides maintenance of the ecological and geological integrities,
by improving the base flow and filtration of the ground water pollution.
Why is Afforestation in Ganga Basin important?
 Forests cause higher rainfall and raise water level in the rivers.
 Through their foliage, craggy bark and abundant leaf litter, trees and forests decrease the speed
of water dispersion and favour slow but greater infiltration of rainwater to ensure smooth
functioning of the hydrological cycle.
 Presence of healthy forest cover along the river provides self-cleaning ability to the river.
 Thus, afforestation and augmentation of existing forest along the Ganga holds the promise to
strengthen the riparian ecosystem thereby contributing to the overarching cause of Ganga
Rejuvenation.
Joint Military Exercises

 The details of joint military exercises conducted with foreign countries during the last three
years and the current year are as under:
Joint Exercises conducted by Army:
S. No. Country Exercise Year
1. Australia Ex AUSTRA HIND 2016-17, 2017-18
2. Bangladesh Ex SAMPRITI 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18
3. China Ex HAND IN HAND 2015-16, 2016-17
4. France Ex SHAKTI 2015-16, , 2017-18
5. Indonesia Ex GARUDA SHAKTI 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18
6. Kazakhstan Ex PRABAL DOSTYK 2016-17, 2017-18
7. Kyrgyzstan Ex KHANJAR 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18
8. Maldives Ex EKUVERIN 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18
9. Mongolia Ex NOMADIC ELEPHANT 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18
10. Myanmar IMBEX 2017-18
11. Nepal Ex SURYA KIRAN 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18
12. Oman AL NAGAH 2016-17
13. Russia Ex INDRA 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18
14. Seychelles Ex LAMITIYE 2015-16, 2017-18
15. Sri Lanka Ex MITRA SHAKTI 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18
16. Thailand Ex MAITREE 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18
17. UK Ex AJEYA WARRIOR 2015-16, 2017-18
Ex YUDHABHAYAS 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18
18. USA
Ex VAJRA PRAHAR 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18
19. Vietnam VINBAX 2017-18
20. Multinational (ADMM Plus) Ex FORCE 18 2015-16
Joint Exercises conducted by Navy:

1. Australia AUSINDEX 2017
2. Bangladesh IN-BN CORPAT 2018
3. Brazil & South Africa IBSAMAR 2016
4. France VARUNA 2016, 2017, 2018
IND-INDO CORPAT 2016, 2017, 2018
5. Indonesia
IND-INDO BILAT 2016, 2017
6. Malaysia IN-MN Table Top Ex 2016, 2017
IMCOR 2016, 2017, 2018
7. Myanmar
IN-MN BILAT 2018
8. Oman Naseem-al-Bahr 2017
9. Russia INDRA NAVY 2016, 2017
10. Sri Lanka SLINEX 2017
11 Singapore SIMBEX 2016, 2017
12. Thailand INDO-THAI CORPAT 2016, 2017, 2018
13 UAE In-UAE BILAT 2018
14 UK KONKAN 2016, 2017
MALABAR 2016, 2017, 2018
15. USA
RIMPAC (Multilateral) 2016, 2018
16 Multilateral Exercise by Brunei ADMM+ Exercise 2016
17 Multilateral Exercise by Indonesia Ex KOMODO 2016
18 Multilateral Exercise by India MILAN 2018
Joint Exercises conducted by Air Force:

1. Bangladesh Table Top Ex 2017
2. Israel Ex Blue Flag-17 2017
3. Oman Ex EASTERN BRIDGE-IV 2017
4. Russia Ex INDRA-17 2017
5. Singapore JOINT MILITARY TRAINING 2015, 2016, 2017
6. Thailand Ex SIAM BHARAT 2016, 2017
7. UAE DESERT EAGLE-II 2016
8. UK INDRADHANUSH-IV 2015
9. USA RED FLAG 16-1 2016
10. Multinational Air Exercise Ex Samvedna with Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, UAE 2018
 This is a continuous process, however, relevant steps are taken from time to time to engage
friendly countries and to enhance the scope of exercises based on the principle of mutual
benefit and our own strategic requirements.
Child Labour – Eradication

 Child Labour is an outcome of various socio-economic problems such as poverty, economic
backwardness, illiteracy etc.
 As per 2011 Census, the number of main workers in the age group of 5-14 years in the country is
43.53 lakh which shows a decline from 57.79 lakh as per 2001 Census.
 To ensure effective enforcement of the provisions of the Child Labour Act and smooth
implementation of the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme a separate online portal
PENCIL (Platform for Effective Enforcement for No Child Labour) has been developed.
 The Portal connects Central Government to State Government(s), District(s) and all District
Project Societies. Further the Ministry has instructed all the concerned States where NCLP
Scheme is sanctioned, to form State Resource Centre (SRC) under the chairmanship of State
Labour Secretary, which would monitor the enforcement of Child Labour Act, coordinate for the
rescue of children and adolescents, child tracking system and supervise all the functions through
PENCIL portal.
 SRC would also prepare and implement awareness generation plan to curb the menace of child
labour in the State.
Background:
 Government has enacted the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Act,
2016 which came into force w.e.f 01.09.2016. The Amendment Act, inter alia, provides
for complete prohibition on employment or work of children below 14 years and also prohibits
employment of adolescents (14-18 years) in hazardous occupations and processes.
 After strengthening the legislative framework through amendment in Child Labour Act,
Government has framed the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Rules,
2017 which inter alia specifies the duties and responsibilities of State Governments and District
Authorities to ensure effective enforcement of the provisions of the Act.
Shram Suvidha Portal

 Shram Suvidha Portal, launched by the Government on 16.10.2014, caters to four major
Organisations under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, namely Office of Chief Labour
Commissioner (Central), Directorate General of Mines Safety, Employees’ Provident Fund
Organization and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation. The main features of the Portal are as
follow:-
1. Allotment of Unique Identity i.e. Labour Identification Number (LIN) for effective, efficient and
real-time governance in Labour Administration
2. To bring transparency and accountability in the enforcement of labour laws through Online
Inspection System and Filing of Online Inspection Report
3. Common Online Registration and Filing of Self-Certified and Simplified Single Online Annual
Return for multiple labour laws to ease the complexity of compliance
4. Unified ECR under EPFO/ESIC to encourage compliance by reducing transaction costs and
promoting ease of business.
 With these initiatives, the procedures have been simplified; returns and registration forms have
been unified to provide an ease of doing business environment through Shram Suvidha Portal.
July 20, 2018
Security measures for women in Railways
 On trial basis, Emergency Talk Back System has been provided in 06 ladies coaches of two
Electrical Multiple Unit (EMU) rakes (03 coaches each) in Mumbai Suburban.
 One air conditioned EMU rake running in Mumbai Suburban has also been fitted with this
system.
 Provision of Emergency Talk Back System is also being envisaged in all newly manufactured EMU
rakes under Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) Mumbai Urban Transport Project
(MUTP)-III project.
Tool for prediction of confirmation probability of waitlisted tickets in Railways
 A tool has been developed to predict the probability of waitlisted ticket getting confirmed at the
time of booking as well as during Passenger Name Record (PNR) enquiry of waitlisted ticket.
 The tool has been developed using the algorithm of Machine learning. The machine learning
model has been developed using the waitlisted PNR data of past 2 years.
 This model creates the pattern for the various waitlist scenarios and predicts the probability for
the future date journey.
 The salient features of the scheme are as under:-
1. It predicts the probability of waitlist status for General Quota.
2. The tool considers the high waitlist scenario of Holiday rush.
3. It displays the trend of last waitlist ticket got confirmed for the same journey during previous
year.
4. Prediction of dynamic probability is based on current status.
 Currently this feature is integrated with Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)
website only.
1. When the user is doing the booking transaction, and if the status of accommodation availability
of the inputted journey is waitlisted, then the user can check the probability of confirmation.
2. At the time of PNR enquiry of waitlisted ticket, the user can check the probability of
confirmation.
Samagra Shiksha Scheme

Aim: To ensure inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels of school education
 The Department of School Education and Literacy has formulated the Samagra Shiksha – an
Integrated Scheme for School Education as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
 This programme subsumes the three erstwhile Centrally Sponsored Schemes of Sarva Shiksha
Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) and Teacher Education (TE). It is
an overarching programme for the school education sector extending from pre-school to class
XII.
 The major interventions, across all levels of school education, under the scheme are:
 Universal Access including Infrastructure Development and Retention;
 Gender and Equity;
 Inclusive Education;
 Quality;
 Financial support for Teacher Salary;
 Digital initiatives;
 Entitlements under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009
including uniforms, textbooks etc.;
 Pre-school Education;
 Vocational Education;
 Sports and Physical Education;
 Strengthening of Teacher Education and Training;
 Monitoring and
 Programme Management.
July 21, 2018
Student Police Cadet (SPC)
 The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh launched the Student Police Cadet (SPC)
programme for nationwide implementation at a ceremony in Gurugram, Haryana.
 The Home Minister said the SPC programme will provide a healthy interface between schools
and police peace and inculcate in the students aspects of public safety, discipline, patience,
tolerance, empathy, respect of senior citizens, social harmony, traffic sense and a corruption-
free environment. The youth of tomorrow who emerge out of such programme would bear
ethical values of social commitment and be aware of social evils such as drugs, alcohol abuse,
intolerance and vandalism.
 He expressed confidence that this programme would result in overall development of a
student’s personality and bring big change in society.
 SPC initially will be launched as pilot programme in all States and Union Territories.
 The SPC programme focuses on students of Classes 8 & 9 and special care has been taken to
ensure that it does not lead to increase in the workload of the students.
 The programme does not have any prescribed textbook nor is any exam envisaged. Only one
class in a month is proposed.
 The programme seeks to cover broadly two kinds of topics, – crime prevention and control; and
values and ethics.
Development of agriculture sector

Aim: To reorient the agriculture sector by focusing on an income-centeredness in addition to pure
production centeredness approach.
 The Department has, therefore, been implementing various schemes to meet this objective viz.
Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme, Neem Coated Urea, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY),
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), National Agriculture Market Scheme (e-NAM),
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Interest Subvention Scheme etc.
 The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) has recommended MSPs for all kharif
crops broadly in line with the announced principle.
 Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme is
implemented to holistic growth of the horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables, root and
tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew and cocoa.
 Mission subsumes National Horticulture Mission (NHM), Horticulture Mission for North East &
Himalayan States (HMNEH), National Horticulture Board (NHB), Coconut Development Board
(CDB) and Central Institute for Horticulture (CIH), Nagaland. All States/UTs are covered under
MIDH.
 Various interventions being taken under MIDH for the development of horticulture sector and to
increase their income are given below:
1. Increasing productivity through introduction of improved varieties, quality seeds and planting
materials, protected cultivation, high density plantation, rejuvenation, precision farming and
horticultural mechanization.
2. Diversification to High Value Horticulture for orchards and Plantation crops, Vineyards,
vegetable & flower gardens, Bee keeping, Mushroom cultivation, off season vegetables.
3. Promoting Post Harvest Management through Cold Storage (CS), cold chain supply including
pack houses, ripening chamber, reefer vehicle, etc.
4. Promoting Primary and minimal processing.
5. Market Linkages: Market infrastructure such as mobile vending cart, retail outlet, primary and
wholesale markets. Creating direct market/farmers market.
6. Aggregating farmers into Farmer Producers Organisation (FPO)/Farmer Interest Group (FIG) and
promoting their tie up with Market Aggregators (MAs) and Financial Institutions (FIs).
7. Skill Development: Human Resources Development such as awareness programme, farmers
training, exposure visit, etc. Providing training on latest technologies on production and post-
harvest management to women and youth. Converting Human Resource Development (HRD)
interventions to Skill Development in Horticulture as per Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI)
curriculum.
8. Food & Nutritional Security: Increasing Area and Production of horticulture crops with high
nutritional value.
9. Promotion of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM)/Integrated Pest Management (IPM),
organic farming, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
Reconstitution of National Bamboo Mission

 The restructured National Bamboo Mission (NBM) has been launched this year with the
approval of Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) under the National Mission for
Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) for implementation with the objectives inter alia:
1. To increase the area under bamboo plantation in non-forest Government and private lands to
supplement farm income and contribute towards resilience to climate change as well as
availability of quality raw material requirement of industries. The bamboo plantations will be
promoted predominantly in farmers’ fields, homesteads, community lands, arable wastelands,
and along irrigation canals, water bodies etc.
2. To improve post-harvest management through establishment of innovative primary processing
units near the source of production, primary treatment and seasoning plants, preservation
technologies and market infrastructure.
3. To promote product development keeping in view market demand, by assisting R&D,
entrepreneurship & business models at micro, small and medium levels and feed bigger
industry.
4. To rejuvenate the under developed bamboo industry in India.
5. To promote skill development, capacity building, awareness generation for development of
bamboo sector from production to market demand.
July 22, 2018
SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting)
 It is an Air Quality and Weather Forecast System
 It was developed indigenously by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune and
operationalized by India Meteorological Department (IMD).
 SAFAR will accelerate public awareness and preparedness of air pollution and weather
extremes. It will also lead to better understanding of linkages among emissions, weather,
pollution and climate. It will monitor all weather parameters like temperature, rainfall, humidity,
wind speed and wind direction.
 In addition to regular air quality parameters like PM2.5, PM10, Sulfur Dioxide, Ozone, Nitrogen
Oxides, Carbon Monoxide, the system will also monitor the existence of Benzene, Toluene and
Xylene.
Benefits
 SAFAR system would benefit cost savings to several other sectors like agriculture, aviation,
infrastructure, disaster management skill, tourism and many others, which directly or indirectly
get affected by air quality and weather.
Khelo India Scheme
 It is a national programme which aims to develop grassroots level talent by providing them with
a national level platform.
 The Programme aims at mainstreaming sport as a tool for individual development, community
development, economic development and national development.
Details
 An unprecedented Pan Indian Sports Scholarship scheme, which would cover 1,000 most
talented young athletes each year across select sports disciplines.
 Each athlete selected under the scheme shall receive an annual scholarship worth Rs. 5.00 lakh
for 8 consecutive years.
 This is the first time ever that a long-term athlete development pathway would be made
available to gifted and talented youngsters to excel in competitive sports and will create a pool
of highly competitive athletes who can compete to win at the world stage.
 The Programme aims to promote 20 universities across the country as hubs of sporting
excellence, which would enable talented sports persons to pursue the dual pathway of
education and competitive sports.
 The Programme also aims at creating an active population with healthy life-style.
 The Programme would cover about 200 million children in the age group of 10-18 under a
massive national physical fitness drive, which will not only measure the physical fitness of all
children in the age group, but also support their fitness related activities.
Impact:
 The power of sport in promoting gender equity and social inclusiveness is also fully recognized
and special measures are provided for to achieve these objectives.
 The programme also aims at engaging youth living in disturbed and deprived areas, in sporting
activities, to wean them away from unproductive and disruptive activities and mainstream them
in the nation-building process.
 The programme strives to raise the standards of competition, both at school and college level, to
have maximum access to organized sports competitions.
 It also includes the use of latest user-friendly technology in all aspects of sports promotion such
as, use of mobile apps for dissemination of sports training; National Sports Talent Search portal
for talent identification; interactive website for indigenous sports; GIS based information system
for locating and using sports infrastructure, etc.
 This programme strives to promote “Sports for All” as well as “Sports for Excellence.”

July 23, 2018
National Resource Centres (NRCs) to prepare online training material
 The Government has identified 75 institutions to act as National Resource Centres (NRCs) to
prepare online training material for Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) with focus on latest
developments in the discipline, new & emerging trends, pedagogical improvements and
methodologies for transacting revised curriculum.
 75 discipline-specific National Resource Centres have been identified, under the Ministry’s
Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching (PMMMNMTT)
located in Central Universities, IISc, IUCAA, IITs, IISERs, NITs, State Universities; UGC’s Human
Resource Development Centres (HRDCs), National Institutes for Technical Teachers Training
(NITTTRs), IIITs, Open Universities.
 These NRCs cover wide ranging disciplines of Social Sciences, Sciences, Engineering and
Technology, Design & Manufacturing, Humanities, Language Teaching, Commerce,
Management, Education Planning and Administration, Public Policy, Leadership & Governance,
Library & Information Science, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Assessment and Evaluation, Pedagogy
and research methods, cutting edge areas of Nano-sciences, Internet of Things, etc.
 Under this initiative, all in-service teachers, irrespective of their subject and seniority have an
enabling opportunity to keep abreast of the latest developments in their disciplines through the
technology based online refresher course, through SWAYAM, India’s own MOOCs platform.
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0 successfully launched
 Unnat Bharat Abhiyan is a flagship programme of the Ministry of HRD.
AIM:
1. To link the Higher Education Institutions with set of atleast (5) villages, so that these institutions
can contribute to the economic and social betterment of these village communities using their
knowledge base.
2. To create a virtuous cycle between the society and an inclusive university system, with the latter
providing knowledge base; practices for emerging livelihoods and to upgrade the capabilities of
both the public and private sectors
 It is a significant initiative where all Higher Learning Institutes have been involved for
participation in development activities, particularly in rural areas.
 Unnat Bharat Abhiyan is inspired by the vision of transformational change in rural development
processes by leveraging knowledge institutions to help build the architecture of an Inclusive
India.
Objective of the scheme:
 To engage the faculty and students of Higher Educational Institutions in understanding rural
realities;
 Identify and select existing innovative technologies, enable customization of technologies, or
devise implementation methods for innovative solutions, as required by people; and
 To allow Higher Educational Institutions to contribute to devising systems for smooth
implementation of various Government Programs.
Digitalization in Education System
 The Central Government has launched an Integrated Scheme for school education- Samagra
Shiksha, which subsumes the three erstwhile Centrally Sponsored Schemes of Sarva Shiksha
Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) and Teacher Education, from the
year 2018-19.
 The government has undertaken various initiatives for providing education through digital
means such as:
1. ICT in Education Curriculum for School System
2. e-pathshala – 3311 audios and videos, 650 e-books (e-pubs) and 504 flip books have been made
available on the portal and mobile app.
3. National Repository of Open Educational Resources (NROER)
4. SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active learning for Young Aspiring Minds)
5. SWAYAM PRABHA- A programme for utilization of satellite communication technologies for
transmission of educational e-contents through 32 National Channels i.e. SWAYAM PRABHA
DTH-TV has been launched.
6. NIOS is one of the National Coordinator of SWAYAM. NIOS is offering 14 secondary level
courses, and all courses of Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.).NIOS has been allocated 4
SWAYAMPRABHA DTH Channels.
7. SARANSH is a tool for comprehensive self review and analysis for CBSE affiliated schools and
parents.
8. e-Prajna has been started for providing tablets pre-loaded with e-content in Maths and Science.
5076 Touch Tablets have been distributed among Class VIII Students and teachers for classroom
transactions in subject Maths and Science.
9. Operation Digital Board:- An initiative has been taken by Government of India to provide
interactive digital boards to nearly 15 lakh classrooms across the country for 9th standard to
post graduate level, where they can receive lectures from best teachers/professors and access
quality e-content.
Social Security Schemes
 The Ministry of Labour & Employment, through its Labour Welfare Organizations across the
country, implements welfare schemes relating to housing, education and health for beedi
workers, mica mine workers, limestone & dolomite mine workers, iron ore manganese, chrome
ore mine workers and cine workers.
 These schemes were earlier administered through 5 Welfare Cess and Welfare Funds under
various Cess Acts of Parliament.
 Now, these cesses have been abolished/subsumed in GST and the welfare schemes have been
retained with funding from the Consolidated Fund of India.
Salient features of these welfare schemes are as follows:
 Revised Integrated Housing Scheme-2016: Subsidy of Rs.1,50,000 for construction of a new
house is provided to the workers in three installments.
 Education Scheme: Financial Assistance varying from Rs.250 to Rs.15,000 per year is provided to
the wards of the workers studying in classes I to XII or pursuing non-professional and
professional degree/graduate/post graduate courses.
 Health Scheme: Health care facilities are provided to the workers and their dependents through
12 hospitals and 286 dispensaries under Labour Welfare Organizations across the country. In
addition, reimbursement of expenditure for specialized treatment taken in Government
recognized hospitals is also provided.
July 24, 2018
NITI Aayog signs SoI with Lupin Foundation for Collaborating in Aspirational Districts
Aim:
 To work across the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to create templates
for concerted development policy.
 A Statement of Intent (SoI) was signed between NITI Aayog and Lupin Foundation to collaborate
in Aspirational Districts Programme.
 For this programme, the NITI Aayog and Lupin Foundation are collaborating to improve
indicators in education, health & nutrition, financial inclusion and skill development, agriculture
and water resources and basic infrastructure in Aspirational Districts of India.
 As per the terms of the SoI, Lupin Foundation, with the NITI Aayog, will work in three states –
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan – to facilitate the creation of an ideal template to
develop economic strength, technological viability and moral leadership across three districts in
these states as part of Phase I of the cooperation.
About Aspirational District Programme:
 Launched by the Hon’ble PM in January this year, the ‘Transformation of Aspirational Districts’
programme
Aim:
1. To quickly and effectively transform some of the most underdeveloped districts of the country.
2. To enable optimum utilization of their potential, this program focuses closely on improving
people’s ability to participate fully in the burgeoning economy. Health & Nutrition, Education,
Agriculture & Water Resources, Financial Inclusion & Skill Development, and Basic Infrastructure
are this programme’s core areas of focus.
About Lupin and Lupin Foundation:
 Lupin is an innovation-led pharmaceutical company with a global footprint and known for its
generic medicines. Lupin Foundation is a trust, NGO, independent body promoted by Lupin Ltd.
 The Foundation works towards creating an alternative model of rural development which is
sustainable, replicable and ever evolving essentially empowering under privileged and
marginalized sections of society and providing basic infrastructure and balanced ecological base
to the villages.
Nutrient Based Subsidy and City Compost Scheme
 Objectives of continuation of NBS Scheme are as under:
1. To promote balanced use of fertilizers.
2. To reduce subsidy burden on the Government.
3. To improve availability of fertilizers to farmers.
4. To encourage competition among fertilizer companies
 Objectives of continuation of City Compost Schemes are as under:
1. To support SWACHH BHARAT MISSION.
2. To provide City Compost at subsidized rates to farmers.
 Government of India is encouraging establishment of bio-fertilizer production units by providing
financial assistance to State Governments.
Rweru Model Village
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted 200 cows to villagers who do not yet own a cow, under the
Rwandan Government’s Girinka Programme.
 The function to mark the handing over of cows was held at Rweru Model Village, in the presence
of Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
Background:
 The word Girinka can be translated as ‘may you have a cow’ and describes a centuries-old
cultural practice in Rwanda whereby a cow was given by one person to another, as a sign of
respect and gratitude.
 Girinka was initiated by President Paul Kagame in response to the alarmingly high rate of
childhood malnutrition and as a way to accelerate poverty reduction and integrate livestock and
crop farming.
 The program is based on the premise that providing a dairy cow to poor Girinka Programme
transforms livelihoods, reconciles communities improving agricultural productivity through the
use of manure as fertilizers which would lead to improving soil quality and reducing erosion
through the planting of grasses and trees.
 The program has contributed to an increase in agricultural production in Rwanda – especially
milk production and products, reduced malnutrition and increased incomes.
 The program also aimed at promoting unity and reconciliation among Rwandans based on the
cultural principle that if a cow is given from one person to another, it establishes trust and
respect between the giver and beneficiary.
July 25, 2018
Nuclear Power Station
 There have been sporadic protests by a section of the locals against setting up of the nuclear
power plant at Jaitapur.
 The current status of Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project (JNPP) is as follows:
1. Land for the project and residential township has been acquired.
2. Agreement for Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) package has been signed between
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) and the State Government, and is being
implemented.
3. Statutory Environmental and Costal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances have been obtained from
MoEF&CC.
4. Site infrastructure and technology independent site investigation works are in progress at
various stages.
5. Discussions of NPCIL with EDF on Techno-Commercial Proposal (TCP) for setting up 6 EPR units
to arrive at a project proposal, in line with the Industrial Way Forward Agreement (IWFA) are in
progress.
6. Neighbourhood welfare and Public Awareness activities are in progress.
About:
 Nuclear power is clean and carbon free energy with huge potential that can provide the country
long term energy security in a sustainable manner. Considering the huge and growing electricity
demand of the country, nuclear power projects including Jaitapur will therefore be pursued.
Seats of Haj
 As per the guidelines approved by the Supreme Court of India, the number of seats allocated on
the recommendations of the dignitaries are limited to the following:
1. The President of India – 100 seats
2. The Vice-President – 75 seats
3. The Prime Minister – 75 seats
4. Ministry of External Affairs – 50 seats
5. Haj Committee of India – 200 seats
POSHAN Abhiyaan
 Month of September to be celebrated as National Nutrition Month every year.
 The Government of India has set-up POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) which was
launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 8thMarch, 2018 from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan.
 The programme through use of technology, a targeted approach and convergence strives to
reduce the level of Stunting, Under-nutrition, Anemia and Low Birth Weight in Children, as also,
focus on Adolescent Girls, Pregnant Women & Lactating Mothers, thus holistically addressing
malnutrition.
Aim:
1. To ensure service delivery and interventions by use of technology, behavioural change through
convergence and lays-down specific targets to be achieved across different monitoring
parameters over the next few years.
2. To ensure a holistic approach, all 36 States/UTs and 718 districts will be covered in a phased
manner by the year 2020. Never before has nutrition been given such prominence at the highest
level in the country.
 The Ministry of Women and Child Development has developed a Caller Tune and Ring Tone to
popularize and create a connect with the Abhiyaan’s goal of Sahi Poshan Desh Roshan.
 The Ministry of Women and Child Development sought assistance from the Ministry of AYUSH
for preparing the Yoga guidelines for:
1. Adolescent Girls
2. Pregnant Ladies
3. Lactating Mothers and
4. Children within 3-6 years of age.
July 26, 2018
Kargil Vijay Diwas
 The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has paid homage to soldiers on Kargil Vijay Diwas.
 “On Kargil Vijay Diwas, a grateful nation pays homage to all those who served the nation during
Operation Vijay. Our brave soldiers ensured that India remains protected and gave a befitting
answer to those who tried to vitiate the atmosphere of peace.
 India will always remember with pride, the outstanding political leadership provided by Atal Ji
during Operation Vijay. He led from the front, supported our armed forces and clearly
articulated India’s stand at the world stage”, the Prime Minister said.
Space Research: Linking with Contemporary Needs
 Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), since its inception, has been driven by the objective
of harnessing the benefits of space technology for national development and improving the lives
of the people.
 The satellite enabled data and services are being used to improve the living standards of people.
 These include Television broadcasting, Direct-to-Home, ATM, Mobile communication, Tele-
education, Tele-medicine and advisories on weather, pest infestation, agro-meteorology and
potential fishing zones.
 Satellite data is also used for crop production estimation, crop intensification, agricultural
drought assessment, wasteland inventory, identifying ground water prospect zones, inland
aquaculture suitability and disaster risk reduction, which indirectly benefits the people.
 Other measures include (i) institutionalisation of space applications in many
Ministries/Departments, (ii) conduct of training sessions on space technology based applications
at LBSNAA (DoPT) and training of Deputy Secretaries as part of ISTM Programs (DoPT).
Reservation in Promotion for Employees
 The Supreme Court in Special Leave Petition (Civil) No.30621/2011 has passed the following
order on 17.5.2018:-
 “It is directed that the pendency of this Special Leave Petition shall not stand in the way of
Union of India taking steps for the purpose of promotion from ‘reserved to reserved’ and
‘unreserved to unreserved’ and also in the matter of promotion on merits..”.
 Further, in the matter related to Special Leave Petition (Civil) No.31288/2017 connected to
Special Leave to Appeal (Civil) No.28306/2017, the Supreme Court held as under on 05.06.2018:-
 “Heard learned counsel for the parties, Learned ASG has referred to order dated 17.05.2018
in SLP(C) No.30621/2011. It is made clear that the Union of India is not debarred from
making promotions in accordance with law, subject to further orders, pending further
consideration of the matter. Tag to SLP (C) No.30621 of 2011.”
 Based on interim Orders/directions of the Supreme Court dated 17.05.2018 and 05.6.2018,
Department of Personnel and Training vide Office Memorandum No. 36012/11/2016- Estt.(Res-
I) {Pt-II} dated 15.06.2018 requested all the Ministries/Departments of the Government of India
to carry out promotions in accordance with above directions of the Supreme Court on existing
seniority / select lists subject to further orders which may be passed by the Supreme Court.
“Innovate India Platform”
 R Ramanan, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission and Shri Arvind Gupta CEO, MyGov today
launched the “#InnovateIndia Platform”, a collaboration between the Atal Innovation Mission
and MyGov, a citizen centric platform of the Government of India.
 The InnovateIndia portal will serve as the common point for all the innovation happening across
the nation.
 Launching the platform, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission said that the “InnovateIndia
MyGov-AIM portal creates the much-needed innovations platform for registering both
grassroots and deep-tech innovators at a national level. Those searching for a critical innovation
can leverage the portal advantageously for the benefit of the economy as well as national social
needs.”
 Some of the features of this platform are:
1. The platform is open to all Indian citizens
2. The users can View, comment, share, and rate the innovations crowd sourced on the Innovate
India platform
3. View the leaderboard which is calculated based on the votes on each innovation.
4. Citizens can share their/organizations/someone else’s innovation on the platform by login to the
MyGov website
5. These innovations can also be shared on various social media platforms such as WhatsApp,
Facebook, and Twitter
 “India has been a very innovation-oriented society, but our challenge has been a structured
approach to innovation, capturing them and building an ecosystem to take them global. The
current government initiative to capture and support innovation from ground up, is aimed at
creating a structured ecosystem to encourage, enhance and develop India’s innovative
character”, said Shri Arvind Gupta, CEO MyGov.
July 27, 2018
Invest India and UAE Ministry sign MoU
 Invest India and the UAE Minister for Artificial Intelligence (AI) signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) for India – UAE Artificial Intelligence Bridge.
 This partnership will generate an estimated USD 20 billion in economic benefits during the next
decade for both countries.
 The MoU will spur development across areas like Blockchain, AI and Analytics as data and
processing will be a catalyst for innovation and business growth and serve as the backbone of
more effective and efficient service delivery systems.
 By 2035 AI can potentially add USD 957 billion to the Indian economy.
 The UAE-India collaboration will seek to evaluate the dynamic nature of innovation and
technology by convening a UAE-India AI Working Group (TWG) between the UAE Ministry for
Artificial Intelligence, Invest India and Startup India. The TWG will meet once a year with the
mandate to increase investment in AI startups and research activities in partnership with the
private sector.
 India and UAE share a bond that extends beyond business as Indians make-up the largest expat
community in the UAE at 27% and the UAE is India’s third largest trading partner.
 The UAE has invested over USD 5.3 billion in India and infrastructure is one of the top 5 focus
sections of UAE-India bilateral trade.
Safety and Welfare of Seafarers
 To deal with potential maritime security situations arising out of any hijacking at sea of
merchant vessels with Indian crew, an Inter-Ministerial Group (IMGO) was set up by the
Government under the Ministry of Shipping.
 The Government had also approved a Contingency Plan for dealing with piracy and hijacking of
merchant ships and constituted a Committee of Secretaries on Anti-Piracy and Hijacking at sea
(COSAPH).
 Active participation by India in the security meetings of the International Maritime Organization,
Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) and other international fora.
 The Minister further informed that a Seafarers Welfare Fund Society has been set up for the
welfare of Indian seafarers and their families.
Objectives:
1. To provide and maintain a fund by the name of the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund;
2. To prepare the annual budget of income and expenditure in respect of the Fund for submission
to the Central Government.
3. To sell, lease, mortgage, surrender, exchange, dispose of, or otherwise deal with, all or any part
of the movable or immovable property belonging to the Society or in its possession or
occupation, subject to such limitations as the Central Government may from time to time
impose;
4. To invest in any security or keep in deposit with any bank and otherwise deal with any moneys
of the Society in such manner as may, from time to time, be prescribed by the Central
Government.
5. To give pension, gratuities or charitable aid to employees or ex-employees of the SWFS or to
their wives, children or other relatives or dependents.
The functions of the SWFS are as follows:
1. To implement welfare schemes for the retired seafarers and their families on completion of age
of superannuation/voluntarily retired seafarers permanently medically unfit for seafaring job.
2. To implement welfare schemes for the families of the seafarers.
The following welfare Schemes are being implemented by the SWFS for the Seafarers:
1. Survival Benefit Scheme
2. Invalidity Benefit Scheme
3. Maternity Benefit Scheme for Female Seafarers.
Para-Athletics under Khelo India Scheme
 Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore
has said that the Khelo India Scheme has a dedicated vertical, namely, “Promotion of Sports
among persons with disabilities” for supporting athletes with disabilities including sportspersons
for Para-athletics. In the Paralympic Games 2016, Indian para athletes won 04 medals (02 Gold,
01 silver and 01 bronze). India won 01 Bronze medal in power-lifting event in Commonwealth
Games 2018.
 For promotion of sports among differently-abled persons, Ministry has recognized three
National Sports Federations (NSFs) namely All India Sports Council of the Deaf (AISCD),
Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), and Special Olympic Bharat (SOB).
 Government provides support to the differently-abled athletes, through their respective NSFs,
for participation in national championships and international events.
 All the three NSFs for the differently-abled athletes have been placed in the “Priority” category
so that they are eligible for maximum financial assistance under the Scheme of Assistance to
NSFs.
 He said in order to promote sports among the youth (both male and female sports person)
across the country, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), an autonomous organization under the
aegis of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is implementing various Sports Promotional
Schemes to identify talented sports persons in the age group of 8-25 years and nurture them to
excel in national and international competitions.
July 28, 2018
Mission Satyanishtha
 Indian Railways Launches “Mission Satyanishtha” a Program on Ethics in Public Governance.
 The objectives of the Mission are:
1. To train every employee to understand the need and value of ethics in Personal and Public life.
2. To deal with ethical dilemmas in life and Public Governance.
3. To help understand the policies of Indian Railways on ethics and integrity and the employee’s
role in upholding the same.
4. To develop inner governance through tapping inner resources.
National Viral Hepatitis Control Program
 MoHFW has launched the ‘National Viral Hepatitis Control Program’, with the goal of ending
viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 in the country.
 Aim: To reduce morbidity and mortality due to viral hepatitis.
 The key strategies include:
1. preventive and promotive interventions with focus on awareness generation,
2. safe injection practices and socio-cultural practices,
3. sanitation and hygiene,
4. safe drinking water supply,
5. infection control and immunization;
6. co-ordination and collaboration with different Ministries and departments;
7. increasing access to testing and management of viral hepatitis;
8. promoting diagnosis and providing treatment support for patients of hepatitis B &C through
standardized testing and management protocols with focus on treatment of hepatitis B and C;
9. building capacities at national, state, district levels and sub-district level up to Primary Health
Centres (PHC) and
10. health and wellness centres such that the program can be scaled up till the lowest level of the
healthcare facility in a phased manner.
Women in Mohali
 Dharmendra Pradhan lays the Foundation stone for permanent campus for National Skill
Training Institute (NSTI) for Women in Mohali.
 Launched India’s first in-phone guide and mobile application “Go whatsThat” in Chandigarh.
 Also launched a unique Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK) which would admit differently
abled persons as well.
 The institute would not only be imparting training in traditional areas for women like beauty
care, cosmetology & fashion design but also in cutting edge technologies of various kinds.
July 29, 2018
National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) for Women in Mohali
Context
 The Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Shri
Dharmendra Pradhan, laid the foundation stone for permanent campus of National Skill Training
Institute (NSTI) for Women at Mohali
Details
 This is the first NSTI Institute for Punjab and only one of its kind in India which is exclusively for
women
 The institute would not only be imparting training in traditional areas for women like beauty
care, cosmetology & fashion design but also in cutting-edge technologies of various kinds.
Go whats That
 The minister also launched India’s first in-phone guide and mobile application “Go whats That”
July 30, 2018
NRC in Assam
 Today NRC Draft List has been published in Assam.
 Everyone will have full opportunity to file Claims / Objections as per provision in law. Only after
the disposal of claims and objections, the Final NRC will be published.
 Some people who may not have been able to submit necessary documents. They will get full
opportunity through Claims and Objections process.
 Even after the Final NRC, every person will get an opportunity to approach the Foreigners
Tribunal.
 This means that even those whose names do not figure in the Final NRC will get an opportunity
to approach the Tribunal. There is no question of any coercive action against anyone.
 NRC process is being carried out with complete fairness and transparency. It has been
monitored by the Honourable Supreme Court.
Penal Provision of Fema Covers Violation of FDI Policy Regulations
 FDI in retail has been allowed in a calibrated manner after intensive consultations with
stakeholders including concerned Ministries and departments, State Governments, apex
industry chambers, associations and other organizations.
 The Minister of State of Commerce and Industry, C. R. Chaudhary said that there is no proposal
to set up a special group to keep tabs on any violation of its foreign investment policy by online
retail platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart and Myntra.
 However, any violation of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy regulations is covered by the
penal provision of the FEMA, 1999.
 Reserve bank of India administers the FEMA and Enforcement Directorate under the Ministry of
Finance is the authority for the enforcement of FEMA.
 The Minister also informed the House that the Government has not made any assessment of the
direct impact of Walmart and Flipkart deal on small traders.
Female Employment Rate
 Estimates of employment and unemployment are obtained through Labour force surveys
conducted by National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme
Implementation.
 As per the last three rounds of Annual Employment –Unemployment (EUS) Surveys conducted
by Labour Bureau in the year 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16, the Worker Population Ratio for
Female aged 15 years & above according to Usual Status basis are 25.0%, 29.6% and 25.8%
respectively. State/UT-wise details are given below.
 Under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), a special rebate of 0.25% is extended to
women borrowers.
 Almost 75% loans (9.02 crore out of total 12.27 crore sanctioned loan as on 31st March, 2018)
given under the MUDRA scheme, have been given to women entrepreneurs.
Various steps to increase female labour participation rate:
1. The enactment of the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 which provides for
enhancement in paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks and provisions for mandatory
crèche facility in the establishments having 50 or more employees;
2. Issue of an advisory to the States under the Factories Act, 1948 for permitting women workers in
the night shifts with adequate safety measures.
3. Payment of equal remuneration to men and women workers for same work or work of similar
nature without any discrimination.
4. The wages fixed by the appropriate Government are equally applicable to both male and female
workers and the Act does not discriminate on the basis of gender.
CETF Battalion of Territorial Army for Environment Protection
 Sanction has been accorded for raising a new Composite Ecological Task Force (CETF) of
Territorial Army to patrol sensitive river areas for protection of bio-diversity and other tasks.
 The task of pollution abatement and Ganga rejuvenation has to be taken to a level so that it
becomes a people’s movement.
 The CETF is expected to be largely manned by ex-service men who would bring their spirit of
dedication and expertise to the tasks related of pollution abatement on the lines of Ecological
Task Force Battalions, which are already successfully functioning in different parts of the
country.
 The Battalion is supposed to perform its role under the guidance of authorities who have the
mandate to perform a particular role and they do not have the powers to arrest those found
polluting the river.
Study on Groundwater Contamination
 Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) regularly monitors ground water quality of shallow
aquifers on a regional scale, once every year.
 Ground water quality data generated during various scientific studies and ground water quality
monitoring indicate that the ground water in major part of the country is potable.
 Some parts of various states are contaminated by Salinity, Arsenic, Fluoride, Iron, Nitrate and
Heavy metals beyond the permissible limits of BIS.
 The possible sources of contamination of ground water are either geogenic or anthropogenic in
nature. Anthropogenic contamination of ground water is due to industrial discharges, landfills,
diffused sources of pollution like fertilizers and pesticides from agricultural fields etc.
Steps taken to check the ground water pollution are –
1. Control of industrial pollution under the provision of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution)
Act, 1974 by consent mechanism being applied by SPCBs/ PCCs.
2. A mutually agreed time targeted programme is implemented under Corporate Responsibility on
Environment Protection (CREP).
3. Establishment of Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) for cluster of Small Scale Industrial
units.
4. Continuous water quality monitoring systems are being established on industrial units in the
country, through the directives issued by CPCB, for getting real time information on the effluent
quality.
July 31, 2018
Cyber Security
 Steps taken by the Government to check hacking and cyber-crimes are as follows:
1. Section 43, 43A, 66, 66B, 66C, 66D, 66E, 66F, 67, 67A, 67B, 70, 72, 72A and 74 of the Information
Technology Act, 2000 deal with hacking and cyber-crimes.
2. Government approved a ‘Framework for enhancing security in cyberspace’ for cyber security in
the Indian cyberspace, with the National Security Council Secretariat as nodal agency.
3. National Technical Research Organisation has been designated as the nodal agency for taking all
measures for protection of national critical infrastructure and to handle cyber security incidents
in critical sectors.
4. Further, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) is designated as the national
agency for incident response including analysis, forecast and alerts on cyber security breaches.
5. Advisories have been issued by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to States/UTs for taking steps for
prevention of cybercrime, which are available on the website of MHA (www.mha.gov.in).
6. Ministry of Home Affairs is implementing the ‘Cyber Crime Prevention against Women &
Children’ Scheme with the objective of handling issues of cyber-crime against women and
children.
7. Ministry of Home Affairs has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Phone Fraud and
has issued advisories dated 13.01.2018 & 12.02.2018 to States/UTs for taking steps to check
phone frauds.
3rd BRICS Film Festival
 The 3rd BRICS Film Festival took place in Durban, South Africa, along with the International
Durban Film Festival (DIFF) from 22-27th July, 2018. The last day of the festival was celebrated
as India Country Day.
 Awards won by Indian films in the 3rd BRICS Film Festival, Durban, South Africa:
1. Best Actress: Bhanita Das, Village Rockstars
2. Best Film: Newton by Amit Masurkar
3. Special Jury Award: Village Rockstars by Rima Das
 The festival screened four Indian Films in the following category:
Films in Competition Section:
1. Newton by Amit Masurkar
2. Village Rock Stars by Rima Das
Films in Non-competition Section:
1. Sinjar by Sandeep Pampally
2. Bhanayakam by Jayaraj
BRICS Film Festival(Background):
 The film festival is aimed at celebrating world-class film productions from the BRICS nations with
the objective of inspiring more collaboration from these nations.
 The format of the festival consisted of screening two feature films from each country in the
competition category and three feature films in the non-competition category.
 A total of twenty-four films were screened during the duration of the festival.
 The films in competition competed for the Golden Rhino award, inspired by the history behind
the golden rhino that was discovered in Mapungubwe, the significance of the place, and the
linkages with other countries in earlier centuries.
Rehabilitation Of Manual Scavengers
 Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing a Central Sector Scheme, ‘Self
Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers’ (SRMS) under which identified
manual scavengers and their dependents are provided the following rehabilitation benefits:
1. Onetime cash assistance of Rs.40000/-.
2. Loans upto Rs. 15.00 lacs at concessional rate of interest.
3. Credit linked back end capital subsidy upto Rs. 3,25,000/-.
4. Skill Development Training upto two years with stipend of Rs.3000/- per month.
 Ministry is also implementing a Scheme titled “Pre-Matric Scholarship scheme to the Children of
those engaged in occupations involving cleaning and prone to health hazards”.
 Children of manual scavengers are also eligible for this scholarship.
Startup India Yatra begins in Chhattisgarh
 The Startup India Yatra was launched on July 30th in Raipur.
 Startup India Yatra van is equipped with facilities for individuals and startups to pitch their ideas.
 The boot camps will include presentations on Startup India and Chhattisgarh Startup Policy
followed by extensive ideation workshops.
 An idea pitching session will be held to select the foremost ideas and Startups. Aspiring
entrepreneurs will have to register at www.startupindiahub.org.in to participate in the Yatra.
 Startup India Yatra has already been held in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Uttarakhand and
Madhya Pradesh and now it begins in Chhattisgarh.
Aim:
 To promote job creation in tier 2 and tier 3 towns and cities, Startup India organizes the Startup
India Yatra in one state every month.
 The Yatra conducts boot camps where students are taught lessons in business planning followed
by a pitch fest where ideas are invited.
 Shortlisted business ideas get incubated in State run incubators.
 A total of 19,000 students across 40 districts have benefitted from the Yatra through the boot
camps, with over 90 received grants or incubation offers from the State governments.
01 August 2018: UPSC Exam PIB Summary & Analysis
August 1, 2018
The Walled City of Jaipur, Rajasthan
 The site namely “The Walled City of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India” has been proposed for World
Heritage. As per Operation Guidelines 2017, only one site can be nominated by the state party
each year.
 There are a total of 37 World Heritage sites in India at Present.
WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN INDIA
CULTURAL SITES:
Under Protection of Archaeological Survey of India
S.
No Name of Site State
1. Agra Fort (1983) Uttar Pradesh

2. Ajanta Caves (1983) Maharashtra
3. Ellora Caves (1983) Maharashtra
4. Taj Mahal (1983) Uttar Pradesh
5. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984) Tamil Nadu
6. Sun Temple, Konarak (1984) Odisha
7. Churches and Convents of Goa (1986) Goa
8. Fatehpur Sikri (1986) Uttar Pradesh
9. Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986) Karnataka
10. Khajuraho, Group of Temples (1986) Madhya Pradesh
11. Elephanta Caves ( 1987) Maharashtra
Great Living Chola Temples at Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram
12. Tamil Nadu
and Darasuram (1987 & 2004)
13. Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987) Karnataka
14. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989) Madhya Pradesh
15. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi (1993) Delhi
16. Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993) Delhi
17. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003) Madhya Pradesh
18. Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Park (2004) Gujarat
19. Red Fort Complex, Delhi (2007) Delhi
Hill Forts of Rajasthan
(Chittaurgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Jaisalmer and Ranthambhore, Amber
20. and Gagron Forts) (2013) Rajasthan
(Amber and Gagron Forts are under protection of Rajasthan State
Archaeology and Museums)
21. Rani-ki-Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan (2014) Gujarat
Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda University) at
22. Bihar
Nalanda (2016)
Under Protection of Ministry of Railways

Mountain Railways of India ( Darjeeling,1999), Nilgiri
23. West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh
(2005), Kalka-Shimla(2008)
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria
24. Maharashtra
Terminus) (2004)
Under Protection of Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee

25. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, (2002) Bihar
Under Protection of Rajasthan State Archaeology and Museums

26. The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010) Rajasthan
Under Protection of Chandigarh Administration

The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding
27. Chandigarh
Contribution to the Modern Movement (2016)
Under Protection of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation

28. Historic City of Ahmedabad (2017) Gujarat
Under Protection of Government of Maharashtra

29. Victorian and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018) Maharashtra
NATURAL SITES:
Under Protection of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Changes
30. Kaziranga National Park (1985) Assam
31. Keoladeo National Park (1985) Rajasthan
32. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985) Assam
33. Sunderbans National Park (1987) West Bengal
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988,
34. Uttarakhand
2005)
35. Western Ghats (2012) Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra,Tamil Nadu
36. Great Himalayan National Park (2014) Himachal Pradesh
MIXED SITE:
Under Protection of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Changes
37. Khangchendzonga National Park (2016) Sikkim
Extension of Concessional Financing Scheme (CFS)

 The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the first
extension of Concessional Financing Scheme(CFS) to support Indian Entities bidding for
strategically important infrastructure projects abroad.
Details:
 Under the CFS, the Govt. of India has been supporting Indian Entities bidding for strategically
important infrastructure projects abroad since 2015-16. Since the objectives of the Scheme
continue to be relevant, it is proposed to extend the Scheme for another five years from 2018 to
2023.
Financial Implications:
 Financial implication is towards payment of Interest Equalization Support (IES) to the lending
Bank for which budgetary provision will be made by the Department of Economic Affairs every
year.
Major Impact:
 Prior to the introduction of CFS, Indian entities were not able to bid for large projects abroad
since the cost of financing was very high for them and bidders from other countries such as
China, Japan, Europe and US were able to provide credit at superior terms, i.e., lower interest
rate and longer tenures which works to the advantage of bidders from those countries.
Implementation Strategy and Targets:
 Under the Scheme, MEA selects the specific projects keeping in view strategic interest of India
and sends the same to Department of Economic Affairs (DEA).
 The strategic importance of a project to deserve financing under this Scheme, is decided, on a
case to case basis, by a Committee chaired by Secretary, DEA and with members from
Department of Expenditure, Ministry of External Affairs, Department of Industrial Promotion
and Policy (DIPP), Department of Commerce, Department of Financial Services and Ministry of
Home Affairs.
 The Scheme is presently being operated through the Export-Import Bank of India, which raises
resources from the market to provide concessional finance. Government of India (GoI) provides
counter guarantee and interest equalization support of 2% to the EXIM Bank.
Background:
 The scheme envisages Government of India to provide counter guarantee and interest
equalization of 2 % to EXIM Bank to offer concessional finance to any foreign Govt. or foreign
Govt. owned or controlled entity, if any Indian entity, succeeds in getting contract for the
execution of a project.
 Under the Scheme, EXIM Bank extends credit at a rate not exceeding LIBOR (avg. of six months)
+ 100 bps. The repayment of the loan is guaranteed by the foreign govt.
Exploration and exploitation of Unconventional Hydrocarbons

 The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the policy to
permit exploration and exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbons such as Shale oil/gas, Coal
Bed Methane (CBM) etc.
 It will be carried out under the existing Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs), CBM contracts and
Nomination fields to encourage the existing Contractors in the licensed/leased area to unlock
the potential of unconventional hydrocarbons in the existing acreages.
Benefits:
 This policy will enable the realization of prospective hydrocarbon reserves in the existing
Contract Areas which otherwise would remain unexplored and unexploited.
 With this policy dispensation, new investment in Exploration and Production (E&P) activities and
chances of finding new hydrocarbon discoveries and resultant increased domestic production
thereof is expected.
 Exploration and exploitation of additional hydrocarbon resources is expected to spur new
investment, impetus to economic activities, additional employment generation and thus
benefitting various sections of society.
 This will lead to induction of new, innovative and cutting-edge technology and forging new
technological collaboration to exploit unconventional hydrocarbons.
August 2, 2018
SAATHI Initiative Launched
 Ministry of Textiles and Ministry of Power have joined hands under the initiative
SAATHI(Sustainable and Accelerated Adoption of efficient Textile technologies to Help Small
Industries) in order to sustain and accelerate the adoption of energy efficient textile
technologies in the power loom sector and cost savings due to use of such technology.
 Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a Public Sector entity under the administrative control
of Ministry of Power, will replace old inefficient electric motors with energy efficient IE3 motors
which will result in energy and cost saving up to 10-15% in the first phase.
 The use of these efficient equipments will result in energy savings and cost savings to the unit
owners at no upfront cost. Power loom clusters at Ichalkaranji, Bhiwandi, Erode, Surat, Bhilwara
and Panipat have been identified for pilot study.
Integrate to Innovate Programme for energy Startups
Invest India has joined hands with energy sector companies to offer a unique lab-to-market
opportunity for Indian startups through the Integrate to Innovate Programme.
Integrate to Innovate is a 3-month corporate acceleration programme for energy startups housed at
the corporate premises.
Specific areas of interest for the Integrate to Innovate programme include:
Household
 Home Automation
 E-commerce marketplaces for smart home products and installer/support services
 Rooftop solar & home energy storage
Transport
 EV and EV infrastructure
 Gas powered trucks
Farm
 Waste to Value
Infrastructure
 Renewables
 Grid and micro-grids
 Storage battery
 Sensors, drones, data analytics, workforce mobility
 Cyber security
Utility
 Metering, Billing & Customer analytics
 Demand response & distributed energy resource management systems
 Transactive energy, blockchain based energy trading and energy marketplaces
Building
 Energy efficiency and cooling
 B2B e-markets
 Automation efficiency
 Predictive asset management (IoT and AI)
Investors’ Conference for the Holistic Development of Islands
 The Conference will attract investments for the development of eco-tourism on PPP basis in
Andaman & Nicobar, and Lakshadweep Islands.
 The 11 anchor tourism projects are proposed to be implemented with private sector
participation under suitable risk-sharing model and through open-competitive bidding.
 NITI Aayog, along with the respective UT Administration is organizing an Investors’ Conference
on 10thAugust, 2018, with stakeholders.
About the Holistic Development of Islands & Investors’ Conference
 Sustainable development of islands and overall maritime development has been accorded high
priority by the Government. Island Development Agency (IDA) an apex body, under the
chairmanship of Hon’ble Home Minister, was constituted in June 2017, while NITI Aayog has
been mandated to steer the Holistic Development of Islands program, along with the respective
UT administration/ State Governments. Under the said program in the first phase 10 Islands in
Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep have been taken up for holistic development.
 The IDA has reviewed 11 anchor tourism projects (6 in Andaman & Nicobar and 5 in
Lakshadweep) and several other infrastructure projects, inter-alia,Ro-Ro ferry services,
desalination plants, digital connectivity, green energy, for implementation in the first phase for
holistic development of these islands.
 For enhanced connectivity, airport at Diglipur shall be made operational for civilian aircrafts by
December 2018, while Agatti airport is being expanded and in-principle clearance has been
accorded for Greenfield airport at Minicoy.
 The said anchor tourism projects have been identified on Government owned land in Smith,
Aves, Long, Neil & Little Andaman Islands of Andaman & Nicobar, and in Kadmat, Suheli &
Minicoy islands of Lakshadweep.
 Out of these 11 projects, 7 (4 in Andaman & Nicobar and 3 in Lakshadweep) are in “Ready to
Launch” stage. Detailed land survey & demarcation of project sites, carrying capacity assessment
of the project islands, CRZ application and pre-feasibility study have been undertaken.
August 3, 2018
Confirmation Prediction Tool
 A tool has been developed to predict the probability of waitlisted ticket getting confirmed at the
time of booking as well as during Passenger Name Record (PNR) enquiry of waitlisted ticket.
 The salient features of the scheme are as under:-
1. It predicts the probability of waitlist status for General Quota.
2. The tool considers the high waitlist scenario of Holiday rush.
 It displays the trend of last waitlist ticket got confirmed for the same journey during previous
year.
 Prediction of dynamic probability is based on current status.
 Currently this feature is integrated with Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)
website only.
 In IRCTC website this feature is operational w.e.f. 13 June, 2018 as under:
1. When the user is doing the booking transaction, and if the status of accommodation availability
of the input journey is waitlisted, then the user can check the probability of confirmation.
2. At the time of PNR enquiry of waitlisted ticket, the user can check the probability of
confirmation.
Government permits e-commerce shipment via Foreign Post Offices
 The Customs Department plans to permit e-commerce shipment viaforeign post offices.
 Exports by Post Regulations, 2018, prescribing the Postal Bill of Export-I for E-commerce
shipments and Postal Bill of Export-II for non-E-commerce shipments, have been issued.
 Further a circular has been issued clarifying the procedure for e-commerce exports, other than
e-commerce exports and personal imports through posts.
 Exports by e-commerce are allowed through notified foreign post offices.
 However, as per the extant notification of 26th July, 2018 issued by Department of Commerce
benefits of Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS) in respect of e-commerce exports is
restricted to notified goods of FOB value up to Rs 5 lakh per consignment.
Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA)
 Government is improving education in Aspirational Districts through Rashtriya Uchchatar
Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA)
 Model Degree Colleges are being opened in ‘Aspirational Districts’ identified by NITI Aayog.
 An Expert Committee constituted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) had identified 374
Educationally Backward Districts (EBDs) where Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education
was less than the national average of 12.4% based on 2001 census data.
 Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme being
implemented by the Ministry of Human Resource Development.
 Aim for the first phase is promoting access, equity and quality, central assistance to States has
been provided for creation of one Model Degree College each in 60 EBDs.
 NITI Aayog has identified 117 districts as ‘Aspirational Districts’. The districts have been selected
on the basis of composite index which includes published data of deprivation enumerated under
Socio-Economic Caste Census, Health &Nutrition, Education and Basic Infrastructure.
 Second phase of RUSA has focus on opening new Model Degree Colleges in ‘Aspirational
Districts’ identified by NITI Aayog and in unserved & underserved districts in North Eastern and
Himalayan States.
August 4, 2018
Orientation Programme for Newly Elected and Nominated Members of Rajya Sabha
 The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that the Members of Parliament
should leave their politics outside the Parliament and they have to contribute their best for
framing the programmes and policies for the benefit of the poor.
 The Vice President said that the Rules are sacrosanct for all of us and together we are bound by
the Rule Book.
 He further said that the Rules provide enough instruments to raise the issues of public
importance. With scrupulous adherence to Rules, we can utilise available time efficiently.
 The Parliamentary democracy allows enough space for the articulation of diverse view points.
When an issue is thoroughly debated and multiple perspectives emerge, the final legislation is
likely to be more comprehensive, he added.
 The Vice President quoted the first Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan as saying:
“We are for the first time starting the new parliamentary system, with a Second Chamber in the
Center, and we should try to do everything in our power to justify to the public of this country
that a second chamber is essential to prevent hasty legislation. We should discuss with
dispassion and detachment proposals put before us.”
 The Vice President said that Information Technology is an indispensable tool for enhanced
efficiency and most of you extensively use IT tools in your work. He invited the Members to use
the new IT initiatives. For your benefit we have also introduced e-Notice system whereby you
can submit your Notices online, he added.
Quality education to the Students belonging to Minority Communities
 The National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) working under the aegis
of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Govt. of India has extended its helping hand for the Delhi
United Christian Senior Secondary School by refurbishing their Computer Centre and also
providing water coolers with in-built RO system for ensuring safe drinking water.
 This support is being extended under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme of
NMDFC.
 Shri Naqvi, while addressing the students, appreciated the initiative of NMDFC in reaching out to
schools under CSR programme and extending much needed support to students who deserve
such facilities in the schools. He assured the students of the school that the Government is
committed to “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas” philosophy.
 Therefore they should avail the benefits of a variety of educational support schemes being run
by the Ministry of Minority Affairs & other Govt. schemes.
 Mohammad Shahbaz Ali, CMD, NMDFC on this occasion informed that endeavour of NMDFC
under its CSR programme is to extend a helping hand to children of disadvantaged groups to
acquire knowledge of Computers, to fulfil the vision of the Government of Digital India.
 He also appreciated the management of the school in extending education to disadvantaged
category students.
Workshop on Election Management for IAS Asstt Secretaries
 The Election Commission of India (ECI) conducted a day-long First Ever Orientation Workshop
for IAS officers of the 2016 Batch in New Delhi.
 The workshop was aimed at familiarising the Assistant Secretaries with all facets of Electoral
Management before they are required to handle crucial assignments in conducting Elections in
their field postings soon.
August 6, 2018
New urban spaces needs to be green and resilient
 ‘Van Mahotsav’ celebrated by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) by plantation of around
20,000 trees across Delhi.
 Acknowledging DDA’s significant role in building, restoring, maintaining and preserving the
natural heritage of the city, Sh Puri said that with 783 parks & 6 biodiversity parks covering an
extent of 11,000 acres approximately of land under their jurisdiction.
 DDA is a major owner of green area in Delhi and has been actively promoting the development
of Regional parks, City Park, District Parks, Community Parks & Neighbourhood Parks as per
norms of Master-Plan.
IMPRINT-2
 For advancing research in the high education institutions, the government under the leadership
of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved 122 new research projects at a cost of Rs
112 crore under IMPRINT-2 covering Energy, Security, Healthcare, Advanced Materials, ICT and
Security/Defence domains.
 “Out of 2145 proposals, 122 best proposals were selected for funding under IMPRINT-II,
advancing cutting edge level technology,” Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar said in a
statement.
 “Of the 122 new IMPRINT projects sanctioned, 81 are sponsored by industry…This industry-
academic collaboration will bring excellence in research,” Mr Javadekar said adding that the
knowledge portal for monitoring the progress of research projects and to disseminate findings
will be launched in October 2018.
 The new research project proposals selected include: 35 (ICT); 18 (Advanced Materials), 17
(Healthcare Technology), 12 (Energy Security); 11 (Security &Defence); 9 (Sustainable Habitat); 7
Water Resource & River Systems; 5 (Environment & Climate); 4 (Manufacturing); and 4 (Nano
Technology).
 IMPRINT is the first of its kind MHRD supported Pan-IIT + IISc joint initiative, now open for
private institutions too,to address the major science and engineering challenges that India must
address and champion to enable, empower and embolden the nation for inclusive growth and
self-reliance.
 IMPRINT provides the overarching vision that guides research into areas that are predominantly
socially relevant.
 The implementation of 142 projects under IMPRINT-1 has got underway. These projects have
received support from several ministries, councils and departments in addition to the Ministry of
Human Resource Development.
Among the 142 IMPRINT-1 projects under implementation are:
 Development of Cost Effective Magneto-Rheological (MR) Fluid Damper in Two wheelers and
Four Wheelers Automobile to Improve Ride Comfort and Stability;
 Indigenous development of an ultra high strength steel with stainless property for space
application;
 High strength, wear and corrosion resistant steel for high speed rail and elastic clip;
 Low Cost Indoor Occupancy and Climate Monitoring System For Energy Conservation;
 Development of Artificial Pancreas for Closed Loop Blood Glucose Control of Type-1 Diabetic
Patients in India;
 Development of a smartphone camera-based sensor for detection and remediation of chromium
pollution in water;
 Efficient Glycemic Control for the Management of Diabetes Complications : Intervention with
Novel Point of Care Device for Community Healthcare;
 Smart Classrooms: Technology Aids for Effective Teaching in Large Classrooms; and
 Designing and fabrication of an aerodynamic lens for nanoparticles of variable size.
August 6, 2018
Festival of Democracy
 The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the ‘Festival of Democracy’ in
Thiruvananthapuram to mark the conclusion of the diamond jubilee celebrations of the Kerala
legislative assembly.
 Speaking on the occasion, the President said that politics, public life and the quality of
democracy are a reflection of the essential ethos of a society. As such, the Kerala assembly and
its debates and discussions, the humanistic values that it has historically advocated and
legislated on, are a mirror to the traditions of this state.
 Kerala’s social framework has encouraged debate and dialogue, this was the way of farsighted
reformers such as Adi Shankaracharya, Sri Narayana Guru and Ayyankali.
 This was the motivation for the discourse between people of so many great faiths and spiritual
traditions – Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and others that have counted Kerala as
among their earliest homes.
 Praising the civil and learned conduct of the Kerala legislative assembly over the past 60 years,
the President said that nevertheless there remains the paradox of political violence in Kerala,
especially in some regions of the state.
Indo – Thailand Joint Exercise Maitree 2018
 Exercise Maitree is a joint military exercise between Indian Army and Royal Thai Army which will
be conducted from 06 to 19 August 2018 in Thailand.
 It is a platoon level exercise which comprises of infantry component. The opening ceremony
started with familiarization of organisation and display of weapons & equipment of both armies.
 The exercise will emphasize to hone the tactical and technical skills in joint counter insurgency
and counter terrorist operations in rural and urban scenario under UN mandate.
 Due emphasis will be laid on increasing interoperability between forces from both countries
which is crucial for success of any joint operation.
 Both sides will jointly train, plan and execute a series of well developed tactical drills for
neutralization of likely threats that may be encountered in urban warfare scenario.
 Experts from both sides will also hold detailed discussions to share their experience on varied
topics for mutual benefit.
 Exercise Maitree will contribute immensely in developing mutual understanding and bonhomie
between the two armies in order to counter terrorism.
Trailer Of Film “Halkaa”
 Shri Hardeep S Puri, Minister of State (I/C) for Housing and Urban Affairs launched the official
trailer, music and poster of Bollywood film “Halkaa” under the aegis of the Swachh Bharat
Mission (Urban), in partnership with the New Delhi Municipal Council.
 “Halkaa” (Relief) is the story of an 8-year-old boy Pichku who aspires for a better quality of life.
The film is a unique take on the child (Pichku)’s heroism: the boy refuses to be part of the age-
old practice of open defecation and decides to make a change for his betterment. It is his dream
to make a toilet of his own.
 “Halkaa” poignantly captures the journey of this simple and under privileged child’s dedication,
struggle, and aspiration for achieving the goal of owning a personal toilet for his family despite
resistance from his father. In turn, he becomes a hero in his slum community.
 Film director Nila Madhab Panda is a Padma Shri awardee whose earlier films include the highly-
acclaimed “I Am Kalam”, “Jalpari-the desert Mermaid”, “Kaun Kitney Paani Mein” and ‘Kadvi
Hawa’.
th
 While Halkaa is slated for release on 5 September 2018 in India, the film has already won
numerous awards and accolades in the international arena including two prestigious Grand Prix
– Best Feature Film awards at Montreal International Children’s Film Festival and KINOLUB Film
Festival for Children and Youth in Poland.
August 7, 2018
Kaziranga National Park in Assam not under the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ scheme
 No sites have been adopted by any private institute in Assam under the ‘Adopt a Heritage’
scheme.
 Any monument/heritage site/natural site for whose inclusion, the concerned asset owner (ASI,
State Government etc) agrees can be considered under the Adopt a Heritage Scheme.
Adopt a Heritage – Salient Feature of Project Guidelines
 ‘Adopt a Heritage’ project focusses on providing basic public conveniences and amenities which
include cleanliness, drinking water, ease of access for differently abled and senior citizens,
standardized signage, illumination and advanced amenities such as surveillance system, night
viewing facilities, tourism facilitation centre etc.
 Aim: To involve public sector companies, private sector companies and corporate
citizens/individuals to take up the responsibility for making our heritage and tourism more
sustainable through development, operation and maintenance of world-class tourist
infrastructure and amenities at ASI/State heritage sites and other important tourist sites in India.
Primary objectives of the project include:
 To develop basic and advanced tourism infrastructure in and around heritage monuments and
any other tourist sites in collaboration with the public/private sector.
 To promote cultural and heritage value of the country to generate livelihoods of local
communities of respective heritage site/monument/tourist site.
 To develop sustainable tourism infrastructure and ensuring proper Operations and Maintenance
therein and thus increase the attractiveness of the tourist destinations.
Adopting a monument/heritage/tourist site include the following main approaches:
 Submission of Expression of Interest (EoI): Agencies/organizations/individuals interested in
adopting a monument/heritage/tourist site are required to submit an Expression of Interest
(EoI) upon which the EoI is examined for compliance to the project guidelines and a Letter of
Intent (LoI) is awarded to the potential Monument Mitra.
 Need-Gap Analysis & Vision Bidding: Monument Mitras are required to carry out a need gap
analysis for all the selected monuments in collaboration with the asset owners and submit
Vision Bids. The Vision Bids would reflect the needs of every individual
monument/heritage/tourist site. The Vision Bids are evaluated by the Oversight & Vision
Committee (O&VC) and given in-principle approval on fulfillment of the extant project
guidelines.
 Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is
signed following which, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is required to be submitted by the
successful Monument Mitra to the asset owner. The asset owner in turn does a detailed
examination of the DPR as per the extant guidelines prior to the execution of the proposed
activities.
NITI Aayog’s workshop with Civil Society Organizations of Jammu & Kashmir
 NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Government organized a daylong
workshop in Srinagar today with the Civil Society Organizations, CSOs from the state to
strengthen partnership between the service delivery CSOs and the government.
 Member Coordinator of NITI-CSO committee, Amod Kanth emphasized the need to build on a
collaborative approach between the government and the CSOs.
 He stated that a Joint Action Plan be prepared that outlines meaningful participation of CSOs
per thematic areas of Women Empowerment, Child Welfare and Health, Senior Citizens, Welfare
of the differently abled, Children in Conflict with Law, and Youth Engagement.
 The CSOs were divided in six thematic groups, along with representatives from the state
government and the central government.
 Each group made a presentation detailing action points for the stakeholder towards building a
more inclusive approach for socio-economic development in the state of J&K.
 The conference evolved strategy to forge deeper and constructive ties between the Government
organisation and the Civil Services Organisations for improving delivery services to common
people.
TRAI integrates its Mobile App DND 2.0 & MyCall with UMANG Platform
 TRAI integrates its Mobile App DND 2.0 & MyCall with UMANG Platform with the objective of
reaching out to consumers and safeguarding their interests.
 UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) is developed by National e-
Governance Division (NeGD), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
 UMANG provides a single platform for all Indian Citizens to access pan India e-Gov services
ranging from Central to Local Government bodies and other citizen centric services.
 It provides a unified approach where citizens can install one application to avail multiple
government services. From now onwards, TRAI’s Mobile Apps namely DND 2.0 & MyCall shall
also be available on Umang Platform.
Certain key features of these applications are:
(a) TRAI MyCall App
 TRAI MyCall is an intuitive and user friendly application for Crowd sourced Voice Call Quality
Monitoring.
 The Application helps Mobile phone users to rate their experience about voice call quality in real
time and help TRAI gather consumer experience data along with Network data.
 A pop up requests the user to rate the call after it ends.
 Callers simply select their rating in the form of stars and indicate if the calls were made in
indoor, outdoor or while travelling.
 Callers can also provide additional details such as noise or audio delay or mark a call-drop.
(b) DND 2.0 App
 DND (Do Not Disturb) Services App enables smart phone users to register their mobile number
under DND and report spam messages or calls to avoid Unsolicited Commercial Communication
(UCC)/Telemarketing Calls/SMS.
Ishan Vikas and Ishan Uday schemes
 Ishan Vikas and Ishan Uday schemes are being implemented for the students of North Eastern
region.
 Ishan Vikas is coordinated by IIT, Guwahati and under the programme, selected school children
from North Eastern States are brought in close contact with the Indian Institute of Technology
(IITs), Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) and National Institute of
Advanced Studies (NIAS) during the vacation period to motivate them to pursue science,
technology, engineering and mathematics and to facilitate internship opportunities for the
engineering college students in various institutes of national importance.
 Annual target is to provide visit of 96 school children to premier institutes and summer
internships to 250 engineering students.
 Since inception of the programme in 2014-15, 1637 school children and 372 Engineering
students have benefited.
 Ishan Uday Scholarship Scheme is administered by University Grants Commission (UGC). Under
the scheme, scholarship is provided to the economically backward students from the North East
Region for pursuing general degree courses, technical and professional degree courses.
 It is envisaged to provide 10000 scholarships annually.
August 8, 2018
NITI Aayog and CII Launch Partnership on SDGs
 “Business & government partnership needs to be harnessed to achieve greater good”, -Raj
Kumar Singh
 The Minister said that in sustainable development three things matter the most: energy, water
and circular economy/green industry. To action his 2022 agenda, he expressed confidence that
India will achieve its clean energy goals even earlier than 2022 and urged everyone to be
conscious and responsible towards the environment.
 CII-NITI Aayog have entered into a three-year partnership and a MoU was signed.
 This partnership focuses on specific activities that seeks to develop:
1. Vision and Action Agenda for businesses and industries to contribute to SDGs;
2. Annual Status Reports;
3. Sector-specific Best Practise Documents.
Discovered Small Field Policy
 Bid round –II under Discovered Small Field Policy will be launched on 9th August, 2018.
Background:
 India is the world’s fifth-largest economy with the size of over 2.6 Trillion USD. Recently, it
surpassed France and soon India is set to leapfrog Britain to become the fourth-largest
economy.
 India is the 3rd largest energy consumer in the world. Its energy consumption is expected to
grow by 4.2% p.a. which is faster than all major economies.
 According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), India is expected to account for almost one-
third of the global growth in energy demand by 2040.
 To maintain the thrust on economic growth, it is imperative that the country’s Oil & Gas sector
grows consistently so as to enable energy security and accessibility to its people.
Policy reforms in this sector:
 In addition to several other reforms, Government has implemented new contracting policies
such as the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP), and the Discovered Small Fields (DSF) policy.
 These are primarily based on the four energy pillars as laid by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri
Narendra Modi viz. Energy Access, Energy Efficiency, Energy Sustainability and Energy Security.
About Discovered Small Fields Policy:
 It provides an easy investment option for new and existing players with minimal risk.
 DSF Bid Round-I launched by the Government, was a splendid success and was completed in a
record time of 10 months.
 It received overwhelming success with 134 bidders for 34 blocks on offer.
 30 contracts were awarded to 20 companies out of which 13 were new entrants in E&P sector.
 First oil/gas is expected in 2019-20.
Features of DSF Bid Round–II are as below:
1. No previous technical experience required for bidders, easy entry & investor friendly policy
2. Expected to offer around 60* discoveries clubbed into around 26* new contract areas
3. Large field areas on offer in already producing basins
4. Established Hydrocarbon resource base of over 190 MMT (O+OEG)
5. Better fiscal system through Revenue Sharing Contracts
6. Area having oil/gas discoveries;
7. Potential of upsides in the area;
8. Ready processing facilities nearby;
9. Ready market
10. Easy bidding process; minimum requirements; transparent award; swift processing of approvals
11. Single licence for all types of hydrocarbons
12. No signature bonus
13. Exploration allowed during the entire contract period
14. Full pricing and marketing freedom
15. Royalty rates further reduced for shallow water compared to DSF-I
FAGMIL receives LoI from Himachal Pradesh Government
 FCI Aravali Gypsum and Minerals India Limited (FAGMIL), a CPSU under the administrative
control of the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India
has received a Letter of Intent (LoI) from the Government of Himachal Pradesh for grant of
mining lease for setting up of White Cement Plant to cater to the demand of white cement in
North India.
 An MoU will be signed between FAGMIL and Government of Himachal Pradesh for the same.
This will be the first PSU white cement plant in India.
 The Lime Stone excavated from the mine will be utilized for the manufacturing of White Cement
in India, there are only two white cement plants in operation at present.
 The pre-feasibility study has been done by National Council for Cement and Building Materials,
Ballabgarh (Haryana). Further activities are under progress.
 The installed capacity of the proposed Plant will be 1000 TPD. Direct and indirect employment
generation would be around 200 and 3000 respectively.
 The plant would be installed using the latest available environment friendly technology. The
project shall be a land mark in the development of Nohra Dhar and nearby areas of Himachal
Pradesh.
August 9, 2018
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2018
 The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2018
which was passed by the Lok Sabha on 6th August 2018, has been passed by the Rajya Sabha.
 Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot today moved the
Amendment Bill, 2018 in Rajya Sabha.
Details:
 Section 18A has been inserted to nullify conduct of a preliminary enquiry before registration of
an FIR, or to seek approval of any authority prior to arrest of an accused, and to restore the
provisions of Section 18 of the Act.
 Section 18A, inserted in the Act, states that:-
 (1) For the purpose of the PoA Act,-
 (a) Preliminary enquiry shall not be required for registration of a
First Information Report against any person; or
 (b) The investigating officer shall not require approval for arrest, if necessary, of any person,
against whom an accusation of having committed an offence under the PoA Act has been
made and no procedure other than provided under the PoA Act or the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973, shall apply.
 (2) The provision of section 438 of the Code shall not apply to a case under the Act,
notwithstanding any judgment or order or direction of any Court.
Background:
 The directions of Hon’ble Supreme Court in their judgment dated 20.03.2018 in Criminal Appeal
No. 416 of 2018 (Dr. Subhash Kashinath Mahajan Vs the State of Maharashtra and Another)
amount to amending the PoA Act and have diluted the provisions of the PoA Act.
 The directions of the Hon’ble Court to conduct a preliminary inquiry within seven days by the
Dy. S.P. concerned to find out whether the allegations make out a case under the PoA Act and
that arrest in appropriate cases may be made only after approval by the S.S.P., would delay
registration of First Information Report (FIR) and will impede strict enforcement of the provision
of the POA Act.
 It may also be difficult to get the preliminary inquiry conducted within seven days as sufficient
number of Dy. S.P level officers are usually not in place.
 Typically, the Dy. S.P. are located at the district level and not at taluk/block level.
 Other repercussions of the said directions of the Hon’ble Court are that delay in registration of
FIR would result in delay in payment of admissible relief amount to the victims of atrocities
admissible only on registration of FIR.
 All this would adversely affect the very objective of the Act to prevent commission of atrocities
against members of SC and ST and be severely detrimental especially in heinous offences like
sexual exploitation of SC/ST women including rape, gang rape, acid attacks and murder etc.
 As such, a Review Petition dated 02.04.2018, was filed by the Union of India in the Hon’ble Court
praying for recalling and reviewing their Order but no relief had so far been granted.
 Hence, it was considered expedient and meaningful to reaffirm the reliance and trust of
members of SCs and STs on the provisions of the PoA Act.
National Disaster Response Force
 The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given the approval for
raising of four (4) additional battalions of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to strengthen
the India’s disaster response set up at an estimated cost of Rs 637 crore.
Details:
 The objective of raising four additional battalions is to reduce the response time keeping in view
the vast geographic area of the country.
 These four battalions will initially be raised as two battalions in Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
and one battalion each in Border Security Force (BSF) and Assam Rifles (ARs).
 Later these four battalions will be converted into NDRF battalions. Based on the vulnerability
profile, these four battalions will be placed in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh,
Uttarakhand and Delhi National Capital Region.
Background:
 NDRF is a specialized force, which has been created in the year 2006 for the purpose of specialist
response during the natural and man-made disaster or threatening situation. At present there
are 12 battalions in NDRF which are deployed strategically across the country to provide
immediate response.
MoU between India
 The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing the
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Indonesia on health cooperation.
 The MoU covers the following areas of cooperation:-
1. Research and development, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and IT-based medical
equipment;
2. Human Resource Development;
3. Health services; and
4. Any other area as may be mutually agreed upon.
Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve
 The Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve has become the 11th Biosphere Reserve from India
that has been included in the UNESCO designated World Network of Biosphere Reserves
(WNBR).
 Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve in Sikkim is one of the highest ecosystems in the world,
reaching elevations of 1, 220 metres above sea-level. It includes a range of ecolines, varying
from sub-tropic to Arctic, as well as natural forests in different biomes that support an
immensely rich diversity of forest types and habitats.
Niryat Mitra App
 Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Aviation Suresh Prabhu launched Niryat Mitra –
mobile App in New Delhi.
 The app developed by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) is available both on
Android and on IOS platforms.
 It provides wide range of information required to undertake international trade right from the
policy provisions for export and import, applicable GST rate, available export incentives, tariff,
preferential tariff, market access requirements – SPS and TBT measures.
 The most interesting part is that all the information is available at tariff line.
 The app works internally to map the ITC HS code of other countries with that of India and
provides all the required data without the users bothering about the HS code of any country.
 Presently the app comes with the data of 87 countries.
August 10, 2018
Races of Silk Worm Seed
 Central Silk Board (CSB) has notified recently developed races of silkworm seed of mulberry and
Vanya silk for increasing the productivity of cocoons and to increase the income of the farmers
engaged in sericulture.
 Silk worm breeds for specific agro-climatic condition are essential for increasing the productivity
of cocoons.
 The recently notified silkworm races will improve the income of the farmers by its enhanced
productivity and quality.
 Central Silk Board under the Ministry of Textiles is engaged in applied research developing new
breeds of races of silkworm seed and conducts extensive field trial before commercial use in the
field.
“PARIVESH”
 “PARIVESH” – an environmental single window hub for Environment, Forest, Wildlife and CRZ
clearances launched
 The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, launched PARIVESH (Pro-Active and Responsive
facilitation by Interactive, Virtuous and Environmental Single-window Hub) on the occasion of
World Biofuel Day.
 PARIVESH is a Single-Window Integrated Environmental Management System, developed in
pursuance of the spirit of ‘Digital India’ initiated by the Prime Minister and capturing the essence
of Minimum Government and Maximum Governance.
SCO Peace Mission 2018
 As part of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) initiatives, SCO Peace Mission Exercise is
conducted biennially for SCO member states.
 The joint exercise for the year 2018 will be conducted by Central Military Commission of Russia
from 22 August to 29 August 2018 at Chebarkul, Chelyabinsk, Russia.
 This will be a historic occasion due to the maiden participation of India post becoming a full
member of the SCO in June 2017.
 This exercise marks a major milestone in the multilateral relations of SCO member nations. The
exercise will involve tactical level operations in an international counter insurgency or counter
terrorism environment under SCO Charter.
 The joint exercise will strengthen mutual confidence, interoperability and enable sharing of best
practices among armed forces of SCO Nations. It will be a landmark event in the history of SCO
defence cooperation.
National Energy Storage Mission
 NITI Aayog and Rocky Mountain Institute’s joint report on India’s Energy Storage Mission has
proposed three stage solution approach i.e.
1. creating an environment for battery manufacturing growth;
2. scaling supply chain strategies; and
3. scaling of battery cell manufacturing.
 Key areas for energy storage application include:
1. integrating renewable energy with distribution and transmission grids;
2. setting Rural micro grids with diversified loads or stand-alone systems; and
3. developing Storage component of electric mobility plans.
100% FDI under automatic route in educational institutions
 As per consolidated FDI Policy, 2017, the Government has allowed Foreign Direct Investment
(FDI) up to 100% under automatic route in the educational institutions subject to applicable
laws/sectoral rules/regulations/ security conditions.
 As per these regulations, Indian Universities and Colleges having the highest grade of
accreditation/threshold accreditation, and conforming to other eligibility conditions as laid
down in the regulations, can apply online to the UGC for starting twinning arrangement with
Foreign Educational Institutions (FEI) having the prescribed quality.
 The AICTE has set norms for regulating collaboration and twinning program between Indian and
Foreign University/Institutions in the field of Technical Education Research and Training with an
objective to safeguard the interest of student community in India and ensure uniform
maintenance of Norms & Standards as prescribed by various statutory bodies.
August 11, 2018
One District one Product
 The summit aims to give boost to micro, small and medium enterprises
 The ODOP scheme seeks to promote traditional industries synonymous with their respective
districts to spur local economy and generate jobs
 its aim was to optimise production, productivity and income, preservation and development of
local crafts, promotion of
 Local crafts, promotion of art, improvement in product quality and skill development
Significance
 Micro, small and medium enterprises are called the backbone of our economy. These
enterprises are engines of inclusive development.
 After the agricultural sector, most people find employment in this sector. This sector generates
more employment opportunities at a lower cost of capital.
 And the most important thing about this sector is that it creates jobs in rural and backward
areas.
World Biofuel Day

 It is observed every year on 10th August
 The aim is to create awareness about the importance of non-fossil fuels as an alternative to
conventional fossil fuels
 The World Biofuel Day is being observed by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas for the last
three years.
Measures taken by Government

 Initiating Administrative price mechanism for ethanol,
 Simplifying the procurement procedures of OMCs,
 Amending the provisions of Industries (Development & Regulation) Act, 1951
 Enabling lignocellulosic route for ethanol procurement.
 Government approved the National Policy on Biofuels-2018
o The policy has the objective of reaching 20% ethanol-blending and 5% biodiesel-blending by
the year 2030.
o Among other things, the policy expands the scope of feedstock for ethanol production and
has provided for incentives for production of advanced biofuels.
Significance
 Biofuels have the benefits of reducing import dependency on crude oil,
 Cleaner environment,
 Additional income to farmers and
 Employment generation in rural areas.
 The biofuels programme is also in synergy with the Government of India initiatives for Make in
India, Swachh Bharat and enhancing farmers’ income.
Pratibandhit Sahitya Mein Swatantrata Sangram
Context
 There is exhibition of Freedom Movement through Proscribed Literature festival in the premises
of National Archives of India, in New Delhi.
Details
 The exhibition is an attempt to sensitize the young generations of the sacrifices and
contributions of these martyrs in our freedom struggle and to inculcate the spirit of patriotism in
them.
 This exhibition of proscribed literature is from vast collection of poetry and prose that portrays
the nationalistic fervour prevalent in the days of freedom struggle.
National Archives of India

 It is an Attached Office under the Ministry of Culture.
Operation ‘Madad’
 Operation “Madad” has been launched by the Southern Naval Command (SNC) at Kochi
 It is for assisting the state administration and undertaking disaster relief operations due to the
unprecedented flooding experienced in many parts of Kerala
Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI)

 The main goal of LASI project is to collect credible scientific data on burden of disease, mental
health, functional health, health care and social and economic well being of elderly population.
 The data is being collected based on internationally comparable research design, tools and
adopting cutting edge scientific methods to provide the foundation for credible and acceptable
data – for National and State level policy making and long- term scientific research.
 LASI project will provide data on demographics, household economic status, health and bio-
markers, health insurance and health care utilization, family and social network, social welfare
programmes, work and employment, retirement and pension, life satisfaction and expectations.
National Programme for the Health Care for the Elderly

 It is an articulation of the International and national commitments of the Government as
envisaged under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD),
National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) adopted by the Government of India in 1999 & Section
20 of “The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007” dealing with
provisions for medical care of Senior Citizen
Vision
 To provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality long-term, comprehensive and dedicated
care services to an Ageing population;
Specific Objectives
 To provide an easy access to promotional, preventive, curative and rehabilitative services to the
elderly through community based primary health care approach
 To identify health problems in the elderly and provide appropriate health interventions in the
community with a strong referral backup support.
 To build capacity of the medical and paramedical professionals as well as the care-takers within
the family for providing health care to the elderly.
August 12, 2018
World Elephant Day
 World Elephant Day is an international annual event on August 12
 The objective behind celebrating the World Elephant Day every year is to focus attention of
various stakeholders to support various conservation policies to help elephants, including
improving enforcement policies to prevent the illegal poaching and trade of ivory, conserving
elephant habitats, providing better treatment for captive elephants and reintroducing some
captive elephants into sanctuaries.
Facts
 Current population estimates for Asian elephants in the country, as per 2017 Census, are about
30,000.
 Asian elephants are confined to South Asia and South East Asia and about 60 per cent of global
population of Asian elephants is found in India.
Project Elephant
It was started in 1992, with the objectives of
 conservation and protection of viable population of wild elephants in their natural habitats in
the country;
 restoration of natural habitats and traditional corridors/migratory routes or movement paths
used by the elephants, wherever necessary, through eco-restoration, acquisition etc;
 ensuring safeguards against poaching and other threats;
 mitigation and control of human elephant conflicts;
 welfare and management of captive elephants; and
 Creating a viable mechanism to ensure inter-state and regional and national level coordination
in protecting and conserving the elephant and its ranges.
Ischemic stroke
 It is a condition caused by a dysfunction in the supply of blood to the brain due to emboli,
thrombus or atherosclerosis occurring in cerebral arteries.
Stats
 According to the American Stroke Association (ASA), brain strokes are the second leading cause
of death in the world with a staggering 15 million people effected causing 11 million people
either die or become permanently disabled.
 Surprisingly, the prevalence of stroke is much higher in India than the West and about 87% of all
strokes are ischemic strokes.
Context
 CSIR’s new patented Clot buster PEGylated Streptokinase the novel recombinant protein is set
to assist in the treatment of Strokes.
August 13, 2018
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act
Context
 In order to ensure safe workplaces for Women in the private sector, the Ministry of Women and
Child had requested Hon’ble Minister for Corporate Affairs to mandate the disclosure regarding
implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and
Redressal) Act in the Directors Report of every company.
 So, Disclosure of compliance under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act in the
Annual Reports of Private companies now made Mandatory: Ministry of Corporate Affairs
amends the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014.
Details
 A number of instructions have been issued by the DoPT on the request of the ministry to provide
immediate relief to the women working in central government against sexual harassment at
workplace.
 The ministry has also empanelled a number of entities who can provide training to any
organization on effective implementation of the provisions of the Act.
 The ministry has provided a facility to all working women to file complaints under this Act
directly with the ministry through the SHE-Box.
LaCONES or Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species

 It is a Council of Scientific and Industrial Research lab located in Hyderabad.
 It has a dedicated facility of CSIR’s Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in
Hyderabad uses modern biotechnologies for conservation of endangered wildlife.
 Effective conservation measures include both in situ habitat preservation, species protection
and ex situ conservation (captive breeding in controlled environment to restock original wild
populations).
 It is India’s only research facility engaged in conservation and preservation of wildlife and its
resources.
 It was established in 1998 with the help of Central Zoo Authority of India, CSIR and the
government of Andhra Pradesh.
 It was dedicated to the nation in 2007 by then President of India APJ Abdul Kalam.
Significance
 Despite being one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, nearly 14% of all species in
India face serious threat of extinction.
 It is therefore, important to carry out conservation breeding and assisted reproductive strategies
for conservation and management of threatened species
August 14, 2018
Pitch to MOVE
Context
 NITI Aayog has launched “Pitch to MOVE” – a mobility pitch competition that aims to provide
budding entrepreneurs of India a unique opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a
distinguished jury
Details
 “Pitch to MOVE aims to identify and incentivise the startups, which will help the Government
realize its vision of Shared, Connected, Intermodal and Environment Friendly Mobility for India.
 The objective is to harness the latest disruption for generating employment and growth in our
country.
 Startups working in the various fields of mobility can pitch their ideas to industry leaders and
Venture Capitalists for raising investments.
 “Pitch to MOVE” is organised by NITI Aayog in collaboration with Invest India and Society of
Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM)
Mobility Pitch Competition

 The Mobility Pitch Competition is open to primarily startups from various parts of India who are
interested in showcasing their business ideas to jury members.
 The competition aims to identify and reward the start-ups offering innovative solutions for
shared, connected, and environment friendly mobility. The Startups can be from the domain of
Public Mobility, Electric Vehicles, Shared Transport, Last Mile Connectivity, Passenger
Transportation, Battery Technology, Automotive IoT, Freight & Logistics, Powertrain/Drivetrain,
Experiential, Travel, Mobility Infrastructure and Automotive Electronics etc.
Significance
 Potential driver of innovation, job creation, economic growth and social change
Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL)

 It is a statutory body constituted for the purpose of hearing cases against the orders of the
Regulatory Commissions and the Adjudicating officer.
 By virtue of Section 110 of The Electricity Act, 2003 an Appellate Tribunal for Electricity having
jurisdiction throughout India has been set up to hear appeals or original petitions against the
orders of the Adjudicating officer
 The Tribunal is conferred with original jurisdiction to hear petitions under Section 121 of the Act
and issue directions to all Commissions for the performance of its statutory functions.
 This Tribunal has been established by the Ministry of Power
 The Appellate Tribunal shall consist of a Chairperson and three other Members. Every Bench
constituted by the Chairperson shall consist of at least one Judicial Member and one Technical
Member
The Electricity Act of 2003

 It seeks to consolidate the laws relating to generation, transmission, distribution, trading and
use of electricity and generally for taking measures conducive to development of electricity
industry, promoting competition therein, protecting interest of consumers and supply of
electricity to all areas, rationalization of electricity tariff ensuring transparent policies regarding
subsidies, promotion of efficient and environmentally benign policies, constitution of Central
Electricity Authority, Regulatory Commissions and establishment of Appellate Tribunal and for
matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
 The act applies throughout Union Territories of India except Jammu & Kashmir.
August 16, 2018
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s address on the 72nd Independence Day
 The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red
Fort, on the occasion of the 72nd Independence Day.
 Asserting that India is today brimming with self-confidence, the Prime Minister mentioned
developments such as the success of Navika Sagar Parikrama by six young women naval
officers, and the achievements of young Indian sportspersons from humble backgrounds.
 He mentioned the blooming of Neelakurinji flowers in the Nilgiri hills, a phenomenon that
occurs once every 12 years.
 He said that the recently concluded session of Parliament, was one dedicated to the cause of
social justice. He noted that India is now the world’s sixth largest economy.
 The Prime Minister said that India is proud of its scientists. He announced “Gagan-Yaan” a
manned space mission, to be undertaken by India by 2022, using its own capabilities. He said
India would become the fourth nation in the world to do so.
 Shri Narendra Modi announced the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan on 25th
September this year – the anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay.
 The Prime Minister announced that women officers of Short Service Commission in the Indian
Armed Forces would now be eligible for permanent commission through a transparent selection
process.
Vice President condoles the passing away of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee
 “Sad to know that Shri Atalji is no more. He is, undoubtedly, one of the tallest leaders in post-
independence India.
 His contribution to strengthen democracy and good governance has been stupendous. He
successfully ran a coalition of 23 parties with his rare persuasive charm and competence.
 ‘Bharat Ratna’ Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee’s qualities
of Vyakthitva (personality), Vakthruthva (oratory), Karthruthva (devotion to
duty), Mithrutva (friendliness) all combined in his remarkable ‘Nethrutva‘ will be remembered
for a long time to come.”
International Year of Millets
 The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh has written to
the Director General, United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) and proposed the
declaration of an upcoming year as “International Year of Millets”.
 The Union Agriculture Minister stated that India is celebrating 2018 as the National Year of
Millets and is promoting cultivation by amending cropping pattern of areas which are especially
susceptible to climate change.
 Millets are highly nutritious and useful in various lifestyle diseases, enhancing resilience and risk
management in face of climate change especially for small and marginal farmers.
Digital Screens
 Digital Screens are operational at 22 Railway Stations from Independence Day QR code based
posters on Railway Heritage are also being displayed at these stations.
 Being initiated on a pilot basis, the project aims at showcasing the legacy of Indian Railways
through one to two minute-long movie clips on digital LED screens at the entrance gate of
railway stations and also at different comfort areas.
 The short films will showcase heritage buildings, locomotives and much more to make people
aware of the rich heritage of Indian Railways.
 For now, the digital screens have been set up at New Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Howrah,
Sealdah, Jaipur, Agra Cantonment, Coimbatore, Lucknow, Varanasi and other railway stations.
 In addition, QR code based posters on Railway Heritage are also being displayed at these
stations. Passenger can scan the QR code on their mobile to view a streaming video on their
mobile on various facades of Railway heritage.
August 17, 2018
Ease of Living Index to Empower Citizens
 Ease of Living Index launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on 13th August 2018
has attracted wide public enthusiasm and provided an opportunity to Urban Planners, Municipal
Authorities and public at large a baseline data for wider public debate.
 This is a unique exercise and is based on an open and participatory assessment of cities along
with physical audit of urban metrics in a transparent manner.
 The assessment, certainly, is more than just a ranking exercise. It marks the beginning of the
creation of arobust base line along 78 urban metrics and seeks to drive evidence-based thinking
on urban planning and development.
Process Overview
 Two rounds of quality control and excel-based audit were performed on the data provided by
the cities and errors were identified.
 Every city was given an opportunity to fix the errors and update their data sheets.
 Finally, a physical audit was conducted for selected parameters which could be physically
verified through a network of trained field staff.
Features that influence the assessment outcomes and Rankings:
1. Indicators and Weightages:
1. The physical infrastructure pillar receives the highest weightage of 45%, with several of the
indicators focusing on universalization of services (Sanitation, Power, Water, Sewer,
Transport, Public Services etc. Thus, cities that are observed to be doing better in terms of
service coverage stand to gain significantly.
2. Quantum of Data Available with Cities:
1. Multiple departments participated to provide data on over 500 questions, cutting across 78
indicators. Cities that had strong systems for data generation and reporting and/or a history
of planning that was evidence based (City Sanitation Plan, Mobility Plans etc.) were
observed to perform better as they are simply better equipped to provide data.
3. Quality of Data Provided:
1. To encourage cities to provide sound data, an incentive in the form of higher weightages has
been deployed for indicators that are backed by supporting documents.
2. Cities that could support the data provided with strong secondary documents (ex: SLIPs,
DPRs, City Mobility Plans etc.) were given due weight-age in their score.
4. Relative benchmarks:
1. To ensure that the assessment offers a level playing field to all cities, relative benchmarks
are assigned for 22 of the 78 indicators in which cities are evaluated against their
comparable peers, defined by the population.
Food Processing Technology (iCRAFPT) gets underway at IIFPT
 International Conference on Recent Advances in Food Processing Technology (iCRAFPT) got
underway today at Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology, Thanjavur in Tamilnadu.
 The bumper production and diversification of agriculture has brought in new challenges for
everybody in view of the large scale food wastage on one hand and seasonal & regional demand
& there supply issues of many commodities.
Background:
 The Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT), a premier national Institute working
under the administrative control of Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government
of India functioning from its headquarters in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Besides delivering research
and education in food processing, the institute has been incubating farmers, entrepreneurs and
aspiring youth for prospective food business ventures. Considering this importance and
promotion of food processing among the farmers, budding entrepreneurs and researchers. The
institute has been organizing an International Conference on Recent Advances in Food
Processing Technology (iCRAFPT) during 17th to 19th August 2018 with the theme of Doubling
farmers’ income through food processing.
NCMC meets for the second time
 The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) met for the second time in two days here
today to review the rescue & relief operations in the flood affected areas in Kerala.
 It was decided to mobilise additional resources of all agencies including Army, Navy, Air Force,
Coast Guard and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to provide the required assistance to
Kerala.
August 18, 2018
PM visits Kerala
 The Prime Minister visited Kerala to review the situation arising out of floods in the State
Relief announcements:
 The Prime Minister announced a financial assistance of Rs 500 crore to the State.
 He also assured the State Government that relief materials including food grains, medicines etc
would be provided, as requested.
 PM also announced ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh per person to the next kin of the deceased and Rs.
50,000 to those seriously injured from PM’s National Relief Funds (PMNRF).
 PM has directed Insurance Companies to hold special camps for assessment & timely release of
compensation to the affected families/beneficiaries under Social Security Schemes.
 PM has directed National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to repair main national highways
damaged due to floods on priority.
 The Central Public Sector like NTPC and PGCIL have also been directed to be available to render
all possible assistance to the State Government in restoring power lines.
 Villagers, whose kutcha houses have been destroyed in the devastating floods, would be
provided Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin houses on priority irrespective of their priority in
the Permanent Wait List of PMAY-G.
 Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, farmers would be provided
assistance for replantation of damaged horticulture crops.
Scientists decode complex Wheat Genome
 In a major scientific breakthrough, a team of international researchers, including 18 from India
decoded the wheat genome.
 The information generated will help to identify genes controlling complex agronomic traits such
as yield, grain quality, resistance to diseases and pests, as well as tolerance to drought, heat,
water logging and salinity.
 Science & Technology Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said, “cracking of the bread wheat genome will
go a long way in developing climate-resilient wheat and help tide over possible impact of climate
change on farm output.”
 In an article published in ‘Science’, the authors said, the DNA sequence has been ordered and it
represents the highest quality genome sequence generated to date for the bread wheat.
 The reference genome covers 94% (14.5 Gb) of the entire wheat genome. The bread wheat has
a complex hexaploid genome which is 40 times larger than that of the rice genome and 5 times
larger than the human genome.
Advantage:
 The availability of high quality reference genome would accelerate the breeding of climate-
resilient wheat varieties to feed the ever-increasing world population and help address global
food security in the decades to come.
August 20, 2018
Exercise Pitch Black
 Ex Pitch Black a biennial multi-national large force employment warfare exercise was hosted by
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)
 It is for the first time that IAF participated with air assets in the Exercise Pitch Black (PB-18).
Objective
 The objectives for the exercise were to foster closer relationship between the participating
friendly forces and to promote interoperability through exchange of knowledge and experience.
 The aim for participating crew and specialist observers was to expose them to op environment
in international scenarios.
Significance
 The exercise provided a unique opportunity for exchange of knowledge and experience with
the participating nations in a dynamic warfare environment.
 The IAF contingent interacted with various countries, gained first-hand experience of training
patterns, employment and operating philosophies of their combat assets.
 The Operational lessons learnt by IAF during the exercise will assist IAF in adding more teeth to
its overall war waging capabilities and assist us in better joint man ship with the friendly
Nations
Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘HELINA’
Context
 Indigenously developed Helicopter launched Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘HELINA’ has been
successfully flight tested
Details
 The HELINA weapon system released smoothly from the launch platform, tracked the target all
through its course, and struck it with high precision.
 The Missile is guided by an Infrared Imaging Seeker (IIR) operating in the Lock on Before Launch
mode
 It is the helicopter-launched version of NAG and has a hit range of 7-8 km.
Exercise Maitree 2018
 It is joint military exercise between Indian Army and Royal Thai Army
 Exercise Maitree is an annual event designed to strengthen the partnership between Royal Thai
Army and Indian Army
Details
 It involved familiarization training between two armies to evolve drills and procedures involved
in counter insurgency & counter terrorist operations in urban, rural and jungle terrain under UN
mandate
 The second phase included practicing of various drills & tactical scenarios in counter insurgency
environment, execution of tactical operations like search and destroy operation, house
intervention and survival techniques
Significance
 Both the armies immensely benefitted from each other’s expertise and experience in conduct of
tactical level counter terrorist operations.
 The exercise helped in enhancing the cooperation between two armies & bonhomie between
troops.
August 20, 2018
INS Khanjar visits Yangon, Myanmar
 INS Khanjar a Missile Corvette of Indian Navy was on a three-day visit to Yangon, Myanmar to
undertake operational turn around (OTR) and as part of goodwill visit.
 On arrival at Yangon, the Commanding Officer called-on Captain Tet Lwin Run, Fleet Commander
1st Fleet and the Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Shri Vikram Misri.
 A joint Yoga Session for IN and Myanmar Naval personnel was also organised in addition to the
cross visits between Indian Navy and Myanmar Naval personnel.
India-Japan Annual Defence Ministerial Dialogue
 The Ministers shared the recognition that it is important for the two countries to further
strengthen defence and security cooperation under the ‘Japan-lndia Special Strategic and Global
Partnership’ that aligns Japan’s ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy’ with India’s ‘Act East
Policy’ to work together in achieving common objectives.
Promote cooperation and exchanges in the following areas:
1. Institutionalised Dialogue and Mutual Visits
Annual Defence Ministerial Meeting: The Defence Minister of India will visit Japan in 2019.
Welcoming the first official visit to India by the Japanese Chief of Staff, Joint Staff in 2018, both sides
decided to organise the visit by the Chief of Staff, JMSDF to India in November 2018 and the Indian
Chief of Air Staff to Japan by the end of 2018.
2. Exchanges between the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) and the Indian Army.
From the perspective of reinforcing bilateral cooperation and exchanges, the Ministers also
welcomed the progress made in preparing for the first-ever bilateral joint exercise in the domain of
counter-terrorism between the JGSDF and the Indian Army to be held in the fall of 2018. They
reaffirmed their intention to continue cooperation through conduct of exercises.
3. Exchanges between the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force and the Indian Navy.
The Ministers expressed satisfaction at the success of Japan-India-U.S. Trilateral Maritime Exercise
MALABAR 2018 in June 2018 as well as the start of the constructive, trilateral discussion toward the
next round of the exercise.
4. Exchanges between the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the Indian Air Force
The Ministers welcomed the steady expansion of exchanges involving various subject matter experts
in the air component, including Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) helicopter crews’ visit to India’s
Sarsawa Air Force Station in December 2017.
They also expressed their intention to seek further opportunities for air-to-air cooperation through
visits of Japanese and Indian air assets to each other’s air bases.
5. Education and Research Exchanges
The Ministers welcomed the regular exchange of students between the defence educational and
research institutions of the two countries, including the National Defence College of India, and the
National Institute of Defence Studies of Japan, and reaffirmed that they would continue to do so.
6. Cooperation in Defence Equipment and Technology
The Ministers noted the effort made by both countries regarding the cooperation on US-2
amphibious aircraft.
MoveHack, NITI Aayog’s global mobility hackathon
 More than 7,500 registrations from 20+ countries, top 30 teams to be mentored by the likes of
Nandan Nilekani and Deep Kalra
 MoveHack 2018, NITI Aayog’s global mobility hackathon with total prize money of more than
INR 2 crores, has received strong interest from across the globe.
 The hackathon, which was launched on 1st August 2018, has so far received more than 7,500
registrations for the 10 themes.
Aim:
 To bring about innovative, dynamic and scalable solutions to problems pertaining to mobility
and transportation. The hackathon has a two-pronged campaign approach: (a) ‘Just Code It’:
aimed at solutions through innovations in technology/product/software and data analysis, and
(b) ‘Just Solve It’: innovative business ideas or sustainable solutions to transform mobility
infrastructure through technology.
 In addition to the attractive prize money, what sets this hackathon apart is that it provides a
unique opportunity for end-to-end integration of solutions in Smart Cities, States and Central
Ministries through commercial implementation. Problem themes include multimodal commuter
mobility in cities, multimodal freight handling and transportation, road safety, future of mobility
etc.
August 21, 2018
Cyclone Warning Centre
 The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences is proposing to set up a Cyclone Warning Centre in
Thiruvananthapuram in another one month.
 IMD at present has cyclone warning centres only at Chennai, Vishakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar,
Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
 The Centre will cater to the needs of Kerala and Karnataka states and will be equipped with all
state of the art infrastructure including forecasting tools to issue weather warnings and coastal
bulletins (for fishermen,etc.).
 The Ministry is also planning to set up another C-Band Doppler Weather Radar at Mangalore by
end of 2019, which will cover the northern parts of Kerala.
International Buddhist Conclave 2018
 The President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind will inaugurate the “International Buddhist
Conclave (IBC), 2018” in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on 23rd August, 2018.
 During the inaugural session of the Conclave, the Ministry will launch its website
landofbuddha.in and a new film showcasing the Buddhist sites in the country.
 The delegates from 29 countries are participating in the International Buddhist Conclave.
 International Buddhist Conclave 2018 will have a religious / spiritual dimension, an academic
theme and a diplomatic and business component.
 IBC-2018 will feature presentations by the Ministry of Tourism and State Governments, Panel
discussion between scholars and monks and B2B meetings between the foreign and Indian tour
operators.
 The Ministry has also planned to organize an ‘Investors’ Summit’ during the Conclave to attract
investments in developing world class infrastructure at Buddhist sites.
Aim:
 To showcase and project the Buddhist Heritage in India and boost tourism to the Buddhist sites
in the country and cultivate friendly ties with countries and communities interested in
Buddhism.
Background:
 India has a rich ancient Buddhist Heritage with several important sites associated with the life of
Lord Buddha.
 The Indian Buddhist Heritage is of great interest to the followers of Buddhism the world over.
 The most precious gift that the Ancient India has given to the World is, the Buddha and his Path,
which is, the Eight-fold Path, in Pali language, Aṭṭhangiko Maggo.
 ‘Buddha Path’ on one hand refers to the extraordinary Teachings of the Buddha which is also
called the Middle Path which when practiced brings purity of mind and leads to Peace,
Happiness and Harmony within and also in the Society as well.
 The Buddha Path provides quality of life based on Values as moral principles, or other ideas that
guide our choices; Right beliefs, connection to nature and place with spirituality; Way of Life,
daily practices, good habits and inspiring traditional skills for mental growth, thereby, making it
the Living Heritage.
TRIFED
 TRIFED has made record procurement of tribal products worth Rs.204.88 Lakhs in the month of
July, 2018 and cumulative procurement of Rs.769.36 Lakhs during the current financial year.
 The above purchases during the month of July, 2018 have been made from 149 Tribal Producers
associated with 23,127 tribal families giving livelihood to approximately 64,755 tribal
beneficiaries.
Background:
 Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) is a national-
level apex organization functioning, since 1987, under the administrative control of Ministry of
Tribal Affairs, Government of India, striving to promote the economic development of the Tribal
communities of the country through marketing development and sustained upgradation of their
skills and products.
 The approach involves capacity building, imparting need-based trainings, and exploring
marketing possibilities for products in national as well as international markets, brand building &
creating opportunities for marketing on sustainable basis.
 TRIFED’s sole objective is to bring about a multi-dimensional transformation of the tribal society
and a shift in the perception of their existing image.
August 22, 2018
NAVIC
 India’s own GPS is all set to be launched and will place it in the club of select countries which
have their own indigenous navigation systems.
 The GPS has been named NavIC—Navigation with Indian Constellation.
 The other countries that have their own indigenous system are:
1. Russia: GLONASS—Global Navigation Satellite System
2. European Union: Galileo Positioning System
3. Japan: Quasi-Zenith Satellite System—QZSS
4. China: Beidou Navigation Satellite System—BDS
 The NavIC will be useful in terrestrial, aerial and marine navigation.
 Tracking, managing disaster and gathering geodetic data will be a few of the other uses of the
system.
World Elephant Day
 To focus attention of various stakeholders to support various conservation policies to help
elephants, including:
1. Improving enforcement policies to prevent the illegal poaching and trade of ivory
2. Conserving elephant habitats
3. Providing better treatment for captive elephants
4. Reintroducing some captive elephants into sanctuaries
 Current population estimates for Asian elephants in the country, as per 2017 Census, are about
30,000.
 Asian elephants are confined to South Asia and South East Asia and about 60 per cent of global
population of Asian elephants is found in India.
 As an acknowledgement of the important role played by the elephants in the social, religious
and cultural life of people in India, elephants were declared as a National Heritage Animal in the
year 2010.
Project Elephant
In order to conserve the Asian Elephants the Project Elephant started in 1992.
Objectives:
 Conservation and protection of viable population of wild elephants in their natural habitats in
the country
 Restoration of natural habitats and traditional corridors/migratory routes or movement paths
used by the elephants, wherever necessary, through eco-restoration, acquisition etc.;
 Ensuring safeguards against poaching and other threats
 Mitigation and control of human elephant conflicts
 Welfare and management of captive elephants
 Creating a viable mechanism to ensure inter-state and regional and national level coordination
in protecting and conserving the elephant and its ranges
Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES)
 It is a dedicated facility of CSIR’s Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad
that uses modern biotechnologies for conservation of endangered wildlife.
 India’s only lab for conservation of endangered species.
 Developed methods for collection and cryopreservation of semen and oocytes from wildlife and
successfully reproducing endangered blackbuck, spotted deer and Nicobar pigeons.
 Through this work, it has established Genetic Resource Bank for Indian wildlife.
 So far, genetic resources from 23 species of Indian wild animals have been collected and
preserved.
 This facility would increase the collection of genetic resources from wildlife through
collaboration with zoos in India.
 It would also facilitate exchange of genetic material between the Indian zoos for maintaining
genetic diversity and conservation management made accessible to scientists and wildlife
managers for implementing conservation programs.
August 23, 2018
6th International Buddhist Conclave
th
 The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the 6 international Buddhist
conclave in New Delhi.
 This conclave is being organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
 The President said that the voyage of Buddhism from India to Asia and the transcontinental links
that were created carried more than just spiritualism. They carried a rich cargo of knowledge
and learning. They carried arts and crafts. They carried meditation techniques and even martial
arts.
 The many roads that the monks and nuns – those men and women of faith – carved out became
among the earliest trade routes.
 In that sense, Buddhism was the basis for an early form of globalisation – and of inter-
connectedness in our continent. It is these principles and values that must continue to guide us.
 The President said that tourism is a multi-stakeholder enterprise. The private sector and civil
society have substantial roles. And in terms of providing a safe and secure visitor experience,
state and municipal administrations play a critical part. The business potential of tourism is
immense.
 Across our world, this industry is a big job creator, especially for local households and local
communities.
 In its essence, tourism, like Buddhism, is about people and empowering them to realise their
potential.
e-filing, e-pay, and NSTEP
 The Chief Justice of India Hon’ble Justice Dipak Misra launched various applications for the
benefit of the litigants and lawyers.
 Three applications of e-filing, e-pay, and NSTEP (National Service and Tracking of Electronic
Processes) created under the eCourts project were launched during the occasion.
 The second phase of the eCourts project is implemented by Department of Justice during 2015 –
19 under the guidance of eCommittee, Supreme Court of India for ICT enablement of all district
and subordinate courts in the country.
eFiling:
 The eFiling application is made available at efiling.ecourts.gov.in where online registration of
lawyers and litigants can be done.
 Through the application, one can file cases from any part of India to any court on registration.
Portfolio management of cases of litigants and lawyers is provided on this portal and one can
get updates from time to time about filed cases, cases under objection or rejected cases.
 The facility of eSign is provided for those who cannot afford purchasing token for making digital
signatures.
 The eFiling application will facilitate efficient administration of Judicial System, as it will ease
pressure on filing counters and will speed up work flow processing.
 Data entry will be more accurate which will help to take data driven decisions in court
administration.
 It will start building digital repositories which will auto generate paper books and can be quickly
transmitted to Higher Courts which will reduce delays.
ePay:
 The ePay application at pay.ecourts.gov.in is a unified portal wherein facility to pay online court
fees is provided.
 ePayment is a safe and secure, quick and easy way to pay court fees .
 At present, the facility will be made operational in two states of Maharashtra and Haryana.
 OTP authentication provides secure way to financial transactions and one can get instant
acknowledgement through SMS and print receipt.
 The application is beneficial to judicial administration since verification of court fees is more
easy, secure and transparent and accurate figures of court fees collected can be generated for
any court, district or State.
NSTEP:
 NSTEP – National Service and Tracking of Electronic Processes is another innovative application
launched as part of the eCourts Project, which is an collaboration between Case Information
Software (CIS), Web portal and Mobile Application.
 It is a transparent and secure system for transmission of process from one location to another,
and shall address delays in process serving particularly for processes beyond jurisdiction.
 The service will empower litigants with real time information relating to status of service of
process and will entail litigants to take immediate follow up action which will reduce delays.
 The status of service can also be tracked on public portal.
CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL)
 CSIR laboratory is to manufacture critical composite air-frame components for LCA Tejas.
 Usage of indigenously developed technology lightens air-frame by 20%
 CSIR-NAL’s collaboration with LCA program started from technology demonstrator (2 aircrafts)
to prototype development (5 aircrafts) to limited series production (8 aircrafts) and Initial
Operational Capability (IOC) standard production aircrafts (SP1 to SP20).
 The initial IOC order of 20 sets is nearing completion.
 The challenges were to develop the co-cured complex components indigenously during the time
of technology denials and sanctions from other countries.
 This homegrown technology developed by CSIR-NAL was used in realizing primary air-frame
components of LCA like Fin, Rudder, Wing Spars and Fairings, Centre Fuselage and Main Landing
Gear components.
 CSIR-NAL has now further received an order to supply additional 20 sets of parts for FOC
standard aircraft (SP21-SP40) at a cost of Rs 100cr plus including development of tooling. CSIR-
NAL has identified a private industry, M/s Tata Advanced Materials Limited (TAML), Bengaluru,
as a production partner.
August 24, 2018
TRIBES India
 The Airport Authority of India has allotted space at Ahmedabad, Udaipur and Kolkata airports
for opening of Tribes India outlets.
 TRIFED has been offered spaces at International Airports at Dehradun, Varanasi, Pune, Goa,
Coimbatore, Lucknow, Amritsar and Gangtok for setting up of Tribes India Outlets.
 TRIFED has established a network of 89 Outlets i.e. 42 own Sales outlets, 33 outlets on
consignment sale and 14 franchise outlets located across the country.
Tribal Artisan Mela (TAM):
 TAMs are organized by TRIFED with a view to identify new artisans and new products at the
sourcing level in States/Districts/Villages for expanding the tribal producers’ base.
TRIFED:
 Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) is a national-
level apex organization functioning, since 1987, under the administrative control of Ministry of
Tribal Affairs, Government of India, striving to promote the economic development of the Tribal
communities of the country through marketing development and sustained up gradation of their
skills and products.
 The approach involves capacity building, imparting need-based trainings, and exploring
marketing possibilities for products in national as well as international markets, brand building &
creating opportunities for marketing on sustainable basis.
 TRIFED’s sole objective is to bring about a multi-dimensional transformation of the tribal society
and a shift in the perception of their existing image.
NITI Aayog launches 5 Thematic Reports on Sustainable Development in Indian Himalayan Region
 NITI Aayog had set up 5 Working Groups (WGs) to prepare a roadmap for actions in 5 thematic
areas.
 The themes include:
1. Inventory and Revival of Springs in Himalayas for Water Security,
2. Sustainable Tourism in Indian Himalayan Region,
3. Transformative Approach to Shifting Cultivation,
 Strengthening Skill & Entrepreneurship Landscape in Himalayas and
 The call for actions include setting up of a Himalayan Authority for coordinated and holistic
development of entire Himalayan region and launching of “Himalaya Calling”: An Awareness to
Action Campaign as people’s movement.
 Suggestions:
1. Setting up of Mission on Spring Water Management in Himalayas,
2. National Mission/Program on Transforming Shifting Cultivation in North Eastern States,
3. Demand driven network of skill and entrepreneurship development Centres in Himalayan States,
Consortium of institutions of high learning for mountain specific research and technology,
4. Link with Hindukush Himalaya Monitoring and Assessment program (HIMAP) and
5. Setting up Central Data Management Agency for Himalayan Database at GB Pant National
Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development.
Rashtriya Poshan Maah (National Nutrition Month)
 The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India organized an orientation
workshop for various stakeholders participating in the Poshan Maah (National Nutrition Month)
being celebrated in the month of September.
 The primary objective of the celebration of Poshan Maah is to take the messages of POSHAN to
the grass root level.
 ‘Poshan pledge’ was administered to all the participants by Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Vice-Chairman, NITI
aayog.
 The programme– an initiative of WCD Ministry and NITI Aayog is supported by 18 line
Ministries/Departments/Government Organizations. The programme focuses on 8 themes –
Antenatal Care, Optimal Breastfeeding (Early & Exclusive), Complementary Feeding, Anemia,
Growth Monitoring, Girls-education, diet, right age of Marriage, Hygiene & Sanitation, Food
Fortification.
 Various activities are planned for to the month of September which will be celebrated
nationwide as Poshan Maah. Activities like- Prabhat Pheri, POSHAN Melas, POSHAN Rallies &
Walks, Nukkad Nataks, Yuva Shakti Rallies, School Based Events, Recipe Demonstration, Public
Events are planned.
Background:
 POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on
8th March, 2018 from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. The programme through use of technology, a
targeted approach and convergence strives to reduce the level of Stunting, Under-nutrition,
Anemia and Low Birth Weight in Children, as also, focus on Adolescent Girls, Pregnant Women &
Lactating Mothers, thus holistically addressing malnutrition.
 POSHAN Abhiyaan aims to ensure service delivery and interventions by use of technology,
behavioural change through convergence and lays-down specific targets to be achieved across
different monitoring parameters over the next few years.
August 25, 2018
Affordable Solar Power
 The panelists of Pravasi Bharatiya Panel on “Role of Indian Diaspora in Capacity Building for
Affordable Solar Power” called on Prime Minister.
 They presented the outcomes of their discussions over last two days in areas such utility scale
solar, off-grid and microgrid solutions, solar storage, next generation solar technologies and
innovative financing options for the renewable sector.
 Prime Minister welcomed the practical recommendations and directed Ministry of External
Affairs and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to take forward these expert interactions
and factor relevant outcomes in policy-making.
Asian games 2018
Prime Minister congratulated:
 Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan on winning Gold in Men’s Doubles Tennis event at the
18th Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta – Palembang, Indonesia.
 The team of Sawarn Singh, Dattu Baban Bhokanal, Om Prakash and Sukhmeet Singh on winning
Gold in Rowing Men’s Quadruple Sculls event.
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan
 A flagship program of MHRD, GOI.
 Higher Education Institutions of Human Resource Development Ministry under its flagship
program – Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) 2.0 participated in Gram Sabhas, on the occasion of
Independence Day.
 688 institutions are selected on a Challenge Mode (426 technical and 262 non- technical) which
are reputed Higher Educational Institutes (both public and private) of the country, which have
adopted total no. of 3555 villages for their development through UBA.
Aim:
 To create a virtuous cycle between society and an inclusive academic system by providing
knowledge and practices for emerging professions and to upgrade the capabilities of both the
public and the private sectors in responding to the development needs of rural India.
Goals:
 To build an understanding of the development agenda within institutes of Higher Education and
an institutional capacity and training relevant to national needs, especially those of rural India.
 To re-emphasize the need for field work, stake-holder interactions and design for societal
objectives as the basis of higher education.
 To stress on rigorous reporting and useful outputs as central to developing new professions.
 To provide rural India and regional agencies with access to the professional resources of the
institutes of higher education, especially those that have acquired academic excellence in the
field of science, engineering and technology, and management.
 To improve development outcomes as a consequence of this research. To develop new
professions and new processes to sustain and absorb the outcomes of research.
 To foster a new dialogue within the larger community on science, society and the environment
and to develop a sense of dignity and collective destiny.
August 26, 2018
Group of Twenty
 It is an international forum for the governments and central bank governors from 20 major
economies.
 The members include 19 individual countries and EU represented by European commission and
its central bank.
 The G-20 was founded in 1999 with the aim of studying, reviewing, and promoting high-level
discussion of policy issues pertaining to the promotion of international financial stability.
 It seeks to address issues that go beyond the responsibilities of any one organization.
Collectively, the G-20 economies account for around 85% of the Gross World Product (GWP) {It
is the combined gross national product of all the countries in the world.}
 Its Nuances were enhanced as a response both to the financial crisis of 2007–2010 and to a
growing recognition that key emerging countries were not adequately included in the core of
global economic discussion and governance. After the 2008 debut summit in Washington, D.C.,
G-20 leaders met twice a year in London and Pittsburgh in 2009, Toronto and Seoul in 2010
 The G20 is supported by international organisations, including the Financial Stability Board, the
International Labour Organisation, the International Monetary Fund, the Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development, the United Nations, the World Bank and the World
Trade Organization.
Notable points:
 The G20 operates as a forum and not as an organisation. Therefore, it does not have any
permanent secretariat or management and administrative structure.
 One of the G20 countries is selected to hold the Chair in rotation, also known as ‘G20
presidency’. The presidency establishes a temporary secretariat for the duration it holds the
Chair. The secretariat coordinates all work and organizes G20 meetings.
 The immediate past, present and next Chair constitutes a ‘troika’ and ensures continuity in the
G20 work. Australia (2014), Turkey (2015). Turkey handed over the Chair to China in 2016. After
China, Germany held it in 2017.
 For selecting presidency, a system has been in place since 2010, when South Korea held the
Chair. Under it, 19 countries have been categorised into five regional groupings of a maximum of
four nations each.
Advantages
 It provides forum for Developing countries in deliberation on important matters of international
importance
 First met in 2009 – Was to play a pivotal role in stemming economic and financial crisis of
Recession – It set a framework for preventing future financial crises, while securing sustainable
and balanced global, restraining protectionism
 Central bank governors and finance ministers work on coordinated action to eliminate terrorist
financing, Black money issues
 Issues of Tax Haven – Members agreed to share tax information – Agreed to adopt OCEDs BEPS
measures to stop transferring of profit by MNCs without paying taxes
 Since 2010, G-20 agenda widened to issues like Agriculture, Food security, Trade, Investment,
Employment, Taxation, Anti corruption, energy, climate, SME
 G 20 is transforming from flexible and informal institution into Group with Working parties,
Expert group on different subjects
Drawbacks
 The G-20’s transparency and accountability have been questioned by critics, who call attention
to the absence of a formal charter and the fact that the most important G-20 meetings are
closed-door
 In June 2010, Singapore’s representative to the United Nations warned the G-20 that its
decisions would affect “all countries, big and small”, and asserted that prominent non-G-20
members should be included in financial reform discussions
 Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas GahrStøre called the G-20 “one of the greatest setbacks since
World War II.” Although Norway is a major developed economy and the seventh-largest
contributor to UN international development programs, it is not a member of the EU, and thus is
not represented in the G-20 even indirectly.
 Currency volatilities could continue to pose concerns as emerging economies experience
slowdown.
August 27, 2018
Review of Penal Provisions of Company Act 2013
 The Committee constituted by Government of India in July 2018 to review the existing
framework dealing with offences under the Companies Act, 2013 and related matters and make
recommendations to promote better corporate compliance, has submitted its report.
Main Recommendations:
 Restructuring of Corporate Offences to relieve Special Courts from adjudicating routine
offences:
1. Rre-categorization of 16 out of the 81 compoundable offences by shifting them from the
jurisdiction of special courts to an in-house E-adjudication framework;
2. Rremaining 65 compoundable offences to continue under the jurisdiction of special courts due
to their potential misuse;
3. Status quo recommended in respect of all non-compoundable offences, which relate to serious
corporate offences;
4. Instituting a transparent online platform for E-adjudication and E-publication of orders; and
5. Necessitating a concomitant order for making good the default at the time of levying penalty, to
achieve better compliance.
 De-clogging the NCLT by:
1. Enlarging the jurisdiction of the Regional Director with enhanced pecuniary limits for
compounding of offences under section 441 of the Companies Act 2013 (the Act);
2. Vesting in the Central Government the power to approve the alteration in the financial year of a
company under section 2(41); and conversion of public companies into private companies under
section 14 of the Act.
 Recommendations related to corporate compliance and corporate governance:
1. Re-introduction of declaration of commencement of business provision to better tackle the
menace of ‘shell companies’;
2. Greater disclosures with respect to public deposits, particularly in respect of transactions
exempted from the definition of public deposits under section 76 of the Act to prevent abuse
and harming of public interest;
3. Huge reduction in time-limit for filing documents related to creation, modification and
satisfaction of charges and stringent penal provisions for non-reporting;
4. Once a company obtains restrictions under section 90(7) relating to significant beneficial
ownership, in respect of shares whose ownership remains undetermined, such shares should be
transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund if rightful owner does not claim
ownership within a year of such restrictions;
5. Non-maintenance of registered office to trigger de-registration process;
6. Holding of directorships beyond permissible limits to trigger disqualification of such directors;
and
7. Imposition of a cap on independent director’s remuneration in terms of percentage of income in
order to prevent any material pecuniary relationship, which could impair his independence on
the board of the company.
August 28, 2018
India’s Energy Efficiency Program
 The Government of India and the World Bank signed a $220 million Loan Agreement and an $80
million Guarantee Agreement for the India Energy Efficiency Scale-Up Program.
 The Program, to be implemented by the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), will help scale-
up the deployment of energy saving measures in residential and public sectors, strengthen
EESL’s institutional capacity, and enhance its access to commercial financing.
 The investments under the Program are expected to avoid lifetime greenhouse gas emissions
of 170 million tons of CO2, and contribute to avoiding an estimated 10 GW of additional
generation capacity.This would be over 50 percent of the National Mission for Enhanced Energy
Efficiency target of 19.6 GW indicated in India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
under the Paris Accord.
 The Key Components of the Operation include:
1. Creating sustainable markets for LED lights and energy efficient ceiling fans;
2. Facilitating well-structured and scalable investments in public street lighting;
3. Developing sustainable business models for emerging market segments such as super-efficient
air conditioning and agricultural water pumping systems; and
4. Strengthening the institutional capacity of EESL.
Lakhwar Multipurpose Project
Purpose:
 It will benefit all six states in terms of river flow, drinking water, irrigation and electricity.
 The focus is also on abating pollution in River Yamuna under Clean Ganga Mission, that the 34
projects are being taken up on the river out of which 12 are in Delhi which will ensure that the
water going to Haryana and Rajasthan is Nirmal.
 While Lakhwar project will provide adequate water to all six States, the interventions being
made under Namami Gange programme will ensure pollution abatement in Yamuna serving the
twin purpose.
Background:
 The Lakhwar project envisages construction of a 204 m high concrete dam across river Yamuna
near Lohari village in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand with a live storage capacity of 330.66
MCM.
 This storage will provide irrigation for 33,780 hectares land and availability of 78.83 MCM water
for domestic, drinking and industrial use in the six basin states.
 The project will also generate 300 MW of power.
August 29, 2018
MoU between India and Bulgaria
 Cabinet approves signing of MoU between India and Bulgaria in the field of tourism.
Objectives of the Memorandum of Understanding are:
1. To expand bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector
2. To exchange information and data related to tourism
3. To encourage cooperation between tourism stakeholders including Hotels and Tour operators,
4. To establish exchange programme for cooperation in Human Resource Development.
5. To exchange visits of Tour Operators / Media /Opinion Makers for promotion of two way
tourism
6. To exchange experiences in the areas of promotion, marketing, destination development and
management.
7. Foster bilateral cooperation through film tourism for promoting the two countries as attractive
tourism destinations and
8. To promote safe, honourable and sustainable tourism.
Background:
 India and Bulgaria had previously signed an Agreement on cooperation in the field of tourism on
26.05.1994. Bulgaria is a potential tourism markets for India (India received approximately 5288
tourists from Bulgaria in 2017).
MoU between India and Republic of Korea
 Cabinet apprised of the MoU between India and Republic of Korea on the cooperation in the
field of railways.
Impact:
 The MoU will provide a platform for Indian Railways to interact and share the latest
developments and knowledge in the railway sector with its Korean counterpart.
 It will facilitate exchange of technical experts, reports and technical documents, training and
seminars/ workshops focusing on specific technology areas and other interactions for
knowledge sharing.
Details:
 Planning and execution of Joint research for the mutual interests;
 Co-operation in setting up of latest railway R&D facilities in India;
 Planning and execution of Technical seminar or forum;
 Short Term Training Programme for RDSO personnel by KRRI;
 Exchange Programme of Personnel between KRRI & RDSO for limited period, for specific
Projects;
 Consultancy for the development of railway industry of both the countries; and
 Any other form of cooperative activities agreed upon by the Parties.
Background:
 Ministry of Railways have signed MoUs for technical cooperation in the Rail sector with various
foreign Governments and National Railways. The identified areas of cooperation include high
speed corridors, speed raising of existing routes, development of world class stations, heavy
haul operations and modernization of rail infrastructure, etc.
Memorandum of Understanding between India and USA
 Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding between India and USA in insurance
regulatory sector.
Impact:
 The MoU provides a framework for cooperation and coordination, including for the exchange of
information and research assistance with respect to each Authority’s overview and other lawful
responsibilities.
 Both the countries intend to share their experiences on various regulatory functions and to
provide mutual assistance including training activities.
 India and USA have also agreed to continue to facilitate cooperation on international standard-
setting activities, financial stability and the development and implementation of consumer
protection through sound prudential regulation of the insurance sector.
Background:
 IRDAI is a body set up under the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999 to
regulate, promote and ensure orderly growth of the insurance and re-insurance business in
India. Similarly, in USA, Federal Insurance Office (FIO) is vested with the authority to monitor all
aspects of the insurance sector and to represent the USA on prudential aspects of international
insurance.
 India and USA have strong business relations with each other and both the countries have been
in regular discussions at various political and official levels.
 Various institutional mechanisms have also been put in place over time to strengthen bi-lateral
cooperation on wide ranging multi-sectoral issues between the two countries.
 USA is one of the major contributors of foreign direct investment in India and many insurance
companies have set up joint venture with USA based insurance companies. With increase in
foreign investment cap to 49%, there is further scope for foreign investments in Indian insurance
sector particularly from USA based companies. Hence the bilateral MoU between IRDAI and FIO,
USA holds lot of potential for the two countries.
August 30, 2018
India’s National Redd+ Strategy
 REDD+ activities will help in sustainable livelihood of local communities and also in conservation
of biodiversity.
 REDD+ strategy will help the country to fulfill its NDC commitments and will also contribute to
the livelihood of the forest dependent population.
 REDD+ actions at the State level will be coordinated by the committee headed by the Principal
Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) & Head of Forest Force (HOFF) of the States.
 In simple terms, REDD+ means “Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest
Degradation”, conservation of forest carbon stocks, sustainable management of forests, and
enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries.
Aim:
 REDD+ aims to achieve climate change mitigation by incentivizing forest conservation.
 The strategy seeks to address drivers of deforestation and forest degradation and also
developing a roadmap for enhancement of forest carbon stocks and achieving sustainable
management of forests through REDD+ actions.
Background:
 Paris agreement on climate change also recognizes role of forests in climate change mitigation
and calls upon country Parties to take action to implement and support REDD+. India has
communicated in its Nationally Determined Contribution under Paris Agreement, that it will
capture 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of Carbon dioxide through additional forest and tree cover by
2030.
O-SMART: Ocean Services, Technology, Observations, Resources Modelling and Science
 Cabinet approves Umbrella scheme “Ocean Services, Technology, Observations, Resources
Modelling and Science (O-SMART)” of Ministry of Earth Sciences.
 The scheme encompasses a total of 16 sub-projects addressing ocean development activities
such as Services, Technology, Resources, Observations and Science.
Impact:
 The services rendered under the O-SMART will provide economic benefits to a number of user
communities in the coastal and ocean sectors, namely, fisheries, offshore industry, coastal
states, Defence, Shipping, Ports etc.
 This will help in reducing the search time for fishermen resulting savings in the fuel cost.
 Implementation of O-SMART will help in addressing issues relating to Sustainable Development
Goal-14, which aims to conserve use of oceans, marine resources for sustainable development.
 This scheme (O-SMART) also provide necessary scientific and technological background required
for implementation of various aspects of Blue Economy.
 The State of Art Early Warning Systems established under the O-SMART Scheme will help in
effectively dealing with ocean disasters like Tsunami, storm surges.
 The technologies being developed under this Scheme will help in harnessing the vast ocean
resources of both living and non-living resources from the seas around India.
August 31, 2018
India Post Payments Bank
 The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will launch the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) at
Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi on September 1st, 2018.
 IPPB has been envisioned as an accessible, affordable and trusted bank for the common man, to
help speedily achieve the financial inclusion objectives of the Union Government.
 It will leverage the vast network of the Department of Posts, which covers every corner of the
country with more than 300,000 Postmen and Grameen Dak Sewaks. IPPB will hence
significantly augment the reach of the banking sector in India.
 On the day of the launch, IPPB will have 650 Branches and 3250 Access Points spread across the
country. Simultaneous launch events will be held at these branches and access points.
 All the 1.55 lakh Post Offices in the country will be linked to the IPPB system by December 31,
2018.
 IPPB will offer a range of products such as savings and current accounts, money transfer, direct
benefit transfers, bill and utility payments, and enterprise and merchant payments. These
products, and related services, will be offered across multiple channels (counter services, micro-
ATM, mobile banking app, SMS and IVR), using the bank’s state-of-the-art technology platform.
Krishna Kutir
 Krishna Kutir, a home for 1000 widows inaugurated by Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi and Shri
Adityanath Yogi at Vrindavan today.
 UP Government to allot land in Lucknow and Varanasi to create large Homes for helpless women
and children.
About:
 The Home for Widows, Krishna Kutir has been constructed on 1.4 hectare of land through
National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) at a cost of 57.48 Crores (including cost of
the land) with a capacity of 1000 inmates.
 It has beautifully made 100 rooms/dormitories. The design of the Home has been prepared in
consultation with Helpage India and is old age friendly
 The facility is also equipped with a large modern kitchen and a skill cum training centre.
 It also has two dispensaries and physiotherapy facility and the inmates will be given regular
medical checkups.
 The construction of the home has been funded by Central Government and will be managed by
the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
India’s First Standardised Modern Ship Design
 Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) made public 13 standardised state-of-the-art ship
designs suitable for large barge haulage on river Ganga (National Waterway-1).
 It will help overcome the unique navigation challenges river Ganga throws due to its complex
river morphology, hydraulics, acute bends, shifting channels, meanders and current.
 It will serve as an enabler for domestic shipbuilding industry working on inland vessels and open
huge possibilities for cargo and passenger movement on National Waterway-1.
 The Government is implementing Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) for capacity augmentation of
navigation on NW-1 (Varanasi-Haldia stretch) at a cost of Rs 5369.18 crore with the technical
assistance and investment support of the World Bank.
01 September 2018: UPSC Exam PIB Summary & Analysis
September 1, 2018
PM launches India Post Payments Bank
 The function was witnessed at over 3000 locations across the country, which were connected to
the main event in Delhi.
 PM recalled that the Union Government had earlier rolled out the Jan Dhan Yojana to establish
financial inclusion. He said IPPB branches have opened across 650 districts.
 The Prime Minister said that the postman has long been a respected and accepted person in the
villages. He said the trust on the postman remains, despite the advent of modern technology.
 He said that the Government’s approach is to reform existing frameworks and structures, and
hence, transform them in accordance with the changing times. He said that there are over 1.5
lakh post offices and over three lakh postmen or “grameen dak sevaks” who are connected to
the people of the country. Now they shall be empowered with smartphones and digital devices
to provide financial services.
Benefits of IPPB:
 It will enable money transfer, transfer of government benefits, bill payments and other services
such as investment and insurance.
 Postmen would deliver these services at the doorstep.
 IPPB will also facilitate digital transactions, and help deliver the benefits of schemes such as
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, which provide assistance to farmers.
Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu on Research & innovation in agriculture
 Research and innovation in the field of agriculture must reach farmers. He has urged scientists
and researchers to collaborate with farmers to make agriculture more affordable and viable.
 Empowering farmer and strengthening agriculture would help in developing rural India
 Farming technique tested across Andhra Pradesh can be a model for sustainable agriculture as it
reduces the heavy input cost on agriculture and help boost productivity. The Zero Budget
Natural Farming has the potential to enhance the income or profit margins for farmers who are
often under distress owing to debt.
 Called on both farmers, officials and scientists to make united efforts to facilitate farmers
understand new technologies and reduce input cost of agriculture.
September 2, 2018
Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)-India and Singapore
 The launch of the review signals further deepening of business, economic and trade
collaboration between the two countries.
 Both countries also discussed ways to further promote trade of goods, services and boosting
investments.
Stats
 Singapore is the second largest trading partner of India within ASEAN and India is the largest
trading partner of Singapore in South Asia, with a bilateral trade of USD 17.7 billion in 2017-18.
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
 It is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) ASEAN plus Three (People’s Republic of China,
Japan, and South Korea), Australia, India, and New Zealand.
 RCEP negotiations were formally launched in November 2012 at the ASEAN Summit in
Cambodia.
 RCEP will cover trade in goods, trade in services, investment, economic and technical co-
operation, intellectual property, competition, dispute settlement and other issues.
 It aims to boost goods trade by eliminating most tariff and non-tariff
 Expected to provide the region’s consumers greater choice of quality products at affordable
rates.
 It also seeks to liberalize investment norms and do away with services trade restrictions
NITI Aayog’s MOVE Cyclathon

Context
 NITI Aayog today flagged off MOVE Cyclathon, a cycle rally to promote cleaner, accessible
modes of transport
‘Mobility Week’
 ‘Mobility Week’ will see 17 events in 7 days—from 31 August to 6 September 2018. These
events will facilitate interactions with various stakeholders across the mobility domain.
 It will help drive the government’s goals for vehicle electrification, renewable energy
integration, and job growth and also speed up India’s transition to a clean energy economy.
 Participants include global and Indian leaders from across the mobility sector such as OEMs,
battery manufacturers, charging infrastructure providers, technology solution providers,
representatives from the Indian government as well as foreign governments, various inter-
governmental organizations, academia, and policy think tanks.
 The Summit, which is the first of its kind, with over 1,200 participants expected from across the
world including leaders from the government, industry, research organizations, academia, think
tanks and civil society.
September 3, 2018
President Kovind in Cyprus
 The President said that India’s overriding mission is its economic growth and modernisation,
with the fruits of development reaching all sections of our people.
International Solar Alliance:
 The President said that earlier this year India co-founded and hosted the inaugural conference
of the International Solar Alliance.
 The ISA is central to our effort to mobilise international resources and technologies to combat
climate change. The scope for renewable energy is immense and will be crucial to checking rising
temperatures and rising seas. He invited Cyprus to become part of the ISA family.
Agreements Signed:
 Two bilateral agreements were signed; the first, between the Financial Intelligence Unit, India,
and Unit for Combating Money Laundering of Cyprus, aims at sharing financial intelligence and
fighting money laundering, terror financing and related crimes.
 The second agreement commits both countries to greater cooperation on environmental
issues.
71st Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia
 “India has fast-tracked many initiatives aimed at achieving all the core tenets of Universal Health
Coverage i.e, strengthening health systems, improving access to free medicines & diagnostics
and reducing catastrophic healthcare spending”, this was stated by Shri J P Nadda, Union
Minister of Health and Family Welfare.
 India has recently launched the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya scheme under the ambitious
programme called ‘Ayushman Bharat‘ i.e. Long live India, one of the central pillars of this year’s
budget.
 India has already initiated universal screening for prevention and management of five common
NCDs including hypertension, diabetes and three common Cancers of oral cavity, breast and
cervix at pan India level.
 AMRIT Deendayal, an acronym for ‘Affordable Medicines & Reliable Implants for Treatment’ –
Centres that provide medicines for cancer & cardiovascular diseases and cardiac implants at
significantly reduced prices.
 Jan Aushadhi (peoples’ medicines) stores are also now open to make available quality
affordable essential medicines to people in need.
September 4, 2018
24th RCEP Auckland Round
th
 6 Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Ministerial Meeting was held on 30-31
August, 2018, in Singapore, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Suresh Prabhu, led the
Indian delegation.
 The Chair of the Trade Negotiating Committee, Mr. Pak Iman Pambagyo, made a detailed
presentation on the state of play of RCEP negotiations and sought ministerial guidance and
direction on pending issues.
 The Ministers acknowledged the good progress made in the negotiations so far with successful
conclusion of 4 chapters, namely (i) Economic and Technical Cooperation; (ii) Small and Medium
Enterprises; (iii) Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation; and (iv) Government Procurement.
In Goods:
 The negotiators have been tasked to work on the ASEAN’s Non-Paper on Trade in Goods Market
Access Negotiations, which is to be considered as the working assumption paper. Commerce
Minister reiterated the need for providing adequate flexibilities on various elements of the Non-
Paper, such as exclusion, reduction, staging and deviations.
In Services:
 Suresh Prabhu emphasised on the importance of maintaining quality and commercially
meaningful offers across all Modes. In a significant development, all member countries agreed
to establish the linkage between Mode 4/ MoNP and the Services text.
In Investment:
 The Commerce Minister underlined the importance of negotiations focussing on the application
of Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) and mentioned that clarity on its application would
lead to further movement in the Investment Chapter. At India’s behest, it was agreed that ISDS
will not apply to MFN and PPR.
Background:
 The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership is a mega regional free trade agreement
being negotiated amongst 16 countries, comprising 10 ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia,
Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) and six
ASEAN FTA partners, namely Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea and New Zealand. So far 6
Ministerial Meetings, 5 Inter-sessional Ministerial Meetings and 23 Rounds of the Trade
Negotiating Committee at the technical level have been held.
Rashtriya Poshan Maah
Event Details:
 When: Sep 01, 2018 09:00 AM to Sep 30, 2018 05:00 PM
 Where: Across the country
About:
 Rashtriya Poshan Maah (National Nutrition Month) is being observed during the month of
September 2018.
 The programme-an initiative of Ministry of Women and Child Development and NITI Aayog is
supported by 18 line Ministries/Departments/Government Organizations.
 It seeks to synergise all efforts by leveraging technology and intends to take nutrition awareness
to the level of Jan Andolan or People’s Movement.
 The programme focuses on 8 themes – Antenatal Care, Optimal Breastfeeding (Early &
Exclusive), Complementary Feeding, Anemia, Growth Monitoring, and Girls-education, diet, right
age of Marriage, Hygiene & Sanitation, and Food Fortification.
 Various activities are planned for to the month of September which will be celebrated
nationwide as Poshan Maah. Activities like- Prabhat Pheri, POSHAN Melas, POSHAN Rallies &
Walks, Nukkad Nataks, Yuva Shakti Rallies, School Based Events, Recipe Demonstration, Public
Events are planned.
 The People’s Movement intends to reach 11 crore beneficiaries during the Nutrition Month
itself.
 The speciality of the programme is that activities are to be updated by all the Ministries on the
Jan Andholan Dash-board for continuous monitoring.
September 5, 2018
MID Air Refueling Trials of LCA with IL-78 MKI
 On 04 Sep 18, the Indian Air Force successfully carried out the first ever midair refueling of the
indigenously build fighter aircraft Tejas MK 1 with an IL-78 MKI tanker of the 78 Sqn.
 Base of the tanker was in Agra while the fighter was launched from Gwalior.
 The modified Tejas aircraft carried out a series of test profiles including a ‘Dry Contact’ with the
tanker. A second Tejas aircraft flying in formation was used to observe the exercise closely.
 The success of these trials is a major leap for the indigenous fighter, thus enhancing its mission
capability by increasing its range and payload.
 The ability to carry out Air-to-Air Refueling is one of the critical requirements for the LCA to
achieve ‘Final Operational Clearance’.
Coffee Connect & Coffee KrishiTharanga
 Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu launched Coffee Connect –
India coffee field force app and Coffee KrishiTharanga – digital mobile extension services for
coffee stakeholders.
Coffee Connect:
 The mobile app Coffee Connect has been developed to ease the work of field functionaries and
to improve the work efficiency.
 This application provides solution by harnessing the power of mobility comprising the latest
technology in easing the whole process of the field activities like digitization of Coffee Growers
& Estates with Geo Tagging, collecting the Plantation details.
 It will also help in transparency in the activities of the extension officers and officials,
transparency in subsidy disbursement and real time report generation.
Coffee KrishiTharanga:
 The Coffee KrishiTharanga services are aimed at providing customized information and services
to increase productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability.
 The “Coffee KrishiTharanga” is pilot tested in the Chikmagalur and Hassan districts of Karnataka
State covering 30,000 farmers during the first year and will be extended to remaining growers in
a phased manner.
Background:
 Coffee is cultivated in India in about 4.54 lakh hectares by 3.66 lakh coffee farmers and 98% of
them are small farmers. Its cultivation is mainly confined to Karnataka (54%), Kerala (19%) and
Tamil Nadu (8%) which form traditional coffee tracts.
 Coffee is also grown in non-traditional areas like Andhra Pradesh & Odisha (17.2%) and North
Eastern states (1.8%), with main emphasis on tribal development and afforestation.
National Mission on GeM
 Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, launched the
National Mission on Government eMarketplace (GeM) for increasing awareness and
accelerating the use of (GeM).
 It is aimed at creating awareness about GeM, train the buyers and sellers, get them registered in
GeM and increase the procurement through GeM.
 The mission also aims to give a boost to cashless, contactless, paperless transactions in line with
Digital India objectives.
About:
 Government eMarketplace is the national public procurement portal offering an online, end-to-
end, solution for procurement of common use goods and services by government departments.
 GeM provides an open, inclusive, transparent and efficient online marketplace, which provides
huge savings to government.
 It is mandatory for central government departments to procure through GeM.
 25 states and Union Territories have signed MoU with GeM to adopt it as the mandatory mode
of procurement for their departments so far.
Benefits:
 The portal has nearly 27 thousand buyer organisations registered and about 1.37 lakh sellers
and service providers offering more than 4.65 lakh products and services for online purchase
and contributes to approximately 20-25% average overall savings to the Government.
September 6, 2018
Source India
 India is the Partner Country in the 87thIzmir International tradeshow which begins in Turkey
from Friday, September 7, 2018.
 TPCI is the trade and investment promotion organization of the Department of Commerce,
Ministry of Commerce &Industry, Government of India, and works to open new areas for co-
operation in trade and investment between India and rest of the world.
 Source India, with 75 Indian participating companies, is a multi-product pavilion though some of
the key potential areas for increasing trade with Turkey are ceramics, cereals and machinery or
mechanical appliances.
 Turkey’s ceramic imports from the world is USD 339.8 million and only USD 16.6 million from
India and India exports more than USD1.2 billion worth of ceramic products to the world.
 India exports cereals worth USD 91.6 million to Turkey compared to Turkey’s import of USD 1.7
billion worth of cereals from the world. India has the capacity to increase its export in this sector
as it is currently exporting USD7.3 billion worth of cereals to the world.
Joint Statement on the Inaugural India-U.S 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue
 The launch of the 2+2 Dialogue as a reflection of the shared commitment by Prime Minister Shri
Narendra Modi and President Mr. Donald Trump to provide a positive, forward-looking vision for
the India-U.S. strategic partnership and to promote synergy in their diplomatic and security
efforts.
Strengthening the Defense and Security Partnership
 The Ministers reaffirmed the strategic importance of India’s designation as a Major Defense
Partner (MDP) of the United States and committed to expand the scope of India’s MDP status
and take mutually agreed upon steps to strengthen defense ties further and promote better
defense and security coordination and cooperation.
Partners in the Indo-Pacific and Beyond
 The two sides expressed support for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation
process. The United States acknowledged India’s longstanding and ongoing contributions of
economic assistance to Afghanistan and also welcomed India’s enhanced role in Afghanistan’s
development and stabilization.
 India welcomed the recent U.S.-North Korea summit. The two sides pledged to work together to
counter North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction programs and to hold accountable those
countries that have supported them.
 The United States welcomed India’s accession to the Australia Group, the Wassenaar
Arrangement, and the Missile Technology Control Regime and reiterated its full support for
India’s immediate accession to the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
Promoting Prosperity and People-to-People Ties
 The Ministers recognized the importance and the potential for increasing bilateral trade,
investment, innovation and job creation in both countries.
 Both sides looked forward to full implementation of the civil nuclear energy partnership and
collaboration between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and Westinghouse
Electric Company for the establishment of six nuclear power plants in India.
Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign
 ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2018’ a jan andolanfor Swachhata to be observed in the run-up to the
4th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), i.e. from September 15th to October
2nd 2018, as the sanitation movement enters its final leg.
Campaign Objectives
th
 Accelerate the momentum of Swachh Bharat in the run-up to its 4 anniversary
 Re-energise the Swachh Bharat Jan Andolan and lay down the foundation of sustainability
 Reinforce the concept of “Sanitation as everyone’s business”
th
 Commence Mahatma Gandhi’s 150 birth year celebrations with a nationwide campaign
Cleaning of Iconic Places
 Focus on the 30 Swachh Iconic Places for cleanliness activities
Corporate Sector
 A drive will be run to have all management, staff, employees and workers to undertake
shramdaan both inside their campuses and in adjoining public places
Media
 Media has been playing a crucial role in achieving the goals of SBM. During the SHS fortnight,
media is requested to create mass awareness and increase outreach across the country.
 The regular coverage and reporting of Shramdaan activities during SHS by various stakeholders
and sections of the community will be vital for realizing the goal of Swachh Bharat.
Leveraging IT for Mobility
Ministry of Railways & Centre for Railway Information Services (CRIS) organised a seminar on
“Leveraging IT for Mobility” also launched a new app – “AAPOORTI’ mobile App of ‘Indian Railways
e-procurement system’.
About Aapoorti:
 The ‘Aapoorti’ mobile App of ‘Indian Railways e-procurement system’.
 This App provides information and data related to e-tendering and e-auction related activities of
Indian Railways.
 For e-tendering activities, users can see details related to tenders published, tenders closed,
purchase orders placed.
 For activities related to e-auction of scrap sale, users can see upcoming auctions, auction
schedules, sale conditions, details of material available for e-auction, auctioning units.
 User manuals of IREPS are also made available on the App.
 The App also provides for rating of the app and taking feedback from users which shall help us
continuously improve the app.
September 7, 2018
6th International Geriatric Orthopaedic Conference
th
 The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 6 International Geriatric
Orthopaedic Society of India Conference on the theme “Increased Longevity with Reduced
Fragility and Enhanced Mobility”.
 Under the Ayushman Bharat Health Protection Scheme the Government will provide affordable
healthcare with universal health insurance to poor and needy people and their families, specially
the elderly.
 Due to economic progress in the country, the elderly population is increasing at great pace
which is expected to touch 30 crore by 2050. Thus we also need to increase the health facilities
for them.
 The Government will establish around 1,50,000 Wellness Centres and Sub Centres across the
country.
MOBILISE YOUR CITY” (MYC)
 India and France have signed an implementation agreement on “MOBILISE YOUR CITY” (MYC).
About:
 Mobilise Your City (MYC) is part of an international initiative which is supported by the French
and the German Governments and was launched at 21stConference of Parties (COP21) meeting
in December, 2015.
 Based on a proposal made by AFD in 2015, the European Union has agreed to provide funds of
Euro 3.5 million through the AFD to contribute to specific investments and technical assistance
components within the Mobilise Your City (MYC) programme in India.
Aim:
 To support three pilot cities viz. Nagpur, Kochi and Ahmedabad in their efforts to reduce their
Green House Gas (GHG) emissions related to urban transport by implementing urban mobility
plans at local level and to help India at national level to improve their sustainable transport
policy.
The main components of the proposed assistance are:
1. to support planning and implementation of sustainable urban transport projects,
2. support to strengthening institutional capacity for regulating, steering and planning urban
mobility, and
3. learning and exchange formats with other cities across India for exchanges on best practices.
Indian Railways undertakes various IT initiatives
 The major initiatives taken by Indian Railways in this regard:
Tracking of trains using newer technologies:
 A Real Time Train Information System (RTIS) is being implemented, whereby GPS tracking
devices would communicate using satellite communications.
Handheld Devices on trains:
 Handheld Terminals (HHTs) are being provided to the Train Ticket Examiners (TTEs) to be able to
check the reserved coaches, allot the vacant berths and transmit information on available berths
to the subsequent stations.
 The HHT can also access the ticketing application and collect excess fares as per rules. The
terminal can potentially connect to a Point of Sale (POS) machine and charges can be collected
digitally.
Modernisation of Ticketing Website (IRCTC):
 Over the last four years, the capacity of the website has increased to 20,000 tickets per minute
starting from 2000 tickets per minute in 2014, a ten-fold increase.
Paperless Unreserved Ticketing through Mobile Phones:
 This has eliminated the need for passengers to stand in queue for getting tickets for journey in
unreserved compartments of trains. The ticket is delivered on the Mobile Phone and is
embedded with QR Code.
Indian Railway e-Procurement System (IREPS):
 Complete tendering activity of Indian Railways for procurement of goods, services & works and
e-auction of scrap sale is on IREPS.
 IREPS system is largest such G to B portal in India.
 It has helped in achieving objectives of transparency, efficiency and improving of ease of doing
business.
September 8, 2018
4thWorld Summit on Accreditation (WOSA-2018)
 Union Minister for HRD Shri Prakash Javadekar Inaugurates 4th World Summit on Accreditation
(WOSA-2018). Speaking on this occasion the Minister said that ‘Ratings and Rankings’ both the
quality hallmark for any educational institutions therefore accreditation becomes very
important.
 He further said that we need to cover each and every institution under accreditation but right
now the number of accredited institutions is very less.
 He said that that it may be for two reasons first some institutions do not want to come under
accreditation and second we have some restriction in our own accreditation mechanism
therefore government wants to increase the strength of NBA and NAAC so that more number of
institutions can be accredited.
Background
 The National Board of Accreditation (NBA) is an autonomous organisation under Ministry of
Human Resource Development engaged in quality assurance of the programs offered by the
professional and technical institutions in India through accreditation.
 NBA has been accorded Permanent Signatory Status of Washington Accord since June, 2014.
 It has adopted internationally implemented outcome based assessment and accreditation, to
ensure that the graduates of the NBA accredited programs are globally competent and relevant.
WOSA 2018
 The focus of WOSA 2018 is on “CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN OUTCOME BASED
ACCREDITATION”.
52nd International Literacy Day
nd
 52 International Literacy Day was organised at New Delhi where, Union Minister of Human
Resource Development Shri Praksah Javadekar said that it is very sad to see a large number of
illiterate people in the country even after 70 years of independence.
 To eradicate illiteracy from India literacy mission must be a social movement across the country.
He further said that Government is committed to make New India and New India will be literate
India (Saakshar Bharat).
 Recently launched ‘Samagra Siksha’ which is an integrated scheme for school education
extending support to States from pre-school to senior secondary levels for the first time. Under
this scheme about one million schools will get library grant of Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 20,000 to
strengthen the libraries to ensure that “Padhega Bharat Badhega Bharat”.
Background
th
 International Literacy Day (ILD) is celebrated on 8 September every year all over the world.
 The celebration of ILD started following a recommendation of the World Conference of
Ministers of Education on the Eradication of Illiteracy which met in Tehran in September 1965.
The Conference recommended that 8thSeptember, the date of the inauguration of the
Conference, be proclaimed International Literacy Day and be observed world-wide. UNESCO in
14th Session of its General Conference held in Paris in November 1966, formally proclaimed
8th September as International Literacy Day.
 In India, literacy and particularly Adult literacy has been a national priority since independence.
With a view to eradicate illiteracy and impart functional literacy and lifelong education to adult
education, National Literacy Mission was launched by Government of India in 1988.
September 9, 2018
Two Day Regional Conference on Good Governance with Focus on Aspirational Districts
 The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DAR&PG), Government of
India in association with Government of Madhya Pradesh is organizing a Regional Conference on
Good Governance with Focus on Aspirational Districts
 This Conference is an effort to create a common platform to share experiences in the
formulation and implementation of Best Practices in Citizen Centric Governance and improved
Public Service Delivery through e-Governance, transparent, accountable and citizen-friendly
effective administration.
September 10, 2018
2nd World Hindu Conference 2018
 The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that Swami Vivekananda was an
embodiment of Hindu Culture and his messages that are relevant till today reverberate across
India.
 He was addressing the valedictory session of the 2nd World Hindu Conference 2018, in Chicago,
USA, in commemoration of 125th year of Swami Vivekananda’s address at Parliament of the
World’s Religions in 1893 held in Chicago.
His Speech:
 Indian culture is eternally relevant, timeless and time-tested.
 India believes not only in universal toleration but we accept all religions as true;
 Preserving the invaluable heritage of India is true nationalism;
 In a world of unprecedented changes, India can provide a sheet anchor and a spiritual compass;
 In a world that is filled with bitterness, India could provide honey of wisdom gathered from
different flowers by different bees;
 The best thermometer to the progress of a nation is its treatment of its women.
Three projects in Bangladesh
 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, Chief
Minister of West Bengal – Ms. Mamata Banerjee, and the Chief Minister of Tripura – Shri Biplab
Kumar Deb, today jointly inaugurated three projects in Bangladesh, via video conference.
Projects include:
 (a) 500 MW additional power supply from India to Bangladesh, through the existing Bheramara
(Bangladesh) – Baharampur (India) interconnection.
 (b) Akhaura – Agartala Rail Link
 (c) Rehabilitation of the Kulaura-Shahbazpur section of Bangladesh Railways.
BIMSTEC
 The Inaugural Military Field Training Exercise for the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral
Technological and Economic Cooperation nations named MILEX-18 scheduled from 10
September 18 to 16 September 18 started with a Grand Opening Ceremony on 10 September
18 at Aundh Military Station.
Aim:
 To practice the BIMSTEC Nations in planning and conduct of counter-terrorist operations.
 The exercise schedule is focused upon learning of best practices, team building & special tactical
level operations in a counter-terrorist environment in semi-urban setting.
 The inaugural edition of the BIMSTEC MILEX 18 was carried out in all Military grandeur, razor
edge precision and with the complete sanctity that a Military Parade should display.
228 National Awards will be given for outstanding works in RD schemes
 Ministry of Rural Development implements various flagship programmes; all aimed at poverty
alleviation:
1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Schemes (MGNREGS) to provide wage
employment and asset creation,
2. Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) for rural housing,
3. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) for rural roads,
4. Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) for rural
livelihoods,
5. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU GKY) for skill development of rural
youth,
6. National Rurban Mission (NRuM) etc.
 To recognize the outstanding works carried out by the States, Districts, Blocks, organizations and
Individuals in the implementation of various Programmes and to instill healthy competition
among them for better implementation and performance in future, the Ministry of Rural
Development is organizing a National Awards Function on 11th September, 2018.
September 11, 2018
Apsara
 “Apsara”, the first research reactor in Asia became operational in Trombay campus of Bhabha
Atomic Research Centre in August 1956. After providing more than five decades of dedicated
service to the researchers, the reactor was shut down in 2009.
About:
 Nearly sixty-two years after Apsara came into existence, a swimming pool type research reactor
“Apsara-upgraded”, of higher capacity was born at Trombay on 10thSeptember 2018 at 18:41
hrs.
 The reactor, made indigenously, uses plate type dispersion fuel elements made of Low Enriched
Uranium (LEU).
 This reactor will increase indigenous production or radio-isotopes for medical application by
about fifty percent, by virtue of higher neutron flux and would also be extensively used for
research in nuclear physics, material science and radiation shielding.
 Development of this has re-emphasised the capability of Indian scientists and Engineers to build,
complex facilities for health care, science education and research.
Yudh Abhyas 2018
 A joint military training Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2018 is scheduled to be conducted in the foothills
of Himalayas at Chaubattia in Uttarakhand, as part of the ongoing Indo-US defence cooperation.
Context:
 The joint exercise Yudh Abhyas 2018 will simulate a scenario where both nations will work
together in counter insurgency and counter terrorism environment in mountainous terrain
under United Nation charter.
About:
 The two week exercise will witness participation of about 350 personnel of the US Army and
similar strength of the Indian Army.
 The exercise curriculum is progressively planned where the participants are initially made to get
familiar with each other’s organizational structure, weapons, equipment, confidence training
and tactical drills.
 The training advances to joint tactical exercises wherein the battle drills of both the armies are
coherently unleashed.
 The training will culminate with a final validation exercise in which troops of both countries will
jointly carry out an operation against terrorists in a fictitious but realistic setting.
 The exercise is a great step for the armies of the two democratic countries to train together and
gain together from each other’s rich operational experiences.
 The latest exercise will help further build interoperability between the forces of both the
nations.
KAZIND 2018
 Exercise KAZIND-2018 is a joint military exercise between Indian and Kazakhstan Armies,
commenced in Otar Military Area, Kazakhstan.
Aim:
 To build & promote army to army relations and exchange skills & experiences between Indian
Army and the Kazakhstan Army.
 Increasing interoperability between forces from both countries which is crucial for success of
any joint operation. Both sides will jointly train, plan and execute a series of well-developed
tactical drills for neutralisation of likely threats that may be encountered in urban warfare
scenario.
Model International Center for Transformative AI (ICTAI)
 NITI Aayog, Intel, and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) announced that they are
collaborating to set up a Model International Center for Transformative Artificial Intelligence
(ICTAI) towards developing and deploying AI-led application-based research projects.
Aim:
 To conduct advanced research to incubate AI-led solutions in three important areas –
healthcare, agriculture and smart mobility – by bringing together the expertise of Intel and TIFR.
 To experiment, discover and establish best practices in the domains of ICTAI governance,
fundamental research, physical infrastructure, compute and service infrastructure needs, and
talent acquisition.
September 12, 2018
MoU between India and Brunei Darussalam
 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Brunei Darussalam on Cooperation in
the operation of Telemetry Tracking and Telecomm and station for satellite and launch vehicles,
and for cooperation in the field of Space Research, Science and Applications has been signed
Benefits:
 The MoU enables India to continue to operate, maintain and augment its ground station meant
for supporting India’s launch vehicle and satellite missions.
 This will also help India to share its experience and expertise in space activities through training
of officials and students from Brunei Darussalam on space technology applications.
 Cooperation with Brunei Darussalam through this MoU would lead to operation, maintenance
and augmentation of Indian Ground Station to support India’s launch vehicle and satellite
missions.
 The MoU will provide impetus to explore newer research activities in ground station operations
and training on space technology applications.
MoU between India and South Africa
 The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been apprised of the
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and South Africa on cooperation in the
exploration and uses of outer space for peaceful purposes.
Salient Features:
 Remote sensing of the earth;
 Satellite communication and satellite-based navigation;
 Space science and planetary exploration;
 Use of spacecraft, launch vehicles, space systems and ground systems;
 Practical applications of space technology including geospatial tools and techniques; and
 Other areas of cooperation to be determined by the Parties.
Cooperating Terms:
 Planning and implementation of joint space projects of mutual benefit and interest;
 Establishment, operation and maintenance of ground stations for supporting space activities;
 Sharing of satellite data, results of experiments, and scientific and technological information;
 Joint research and developmental activities;
 Exchange of technical and scientific personnel designated to participate in the cooperative
programmes;
 Capacity building in space science and technology, and space application programmes for
societal purposes;
 Organization of joint symposia, conferences and scientific meetings; and
 Additional forms of cooperation will be determined in writing upon mutual consent between the
Parties.
Benefits:
 Signing of this MoU shall enable pursuing the potential areas of cooperation such as space
science, technology and applications including remote sensing of the earth, satellite
communication and satellite-based navigation; space science and planetary exploration; use of
spacecraft and space systems and ground systems; and application of space technology.
“Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan” (PM-AASHA)
 “Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan’ (PM-AASHA) is aimed at ensuring
remunerative prices to the farmers for their produce.
 Government has already increased the MSP of kharif crops by following the principle of 1.5
times the cost of production.
Components of PM-AASHA:
 Price Support Scheme (PSS),
 Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS)
 Pilot of Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPPS).
 The other existing schemes of Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) for
procurement of paddy, wheat and nutri-cereals/coarse grains and of Ministry of Textile for
cotton and jute will be continued for providing MSP to farmers for these crops.
Details:
 Increasing MSP is not adequate and it is more important that farmers should get full benefit of
the announced MSP.
 Cabinet has approved the Umbrella Scheme of PM-AASHA with three sub-schemes i.e. Price
Support Scheme (PSS), Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) and pilot of Private
Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PDPS).
 In Price Support Scheme (PSS), physical procurement of pulses, oilseeds and Copra will be done
by Central Nodal Agencies with proactive role of State governments.
 It is also decided that in addition to NAFED, Food Cooperation of India (FCI) will take up PSS
operations in states /districts. The procurement expenditure and losses due to procurement will
be borne by Central Government as per norms.
September 14, 2018
PM attends Ashara Mubaraka
 The Prime Minister addressed a huge gathering of Dawoodi Bohra community, at Ashara
Mubaraka, the commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Husain (SA), in Indore.
His Speech:
 Imam always stood against injustice and attained martyrdom for up keeping peace and justice.
 The culture of taking everyone along makes India different from all other countries. “We are
proud of our past, we believe in our present and are confident of our bright future”, he added.
 This community has always played a key role in India’s progress and growth story. He expressed
hope that community will continue their great work of spreading the strength of India’s culture
throughout the world.
 Prime Minister congratulated the people of Indore for taking the mission of Swacchh Bharat
forward. He said that ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa’ scheme will be launched tomorrow and urged the
citizens to actively participate in this grand Swacchhta mission.
 The government encourages honest businessmen and workers through GST, Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code.
Paryatan Parv
 The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in collaboration with other Central Ministries,
State Governments and Stakeholders is organizing the second edition of “Paryatan Parv”, a
nation-wide celebration of Tourism, from the 16th to 27th September, 2018.
Paryatan Parv 2018
 Objective:
o Drawing focus on the benefits of tourism, showcasing the cultural diversity of the country
and reinforcing the principle of “Tourism for All”.
 The three components of Paryatan Parv, are:
o Dekho Apna Desh: To encourage Indians to visit their own country.
o Tourism for All: Tourism Events at sites across all States in the country are being organised.
o Tourism & Governance: Iteractive Sessions & Workshops with Stakeholders on varied
themes will be organised across the Country
District Disability Rehabilitation Centres to be strengthened
 All multi-storyed government buildings, railway stations, airports and bus stands are being made
accessible for Divyangjan with lifts, ramps and escalators under ‘Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan’.
 The Ministry has increased the categories of Divyangjan from 7 to 21.
 Six new scholarships have been started since the year 2015 for the educational upliftment of
Divyangjan.
 Five per cent reservation has been provided to them for higher education and four per cent in
Government jobs.
 More than 7300ADIP Camps have been organised by the Ministry nationwide, for distribution of
assistive devices and equipments to Divyangjan.
 The Ministry has also arranged Cochlear implant surgeries to 1300 hearing impaired children.
Salient features of the District Disability Rehabilitation Centres are:
1. 310 districts have been identified and 263 DDRCs have been set up;
2. Awareness generation, early intervention and assessment of the need of assistive devices to
Divyangjans;
3. Therapeutic services such as Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy etc. to
Divyangjans through rehabilitation professionals; and
4. Equipment for rehabilitation services and Cost norms of the Scheme has been revised and
enhanced to 2.5 times w.e.f. 01/04/2018.
September 15, 2018
PM launches “Swachhata Hi Seva”
 The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today launched the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ Movement.
 It aims at generating greater public participation towards Swachhta.
 It is being organized in the run up to the fourth anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission, on
October 2nd, 2018, which will also mark the commencement of the 150thyear celebrations of
Mahatma Gandhi.
 He interacted with a cross-section of people from 17 locations across the country, via video
conferencing.
 Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan has led to a decrease in cases of diseases such as diarrhoea.
 From the Gateway of India in Mumbai, actor Amitabh Bachchan explained the various
cleanliness activities he has been involved in, including cleaning of a beach in Mumbai.
 The Prime Minister appreciated the role of the Swachhagrahis, and said their role would always
be remembered in history. He said that our confidence and resolve towards cleanliness is sky-
high.
India and Serbia: Celebrates 70 years of diplomatic relations
 The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that India and Serbia have historic
and special relations as co-founders of the Non-Aligned Movement and our relationship is based
on mutual trust, mutual understanding and support to each other on issues of core interest.
Discussed on:
 India and Serbia have historic and special relations as co-founders of the Non-Aligned
Movement.
 India and Serbia celebrate 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations.
 Releases commemorative stamp on Swami Vivekananda and Nikola Tesla.
 Witnesses signing of MoUs on cooperation in the fields of Plant Health and Plant Quarantine and
a revised Air Services.
 Makes joint Press Statement.
 Witnesses Exhibition on Belgrade/New Delhi – 70 years of Diplomatic Relations.
 Terrorism is the most serious global threat in today’s world;
 Holds bilateral discussions with the President of Serbia
September 17, 2018
Rashtriya Poshan Maah celebrated at CCRAS
Context:
 Ministry of AYUSH and Central Council of Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), all 25 Clinical
Research Institutes of CCRAS are conducting various health care activities during the Rashtriya
Poshan Maah being observed in the month of September, 2018.
Activities Undertaken:
 During the camp, some medicinal plants of daily use (home remedies) have been displayed for
the knowledge of patients, importance of nutrition from an Ayurvedic perspective was shared
with the participants, visitors and patients, the female patients at IPD were counselled
accordingly along with other OPD patients.
 Pregnant and lactating mothers were also sensitized towards the significance of nutrition and
the banners, charts and brochures have been prepared, displayed and distributed for creating
awareness.
Objective:
 To improve nutritional outcomes for children, adolescents, pregnant women and lactating
mothers by leveraging technology, a targeted approach and convergence, issued directives to its
Research Councils and Institutes for conducting activities for the welfare of general public.
24th World Ozone Day Celebrations
 Harsh Vardhan released the draft India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) and a booklet on ‘Montreal
Protocol – India’s Success Story’.
 A refurbished website on the Ozone Cell of the Ministry and a Management Information System
(MIS) for Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) were also launched on the occasion.
 India is the first country in world to develop such a document (ICAP), which addresses cooling
requirement across sectors and lists out actions which can help reduce the cooling demand.
 “Keep Cool and Carry on”: The Montreal Protocol is the theme of 24th World Ozone Day
celebrations.
About: The Montreal Protocol
 The Montreal Protocol is the only environmental treaty which enjoys universal ratification of
197 UN numbers countries.
 The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer has been recognized as the
most successful international environment treaty in history.
 Its implementation has not only led to the phase-out of around 98% of ozone depleting
chemicals, but also averted more than 135 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent
emissions. Nearly 2 million cases of skin cancer per year have been averted globally.
“Chinta Se Mukti“ mobile app
 ESIC “Chinta Se Mukti“ mobile app is available on UMANG platform of Govt. of India.
 With this app, the Insured Persons can view their contribution history, personal profile, claim
status and also their entitlement to benefits.
 Grievances can also be lodged through this app.
 Insured Persons can also view knowledge bank on health topics and audio-visuals on benefits
under ESI Scheme.
September 18, 2018
Medical Cyclotron Facility Cyclone-30
 Cyclotrons are used to produce radioisotopes for diagnostic and therapeutic use for cancer care.
 Cyclone-30, the biggest cyclotron in India for medical application became operational this month
when 30 MeV beam reached the Faraday Cup for the first time last week.
 This will start regular production by the middle of the next year after the commissioning of the
supporting nuclear systems and regulatory clearances.
 After the commissioning of liquid target (for FDG production) and solid targets (production of
Germanium-68, Palladium-103 and other isotopes), work on studies related to installation of
Iodine isotope [1-123] production target, material study target and Accelerator Driven System
target will also be taken up.
Benefit:
 This will provide for affordable radio isotopes and related radiopharmaceuticals for the entire
country especially, for Eastern India and also have export potential for Germanium-68/Gallium-
68 generator for in-situ production of Gallium-68 and Palladium-103 isotopes, used for breast
cancer diagnosis and prostate cancer treatment, respectively.
 Cyclone-30 commissioning re-emphasises the capability of Indian scientists and engineers to
deliver at the highest level of science and technology.
The logo and web portal for commemoration of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi
 The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind launched the logo and the web portal
(http://gandhi.gov.in/) for commemoration of 150thbirth anniversary of Father of the Nation,
Mahatma Gandhi, at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
 The designs of the logo with colour guide are available on the web-site
of https://gandhi.gov.in/download.htmlfor download:-
1. Logo in original form (Main Logo)
2. Logo for use in single colour (for use in black and white)
3. Logo in reverse form with light/bright background
4. Logo in reverse form with dark background
 The salient features of the new web portal are:
1. To identify visitors from different geography and serve them personalized information;
2. Organizations & individuals can join celebration and submit their Karyanjali through an easy
upload process.
3. Information related to Gandhian literature, philosophy, audios, videos, rare photos are available
in the portal.
 The webportal is participatory in nature and all the participating organizations will be able to
upload their activities regarding commemoration on the website.
 It also has a unique feature Gandhipedia which will be a repository of Gandhian knowledge and
will continue to grow with time.
nd nd
 The two year long celebrations from 2 October, 2018 to 02 October, 2020 will be held across
th
the country and all over the globe to mark the 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
All India Pension Adalat
 The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region
(DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr
Jitendra Singh inaugurated the ‘Pension Adalat’, organised by the Department of Pension &
Pensioners’ Welfare, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of
India.
 Pension Adalats will help in on-the-spot redressal of pensioners’ grievances.
 The Pension Adalats are being convened with the objective of bringing on a common table the
aggrieved pensioner, the concerned department, the bank or CGHS representative, wherever
relevant, so that such cases can be settled across the table within the framework of extant rules.
Local Treatment of Urban Sewage Streams for Healthy Reuse (LOTUSHR)
 Union Science & Technology minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan today inaugurated a novel holistic Local
Treatment of Urban Sewage Streams for Healthy Reuse (LOTUSHR)project at Sun Dial Park in
New Delhi that produces clean water which is reused for various purposes, while simultaneously
recovering nutrients and energy from the urban waste water, thus converting the Barapullah
drain into profitable mines.
 This plant, can convert 10 lakh litre of sewage into clean water and generate 3 tonnes of biofuel,
will be scaled up and will become a model for example for the whole world.
 In another unique initiative at the site Department of Biotechnology has undertaken
afforestation of marshy flood plains, degraded and unusable land and planted 2281 plant and
tree species.
 This not only cleans the area, mitigates mosquito breeding but also purifies the air and soil.
 The species and the spacing of the planted material is carefully planned using a technology
which allows these trees to grow rapidly and within a short span of two-three years recover a
unique ecosystem of birds, insects and animals.
September 19, 2018
DAY-NRLM
 The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the
extension of timeline for implementation of the Special Package under Deendayal Antyodaya
Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) for Jammu & Kashmir for another
period of one year during 2018-19.
Impact:
 This will help in covering all the vulnerable rural households in the State (estimated at two thirds
of the total number of households) within a definite time frame.
 It will ensure mobilization of households under the auto inclusion category and households with
at least one deprivation category listed in the Socio Economic Caste Census – 2011.
 It will also ensure coverage of all the blocks in Jammu & Kashmir under DAY-NRLM and ensures
social inclusion, social development, promotion of livelihoods leading to poverty alleviation in
the State.
Background:
 The Special Package as approved in May 2013 could not be fully implemented due to
unavoidable reasons and disturbed conditions in the State.
 The State Government has requested Government of India to consider extension of the earlier
approved implementation schedule of the Special Package and continued funding of DAY-NRLM
in Jammu and Kashmir on a demand driven basis without linking allocation with poverty ratio
during this extended period.
 The approval by the Cabinet will give a boost to the vulnerable rural families in Jammu &
Kashmir.
Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna
 The ESI Corporation has approved a Scheme named “ATAL BIMIT VYAKTI KALYAN YOJNA” for
Insured Persons (IP) covered under the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948.
 This scheme is a relief payable in cash directly to their Bank Account in case of unemployment
and while they search for new engagement. Detailed instructions including eligibility conditions,
application format, etc. will be issued separately.
 ESI Corporation has approved the proposal for reimbursement of Rs. 10/- per person to the
employers to encourage the seeding of Aadhar (UID) in ESIC database of their workers and their
family members. It will curtail the multiple registrations of same Insured Persons and thus
enable them to avail the benefits requiring longer contributory conditions.
 ESI Corporation has approved the proposal for relaxing the eligibility conditions for availing
Super Specialty treatment has now been relaxed from earlier insurable employment of 2 years
to 06 months with contribution requirement of only 78 days.
 The eligibility for availing Super Specialty treatment for dependents of Insured Person has now
been relaxed to insurable employment of one year with 156 days of contributions. This
relaxation will immensely help the Insured Persons and their beneficiaries to avail Super
Specialty treatment free of cost as per revised eligibility.
Ambassadors of Skill India Campaign
 The Hindi film stars- Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma, have been signed on to promote and
endorse the Skill India Mission.
 The duo, through their film ‘Sui Dhaaga– Made in India’, are saluting India’s entrepreneurs and
skilled workforce, especially homegrown artisans, craftspeople and weavers who are making the
country proud the world over.
 Varun and Anushka, the star cast of the film, have partnered Skill India and will dedicate time to
promote India’s skilled talent and their fine work by engaging with them across different parts of
the country.
About:
 The Skill India Campaign has brought about multiple policy interventions though its Skill
Development and Entrepreneurship Policy, comprehensive changes in the Apprenticeship Act of
1961 and introducing the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) which together aims to
provide best-in-class training to our workforce and formally recognize their skills. MSDE’s
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program under PMKVY recognizes the skills and experience
gained through years of working, bringing about a major shift from un-organized sector to the
organized sector.
September 20, 2018
India International Convention and Expo Centre
 The commission for the India International Convention & Expo Centre in Dwarka (IICC Dwarka) is
the result of the international competition organised by the DMICDC (Delhi Mumbai Industrial
Corridor Development Corporation) in January 2017.
 The Centre is going to be a world-class state-of-the-art Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre, with
facilities like financial, hospitality and retail services located in Sector 25, Dwarka.
 It is a 100% Government owned company under Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion,
Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Relationship between India and Romania
 The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that India and Romania are growing
at an unprecedented and steady pace during his two-day visit to Romania.
 India signs MoU with Romania in the field of Petroleum and Gas.
 Romania support’s for resumption of talks on India-European Union Broad-based Trade &
Investment Agreement
 Romania also supports India in its aspiration for a permanent seat in UN Security Council.
 Romanian companies are also operating in India and the cumulative FDI inflow from Romania to
India is around USD 7.5 million.
 Opportunities for bilateral investment flows between a growing Romanian economy and a huge
Indian market in sectors such as IT, automobiles, mining, agriculture and food processing,
tourism, healthcare products and energy.
Indore (Mangaliyagaon) — Budni New Line (205.5 Km)
 Cabinet approves Indore (Mangaliyagaon) — Budni New Line (205.5 Km) with Electrification.
It will reduce the distance between Jabalpur and Indore by 68 Kms.
 It will also reduce travel time between Indore to Mumbai and towards South India.
 This project will generate direct employment during construction for about 49.32 lakh man-
days.
ASHA Benefit Package
 Cabinet approves ASHA Benefit Package with two components:
1. ASHAs and ASHA facilitators meeting the eligibility criteria (18-70 years) to be enrolled in social
security schemes implemented by Government of India namely, the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti
Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.
2. An increase in the amount of routine and recurring incentives under National Health Mission for
ASHAs under NHM from Rs. 1000/- per month to Rs. 2000/-per month.
Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project
 The Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) is an initiative being undertaken by the
Central Water Commission (CWC), Government of India with World Bank loan assistance, to
improve the safety and performance of selected existing dams and associated appurtenances in
a sustainable manner, and to strengthen the dam safety institutional setup in participating
Implementing Agencies across participating States as well as in the CWC.
Objective:
1. Component-I: – Rehabilitation of Dam and its Appurtenant Structures,
2. Component-II: – Institutional Strengthening and
3. Component-III: – Project Management.
 The Scheme envisages comprehensive rehabilitation of 198 existing dam projects located in
seven states of India namely, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka,
Jharkhand (Damodar Valley Corporation) and Uttarakhand (Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam
Limited).
India and Morocco sign Air Services Agreement
 India and Morocco signed the revised Air Services Agreement between the two countries
enabling greater connectivity through a modernized agreement.
Benefits:
 Greater air connectivity between India and Morocco and will enable the airlines of each side to
enter into code share with airlines of other party, as well as provide greater freedom in
mounting direct flights.
 These developments in the Civil Aviation sector will enable the people of each country to travel
to the other country leading to better economic and cultural ties.
Exercise Aviaindra-18
Aim:
 To focus towards anti-terrorist operations in a bi-lateral scenario. The exercise would further
enhance the co-operation and understanding each other’s Concept of Operations. There would
be formal interactions, discussions, exchange of ideas and friendly sports matches to enhance
bonhomie between the two Air Forces.
About:
 Exercise Aviaindra is Air Force level exercise between India and Russia. It was conducted for first
time in 2014 and since then it is conducted bi-annually (twice a year) in both countries.
Application of GIS (Geographic Information System) in Disaster Management
 The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is conducting a two-day training-cum-
workshop programme on ‘Application of GIS (Geographic Information System) in Disaster
Management’.
 A total of 19 representatives from 12 States, UTs and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
are participating in the training programme which will enable them to understand the need, role
and scope of web-based GIS service for management of disasters more efficiently and effectively
through an integrated platform.
Aim:
 To help participants develop skills for effectively utilising the geo-information tools for disaster
management.
About:
 NDMA is working towards integrating geospatial data for research, mitigation and post disaster
management. This system will help the Centre as well as State Governments, local bodies, civil
societies and other stakeholders to handle the complete disaster cycle in an effective and
efficient manner.
NATIONAL SPORTS AWARDS -2018
About:
 National Sports Awards are given every year to recognize and reward excellence in sports.
 Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is given for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in
the field of sports by a sportsperson over a period of four year.
 Arjuna Award is given for consistency outstanding performance for four years.
 Dronacharya Award for coaches for producing medal winners at prestigious International sports
events.
 Dhyan Chand Award for lifetime contribution to sports development.
 Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar is given to the corporate entities (both in private and public
sector) and individuals who have played a visible role in the area of sports promotion and
development.
 Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy is given to overall top performing university in inter-
university tournaments.
(i) Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna 2018
S. No. Name of the Sportsperson Discipline
1. Ms. S. MirabaiChanu Weightlifting
2. ShriViratKohli Cricket
(ii) Dronacharya Awards 2018

S. No. Name of the Coach Discipline
1 Subedar ChenandaAchaiah Kuttappa Boxing
2 Shri Vijay Sharma Weightlifting
3 Shri A. Srinivasa Rao Table Tennis
4 Shri Sukhdev Singh Pannu Athletics
5 Shri Clarence Lobo Hockey (Life Time)
6 ShriTarakSinha Cricket (Life Time)
7 ShriJiwan Kumar Sharma Judo (Life Time)
8 Shri V.R. Beedu Athletics (Life Time)
(iii) Arjuna Awards 2018

1 ShriNeeraj Chopra Athletics
2 NaibSubedarJinson Johnson Athletics
3 Ms.Hima Das Athletics
4 Ms.NelakurthiSikki Reddy Badminton
5 SubedarSatish Kumar Boxing
6 Ms.SmritiMandhana Cricket
7 ShriShubhankar Sharma Golf
8 ShriManpreet Singh Hockey
9 Ms.Savita Hockey
10 Col. Ravi Rathore Polo
11 Ms.RahiSarnobat Shooting
12 ShriAnkur Mittal Shooting
13 Ms.Shreyasi Singh Shooting
14 Ms.ManikaBatra Table Tennis
15 Shri G. Sathiyan Table Tennis
16 ShriRohanBopanna Tennis
17 ShriSumit Wrestling
18 Ms.PoojaKadian Wushu
19 ShriAnkurDhama Para-Athletics
20 Shri Manoj Sarkar Para-Badminton
(iv) Dhyan Chand Award 2018

1 ShriSatyadev Prasad Archery
2 Shri Bharat Kumar Chetri Hockey
3 Ms. Bobby Aloysius Athletics
4 ShriChougaleDaduDattatray Wrestling
(vi) Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2018

S. No. Category Name of the entity
1. Identification and Nurturing of Budding & Young Talent Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited
Encouragement to Sports through Corporate Social
2. JSW Sports
Responsibility
3. Sports for Development Isha Outreach
(vii) Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy 2017-18:

Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
Successful Flight Test of Prahar
 Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight tested the
indigenously developed surface-to-surface tactical missile ‘Prahar’.
 There were also a series of papers which were presented on weapon integration on service
aircraft and towards building and sustaining the training for naval experimental test pilots and
flight test engineers.
About:
 ‘Prahar’ is a contemporary weapon system capable of carrying multiple types of warheads and
neutralizing a wide variety of targets.
Health Ministry partners with Dell and Tata Trusts
 Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, exchanged the MoUs with the Tata Trusts and Dell to
provide a technological platform for nationwide prevention, control, screening and management
program of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
Aim:
 Bringing healthcare technology transformation in Comprehensive Primary Health Care NCD
program under Ayushman Bharat, the Health Ministry is working with Dell as technology partner
and the Tata Trusts as deployment partner.
 A cloud-based mobile, web and analytics solution has been developed to digitize health records
to aid the population-based screening program, to bring quality health services at door step, to
enable increased productivity for health workers and doctors, and to facilitate monitoring of
delivery of services by state and district administrators.
Launching of two portals to strengthen Women Safety
 The Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) portal “cybercrime.gov.in”
will receive complaints from citizens on objectionable online content related to child
pornography, child sexual abuse material, sexually explicit material such as rape and gang rape.
 The National Database on Sexual Offenders (NDSO), which is accessible only to law
enforcement agencies, will assist in effectively tracking and investigating cases of sexual
offences.
September 21, 2018
Vice President’s visit to Serbia, Malta and Romania
Some key outcomes:
1. India’s aspiration to be on UNSC and for taking forward UN reforms was supported.
2. India’s stand on terror and support for early adoption of United Nation’s Comprehensive
Convention on International Terrorism was endorsed.
3. Strong support for resuming EU-India trade agreement after Romania assumes Presidency of EU.
4. Business Forums generated a good deal of enthusiasm among the industrialists and
businessmen in every country as they got to know about India’s transformative initiatives. The
growth story and the reports from World Bank, IMF quoted by Vice President enhanced
awareness.
5. Romania showed a special interest in Space and Aerospace. Malta expressed its desire to join
the International Solar Alliance.
6. The vice President underscored the growing importance of India on the world stage and drew
attention to four key features that need to be recognised. He called them 4Ds – Democracy,
Demographic dividend, Demand and Diaspora.
7. The address to the Serbian Parliament was very well received and the admiration for India as the
largest democracy and a vibrant, well-functioning polity was more than evident in the standing
ovation the Vice President received at the end of his address.
8. MOUs entered into related to plant protection, tourism, air services, oil research, diplomatic
training and maritime cooperation.
9. In all the three countries, there was considerable interest in Yoga and Ayurveda and in Romania,
the Vice President launched two books on Ayurveda and inaugurated an Ayurveda Information
Centre.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
 The Prime Minister will launch the scheme on September 23 but effectively it will become
operational from September 25 on the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay.
 With the launch by the Prime Minister, 26-27 states and UTs are likely to immediately
commence the PMJAY.
Aim:
 The mega healthcare scheme provides medical cover of up to Rs. 5 lakh to over 10.74 crore poor
and vulnerable families, constituting 40 per cent of India’s total population.
Paryatan Parv
 Paryatan Parv 2018 is being organized with the objective of drawing focus on the benefits of
tourism, showcasing the cultural diversity of the country and reinforcing the principle of
“Tourism for All”.
Components of Paryatan Parv are:
1. Dekho Apna Desh: To encourage Indians to visit their own country. There are several activities
to be organised across the Country like Photography contest covering tourism attractions and
experiences, promotion on Social Media, Tourism related Quiz, Essay, Debate and Painting
Competitions for Students. General public engagement for the event will be promoted through
the MyGov platform.
2. Tourism for All: Tourism Events at sites across all States in the country are being organised. The
activities at these sites will include illumination in and around the Sites, Cultural Programmes of
Dance, Music, Theatre, Story Telling, Sensitisation Programmes for Stakeholders around the
Sites, Tourism Exhibitions, Showcasing Culture, Cuisine and Handicrafts / Handlooms, Guided
Heritage Walks, etc.
3. Tourism and Governance: Interactive Sessions and Workshops with Stakeholders on varied
themes will be organised across the Country.
September 22, 2018
Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha
Context
 The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the centenary celebrations of the
Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha in New Delhi
What was the objective?

 It was established in the year 1918 by our beloved Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi with
the sole aim of propagating Hindi in southern states.
 “Hindi Prachar” was a movement that emerged as part of Freedom Movement and the leaders
who led the nation to “FREE INDIA” felt the necessity of making a single Indian Language the
National Language, and through that language unify the people and thereby intensify National
Integration.
Details
 The Sabha was inaugurated by Annie Besant on June 17, 1918
 The first Hindi class was conducted by Devdas Gandhi, the youngest son of Mahatma Gandhi.
 During its silver jubilee celebrations, Gandhiji stayed for nearly 10 days on the premises of the
Sabha.
 Parliament has made the Sabha as an Institution of National Importance in 1964.
 A centenary commemorative postal stamp to mark the 100th foundation day of the Dakshin
Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha was released recently
o The stamp contains a photo of Mahatma Gandhi, the founder president of the Sabha, and a
letter written by him.
 It has played a very important role in strengthening the emotional unity of our country.
Offset Policy in Defence

 The Offset Policy was formally announced for the first time in 2005 and has been revised several
times.
 It mandates foreign suppliers of equipment’s to spend certain percent of the contract value in
India. It was first revised in 2006 and then again in 2011 and in 2016. Sometimes this may take
place with technology transfer.
 Offset policy necessarily aims at acquisition and development of the state of the art
technologies and create world class defence production industry which should be able to meet
both domestic and export requirements of the country.
Details
 The key objectives of the Defence Offset Policy is to leverage the capital acquisitions to develop
Indian defence industry by fostering development of internationally competitive enterprises;
augmenting capacity for research and development in defence sector and to encourage
development of synergistic sector like civil aerospace and internal security.
 The offset can be discharged by many means such as direct purchase of eligible
products/services, FDI in joint ventures and investment towards equipment and transfer of
technology.
 As per Defence Offset Guidelines, the foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) is free
to select any Indian company as its offset partner.
 All successful offset programmes have certain common well defined characteristics, purposeful
selection in consonance with well-defined objectives, hard negotiations, detailed planning and
close oversight.
 It is being deduced that Offset Policy aims at defence industrial development of country.
Concerns
 Equipment Acquisition in Jeopardy: In their enthusiasm to obtain order, many vendors fail to
grasp the full implications of offset liabilities. They tend to take obligation lightly and do not
make adequate budgetary provisions.
 Time Delays: Negotiations and deliberations may hinder fast implementation and may cause
undue delay
 Offset as Incidental Considerations: Offset will work best when aspirations of both the vendor
and buyer country are fulfilled and resulting in a win-win situation for both seller and buyer. An
analysis of buyers’ perspective on offsets to gain maximum advantages and vendors’ reluctance
to give away too much may lead to the impression that offsets aspirations of buyer and possible
approach towards same by vendor are dichotomous.
 Technology received in few countries also show that it was outdated and did not improve
competitions of indigenous industry.
 Offsets did not create new markets for local produce.
Recommendations
 Offset should not delay main acquisition nor should it drive acquisition of equipment and
technology.
 Wherever feasible, we should resort to direct offsets.
 Technology being obtained through offsets should be both relevant and contemporary.
Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan AarogyaYojana (AB-PMJAY)

 Under the vision of Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan AarogyaYojana (AB-PMJAY) shall be
implemented so that each and every citizen receives his due share of health care
 This is the “world’s largest government funded healthcare program” targeting more than 50
crore beneficiaries.
 It is a paradigm shift from sectorial, segmented and fragmented approach of service delivery
through various national and State schemes to a bigger, more comprehensive and better
converged and need based service delivery of secondary and tertiary care.
Background
 71st Round of National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) has found 9% of rural households
and 82% of urban households have no access to healthcare insurance/assurance.
 More than 17% of Indian population spend at least 10% of household budgets for health
services.
 Catastrophic healthcare-related expenditure pushes families into debt, with more than 24%
households in rural India and 18% population in urban area have met their healthcare expenses
through some sort of borrowings.
 PMJAY primarily targets the poor, deprived rural families and identified occupational category of
urban workers’ families as per the latest Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data for both
rural and urban areas as well as the active families under the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana
(RSBY).
Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana in alliance with the States:

 The Scheme is principle based rather than rule based, allowing States enough flexibility in terms
of packages, procedures, scheme design, entitlements as well as other guidelines while ensuring
that key benefits of portability and fraud detection are ensured at a national level.
 States have the option to use an existing Trust/Society or set up a new Trust/Society to
implement the Scheme as State Health Agency and will be free to choose the modalities for
implementation.
 States can implement the Scheme through an insurance company or directly through the
Trust/Society/Implementation Support Agency or a mixed approach.
Pradhan MantriAarogyaMitra (PMAM)

 The scheme is creating a cadre of certified frontline health service professionals called Pradhan
Mantri Aarogya Mitras (PMAMs) who will be primary point of facilitation for the beneficiaries to
avail treatment at the hospital and thus, act as a support system to streamline health service
delivery.
 AarogyaMitras training is being conducted in collaboration with National Skill Development
Corporation (NSDC) and Ministry of Skill Development to strengthen implementation and
operational preparedness.
Benefits under the scheme:

 It will provide a cover of up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year, for secondary and tertiary care
hospitalization.
 Over 10.74 crore vulnerable entitled families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) will be
eligible for these benefits.
 PMJAY will provide cashless and paperless access to services for the beneficiary at the point of
service.
 PMJAY will help reduce catastrophic expenditure for hospitalizations, which impoverishes
people and will help mitigate the financial risk arising out of catastrophic health episodes.
 Entitled families will be able to use the quality health services they need without facing
financial hardships.
 When fully implemented, PMJAY will become the world’s largest fully government-financed
health protection scheme. It is a visionary step towards advancing the agenda of Universal
Health Coverage (UHC).
September 24, 2018
Jowai-Ratacherra Section of NH-6 is upgraded in Meghalaya
Context:
 The 102 km stretch of national highways has been two-laned with 10m wide carriageway of
paved shoulder at a cost of Rs 683 crore.
 It has three major bridges across Rivers Alpha, Lubha and Umproshung, along with 34 minor
ones, 441 culverts and a 123 metre long tunnel at Sonapur village.
 The national highway will provide better connectivity to Mizoram, Tripura and south western
parts of Assam.
 Travel time from Jowai to Ratacherra will be reduced from 4 hrs to 2.5 hrs.
 The road passes through coal/cement producing belt of the region, which is a lifeline to the
landlocked states of NE.
Benefits:
 The new highway will also ensure fast movement of goods across the Barak valley, upliftment of
bamboo industry, better employment opportunities, widespread economic development, and
improved connectivity, all working to enhance the economy of Barak valley.
PM inaugurates Pakyong Airport
 The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Pakyong Airport in Sikkim.
 The first airport in the Himalayan State, and the 100th airport in the country.
 Pakyong Airport would greatly ease connectivity to Sikkim and in order to ensure that it is useful
to the common man, this airport is part of the UDAN scheme.
 The Prime Minister said that out of 100 airports in the country today, 35 have been
operationalized in the last four years.
 The Union Government has initiated the “Mission Organic Value Development for North Eastern
Region” for Sikkim’s progress in organic farming.
Three Best Performing States in “Ease of Living Index” Under Amrut
 Andhra Pradesh has topped the charts among States in terms of “Ease of Living Index” rankings
followed by Odisha and Madhya Pradesh.
 The three States were awarded the three best performing States under Atal Mission for
Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) at the National Dissemination Workshop on
Ease of Living Index, 2018.
About: Ease of Living Index
 The Ease of Living Index is a transformative initiative of the Ministry to help the cities assess
their liveability vis-à-vis national and global benchmarks.
 The ‘Ease of Living’ Index seeks to assist cities in undertaking a 360-degree assessment of their
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
 Ease of Living framework comprised four pillars namely Institutional, Social, Economic and
Physical which are further broken down into 78 indicators across 15 categories (governance,
identity and culture, education, health, safety and security, economy, affordable housing, land
use planning, public open spaces, transportation and mobility, assured water supply, waste-
water management, solid waste management, power, and quality of environment).
 The Ease of Living assessment standards is its close linkage with the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs). Of the 17 SDG goals, 8 goals are directly linked to India’s ease of living assessment
framework with SDG 11.
Two-day National Orientation workshop on National e-Vidhan Application
 Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Water Resources, River Development and
Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal presided over the Inaugural Session of the two-
day National Orientation workshop on National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA), organized by
Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
Aim:
 The focus of the workshop would be to encourage all State Legislatures to move towards e-
Vidhan platform and bring in transparency, accountability and responsiveness in their conduct
of business, through the use of technology.
 NeVA is a member-centric, decentralised digital application that makes information available on
digital platform about day to day functioning of Legislative Houses covering, among other areas,
List of Business (LOB), Notices, Bulletin-1, Bulletin-2, Starred/ Unstarred Questions including
reply by the Departments (Q&A), Bills: Introduced/ Consideration & Passing, Synopsis of
Proceedings, House Proceedings-Verbatim, Committees Reports, Rules & Procedures, Digital
Library, Provisional Calendar, Reference material, Rotation of Ministries, Contacts, BudgetPress
Releases etc.
 The application would host a secure page for each Member of the House for submitting
Questions & other Notices.
 NeVA has made live for Rajya Sabha in respect of Monsoon Session 2018 and information in
respect of Lok Sabha is being updated. Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim,
Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, Manipur Assemblies have already started using
the application.
NeVA-mobile app:
 The mNeVA (NeVA-mobile app) is a device neutral and user friendly app that has made
information on conduct of business in Legislatures accessible anytime, anywhere to everyone.
 It is a work-flow based app deployed in Cloud (Meghraj) which helps the Chair of the House to
conduct the proceedings of the House smoothly and the members to carry out their duties in
the House efficiently. NeVA-mobile App is available for download from Play store and App store
for Android and iOS mobiles respectively.
Background:
 e-Vidhan is a Mission Mode Project to digitize and make the functioning of State Legislatures
paperless.
 This is part of Digital India programme and Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
 Desires to roll out e-Vidhan as NeVA covering all 40 Houses including two Houses of Parliament
and thereby putting all them on a single platform and proving the theory of ‘One Nation One
Application’.
 NeVA is a Rs.739 Crore (approx.) project for bringing Legislatures on digital platform, covering all
Houses. It is to be used by the Legislatures as well as all the Government Departments. This
journey began with a pilot project executed in Himachal Pradesh with the central assistance of
Rs.8.12 crores which made the Shimla Legislative Assembly the first Assembly in India to go
paperless in 2014. This project resulted into overall savings of about Rs.5.08 crores annually on
account of expenditure on papers, printing, manpower costs and conservation of forests/ trees
as ancillary benefits.
India International Science Festival
 The fourth edition of India International Science Festival will be inaugurated by President of
India in Lucknow on October 6, 2018.
 IISF-2018 with its focal theme “Science for Transformation” will have 23 special events.
 The Global Indian Science & Technology Stakeholders Meet (GIST), Industry Academia Meet and
Science & Technology for Harnessing Innovations (SATHI) – A National startup entrepreneurship
summit and Student Science Village are some of the important events, being organized.
 The Science Village program is linked with the Pradhan Mantri Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana to
reach out to the rural masses and propagate science and for seeking scientific solutions to the
diverse challenges facing our society, particularly rural India.
 As World record attempts have been a key part of IISF since 2015, in IISF 2018, a World Record
attempt will be made to “isolate DNA” by 500 students from class 8th to 10th
 Nav Bharat Nirman and the Science and Literary Festival are the other highlights of IISF 2018.
September 25, 2018
National Mission on Government e Marketplace (GeM)
Context:
th
 The Government of India decided to launch a six week long National Mission on GeM from 6 to
th
17 Oct 2018 in order to increase awareness, accelerate the use of GeM and to further augment
the proven benefits of procurement through GeM for all government departments
and organisations.
 It covers all central government departments, states and public sector undertakings in a mission
mode by organising workshops, roadshow, trainings, events and other information, education
and communication activities, including buyer and seller registration.
Background:
 Government e Marketplace is the National Public Procurement Portal offering an online, end-to-
end solution for procurement of common use goods and services by government departments.
 It is used by Central and State Government Ministries and Departments, Central and State Public
Sector Undertakings (CPSUs & SPSUs), autonomous institutions and local bodies.
 GeM provides an open, inclusive, transparent and efficient online marketplace.
FDI in Telecom Sector
Aim:
 Provide relevant information relating to the FDI policy and the telecommunications sector in
India at one place to facilitate the stakeholders.
 Telecom Sector is also playing an important role in agriculture, poverty eradication, disaster
preparedness and financial inclusion.
 FDI an important component of economic growth can play an important role in the sector as it
has been doing.
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)
 An overarching structure, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the Defence Minister
was constituted for overall guidance of the defence procurement planning process.
Objective:
 The objective of the Defence Acquisition Council is to ensure expeditious procurement of the
approved requirements of the Armed Forces in terms of capabilities sought, and time frame
prescribed, by optimally utilizing the allocated budgetary resources.
Context:
 The DAC accorded approval for procurement of 1000 engines of 1000 BHP for fitment in T-72
tanks of the Army under ‘Buy & Make’ category and at an approximate cost of over Rs 2300
crore. Post transfer of technology most of these engines will be manufactured by Ordnance
Factories Board (OFB). The engines will enhance mobility, agility and acceleration of T-72 tanks
making them more versatile and effective in the battlefield.
India and Morocco bilateral cooperation
Context:
 India and Morocco agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the field of defence and security.
Two bilateral MoUs:
 ‘Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Outer Space’ between ISRO and the Moroccan Centre of
Remote Sensing and
 ‘Cooperation in the area of Cyber Security’ between the Indian Computer Emergency Response
Team (CERT –IN), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Moroccan
Computer Response Team (ma-CERT) were signed in the presence of Raksha Mantri and the
Moroccan Defence Minister.
Parakram Parv Celebrations
Context:
 Indian Army conducted surgical strikes in 2016 which had strategic ramifications and were
aimed to dissuade inimical adversary from adopting the path of violence and to ensure an
environment of peace for the nation.
About:
 The day Sept 29 marks the eve of second anniversary of 2016’s surgical strikes against terror
pods in Pakistani territory by Indian forces and the Ministry of Defence will be conducting the
event with the army, air force and navy being represented.
 To showcase the courage, valour and sacrifice of Armed Forces, ‘Parakram Parv’ is being
observed from Sept 28-30, which will have an overall theme of ‘valour’ of the armed forces with
the focus being on the strikes.
 Exhibition is being planned for this day, with a ‘selfie wall’, showing representative videos and a
portion of the original footage of the strikes and stalls displaying equipment of the three
defence services throughout the three day celebration.
REINVEST- 2018
Aim:
 Accelerate the worldwide effort to scale up renewable energy and connect the global
investment community with Indian energy stakeholders.
Objective:
nd
 2 RE-INVEST will include a three-day Conference on renewables, cleantech and future energy
choices, and an Expo of renewables-related manufacturers, developers, investors and
innovators.
nd
 The 2 RE-INVEST will provide a great opportunity to various organisations to showcase their
business strategies, achievements and expectations.
 It would facilitate collaboration and cooperation with key stakeholders in India, which has today
emerged as one of the world’s largest renewable energy markets.
September 26, 2018
Smart City Expo India 2018
 The Vice President of India was addressing the inaugural session of the Smart City Expo India
2018, in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Some important points from his speech:
 The creation of pedestrian non-motorized zones is the need of the hour curb traffic congestions.
 Governance at door step is the key objective of smart cities and he asked authorities to work
towards digitization of city governance, services, certifications and approvals without
unnecessary personal interface.
 Develop Smart Village at par with Smart Cities.
 Social development should be at the core of every project undertaken by Smart Cities.
 Vulnerabilities of the marginalized sections of the society must be kept in mind.
MoU between India and Uzbekistan
 The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the MoU
between India and Uzbekistan:
1. On Mutual Cooperation in Combating Illicit Trafficking in Narcotics, Drugs, Psychotropic
Substances and Precursors.
Benefits:
 The MoU will help in mutual cooperation in regulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic
substances, and in combating drug trafficking.
 It is an effective framework to deal with all issues requiring mutual assistance and cooperation
in the areas identified.
 The MoU will facilitate effective institutional interaction between both the Governments.
 The MoU, once in force, would help in curbing transnational narcotics trafficking.
2. On Cooperation in the Sphere of Law & Justice.
Benefits:
 The MoU takes care of concerns and requirements in the field of exchange of experience by
legal professionals, Government functionaries and their training and effective legal aid
mechanism for resolution.
3. For strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism.
Benefits:
 It will help in increasing foreign tourist arrivals from Uzbekistan to the country. This in turn will
result in economic development and employment generation.
 The MoU shall create favourable conditions for long-term tourism cooperation for the mutual
benefits of all stakeholders within the broader framework and areas of cooperation.
 The MoU shall explore to incorporate the best practices in order to implement the measures
that will realizes the objectives set out in it.
4. For establishment of the Uzbek-Indian Free Pharmaceutical Zone in the Andijan Region of
Uzbekistan.
Benefits:
 The MoU will create an enabling framework of cooperation for setting up an Uzbek-Indian Free
Pharmaceuticals Zone in Andijan region of Uzbekistan.
 It will also facilitate Indian pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies to invest in and
establish production facilities in the Uzbek-Indian Free Pharma Zone of Andijan for manufacture
of Pharmaceutical Products.
5. For cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors.
Agreement consists:
 Exchange of information regarding laws, standards and product samples of mutual interest;
 Establishment of joint agriculture clusters in Uzbekistan;
 Exchange of experience in the field of crop production and their diversification;
 Exchange of experience in the field of seed production based on modern technology; exchange
of information concerning certification of seed in accordance with the legislation of the States of
the Parties; exchange of samples of seeds on beneficial terms.
 Application of technology for enhanced water use efficiency in agriculture and allied sectors,
including irrigation;
 Conduct of joint scientific research on genetics, breeding, biotechnology,
plant protection, soil productivity conservation, mechanization, water resources, and
mutual application of scientific results;
 Development and extension of cooperation in the field of plant quarantine;
 Exchange of experience in the field of animal husbandry, including animal health, poultry,
genomics, setting up of quarantine facilities;
 Exchange of information between research institutes in the fields of agriculture and food
industry on scientific and practical activities (fairs, exhibitions, conferences, symposia)
 Cooperation in agricultural and food trade;
 Explore setting up of food processing joint ventures;
 Any other form of cooperation as mutually agreed between the Parties.
6. On cooperation in health and medical science
Agreement consists:
 Expanding opportunities for the development of business cooperation in the field of medical
equipment, including equipment for teaching and research laboratories of institutions of
medical education, and pharmaceutical products;
 Strengthening of primary health care and setting up of health care facilities;
 Medical and health research development, as well as exchange of experience in these areas;
 Exchange of experiences and technologies in the field of telemedicine and electronic-health
information systems;
 Maternal and child health protection;
 Development and improvement of the techniques and strategies for epidemiological
surveillance and communicable and non-communicable diseases control;
 Regulation of drugs and pharmaceutical products;
 Any other areas of cooperation of mutual interest.
MoU between NITI Aayog, and Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation
(MEDRF)
Context:
 The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for
signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between National Institute for Transforming
India (NITI) Aayog, and Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation (MEDRF) in
the field of social, economic, industrial and regional development programs.
Objective:
 To explore the potential of cooperation in the framework of preparation and implementation of
strategies and programs of social, economic, industrial and regional development. It provides a
framework and enabling environment to understand each other’s strengths, market,
technologies, policies, etc.
The MoU covers the following areas of cooperation:
 Conducting and execution of joint research projects related to issues of mutual interest;
 Exchange of information and research works related to issues of mutual
interest between the two sides, including information on government strategies and
development programs;
 Visits of relevant specialists of both sides for participation in joint events;
 Organization of seminars, conferences and other meetings on agreed agenda; and
 Other forms of cooperation as per mutual consent of the Sides.
National Digital Communications Policy-2018
 The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the National
Digital Communications Policy-2018 (NDCP-2018) and re-designation of the Telecom
Commission as the “Digital Communications Commission”.
Impact:
 Supports India’s transition to a digitally empowered economy and society by fulfilling the
information and communications needs of citizens and enterprises by establishment of a
ubiquitous, resilient and affordable digital communications infrastructure and services.
 The ‘Customer focused’ and ‘application driven’ NDCP-2018 shall lead to new ideas and
innovations, after the launch of advanced technology such as 5G, IOT, M2M, etc. which shall
govern the telecom sector of India.
Objectives:
 Broadband for all;
 Creating four million additional jobs in the Digital Communications sector;
 Enhancing the contribution of the Digital Communications sector to 8% of India’s GDP from ~ 6%
in 2017;
 Propelling India to the Top 50 Nations in the ICT Development Index of ITU from 134 in 2017;
 Enhancing India’s contribution to Global Value Chains; and
 Ensuring Digital Sovereignty.
These objectives are to be achieved by 2022.
Features:
 Provide universal broadband connectivity at 50 Mbps to every citizen;
 Provide 1 Gbps connectivity to all Gram Panchayats by 2020 and 10 Gbps by 2022;
 Ensure connectivity to all uncovered areas;
 Attract investments of USD 100 billion in the Digital Communications Sector;
 Train one million manpower for building New Age Skill;
 Expand IoT ecosystem to 5 billion connected devices;
 Establish a comprehensive data protection regime for digital communications that safeguards
the privacy, autonomy and choice of individuals
 Facilitate India’s effective participation in the global digital economy;
 Enforce accountability through appropriate institutional mechanisms to assure citizens of safe
and
 Secure digital communications infrastructure and services.
Strategy:
 Establishment of a National Digital Grid by creating a National Fibre Authority;
 Establishing Common Service Ducts and utility corridors in all new city and highway road
projects;
 Creating a collaborative institutional mechanism between Centre, States and Local Bodies for
Common Rights of Way, standardization of costs and timelines;
 Removal of barriers to approvals; and
 Facilitating development of Open Access Next Generation Networks.
Agmark online system
 Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Radha Mohan Singh launched the online
software for Agmark.
 The application processes related to Agmark certification are being done online by the
Directorate of Marketing & Inspection (DMI). The process of application will be simple, quick,
transparent and 24×7.
 The Agmark online system is being implemented across the country to conduct quality control
functions.
 Through the Agmark online system, certificate of authorisation (domestic), permission of
printing press, permission of laboratories (domestic) and services related to laboratory
information management system will be provided online.
 In the new online application system, there are provisions for online receipt of fees from the
applicants.
Jan Dhan Darshak
 Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance and National Informatics
Centre (NIC) has jointly developed a mobile app called Jan Dhan Darshak as a part of financial
inclusion (FI) initiative.
 This app will act as a guide for the common people in locating a financial service touch point at a
given location in the country.
 Jan Dhan Darshak app will be in a unique position to provide a citizen centric platform for
locating financial service touch points across all providers such as banks, post office, CSC, etc.
These services could be availed as per the needs and convenience of the common people.
Features of this app:
 Find nearby Financial touch points, based on current location (Branches/ATM/Post offices)
 Search by place name
 Search by place name also available with Voice Interface
 Phone number of bank branches available in app, with the facility of call button for integrated
dialing
 Users’ feedback will go directly to the concerned bank for carrying out the necessary updation in
data on financial touch points.
September 28, 2018
Twenty Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT) centres
 Twenty Embryo Transfer Technology Centres are being established in the country and a proposal
of 19 centres has been approved so far.
 This was stated by the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Radha Mohan Singh at
the foundation laying ceremony of Embryo transfer Technology ceremony of Embryo Transfer
Technology (ETT) centre in the Bharatiya Agro Industries Foundation (BALF), Uruilikanchan,
Pune.
 3000 high genetic merit bulls of indigenous bovine breeds are being produced from these
centres. Two of these centres are to be set up in Nagpur and Pune in Maharashtra.
 The Minister observed that agriculture and dairy business complement each other for the social
and economic upliftment of cattle farmers.
 To achieve this objective, it is essential to have good quality livestock breed in order to increase
production. Under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, 10 semen centres have been identified for the
production of Sex Sorted Semen for the production of more female animals.
 INDUSCHIP has been developed for genomic selection of indigenous breeds and 6000 dairy
animals have been genetically evaluated using INDUSCHIP.
 Under the Pashu Sanjivni component of the scheme, 9 crore milch animals are being identified
using UID (Unique Identification Device).
Indo-Uzbek Business Meet
 The Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, said that India is
committed for a strong economic partnership with Uzbekistan.
 The services sector has huge potential for boosting economic growth and employment
generation and will play an important role in Indo-Uzbekistan partnership.
 Trade relations between India and Uzbekistan are governed by the Agreement on Trade and
Economic Cooperation signed in May 1993. This agreement provides for mutual MFN treatment,
promotion of economic, industrial, scientific and technical cooperation, including active
participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in bilateral economic cooperation.
 India and Uzbekistan signed an Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation in 1993, and for
Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection in May 1999. The Inter-Governmental
Commission (IGC) on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation has met ten
times.
 India’s exports to Uzbekistan includes pharmaceutical products, mechanical equipment, vehicles
and optical instruments.
 India imports fruits and vegetables, services, fertilizers and lubricants from Uzbekistan.
Parakram Parv
 Parakram Parv is being celebrated to highlight the valour and accomplishments of the Indian
Army.
 To mark the second anniversary of the Surgical strikes, carried out by the Indian army, Prime
Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the Parakram Parv at the Combined Commanders’
Conference in Jodhpur.
 The Parakram Parv, an exhibition, will commemorate the second anniversary of the surgical
strikes and is being organised by the Konark Corps at the Jodhpur Military station.
Centre of Excellence for Data Analytics
 Union Minister of Electronics & IT, Sh. Ravi Shankar Prasad today inaugurated Centre of
Excellence for Data Analytics (CEDA) in New Delhi.
 Minister of State for Electronics & IT Sh. S.S. Ahluwalia said that data analysis has been
traditionally done since the time of Kautaliya for effective decision making, but today with great
capabilities achieved in Information and communication technologies Data analysis can help in
effective and efficient governance.
 Centre of Excellence for Data Analytics (CEDA) will aid in fast-tracking the adoption of advanced
analytics in government.
CEDA aims to:
 Be a focal point and centre of expertise in data analytics for government and public sector
It aims at providing following services to Government:
1. Data Quality Assurance Services –. The centre will provide data profiling tools and techniques
and necessary expertise to analyse the data for quality issues. While data cleaning shall be done
for making the data ready for analytical use, recommendations shall also be given in order to
help the department take necessary actions to further improve their data collection process.
2. Custom-built Data Analytics Solutions – Build analytic solutions that are specific to a particular
problem which may relate to a single or a combination of departments.
3. Develop reusable assets – This will be one of the many USPs of the centre. CEDA will build Data
Analytic solutions that address a generic data analytics problem that is prevalent across
departments or States. Such a solution will then be made available to other departments/states
as a pre-built analytic solution that can be operationalized for the new States at a cost effective
and a much faster rate.
4. Knowledge Management – CEDA will implement knowledge repository to collect learnings from
across projects and share best practices across initiatives and will ensure usage of best practices
in across the government.
5. Capacity Building and Self Service Analytics – Besides creating the analytics solutions for the
government departments, the centre’s focus would also be to train and enable the departments
to do self-service analytics by simplifying the data in a manner in which an administrator can use
it with minimum technical support.
6. Change Management – CEDA will help ministries in assessing impact from the analytics solutions
and help in understanding changes to organizational roles and responsibilities
DIGIVAARTA Launched
 DigiVaarta has been launched to spread awareness amongst the common public on digital
payment topics such as BHIM, Aadhar Enabled Payment Systems (AePS), Bharat QR, and Security
Do’s and Don’ts to begin with.
Aim:
 To enable citizen government dialogue and engage citizens in educational and outreach
programmes. With the mobile phone as its interface, DigiVaarta’s content and communication
style is interactive and adaptive.
 The same message can be used to interact with both smart phone and feature phone users.
 It can engage the user over multiple channels in a 2-way interaction, using different content
styles (stories, images, videos, discussions and polls) in different languages.
Locate Public Toilets on Google Maps
 The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, under the aegis of Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban
(SBM – U), has partnered with Google to launch the Loo Review campaign to encourage all local
guides in India to rate and review public toilets on Google Maps.
 500+ cities in India with more than 30,000 toilets with the name of “SBM Toilet” are currently
live on Google Maps.
 Objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM – U) is to provide sanitation coverage
through public toilet facilities across cities in India for achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF)
status.
 With around 3400cities already having achieved ODF status, and other cities gearing up towards
the same, there is now a need to ensure that the ODF status is sustained through continuous
usage and proper maintenance of public toilets.
All India Radio Streaming Services on Amazon Alexa Smart Speakers
 Vividh Bharati and 14 other regional language streaming services of All India Radio will be
streamed on Amazon Alexa.
 Archival assets of All India Radio will be made available in Amazon Alexa in near future.
 All India Radio will get an additional platform for global and domestic audiences and will cover
all the shadow areas of the terrestrial broadcasting in the regional, headquarters and metro
cities.
 Alexa would supplement All India Radio’s website and App.
SATAT initiative to promote Compressed Bio-Gas
Aim:
 Providing a Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) as a
developmental effort that would benefit both vehicle-users as well as farmers and
entrepreneurs.
Background
 Bio-gas is produced naturally through a process of anaerobic decomposition from waste / bio-
mass sources like agriculture residue, cattle dung, sugarcane press mud, municipal solid waste,
sewage treatment plant waste, etc.
 After purification, it is compressed and called CBG, which has pure methane content of over
95%. Compressed Bio-Gas is exactly similar to the commercially available natural gas in its
composition and energy potential.
 Given the abundance of biomass in the country, Compressed Bio-Gas has the potential to
replace CNG in automotive, industrial and commercial uses in the coming years.
Rail Heritage Digitisation Project
 The project is a landmark effort, first of its kind in this part of the globe, to showcase country’s
Rail Heritage to National and International audience.
 Whenever we look at the evolution of the transport system in India, all these rich traditions,
history and culture will play an important role in understanding how the Indian Railways has
evolved.
 This project is a gift from the 13 Lakh Railways employees to the 130 crore citizens of India.
 22 digital screens across different locations in India will be set up for showcasing this historic
project.
Background:
 Railways in India started its journey on 16th April, 1853 between Bori bunder and Thane.
 Railways in India not only expanded to be one of the largest network in the world but also
significantly contributed to social, technological and economic development of this country.
September 29, 2018
Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention
 The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the Mahatma Gandhi International
Sanitation Convention in New Delhi.
 Achieving universal access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene by 2030 is a major
challenge in many parts of the world.
 The Swachh Bharat Mission has been shaped by among the world’s leading specialists on
sanitation. It has been scripted by common Indians of uncommon quality – men and women of
rare courage, of foresight, social empathy and civic pride.
o Five important themes that countries may choose to adopt while meeting the problem of
insufficient sanitation, these are –
 ensure people lead the planning;
 implementation and management of sanitation programmes;
 use smart and affordable technologies for effective and efficient service delivery;
 eliminate all forms of inequalities in service delivery;
 create innovative financing instruments to fund and sustain the sanitation movement;
and
 develop capacities within the government to plan, implement and monitor sanitation
programmes.
Mera School Digital School
 The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that Technology brings
transparency, prosperity and opportunities for rural youth after launching 100 Digital
Classrooms in 75 Rural Government Schools in Gwalior.
 These digital classrooms will help students understand the complexities if science and
Mathematics better. Audio-visual content and the support of internet will help immensely.
Conference on Academic Leadership on Education for Resurgence
 The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Conference on Academic Leadership on
Education for Resurgence in Vigyan Bhawan and said that when one thinks of resurgence or
revival, the first image that comes to mind is of Swami Vivekananda, who presented before the
world, the strength of Indian thought.
The highlights of PM Modi’s speech:
 Knowledge and education are not restricted to books
 The purpose of education is to enable balanced growth of every dimension of a human being,
which is not possible without innovation.
 In our ancient/old universities like Takshshila, Nalanda and Vikramashila, innovation was given
emphasis along with Knowledge.
 In our ancient universities like Nalanda, Vikramshila and Takshashila both knowledge and
innovation were equal given importance.
 I insist that students should give knowledge in the class room of the College, University but they
also add them to the aspirations of the country.
 Centre strives to make educational institutions in the country’s needs at every level.
 With this vision, we have started the Atal Tinkering Lab. Focusing on increasing trend of
innovation in schoolchildren.
 Our government is also focusing on investing in education.
 To improve the infrastructure of education, the Revitalization of Infrastructure and Systems in
Education or RISE programme has been started. It aims to spend one lakh crores by 2022.
 The government has set up HEFA- that is, High Education Funding Agency, which will provide
financial assistance in the formation of higher educational institutions.
 Government has decided to increase the budget of National Higher Education Campaign.
 We have started this by giving autonomy to institutions like IIMs.
 Now IIM has got the strength to decide on its course curriculum, teacher appointment, board
member appointment, expansion.
 The government will no longer have any role in them. This is an unprecedented decision related
to higher education in India.
Indian Ports Association appoints Managed Service Provider
 The five major port trusts, viz, Mumbai Port Trust, Kolkata Port Trust, Chennai Port
Trust, Deendayal Port Trust and Paradip Port Trust have come together in this collaborative
effort towards building a common shared platform for modernization and automation of port
processes.
 The key benefits from the system in Port and Shipping sector include:
o Improve India’s ranking in Ease of doing business
o Enable faster request processing in delivery of services with better turnaround time
o Reduction in manual intervention/documentation required
o Reduction in overall Transaction time and costs
o Improve the efficiency of port operations, quick turn round of vessel and subsequent less
dwell time
o Dashboard to ports/MOS for Real Time MIS on cargo/ship movements & Exim transactions
o Simplified and accelerated procedures for cargo entry, exit or transit
o Enhanced transparency across systems
September 30, 2018
Government constitutes Competition Law Review Committee
Context
 In pursuance of its objective of ensuring that Legislation is in sync with the needs of strong
economic fundamentals, the Government has constituted a Competition Law Review Committee
to review the Competition Act.
The Terms of References of the Committee are as follows:-

 To review the Competition Act/ Rules/ Regulations, in view of changing business environment
and bring necessary changes, if required;
 To look into international best practices in the competition fields, especially anti-trust laws,
merger guidelines and handling cross border competition issues;
 To study other regulatory regimes/ institutional mechanisms/ government policies which
overlap with the Competition Act;
 Any other matters related to competition issue and considered necessary by the Committee.
Background
 The Competition Act was passed in the year 2002 and the Competition Commission of India was
set up in pursuance of the same.
 The Commission started functioning in right earnest from 2009 and has contributed immensely
towards the development of competition and fair play practices in the Indian market.
 During the past nine years the size of the Indian Economy has grown immensely and India is
today amongst the top five Economies in the World and poised to forge ahead further.
 In this context, it is essential that Competition Law is strengthened, and re-calibrated to
promote best practices which result in the citizens of this country achieving their aspirations and
value for money.
01 October 2018: UPSC Exam PIB Summary & Analysis
October 1, 2018
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY)
Context:
 Gram Sabhas across the country have been asked to inform the farmers about the enrolment
and benefits of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojan (PMFBY) at the beginning of the Rabi Season.
 The Gram Sabhas will also inform the farmers on how they can insure their crops under the
Scheme.
First season for PMFBY with its revised operational guidelines:
 The companies to reduce premium rates, especially as the general cut-off date for enrolment
has been advanced by 15 days for both seasons.
 The farmers get 72 hours to intimate individual claims against the existing 48 hours.
 This can be done through any of the channels provided under the Scheme and directly on the
portal of PMFBY.
 The farmers can access dedicated grievance redressal authorities.
 Revised operational guidelines provide for appointment of District Level Grievance Redressal
Officer and creation of State and District Grievance Redressal Cells for fast redressal of
grievances.
 Non-loanee farmers can approach designated Common Service Centres, banks and insurance
agents for insuring their crops or directly enrol on the portal.
 Farmers who avail short term crop loans from formal financial institutions at concessional rates
of interest are automatically covered under the Scheme.
ICG to embark on voluntary discarding of Plastic Campaign
 Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is launching a campaign for voluntary discarding of the use of plastic in
Coast Guard premises from 2nd October 2018.
 ICG will conduct seminar/lectures, make available environment friendly bags and spread
awareness amongst the masses through posters/banners/placards.
 Coast Guard Wives Welfare Association, a volunteer organization of ICG, shoulders the
responsibility in taking the lead for spreading the campaign amongst ladies and children of the
society through frequent interactions.
 ICG will carry this campaign to the Coastal populace through various platforms such as
community interaction programme, meetings with fisheries associations/community heads, etc.
Background:
 The Coast Guard Act, 1978 mandates Indian Coast Guard to preserve and protect marine
environment and prevent and control marine pollution. Further, Coast Guard has been
nominated as Competent National Authority by Government of India in March 2018 for co-
operation on the Response to Oil and Chemical Pollution in the South Asian Seas Region.
18TH Raising Day of HQ IDS
th
 On the 18 Raising Day of HQ Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), Chief of IDS Lt Gen Satish Dua laid
wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate to pay homage to the martyrs.
Background:
 HQ IDS was raised on October 01, 2001 and during 17 years, this ‘Tri-Service Entity’ with an
overarching aim of ‘Victory Through Jointness’ has led in the conduct of Disaster Relief
Operations, TriService Exercises, both within the Services and outside with the friendly foreign
countries, training leaders of the Tri-Service Institutes and strengthening of the intelligence
gathering structure of the nation.
 The IDS is spearheading realization of Defence Cyber Agency,
Defence Space Agency and Special Operations Division for the three Services.
SATAT: To promote Compressed Bio-Gas
 Petroleum Minister launches SATAT initiative to promote Compressed Bio-Gas as an alternative,
green transport fuel.
Aim:
 Providing a Sustainable Alternative towards Affordable Transportation as a developmental effort
that would benefit both vehicle-users as well as farmers and entrepreneurs.
 It holds great promise for efficient municipal solid waste management and in tackling the
problem of polluted urban air due to farm stubble-burning and carbon emissions.
 Use of CBG will also help bring down dependency on crude oil imports and in realising the Prime
Minister’s vision of enhancing farmers’ income, rural employment and entrepreneurship.
Background:
 Bio-gas is produced naturally through a process of anaerobic decomposition from waste / bio-
mass sources like agriculture residue, cattle dung, sugarcane press mud, municipal solid waste,
sewage treatment plant waste, etc. After purification, it is compressed and called CBG, which
has pure methane content of over 95%.
 Compressed Bio-Gas is exactly similar to the commercially available natural gas in its
composition and energy potential.
October 3, 2018
Recent Developments in Clean and Safe Nuclear Power Generation
 The country is witnessing an increasing demand for energy and the consumption was only
bound to go up further by 4.2 per cent per annum.
 Rapid urbanization and industrialisation are among the factors that would push energy demand
and consumption further.
 Increasing the share of nuclear energy in the overall energy mix of the country was essential to
ensure sustainable development of the nation and also to achieve India’s international
commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
 Nuclear power is a cost effective and commercially viable energy resource. A developing country
like India should make good use of such an important energy source that is clean and cost-
effective.
 Massive afforestation to increase the green cover in the country.
GeM
 The National Mission on GeM was launched by Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil
Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, on 5thof September 2018.
Aim:
 Creating awareness about GeM, train buyers and sellers, get them registered on GeM and
increase the procurement through GeM.
 This drive has been taken up for the promotion of inclusiveness of all sections of categories of
sellers and service providers, highlighting and communicating the value addition in joining GeM,
achieving cashless, contactless and paperless transactions, increasing overall efficiency and
maximising ease of availability of goods and services.
 The ongoing National Mission has led to an average saving of 25% across categories.
Udyam Abhilasha
Context:
 On the occasion of Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi yesterday i.e. October 02, 2018, Small
Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), had launched a National Level Entrepreneurship
Awareness Campaign, Udyam Abhilasha (उद्यम अभिलाषा) in 115 Aspirational Districts identified
by NITI Aayog in 28 States and reaching to around 15,000 youth.
Objective:
 The campaign would create and strengthen cadre of more than 800 trainers to provide
entrepreneurship training to the aspiring youths across these districts thus encouraging them to
enter the admired segment of entrepreneurs.
 to inspire rural youth in aspirational districts to be entrepreneurs by assisting them to set up
their own enterprise,
 to impart trainings through digital medium across the country,
 to create business opportunities for CSC VLEs,
 to focus on women aspirants in these aspirational districts to encourage women
entrepreneurship and
 to assist participants to become bankable and avail credit facility from banks to set up their own
enterprise.
Background:
 Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), is the Principal Financial Institution for the
Promotion, Financing, Development and Coordination of the Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprise (MSME) sector.
 SIDBI meets the financial and developmental needs of the MSME sector with a Credit+ approach
to make it strong, vibrant and globally competitive.
 SIDBI, under its revamped strategy SIDBI 2.0, has adopted the theme of ease of access to MSEs
and being Impact Multiplier & Digital Aggregator.
October 4, 2018
Digi Yatra
 The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviation, Shri Suresh Prabhu released
the policy on biometric based digital processing of passengers at airports called “Digi Yatra”.
 DigiYatra Central Platform will be operational by end of February, 2019. Bangalore & Hyderabad
International Airports will be ready with pilot implementation by end of February, 2019.
 Any service provider involved in facilitating travel of passenger from door to door will be able to
use this platform in future through innovative solutions.
 It is a Facial Recognition based passenger processing which is a common standard being adopted
the world over.
Process Involved:
 This DigiYatra ID will be shared by passengers while booking ticket.
 Airlines will share the passenger data and DigiYatraID with the departure airport.
 A passenger who has created the Digi Yatra ID has to undergo a one time verification at the
departure airport during his/her first travel.
 If a passenger opted for Aadhar based verification, the identity will be verified online. On
successful verification, facial biometric will be captured and stored in the Digi Yatra ID profile of
the passenger.
 In case the passenger has chosen any other identity for creating Digi Yatra ID, verification will be
done manually by Security personal and facial biometric will be captured and stored in the Digi
Yatra ID profile.
 A successfully registered passenger can go directly to the entry point E-Gate of the airport and
scan the barcode/ QR code of the ticket/ Boarding pass. A camera will capture the face for
comparing with DigiYatraID Photo. On successful verification of the travel details and facial
matching, the E-Gate will open. The system will also generate a token in the system combining
the face of passenger with PNR of the ticket, so that at subsequent check points the ticket
details will be available on face recognition.
India and Kazakhstan agree to boost Defence and Military Technical Cooperation
 Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman was on a three-day visit to Astana, Kazakhstan from
October 02, 2018 at the invitation of Minister of Defence of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr.
Nurlan Yermekbayev.
 India and Kazakhstan Defence Cooperation includes military-technical cooperation, military
education and training, joint military exercises, bilateral exchange of visits and cadet youth
exchange programs.
 Conducted a company level joint military exercise ‘KAZIND-2018’ in South Kazakhstan, last
month.
 India and Kazakhstan are bound by historical and cultural ties and this has laid a strong
foundation for the multifaceted cooperation. Both countries are Strategic Partners since 2009.
 India’s partnership with Kazakhstan in UN Peacekeeping reflects its desire to support Kazakhstan
in its contribution to global peace. The contingents of both countries worked together over the
past one year to prepare for this joint deployment.
Dialogue with Organs for Allied Health Force – A step to Enhance Cognitive Skills
 Smt Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare inaugurated a symposium
cum exhibition on ‘Dialogue with Organs for Allied Health Force – A step to enhance cognitive
skills’.
 She stated that organ donation and body donation is one of the noblest things that one can do.
Organ transplantation in India:
 National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) under the ministry of health and
family welfare was setup in 2014 to oversee the process of Organ transplantation. Under NOTTO
two organizations are present, namely, Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization
(ROTTO) and SOTTO (State Organ and Tissue Transplant organization).
 In India, Tamil Nadu has a highest number of organ donations. India needs an estimated 6 lakh
kidney donations annually, only 6,000 kidney transplants take place. The number of heart
transplants is just inching close to 500.
Offshore Wind Target
 A session titled ‘A Leap into Offshore’ was held at the 2nd Global RE-INVEST India-ISA
Partnership Renewable Energy Investors Meet & Expo.’
 Mr Ulrik Stridbæk, VP, Head of Regulatory Affairs, Ørsted Wind Power said, “The Indian
government and policy makers are on the right path as they have set clear targets. The scenario
is very promising. Off shore wind power is the shooting star in the renewable energy sector and
it is competing with conventional technologies and driving cost reduction.”
About 2nd Global RE-Invest:
 RE-Investis a global platform to explore strategies for development and deployment of
renewables. It showcases India’s clean energy market and the Government’s efforts to scale up
capacity to meet the national energy demand in socially, economically and ecologically
sustainable ways.
 The 2nd Global RE-Invest will build upon the success of RE-Invest 2015 and provide an
international forum to established players as well as new segments of investors and
entrepreneurs to engage, ideate and innovate.
About ISA:
 Vision and mission of the International Solar Alliance is to provide a dedicated platform for
cooperation among solar resource rich countries where the global community, including
bilateral and multilateral organizations, corporates, industry, and other stakeholders, can make
a positive contribution to assist and help achieve the common goals of increasing the use of
solar energy in meeting energy needs of prospective ISA member countries in a safe,
convenient, affordable, equitable and sustainable manner.
October 5, 2018
29th Conference of Indian Society of Organ Transplantation
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 The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the 29 annual conference of the
Indian Society of Organ Transplantation pointed out that although there was a huge
requirement for donated organs in the country, only a miniscule number were getting them.
 There was a huge leap in cadaveric organ donations in the last 4-5 years, the demand-supply
remained hugely unmet because of low rates of organ donation at 0.8 per million population
when smaller countries like Spain and Croatia were having rates of 36 per million and 32 per
million respectively.
 He said “India is known for unity in diversity and altruism in all cultures and we need to increase
the donation rates to meet the demand of organs for organ transplantation”.
 Emphasizing that prevention was better than cure, the Vice President said many end stage
diseases can be prevented by lifestyle modifications.
 It should be made mandatory for doctors to serve a minimum of 2-3 years in rural areas before
giving the first promotion.
GI Tag for Alphonso Mango from Konkan
 Alphonso Mango from Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg and other adjoining areas in Maharashtra, gets a
Geographical Indication (GI) Tag.
 The king of mangoes, Alphonso, better known as ‘Hapus’ in Maharashtra has long been one of
the world’s most popular fruit and is exported to various countries including Japan, Korea and
Europe. New markets such as USA and Australia have recently opened up.
About GI:
 A Geographical Indication or a GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical
origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
 Darjeeling Tea, Mahabaleshwar Strawberry, Blue Pottery of Jaipur, Banarasi Sarees and Tirupati
Laddus are some of the GIs.
 GI products can benefit the rural economy in remote areas, by supplementing the incomes of
artisans, farmers, weavers and craftsmen.
 Our rural artisans possess unique skills and knowledge of traditional practices and methods,
passed down from generation to generation, which need to be protected and promoted.
Recent developments:
 Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Suresh Prabhu launched the logo and tagline for the
Geographical Indications (GI) of India and said that the GI will give the rightful share of
intellectual property to the artisan and the place of origin of the product.
 The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion has taken several initiatives and is actively
involved in promotion and marketing of GIs with a vision to enhance the horizon both socially
and economically for GI producers.
 The first product to get a GI tag in India was the Darjeeling tea in 2004. There are a total of 325
products from India that carry this indication.
World Habitat Day – 2018 with the theme ‘Municipal Solid Waste Management’ (MSWM)
 Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State (I/C) of Housing & Urban Affairs, said that from source
of generation to segregation and scientific disposal of waste, modern and innovative approaches
are needed which are environmentally sound, socially acceptable, technologically feasible and
economically viable.
 The Government has considered solid waste management as top priority area of urban
development and added that the launch of ‘Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) – Clean India Mission’
envisages 100 per cent of the urban population to be covered under Solid Waste Management
(SWM) services.
 He said the theme also remind us of our collective responsibility to implement Sustainable
Development Goals.
Related SDG’s are:
 SDG Goal No. 11, ‘to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and
sustainable’ along with basic services,
 SDG Goal No. 3 ‘ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages’,
 SDG Goal No. 12 ‘ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns’,
 SDG Goal No. 13 ‘to take urgent action to combat climate change and impacts’.
Impact:
 Behavioural change and citizen/community participation in SWM is the key to sustain a project
related to management of municipal solid waste and if municipal solid waste management is
done through proper planning and management, it would lead to a business case of income
generation and provide financial support to ULBs by generating revenue.
Indian Railways enters into MoC & MoU with Government of Russian Federation
Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC):
 A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Ministry of Railways of the Republic of
India and the Joint Stock Company ‘Russian Railways’.
 The MoC intends to carry forward the activities taken up under the Memorandum of
Understanding signed between the two countries on 24thDecember, 2015.
 The Memorandum of cooperation includes:
o Implementation of speed up gradation project of Nagpur-Secunderabad section;
o Setting up of single traffic control centre for managing mixed traffic at local level;
o Best practices in freight cargo operation;
o Development of multi modal terminals; and
o Exchange of best technologies being practiced by the two countries.
 Training and advanced qualification improvement of Indian railway employees with the
involvement of Russian railway-related higher education establishments.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU):
 A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Ministry of Railways and Ministry of
Transport of Russian Federation for development of cooperation in transport education.
Aim:
 To provide organizational and methodological support to higher educational institutions
implementing joint projects in the field of transport education of both countries.
Task Force for Closing the Skills Gap in India
 Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship launched a Task Force for Closing the Skills Gap in India, in collaboration with
the World Economic Forum.
Aim:
 The task force will bring together leaders from business, Government, civil society, and the
education and training sectors to accelerate the future-proofing of education and training
systems in the country.
 Develop an action plan to address skills gaps in India and make the Indian workforce ready for
jobs of future.
 This Task Force is the second country-led public-private collaboration of the World Economic
Forum’s Closing the Skills Gap Project after South Africa.
October 6, 2018
Atal Innovation Mission & SIRIUS sign MoU
Aim:
 To promote innovative cooperation between students of India and Russia, a Memorandum of
Understanding was exchanged between India’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and the Russian
Federation’s SIRIUS Educational Foundation.
 Promotion of educational, scientific, innovative achievements, promote innovative cooperation,
and search and develop the talented youth of both countries fostering a knowledge-driven
innovation ecosystem in both the countries.
About AIM-SIRIUS Innovation Festival 2018
 To promote a spirit of collaborative innovation, young innovators of Atal Tinkering Labs and
SIRIUS Educational Foundation came together at a four-day Indo-Russian ATL innovation boot-
camp and the innovations developed across space technology, healthcare, smart mobility, clean
energy and agricultural technology were showcased.
About Atal Innovation Mission
 Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is NITI Aayog’s flagship initiative to promote a culture of
innovation and entrepreneurship in India.
 AIM has been established to create and promote an ecosystem of innovation and
entrepreneurship in a holistic manner through various initiatives at school, university and
industry levels.
 AIM also serves as a platform for promotion of world-class Innovation Hubs, Grand Challenges,
Start-up businesses and other self-employment activities in India, leveraging state of the art,
advanced and affordable emerging technologies.
 The Atal Innovation Mission has thus two core functions:
1. Innovation promotion: to provide a platform where innovative ideas are generated.
2. Entrepreneurship promotion: Wherein innovators would be supported and mentored to
become successful entrepreneurs at Incubation Centres.
About SIRIUS Educational Foundation
 “Talent and success” is a unitary, non-profit, non-standard educational organization. The
activities of the Foundation are aimed to identify and support children and young people who
have shown outstanding abilities. Providing assistance in obtaining general and additional
education for such personalities, including education in the fields of arts, natural sciences,
physical culture and sports.
Swachh Bharat Mission: Report
 The Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) has launched the 150th birth year celebrations of
Mahatma Gandhi, as the Mission enters its fifth and final year of implementation.
 The program focuses on behaviour change to generate demand for sanitation services by the
rural population which is then followed by supply.
 Progress:
o The rural sanitation coverage of India has increased significantly, from 39% in October 2014
to 95% today.
o The Swachh Bharat Mission is the world’s largest public funded sanitation program.
 Communication strategy:
o Behaviour Change Communication is undertaken under the SBM at the ground level and is
complemented with mass media at the national level as well.
o For example-
 Mass media campaigns such as Darwaza Band, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay
Kumar, Bhumi Pednekar and Anushka Sharma, communicates the messages of women
empowerment, promotion of twin pit toilets and usage of toilets,
 The SBM foot soldiers, Swachhagrahis – participate in the triggering of communities for
behaviour change and sustaining improved behaviours through Inter-Personal
Communication.
o Water for ODF:
 A policy decision has been taken under the National Rural Drinking Water Programme
(NRDWP) to prioritize the provision of piped water supply (PWS) for villages that
become ODF.
o ODF-Quality:
 Verification of all ODF declared villages is very unique to Swachh Bharat Mission.
 Within 90 days of declaration, verification is done for each household in the village.
Another round of sustainability verification is done 180 days after the first round.
o Impact of SBM:
 A recent WHO study reports that Swachh Bharat would have led to saving of 300,000
lives by 2019 and around 150,000 lives would be saved annually thereafter.
 UNICEF estimated that a household in an ODF village in rural India saves Rs. 50,000
every year.
 BMGF has released a study that shows significant improvements in diarrhoea
prevalence and stunting among children in ODF villages, compared to nearby non-ODF
villages.
o The Swachh Bharat model of sanitation has led India into a sanitation revolution, and the
country is on track for an ODF India by October 2019.
October 8, 2018Leave a Comment
JIMEX
 JIMEX-18 is aimed to enhance interoperability, improve understanding and imbibe the best
practices of each other.
 It will comprise a Harbour Phase and a Sea Phase
 The Harbour Phase of the exercise will include professional and social interactions between
ship’s crews, sports fixtures and operational planning for the Sea Phase.
 The Sea Phase would include Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercises, VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and
Seizure) Drills, Gun Firings, Cross Deck Helo Operations and coordinated operations in Anti-
Submarine/ Anti-Air threat scenarios.
Significance
 The last edition of JIMEX was conducted in Dec 2013 off Chennai.
 The conduct of JIMEX-18 after five years is indicative of an upswing in the Indo-Japanese
defence relations and the continued efforts of both Governments to work closely to enhance
safety and security of the global commons in keeping with ‘rule based order’.
 The two navies have been working in close coordination in Anti-Piracy Operations in the Gulf of
Aden (GoA) for the past few years.
Countering Radicalization: Challenges before Modern Society
 The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, delivered a lecture on the theme of ‘Countering
Radicalisation: Challenges in Modern Societies’ at the University of Tajikistan in Dushanbe.
 He had chosen to speak on the subject for two reasons:
1. Tajikistan has done commendable work to tackle this global menace, and the world must
recognise its efforts and success.
2. The battle against terrorism, extremism and radicalism must be fought, primarily, in the minds
of people – between those who believe in peace and humanity and those who feed on death
and destruction. It is a battle of opposing ideas.
 He also mentioned terrorism does not believe in borders. India, like Tajikistan, is taking on
terrorism and extremism. We too face the problem of radicalisation but our inclusive society,
where socio-economic partnerships and participatory politics provide everybody with an
inherent sense of belonging, has been our most effective bulwark. Plural and democratic India is
a land of equal opportunity and equal respect for all and a growing economy lifts one and lifts
all.
India and Tajikistan announce nine agreements
1. An agreement on cooperation in the field of disaster management.
2. An agreement between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the Tajik Academy of
Agriculture Sciences.
3. An agreement on peaceful use of space technology for developmental purposes.
4. An agreement between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, and the
Committee of Youth, Sports and Tourism, Government of Tajikistan.
5. An agreement between the Centre Council for Research in Unani Medicine, Ministry of AYUSH,
Government of India, and the Tajik State Medical University Abualibh Sino.
6. A programme of cooperation between the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Tajikistan, for the period 2018-21.
7. An agreement between the India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Ministry of
Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan for cooperation in renewable energy.
8. A cultural exchange programme between the Ministries of Culture of India and Tajikistan for the
period 2019-23.
9. An agreement for academic and research exchanges between the Vivekananda International
Foundation, India, and the Centre for Strategic Researches, Tajikistan.
Wildlife Week Celebrations conclude
 Minister of State of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, has said that
our relationship with environment must be based on cooperation.
 The persistence of children can really be utilized to further the objective of wildlife conservation
he stated. He added that the number of each animal species is dictated by nature and pointed
out that it is the human beings who have invaded the forests that are home to wildlife.
 He emphasized that though India has only 2.5 per cent of land of the world, it is home to about
18% of wildlife population and added that tiger, lion, rhinoceros and crocodile are surviving and
thriving in the country.
 The difference between in-situ conservation, wherein species are conserved wherever they
originate and ex-situ conservation, where animal species are shifted out of the national park to a
zoological park for their conservation was also discussed.
 A bio-methanation plant under an MoU between BARC and Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change was also inaugurated. The capacity of the bio-methanation plant will be 3 Metric
Tonnes (MT) per day.
Background:
 Wildlife Week is celebrated every year from October 2. The celebration of Wildlife Week started
in the year 1952.
ESIC wins ‘ISSA GOOD Practice Award, Asia & the Pacific 2018’
 The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has won the ‘ISSA Good Practice Award’ for
Administrative Solution for Coverage Extension at the “Regional Social Security Forum for Asia
and the Pacific” held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
 The award recognizes the measures taken by ESIC for extension of coverage-SPREE (Scheme for
Promoting Registration of Employers and Employees), reduced rate of contribution rates for 24
months in newly implemented areas and raising the wage limit for coverage under the ESI Act,
etc.
About:
 The Regional Social Security Forum for Asia and the Pacific is a triennial Forum, which is the
most important social security event in the Region. For the triennial Regional Forum, ISSA
invites submissions for the ISSA Good Practices Award for Asia and the Pacific Regions.
 The Forum provides unique opportunities to CEOs and Managers of ISSA Member Institutions to
discuss key social security challenges and share their experiences.
Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act 1951
 Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 mandates the Election Commission
to fill the casual vacancies in the Houses of Parliament and State Legislatures through bye
elections within six months from the date of occurrence of the vacancy, provided that the
remainder of the term of a member in relation to a vacancy is one year or more.
Issue in News:
rd
 The term of sixteenth Lok Sabha is upto 3 June, 2019. As the vacancies from Karnataka have
occurred more than one year before the expiration of the term of House, bye elections are
required to be held under Section 151A of R. P. Act 1951 to fill these vacancies within six months
from the date of occurrence of vacancies that is 18th& 21st May, 2018.
 Whereas, in case of vacancies from Andhra Pradesh, there is no need to hold bye elections as
the remaining term of the Lok Sabha is less than one year from the date of occurrence of
vacancies that is 20thJune, 2018.
Background:
 Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 states:
151A. Time limit for filling vacancies referred to in sections 147, 149, 150 and 151.—Notwithstanding
anything contained in section 147, section 149, section 150 and section 151, a bye-election for filling
any vacancy referred to in any of the said sections shall be held within a period of six months from
the date of the occurrence of the vacancy: Provided that nothing contained in this section shall apply
if— (a) the remainder of the term of a member in relation to a vacancy is less than one year; or (b)
the Election Commission in consultation with the Central Government certifies that it is difficult to
hold the bye-election within the said period.
India–West Africa conclave in Nigeria
 Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs and Food & Public Distribution, C.
R. Chaudhary, is leading the Indian delegation to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)- EXIM
Bank, Regional Conclave on India-West Africa Project Partnership being held in Abuja, Nigeria.
 The key areas for collaborative projects between India and Cape Verde are:
o Climate change,
o Electric mobility,
o Renewable energy,
o Tourism,
o Infrastructure development and
o HR building capacity.
 Niger has appreciated India’s support to build Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre
(MGICC) in Niamey in Niger at the cost of USD 35.5 million on grant basis.
 India has offered to establish Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centre in more than 20 counties of
Africa, of which, Centres in 9 countries are being taken up in the immediate future.
About:
 The Conclave is a two-day event with focus on business deliberations, Business to Government
(B2G) and Business to Business (B2B) engagements.
 It will be an opportunity for the Indian private sector and key institutions, like EXIM Bank of
India, to identify priority areas and key projects for Indian investment and partnership with long
term commitment to the region.
MedWatch
 The Indian Air Force has launched an innovative mobile health App named ‘MedWatch’ in
keeping with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Digital India, Ayushman Bharat and Mission
Indradhanush’ on the occasion of 86th
 The app is conceived by the doctors of IAF and developed in house by Directorate of Information
Technology (DIT) with ZERO financial outlay.
About:
 ‘MedWatch’ will provide correct, Scientific and authentic health information to air warriors and
all citizens of India.
 The app is available on www.apps.mgov.gov.inand comprises of host of features like information
on basic First Aid, Health topics and Nutritional Facts; reminders for timely Medical Review,
Vaccination and utility tools like Health Record Card, BMI calculator, helpline numbers and web
links.
 ‘MedWatch’ is the first mobile health app in the three Armed Services.
 The MedWatch mobile health app is an Indian Air Force initiative and a small contribution to our
citizen.
2nd World Conference on Access to Medical Products: Achieving the SDGs 2030
 “India is deeply committed nationally and globally to achieving all public health goals. Together
we are working towards providing highest possible standards of health care for our citizens.
Universal health coverage is key to the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 agenda and to
which India is firmly committed”, this was stated by Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health and
Family Welfare.
 The Government has launched Ayushman Bharat, a National Health Protection Scheme, which
envisions health assurance of 5 lakh rupees (6815 USD) per family per year, will benefit over 50
crore (i.e. 500 million) people, and is the world’s biggest health assurance scheme.
Objective:
 To take forward the recommendations from the 1st World Conference 2017 and build on the
work done for access to medical products in the context of SDGs (including trade agreements) in
line with GPW 13 of WHO, foster new approaches in innovation landscape for medical products
and health technologies for accelerating research and innovation and identify knowledge,
information and policy options on the interface of international trade and health to achieve SDG
2030 goals.
29th Accountants General Conference
th
 The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the 29 Accountants General
Conference in New Delhi.
Context:
 The 29th Accountants General Conference is the right occasion and opportunity to introspect
and deliberate on what needs to be done to further our mission of promoting accountability,
transparency and good governance.
Theme:
 The theme of this year’s Conference is “Auditing and Accounting in a Digital Era”.
 The institution of CAG has come out with a data management policy and is increasingly using
data analytics in its audit work.
 The use of data analytic techniques the CAG can assist in not only giving insights for the present
but also aid in providing credible forecasts.
 With the tools appropriate to managing and examining the expanding data in a digital economy,
the CAG is positioned to anticipate long-term trends and emerging issues related to the
economy, education, health, environment, national security among others. These warrant the
attention of lawmakers and the executive.
 A number of welfare schemes are also implemented through urban local bodies and panchayats.
 The social audit to account whether the money was spent properly, and made the intended
difference, is mostly conducted by the scheme beneficiaries.
MoU between India and Lebanon
 The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
between India and Lebanon for cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors.
 Bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture will be mutually beneficial to both the countries.
Benefits:
 The MoU will promote understanding of best Agricultural practices in the two countries and will
help in better productivity at farmer fields as well as improved global market.
 The MoU will help to increase agriculture production and productivity by getting access to best
practices and market worldwide. It will lead to innovative techniques for increasing production
and productivity, leading to strengthening of food security.
Memorandum of Understanding between India and Romania
 Memorandum of Understanding signed between India and Romania in the field of tourism.
Objectives:
 To expand bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector
 To exchange information and data related to tourism. To encourage cooperation between
tourism stakeholders including Hotels and Tour operators.
 Investment in the Tourism and Hospitality sectors
 To exchange visits of Tour Operators / Media /Opinion Makers for promotion of two way
tourism
 To exchange experiences in the areas of promotion, marketing, destination development and
management.
 Foster bilateral cooperation through film tourism for promoting the two countries as attractive
tourism destinations and
 To promote safe, honourable and sustainable tourism.
 Facilitate the movement of tourism between the two countries
Background:
 India and Romania have enjoyed a strong diplomatic and long economic relationship.
 The two parties now desiring to strengthen and further develop the established relationship
have signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Tourism, Government of
the Republic of India and the Ministry of Tourism Government for the Romania for
strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism.
Memorandum of Cooperation between India and Finland
 The Union Cabinet has approved Memorandum of Cooperation between India and Finland on
Environmental Cooperation.
The areas of cooperation include:
1. Air and water pollution prevention and purification, remediation of contaminated soils;
2. Waste management including hazardous wastes, and waste-to-energy technologies;
3. Promotion of circular economy, low-carbon solutions and sustainable management of natural
resources including forests;
4. Climate change;
5. Environmental and Forest monitoring and data management;
6. Conservation of Marine and Coastal Resources;
7. Integrated water management of Oceanic/Sea Islands; and
8. Any other areas jointly decided upon.
Background:
 The concerns of rising environmental issues are not limited to any country but pose a serious
challenge to the entire Globe.
 India is one of the emerging economies in the world with vast coastline and rich bio-diversity.
 Finland’s main environmental issues are air and water pollution, and the preservation of its
wildlife.
 Industrial pollutants from within the country and surrounding countries affect the purity of both
the nation’s air and water supplies.
 It also faces challenges like water pollution and increased demand for natural resources.
 Both the Countries face many environmental challenges like waste water management,
conservation of threatened species, control of air and water pollution and increased demand for
natural resources.
National Council for Vocational Training, NCVT and National Skill Development Agency
 The Union Cabinet has approved the merger of the existing regulatory institutions in the skills
space – National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) and the National Skill Development
Agency (NSDA) into the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET).
Details:
 NCVET will regulate the functioning of entities engaged in vocational education and training,
both long-term and short-term and establish minimum standards for the functioning of such
entities.
 Functions of NCVET:
 recognition and regulation of awarding bodies, assessment bodies and skill related information
providers;
 approval of qualifications developed by awarding bodies and Sector Skill Councils (SSCs);
 indirect regulation of vocational training institutes through awarding bodies and assessment
agencies;
 research and information dissemination;
 grievance redressal.
The Council would be headed by a Chairperson and will have Executive and Non-Executive Members.
Benefits:
 This institutional reform will lead to improvement in quality and market relevance of skill
development programs lending credibility to vocational education and training encouraging
greater private investment and employer participation in the skills space.
 This will help achieve the twin objectives of enhancing aspirational value of vocational education
and of increasing skilled manpower.
Background:
 In an effort to realize India’s demographic dividend, its workforce needs to be equipped with
employable skills and knowledge so that they can contribute to economic growth in a
substantive manner.
 In the past, most of the country’s skill training needs were met through courses offered by the
Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and under the Modular Employable Scheme (MES), regulated
by NCVT. Since this infrastructure was not enough to meet the increasing skill requirements of
the country as well as the skilling needs of the growing workforce, the Government took a
number of initiatives to scale up the skilling efforts.
 NCVET is envisaged as an institution which will perform the regulatory functions so far vested in
NCVT and NSDA. Regulatory functions currently being carried out by the National Skill
Development Corporation (NSDC) through the Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) will also be housed in
the NCVET.
Cyclonic Storm ‘TITLI’
 Cyclonic storm over west central Bay of Bengal (BoB) moved west-north-westwards, intensified
into a severe cyclonic storm in the early morning and into a very severe cyclonic storm around
noon of today, the 10thOctober, 2018.
 It is very likely to re-curve north-eastwards, move towards Gangetic West Bengal across Odisha
and weaken gradually.
Bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh
 The bilateral trade between the two countries touches $9 billion out of which Bangladesh
exports goods worth $900 million.
 India being an immediate neighbour with whom Bangladesh not only shares a long border but
also culture, traditions and language will be looking towards India to import the items it needs.
 There is immense scope for increasing Food & Beverages (F&B) exports from India to
Bangladesh.
 Fresh fruits going from India to Bangladesh are: mangoes, grapes, pomegranates and apples.
 Among other F&B products, there is still great scope for added export of dried, shelled
chickpeas, fresh or chilled onions and shallots, food preparations, cumin seeds, fresh grapes,
semi-milled or wholly milled rice, black fermented tea and partly fermented tea, turmeric and
cane sugar.
About:
 Indusfood is being billed as the World Food Supermarket – a one-stop event to source all
requirements related to food and beverage from India.
Special Central Government Package for Footwear and Leather Sector
 The Central Government has approved a special package for employment generation in leather
and footwear sector.
 The package involves implementation of Central Sector Scheme – Indian Footwear, Leather &
Accessories Development Programme (IFLADP) with an approved expenditure of Rs. 2600 Crore
for 2017-20.
Aim:
 Development of infrastructure for the leather sector, address environmental concerns specific
to the leather sector, facilitate additional investments, generate employment and increase
production. Enhanced Tax incentives will attract large scale investments in this sector and
reforms in labour laws taking into account the seasonal nature of the sector will support
economies of scale.
 In a major boost to the leather industry in Tamil Nadu under the IFLADP four projects with a
total outlay of 107.33 crore have been approved by the Department of Industrial Policy and
Promotion (DIPP) to facilitate upgradation of infrastructure, job creation and
environmental sustainability.
 Projects approved in Tamil Nadu are:
1. Upgradation of Tala Trichy Common Effluent Treatment Plant(CETP) at Trichy,
2. Pallavaram CETP at Nagalkeni Chrompet, and
3. SIDCO Phase-I CEPT at Ranipet and Perundurai leather industries Eco Security Pvt. Ltd. at Erode.
 DIPP has also given in-principal approval for mega leather cluster at Bantala in West Bengal. This
will generate employment for around 7000 people and lead to an investment of Rs. 400 to 500
crore.
Background:
 The Leather Technology, Innovation and Environmental Issues sub-scheme under
IFLADP provides financial support at 70% of the project cost to leather clusters to meet the
prescribed pollution control discharge norms.
 This covers establishment, expansion, upgradation of CETPs, developing secure landfills,
common recovery units, management of sludge and any other techniques for hazardous waste
management.
Air force commanders’ conference
 Raksha Rajya Mantri addressed the Air Force Commanders on the conference and stressed upon
the vital role being played by the IAF for enabling India to be the Net Security Provider in the IOR
in furtherance of the Prime Minister’s SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the
Region) Doctrine.
 IAF is the most technologically intensive and quickest military response available to the
Government for furthering India’s leverage.
 IAF leading the thrust to promote India’s indigenous bio-jet fuel program would surely go a long
way in reducing India’s crude oil import bill by more than 10% and augment farmers’ incomes
substantially.
 The Mehar Baba Swarm Drone Competition is a highly exciting development and I wish it all
success in identifying innovative technology in Unmanned Aerial Systems.
 IAF is the first service to kickstart an Artificial Intelligence Project with the participation of the
private industry and the progress of this project is extremely heartening.
Context:
 Discussions will take place on maintaining combat worthiness and the cutting edge of IAF by
suitably refining the training pattern.
 Training for future inductions like Rafale and Tejas fighter Jets, Chinook and Apache helicopters,
SPYDER & Medium Range Surface to Air Missile.
IND-INDO CORPAT
 Indian Naval Ship Kulish, a Kora class missile corvette, entered Belawan harbour, Indonesia for
the opening ceremony of the 32nd edition of India – Indonesia coordinated patrol (IND-INDO
CORPAT), to be held from 11 – 27 Oct 2018.
 The ships and aircraft from both the countries would undertake patrolling on the respective
sides of 236 nautical miles long International Maritime Boundary Line.
 The visit seeks to emphasize India’s peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries
towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain, consolidate interoperability and
strengthen existing bonds of friendship between the two countries.
Vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region):
 The Indian Navy has been involved in assisting countries in the IOR with EEZ Surveillance, Search
and Rescue, other capacity -building and capability-enhancement activities.
 The current deployment will contribute towards the Indian Navy’s effort to forge strong bonds
of friendship across the seas and consolidate inter-operability.
TITLI
 Very severe cyclonic storm ‘Titli’ to move north-westwards for next 12 hours and then re-curve
north-eastwards towards Gangetic West Bengal across Odisha.
 Rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at a few places and extremely heavy falls at
Isolated Places over south Odisha.
LUBAN
 Severe cyclonic storm ‘LUBAN’ over west central Arabian Sea moved initially north-westwards &
then westwards and lay centred at 0830 hrs IST of today, the 11thOctober 2018 over west central
Arabian Sea, near latitude 14.5°N and longitude 58.0°E, about 500 km east- southeast of Salalah
(Oman), 490 km east-northeast of Socotra Islands (Yemen) and 670 km east- southeast of Al-
Ghaidah (Yemen).
 It is likely to intensify further and move west-north-westwards towards Yemen & South Oman
Coasts during next 4 days.
Manual Scavenging
th
 6 Meeting of the Central Monitoring Committee to review the implementation of the
“Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013” (MS Act,
2013)” held under the chairmanship of Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister of Social
Justice and Empowerment.
What the law says:
 The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013,
forbids the employment of any person for the task of manual scavenging by any agency or
individual. As picking up untreated human excreta is harmful to one’s health and hygiene, the
Act seeks to completely ban the practice.
 In 2013, right after the prohibition act came into force, the government had recognised 12,742
manual scavengers in 13 states, out of which 82 per cent were from Uttar Pradesh.
 The act lays down the rules and procedure for the rehabilitation of manual scavengers through
training in alternate employment, financial help and help with purchasing property.
 The act recognises that every local authority (municipality or panchayat), cantonment board and
railway authority is responsible for surveying its area to identify manual scavengers.
 The act defines what is ‘hazardous cleaning’. It mandates that the person who is getting the job
done must provide the cleaner with ‘protective gear’.
 Requirements of oxygen cylinder, torches, and constant monitoring of workers through
computers etc. are not mentioned in the act and hence are not provided to the cleaners.
 The primary step under the act has been to demolish the insanitary latrines, open drains and
pits.
Positive Effect of Law:
 The Supreme Court issued a slew of directions in 2014 to prevent and control the practice and
also to prosecute the offenders. It also directed the government to pay a compensation of 10
lakh rupees to the family members of those killed in acts of manual scavenging since 1993.
World Bank’s Human Capital Index
 The World Bank released a Human Capital Index (HCI) as part of the World Development Report
2019.
 The HCI has been constructed for 157 countries. It claims to seek to measure the amount of
human capital that a child born today can expect to attain by age 18.
 The HCI index values are contended to convey the productivity of the next generation of
workers, compared to a benchmark of complete standard education and full health.
The HCI has three components:
1. Survival, as measured by under-5 mortality rates;
2. Expected years of Quality-Adjusted School which combines information on the quantity and
quality of education (quality is measured by harmonizing test scores from major international
student achievement testing programs and quantity from number of years of school that a child
can expect to obtain by age 18 given the prevailing pattern of enrolment rates across grades in
respective countries); and
3. Health environment using two proxies of (a) adult survival rates and (b) the rate of stunting for
children under age 5.
13th convention of the Central Information Commission
 President speaking on the occasion said, free flow of information is the essence of democracy.
And for the people of a free and free-spirited country, information is power. They have a right to
know how they are being governed, how public money is being spent, how public and national
resources are being deployed, how public services are being delivered, and how public works
and welfare programmes are being carried out. In a democracy, there is no such thing as too
much information. Information overload is always preferable to information deficit.
Benefits or Impact of RTI:
 RTI makes for greater efficiency in both delivering services to a citizen as well as using public
resources and finances. This improves transparency and removes doubts that may arise about
favouritism and misappropriation.
 The Internet and the digital economy have been used to advance e-auctions of mining blocks.
They have helped create the Government e-Market or GeM portal for public procurement of
goods and services.
 The JAM trinity – Jandhan accounts, Aadhar-based unique identities and mobile phones – has
helped with direct bank transfers to beneficiaries of schemes.
 He commended the CIC for upholding the RTI’s basic charter that public records, with some
exceptions for subjects such as national security, are open to public scrutiny – but private
records of individual citizens are protected from intrusive third-party curiosity.
India-Azerbaijan sign protocol
th
 The 5 meeting of India-Azerbaijan Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade and Economic,
Science and Technology Cooperation (IA-IGC) was held in New Delhi
 The two sides exchanged views on current economic situation and reviewed the current status
of bilateral trade, investment and their cooperation in the fields of trade, economy, science and
technology.
Aim:
 Emphasise to further strengthen and expand their cooperation in trade and investment,
transportation, energy and hydro-carbons, SMEs, agriculture, food safety and environmental
protection, tourism, culture, health and pharmaceuticals, space technology, education and
scientific research, chemicals and petrochemicals and mining.
 To send trade delegations to raise awareness regarding economic developments and reforms in
the two countries and have regular exchange of information about trade exhibitions, fairs,
conferences and other business events.
Online portal for grant of Industrial Entrepreneurs’ Memorandum and Industrial Licence
 Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has developed a new online portal for
facilitating filing of online applications for Industrial Entrepreneurs’ Memorandum (IEM) and
Industrial Licence (IL) under Arms Act as well as Industries (Development & Regulation)[I(D&R)]
Act, 1951.
th
 The portal will be available for public with effect from 16 October 2018 for filing application and
no applications shall be received through E-biz portal or in physical form either under I(D&R) Act
or Arms Act 1959.
 Applications for IEM and IL under I(D&R) Act, 1951 are currently accepted through E-biz portal
whereas applications for manufacture of defence items under Arms Act are received physically.
G-20 Nations
Context:
 The Final G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting under the 2018 Argentine
Presidency and the final BRICS Deputies Meeting under the 2018 South African Chairmanship
were held on the sidelines of the IMF/Fund Bank Annual Meetings.
G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting:
 The deliberations in the G-20 FMCBG meeting centered on key risks facing the global economy,
enhancing a resilient international financial architecture, financing infrastructure development,
progress on compact with Africa as well as streamlining of the GPFI process.
 The risks related to trade tensions, financial vulnerabilities and oil prices have materialized and
are having major impact on the Emerging Market Economies.
 The need for G-20 nations to take co-ordinated action so as to ensure that the negative spill
over effects of global risks on EMDEs are minimized.
 Appreciated the progress of work under the Argentine Presidency on developing infrastructure
as an asset class.
 The efforts undertaken by India to attract private players in infra financing space such as
creating Real Estate Investment Trust Fund, Infrastructure Debt Fund as well as undertaking
efforts for monetizing brownfield assets.
 He indicated the importance of developing global standards and protocols for attracting private
funds to the infrastructure space and hoped that the infrastructure agenda of G-20 can
contribute in this direction.
 The investment facilitating schemes that GoI has in place to encourage private players to invest
in Africa and elsewhere such as National Export Insurance Fund, Concessional Financing Facility
etc.
BRICS Finance Deputies:
 The meeting focused on reviewing the progress achieved by the BRICS Forum in 2018 as well as
deliberating on the way forward under the upcoming 2019 BRICS Chairmanship of Brazil.
 Secretary (EA) in his interventions indicated India’s unequivocal support for NDB’s membership
expansion.
 Secretary (EA) also emphasized that the role of BRICS is to provide broad guidance to NDB and
the decisions on managing the micro details should be left to NDB Board of Directors and Board
of Governors.
 Secretary (EA) indicated that the Report of the Expert Group set-up to study the feasibility of
BRICS Rating Agency has envisaged the setting-up of a BRICS Rating Agency which is completely
independent and private sector led.
 Secretary (EA) emphasized on the need felt by the emerging markets and developing economies
for a rating methodology that takes into account the country circumstances of these economies.
World Egg Day
 The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Government of India organized
“World Egg Day”.
 Farmers, members of poultry associations, research scholars, administrators and around 700
participants including poultry farmers attended the event.
 Sanction orders were distributed to 5 entrepreneur beneficiaries under the Poultry Venture
Capital Fund – Entrepreneurship Development and Employment Generation component of
National Livestock Mission.
 International Egg Commission has declared the second Friday of October every year as World
Egg Day. This is celebrated in countries all around the world, and is a unique opportunity to help
raise awareness of the nutritional benefits of eggs.
Background:
 India is the third highest producer of eggs in the world, but the per capita availability is around
69 eggs per person per year. Egg is a wholesome, nutritious food with high nutrient density. It is
a high value protein and provides a wide variety of other nutrients like vitamins, essential amino
acids and minerals etc. crucial for growth and good health.
Human Capital Index (HCI) 2018
 Shri Subhash Chandra Garg, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of
Finance emphasized the need to recognize that digital technological changes taking place are
more fundamental than even invention of the steam engine, which had laid the foundation of
the industrial revolution.
Context:
 The Session focused on the World Development Report, which is on the changing nature of
work. HCI uses metric of industrial era to measure the status of human capital for digital age
and its production system. He said that a better metric is needed.
The key factors highlighted were:
 Structural reforms in areas like taxation and bankruptcy are helping the Indian economy in
building its resilience to global shocks and maintain a robust growth rate despite challenges.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK) Patiala
Context:
 The Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurated
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK) Patiala where 1000 students will get free training in skill
Development every year in the multiple courses like Hair Stylist, Manual Arc Welding, Plumber,
Field Technician – Other Home Appliances and Mobile Phone Hardware Repair Technician.
About:
 PMKK is the flagship scheme of Union Ministry of Skill Development and Enterpreurship under
Government of India is setting up 600 PMKK’s in identified districts.
 This initiative will also result in transformation of the lives of the youth through wage
employment and self employment by gaining access to Mudra Loans.
 Such a vocational and skilling centre in the vicinity will enable youth of the region to take benefit
of the courses being offered here and earn a livelihood.
India International Silk Fair
 It is organised by the Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC) at Pragati Maidan.
o The Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC) was set up in 1983 as a company not for
profit under Companies Act duly sponsored by the Government of India in the Ministry of
Textiles.
o ISEPC works closely with the Government of India on policy formulation concerning silk
sector and provides specialized services to the entrepreneurs enlarging global business
opportunities for the silk industry in India.
 The fair will give a platform to exporters to display their products and to overseas buyers an
opportunity to place orders and source their merchandize
 Artisans from Jammu & Kashmir and North East will showcase their unique products from their
region which will be an added attraction for buyers.
 The IISF-2018 is expected to generate business of over USD 20 million for the small and medium
enterprises (SMEs) engaged in producing silk and blended silk garments, fabrics, accessories and
floor covering.
Stats
 India is the 2nd largest producer of silk in the world.
 The silk industry is agriculture based and labour intensive and provides gainful employment to
around 8 million artisans and weavers in rural areas.
National Health Resource Repository (NHRR)

 It is country’s first ever national healthcare facility registry of authentic, standardized and
updated geo-spatial data of all public & private healthcare establishments.
 The vision of the NHRR project is to strengthen evidence-based decision making and develop a
platform for citizen and provider-centric services by creating a robust, standardized and secured
IT-enabled repository of India’s healthcare resources.
 NHRR will be the ultimate platform for comprehensive information of both, Private and Public
healthcare establishments including Railways, ESIC, Defense and Petroleum healthcare
establishment
 NHRR will cohesively work with Ayushman Bharat – National Health Protection Mission (AB-
NHPM) and Central TB Division (CTD) on an integrated plan for the larger benefit of ensuing
Hospital empanelment and private sector engagement.
Significance
 The platform will be very useful for all key stakeholders – government, private health
establishments and the public.
 It shall also enhance the coordination between central and state government for optimization of
health resources, making ‘live’ and realistic state PIPs and improving accessibility of data at all
levels, including State HODs, thus, decentralize the decision making at district and state level.
 It shall identify key areas of improvement by upgrading existing health facilities or establishing
new health facilities keeping in view the population density, geographic nature, health
condition, distance, etc.
 The result shall be enhanced center and state government coordination to ensure intelligent use
of health resources to ensure superior health access, service delivery and improve transparency
& accountability for effective centre-to-state funding.
 The project shall improve the visibility of Private providers to enable Public-Private Partnerships.
National Security Strategy
Aim:
 At creating conditions to effectively pursue its development agenda while keeping the costs of
security optimal and affordable.
Following components to be included:
 Maintaining a deterrent capability to safeguard National Interests.
 Ensuring security of national territory, maritime region, including our trade routes, air space and
cyber space.
 Maintaining a secure internal environment to guard against threats to our unity and
development.
 Strengthening and Expanding ‘‘Constructive Engagement’’ with Nations to promote regional and
global peace as also international stability.
BBNL key for implementation of Bharat Net project
 BBNL has played a key role in leading the successful implementation of the Bharat Net project
fordigitally connecting all 2,50,000 Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the country.
Objective:
 To facilitate the delivery of e-governance, e-health, e-education, e-banking and other services to
citizens in every part of our country, on a non-discriminatory basis. We have completed
approximately 50% of the project, and the remainder is targeted for completion by March 2019.
About Bharat Net:
 Phase I: The target of completing 1,00,000 GPs under phase-I of Bharat Net was achieved in
December 2017.
 Phase ll: Bharat Net Phase-II is planned to connect the remaining 1,50,000 GPs, using an optimal
mix of media, by 31 Mar, 2019.
Phase II is being implemented through three models – state-led model, CPSU model, and private
sector model.
Youth Road Safety Learners Licence Programme
Context:
 The programme is a PPP initiative to be run incollaboration with Diageo India and the Institute of
Road Traffic Education (IRTE), and attempts to bring a formal and structured training program
for young, first-time drivers as they apply for learner’s license.
 Launching this first-of-its-kind training programme in the country, road safety is of prime
importance for the Government as recent times have seen an alarming rise in road fatalities
especially among the youth.
 Rash driving, drunken driving, lack of adequate safety measures like not wearing helmets are
some of the major factors resulting in high road accidents.
 The government is committed to making its vision of safer roads and cities a reality. This
programme will help the Government achieve its target of reducing road accidents by 50
percent by 2020.
Background:
 IRTE has been successfully running its ‘Road to Safety’ initiative to provide capacity building
training to traffic police officials and educate commercial drivers such as truckers and bus
drivers and university students on the dangers of drunken driving. The programme has trained
over 4624 traffic officials in road safety capacity-building, 6,000 commercial vehicle drivers
and over 5,000 university students in more than 64 cities of 17 states.
World Food Day
 World Food Day is a day of action dedicated to tackling global hunger.
 The theme of World Food Day 2018 is ‘Our actions are our future – A zero hunger world by
2030 is possible’.
 The Indian Council of Agricultural Research takes action to remove the suffering from hunger
and ensure food security and a nutritious diet for all. The focus of the Government of India is
that food is a basic need and fundamental human right. Zero hunger could save the lives of 301
million a year, and can help build a safer, more prosperous world for everyone.
Aim:
 The Government of India aims to transform India’s agricultural sector to contribute to the
achievements of global environmental objectives.
 A new project has been launched in association with FAO, India office known as ‘Green-
agriculture: transforming Indian agriculture for global environmental benefits and the
conservation of critical biodiversity and forest landscapes’.
Initiatives taken:
 The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, a national level programme, was launched to create
world-class food processing infrastructure. This is expected to leverage investment of five billion
US dollars, benefit two million farmers and generate more than half a million jobs over the next
two years.”
 Mega Food Parks aim to link agro-processing clusters with key production centres. This will offer
immense value proposition in crops such as potato, pineapple, oranges and apples. Farmers
groups are being encouraged to set up units in these parks, thereby reducing wastage and
transportation costs, and creating new jobs.”
Central Warehouse and Digital Cash Management System
 Union Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Road Transport & Highways, Shipping,
Shri Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the hi-tech Central Warehouse, setup by the Bureau of
Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI).
About:
 The hi-tech Central Warehouse would facilitate seamless distribution of Jan Aushadhi generic
medicines to all PMBJP Kendra functional across the country.
 The Minister had inaugurated the Digital Cash Management System for Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya
Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), to be implemented as a partnership between BPPI and Bank of
Baroda.
About:
 This System will be implemented at all PMBJP Kendras for purchasing medicines and cashless
payment system with BPPI.
 Bank of Baroda will also provide loan to all PMBJP Kendra for purchasing medicines. The cashless
transactions will be done only through unique virtual accounts opened by Bank of Baroda for
each and every PMBJP Kendra, across the country.
Goa Maritime Symposium – 2018
 The Goa Maritime Symposium – 2018, the second edition of the Goa Maritime Symposium
(GSM) – a forum towards fostering friendly relations with the maritime neighbours – was
inaugurated by the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba PVSM, AVSM, ADC, at INS Mandovi
at Goa.
 The “Naval War College Journal”, an academic compendium with ideas and papers from writers
and thinkers on maritime strategy and security, was also released on the occasion by the CNS.
Theme:
 The theme of the seminar was “Building Stronger Maritime Partnerships in IOR”.
 The deliberations were focused on capacity building among IOR Navies to tackle emerging
maritime threats, in addition to discussing cooperative strategies for enhancing interoperability
among partner maritime agencies.
About:
 The GMS was conceptualised and first held in Nov 2016 aimed at establishing academic
excellence as well as sharing of ideas among India’s maritime neighbours’ by facilitating
interaction between senior representatives of navies and maritime agencies in the IOR.
 It plays a constructive role in bringing together stakeholders involved in evolving strategies,
policies and implementation mechanisms in the maritime domain.
Link between agriculture and entrepreneurship
 Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri
Dharmendra Pradhan, on the occasion of World Food Day, attended the Agri-Startup and
Entrepreneurship Conclave.
Theme:
 The theme of the conclave was “Unleashing Potentials in Agriculture for Young Entrepreneurs
(UPAYA)”.
 The conclave brought together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, scientists, farmers,
technology developers to create desired awareness and help build a robust entrepreneurial
ecosystem, particularly in the Agriculture sector.
Speech:
 Shri Pradhan addressing the conclave applauded the ICAR for giving a new dimension to the
World Food Day.
 This has provided an opportunity to the entrepreneurs who have come up with innovative food
products and solutions in the agriculture sector, to showcase their innovations and deliberate on
this important area.
 Agriculture in India is seeing fundamental shifts, and we have moved from a paradigm of food
deficit to food surplus was said by him.
MoU signed between Lady Irwin College & MoRD for Roshni
Context:
 Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), Ministry of Rural
Development and Lady Irwin College, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for
establishing ROSHNI – Centre of Women Collectives led Social Action.
 ROSHNI is technically and financially supported by UNICEF India serving as a technical support
unit at national level for DAY-NRLM and is embedded in the Department of Development
Communication and Extension, Lady Irwin College, New Delhi.
Aim:
 DAY-NRLM aims to reach out to 8-10 crore rural poor households (based on SECC 2011) in a time
bound manner, and, stay engaged with them till they come out of abject poverty.
 It envisions breaking the self-perpetuating cycle of malnutrition- illness- out-of-pocket
expenditure for treatment-poverty through its savings and enterprise approach and layering of
Food, Health, Nutrition and WASH (FHNW) interventions through Self-help groups (SHG) and
their federations.
About:
 DAY-NRLM is MoRD’s nodal agency for implementation of the convergent action plan under the
POSHAN Abhiyaan, which in addition to MORD includes the Ministry of Woman and Child
Development and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
 The four areas of convergence are – mobilisation for fixed day health, nutrition and WASH
camps (Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Day-VHSND), convergence through behaviour
change communication, convergence through common use of infrastructure and promotion of
nutri-based livelihoods for women collectives.
About Roshni:
 Roshni aims to work with women collectives for social action on FHNW interventions in
alignment with DAY-NRLM Dashasutra strategy and supporting implementation of convergent
action plan under POSHAN Abhiyaan.
 Roshni will learn from Swabhimaan and similar models, and extend support to DAY-NRLM for
expanding the scope of FHNW interventions.
 The Centre will lead knowledge creation, capacity building for scale-up of convergent action
plan, learning and re- learning in Swabhimaan sites and provide policy guidance to DAY-NRLM
on POSHAN Abhiyaan initiatives.
Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)
 It is an intergovernmental process established in 1996 to foster dialogue and cooperation
between Asia and Europe
 It comprises 53 partners: 30 European and 21 Asian countries, the European Union and the
ASEAN Secretariat.
 ASEM addresses political, economic, financial, social, cultural, and educational issues of common
interest, in a spirit of mutual respect and equal partnership.
 ASEM is bi-annual event conducted as an informal and flexible process on the basis of equal
partnership, mutual respect and mutual benefit and to promote the exchange of ideas and best
practices and thus act as breeding ground for new policy ideas.
 The theme of the 2018 ASEM Summit is ‘Global Partners for Global Challenges’.
Context
 Vice President leaves for Belgium to attend 12th ASEM Summit
Top 100 Bank Frauds

Context
 The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) released a first-of-its-kind analysis of the top 100
banking frauds and has shared its findings with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and department
of financial services to plug loopholes observed by the Commission.
Details
 In order to make the report more comprehensive, the top 100 Bank Frauds have been classified
into 13 sectors, namely gems and jewellery, manufacturing / industry, agro, media, aviation,
service / project, discounting of cheques, trading, Information Technology, export business,
fixed deposits, demand-loan, and Letter of Comfort
 The analysis of the top bank frauds included in the report mainly focuses on modus operandi,
amount of money involved, type of lending, anomalies observed, loopholes that facilitated the
fraud,
 The study focused on the methods used by fraudsters, and the loopholes noticed by the CVC,
and suggested systematic improvements to avoid such frauds.
Recommendation
 The measures suggested include strengthening of Standard Operating Procedures, monitoring
system and also highlighting the role of controlling offices, so as examine the aspect of quality of
business
12th ASEM Summit
Context:
 The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the Summit said that building the
future together is the need of the hour and promoting Inclusive growth and Sustainable
Connectivity should be the priority.
 The theme of ASEM 12 Summit is “Global Partners for Global Challenges”.
Highlights of the Summit:
 The ASEM summit will bring together:
o heads of state or government of 51 European and Asian countries
o representatives of the European Union
o the Secretary General of theAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
 Leaders will seek to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between the two continents on a wide
range of areas, including:
o trade & investment
o connectivity
o sustainable development and climate
o security challenges such as terrorism, non-proliferation, cyber-security, irregular migration.
Highlights of the Vice President’s Speech:
 2030 Sustainable Development Goals has been mapped to India’s developmental programmes
and schemes.
 India’s development architecture is under pinned by ‘Collective Efforts for Inclusive
Development’.
 India would be showcasing its rich cultural heritage through the unique fusion of Indian classical
dance Kathakali narrating the story of Spanish “Don Quixote” as a part of the ASEM culture
festival.
 Peace is a prerequisite for progress. If there is tension at the border, there will be no attention in
the nation. Let’s work together to eliminate terror from the globe.
75th Year of Establishment of Azad Hind Government
 The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, would be hoisting the National flag and
unveiling the plaque to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the formation of Azad Hind
Government on 21st October, 2018, at the Red Fort, Delhi.
About:
 The Azad Hind Government, founded on 21st October, 1943 was inspired by Neta ji Subhash
Chandra Bose who was the leader of Azad Hind Government and also the Head of State of this
Provisional Indian Government-in-exile.
 It was a part of the freedom movement, originating in 1940s outside India with a purpose of
allying with Axis powers to free India from British rule.
 The existence of the Azad Hind Government gave a greater legitimacy to the independence
struggle against the British.
 The role of Azad Hind Fauj or the Indian National Army (INA) had been crucial in bequeathing a
much needed impetus to India’s struggle for Independence.
Carnot Prize
 Recognising the pathbreaking transformations in India’s energy, the Kleinman Center for Energy
Policy at the University of Pennsylvania School of Design is awarding its fourth annual Carnot
Prize to Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Railways & Coal and former Minister of Power, Coal, New
& Renewable Energy and Mines, Government of India.
About:
 The Carnot Prize is the Kleinman Center’s annual recognition of distinguished contributions to
energy policy through scholarship or practice.
 The most prestigious award in the energy sector, Carnot Prize is named after French physicist
Nicolas Sadi Carnot who recognised that the power of the steam engine would “produce a great
revolution”in human development.
 Mark Alan Hughes, founding faculty director, Kleinman Center, commended India’s
electrification drive – “Providing power to the world’s energy poor turns on the lights—and also
empowers education, sanitation, and health care. It closes the gap between the haves and have
nots.”
Indian Initiatives:
 In the last four years, energy efficiency has become a people’s movement in India, making the
Government’s UJALA scheme the world’s largest LED distribution programme, and along with
private sector participation, 130 crore LED bulbs have been distributed, making India brighter
and cleaner.
 It is a matter of immense pride for India that in several newly electrified villages, the first
consumers of electricity are using LED bulbs and rooftop solar panels, realising India’s vision of
sustainable, universal, and affordable energy access.
Vice President meets Prime Minister of Portugal
 The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu had a bilateral meeting with the Prime
Minister of Portugal, Mr. Antonio Costa, at the EU headquarters.
Highlights of the meeting:
Vice President of India said:
 PM Costa’s successful State Visit to India in January 2017 when he had been honored with the
Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award.
 He also commended PM Costa for his personal commitment to strengthening India-Portugal
relations.
 He thanked PM Costa for joining the Committee set up to commemorate the 150th birth
anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi worldwide.
 He also briefed about the developmental programmes of the Government of India such as “Beti
Padhao Beti Bachao” and Clean India and flagship initiatives including the Make-in-India, Digital
India and Make-in-India flagship programmes.
 He said that defence, space, infrastructure and startups are areas that offer potential business
opportunities.
 He also thanked Portugal for reiterating its support for India’s permanent membership of the UN
Security Council.
 He mentioned that India’s inclusion in the UNSC will bolster the credibility and effectiveness of
the United Nations.
Prime Minister of Portugal said:
 He was happy with the ongoing positive momentum in the bilateral relations.
 He said that India-Portugal bilateral trade was on the rise and that Portuguese companies were
encouraged by the potential of the Indian market.
 He mentioned that Vision-Box, a Portuguese technology company had recently secured a
contract from Bengaluru International Airport to facilitate seamless and paperless air travel
using facial recognition biometric technologies.
 He also mentioned that Portugal had recently signed a MoU with Goa for a pilot project for
water supply and waste water management as part of the Panaji Smart City initiative.
Vice President meets Prime Minister of Greece
 The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu had a bilateral meeting with the Prime
Minister of Greece, Mr. Alexis Tsipras, at the EU headquarters.
Context:
 Both sides expressed satisfaction with the regular high-level contacts between the two countries
and agreed to further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two nations through greater
economic and people to people exchanges.
 India and Greece have traditional long-standing ties which go back to antiquity.
Highlights of the meeting:
Prime Minister of Greece said:
 He informed about the economic conditions of Greece and the efforts taken by the government
to restore stability to the financial system.
 He commended that the growth of the Indian economy over the last few years has had a
positive influence on the global economic situation.
 He encouraged Indian companies to consider investing in Greece, particularly in the port sector.
Speech of the Vice President:
 He thanked Prime Minister Tsipras for inviting India as the “Honored Country” at the
Thessaloniki International Fair in 2019.
 He said that India will be represented at the Fair with a strong business delegation.
 He also briefed on India’s economic situation and the efforts being taken by the government to
promote inclusive growth through the various developmental programmes and flagship
initiatives.
 He thanked Greece for its support for India’s membership to the various export control regimes
and for its consistent support for India’s candidature for a permanent seat in a reformed and
expanded UN Security Council.
 He also talked about the Greek scholar Demetrios Galanos who had translated, among other
texts, the Bhagvad Gita into Greek.
75th Anniversary of Formation of Azad Hind Government
Context
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort in New Delhi morning to
commemorate the 75th anniversary of Azad Hind government formed by freedom fighter Netaji
Subhas Chandra Bose.
Details
 On October 21, 1943, Bose had announced the formation of the country’s first independent
government in Singapore.
 It was a part of a political movement originating in the 1940s outside India with the purpose of
allying with the Axis powers to free India from British Rule
 It was established by Indian nationalists-in-exile during the latter part of the Second World War
in Singapore with monetary, military and political assistance from Imperial Japan
 Its army, the “Azad Hind Fauj” (Indian National Army or the INA), went into action against the
British Indian Army and the allied forces
NITI Lecture Series

 The ‘NITI Lectures: Transforming India’ was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra
Modi on August 26, 2016 and since been held annually, featuring eminent speakers from across
the world.
 With the vision of disseminating cutting-edge, innovative ideas in development policy to India,
the NITI Lectures are attended by the Government’s top decision makers, including members of
the Cabinet and senior officials across ministries and departments
 Through the lectures, NITI Aayog has been bringing policy makers, academics, experts and
administrators of global repute to India.
 The aim of the series is to enable learning, both at the Centre & States, from successful
development practice world over.
4th Edition of NITI Lecture Series in 2018
 The theme this year is “AI for ALL: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Inclusive Growth”.

2nd Report on Cross Border Insolvency
 The Insolvency Law Committee (ILC) constituted by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has
submitted its 2ndReport to the Government, which deals with cross border insolvency.
 The ILC has recommended the adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law of Cross Border
Insolvency, 1997, as it provides for a comprehensive framework to deal with cross border
insolvency issues.
 The Committee has also recommended a few carve outs to ensure that there is no inconsistency
between the domestic insolvency framework and the proposed Cross Border Insolvency
Framework.
About:
 The UNCITRAL Model Law has been adopted in as many as 44 countries and, therefore, forms
part of international best practices in dealing with cross border insolvency issues.
 The advantages of the model law are the precedence given to domestic proceedings and
protection of public interest.
 The other advantages include greater confidence generation among foreign investors, adequate
flexibility for seamless integration with the domestic Insolvency Law and a robust mechanism for
international cooperation.
 The model law deals with four major principles of cross-border insolvency:
o direct access to foreign insolvency professionals and foreign creditors to participate in or
commence domestic insolvency proceedings against a defaulting debtor;
o recognition of foreign proceedings & provision of remedies;
o cooperation between domestic and foreign courts & domestic and foreign insolvency
practitioners; and
o coordination between two or more concurrent insolvency proceedings in different
countries.
Necessity for this recommendation:
 Many Indian companies have a global footprint and many foreign companies have presence in
multiple countries including India.
 The proposed Framework for Cross Border Insolvency will enable us to deal with Indian
companies having foreign assets and vice versa, it still does not provide for a framework for
dealing with enterprise groups, which is still work in progress with UNCITRAL and other
international bodies.
Workshop on Health and Nutrition Initiatives under Aspirational District Programme
 A one-day National Workshop for Orientation of District Officials of Aspirational Districts on
Health and Nutrition, was organised by The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in
collaboration with Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Context:
 The State Health Ministers unveiled the Operational Guidelines on Aspirational Districts for
Health and Nutrition and launched the e-Mitra Mobile Application.
 This is a first of its kind initiative by identifying 117 districts under the ‘Aspirational Districts’
Programme with an aim to quickly and effectively transform them.
 The Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) program is an
important pillar which will be strengthened under Aspirational Districts Programme.
 The operational guidelines on Aspirational Districts will provide a framework for implementing
action to be undertaken for various health initiatives to guide the state, district, block
programme officers and other stakeholders in organizing various activities expected to meet the
vision for health by leveraging health and nutrition initiatives to bring transformation in the lives
of people and meet their aspirations to be healthy.
Mobile app:
 The e-Mitra (Mobile Integrated Toolkit RMNCH+A ) app has been designed to complement the
Aspirational District Programme and offers one stop solution to access RMNCH+A related
statistics from different sources through a combination of approaches.
Women of India Organic Festival to be held at IGNCA
 The Ministry of Women and Child Development is organizing the 5th edition of the Women of
India Organic Festival at Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Janpath Road, New Delhi.
Aim:
 To boost organic culture and promote Women Organic Farmers and Entrepreneurs.
 Being the country’s largest organic festival, it bears witness to the fact that women are the
torchbearers of the nation’s organic movement.
About:
 The WOI Festival has given a successful platform to empower women farmers and
entrepreneurs in a festive and fruitful manner for the past 4 years.
 It is a matter of great satisfaction for me that the Ministry’s efforts ultimately boost these
illustrious rural women’s local communities and economy by creating jobs and keeping farmers
thriving in addition to spreading awareness about the benefits of organic products.
 With over 500 women entrepreneurs coming together from across the country with their
organic products such as cereals, rice, pulses, skin-care products, fabric, jewellery, etc, this is the
perfect example of how the festival is creating a revolution and making women self-reliant.
 Participants from the remotest parts of the country travel and stay in Delhi for the entire
duration of the Festival, while having the opportunity of selling their healthy and wholesome
produce to the people of Delhi and surrounding areas.
Harit Diwali-Swasth Diwali
Context:
 The “Harit Diwali-Swasth Diwali” campaign is now merged with “Green Good Deed” movement
that has been initiated as a social mobilization for conservation and protection of environment.
Background:
 Air pollution is a serious health issue in the country especially in the northern parts during
winter seasons.
 The air pollution in the northern region is attributed to dust, burning of crops in certain states,
burning of garbage construction and prevailing climatic conditions.
 This air pollution has serious impacts on the health of children aged people and people suffering
from respiratory ailments.
 As a matter of practice people have been celebrating Diwali by bursting crackers.
 Crackers contains combustible chemicals that include potassium chlorate powdered aluminum,
magnesium, salts of barium, copper, sodium, lithium, strontium etc. and emits smoke on
combustion of these chemicals along with sound.
 This smoke and sound has health impacts on children, aged people and also animal and birds.
 The children were encouraged to light up their houses and their schools with candles and diyas.
 The above campaign was extremely successful and the air quality had not deteriorated post
Diwali in 2017 unlike what was experienced in 2016.
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Mechanism for Issuing Regulations) Regulations, 2018
 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:
1. carry out the provisions of the Code,
2. are consistent with the Code and the rules made thereunder;
3. are made by a notification published in the official gazette; and
4. are laid, as soon as possible, before each House of Parliament for 30 days.
 Section 196 (1) (s) of the Code requires the IBBI to specify mechanisms for issuing regulations,
including the conduct of public consultation processes, before notification of regulations.
 The Issuing Regulations provide that for the purpose of making or amending any regulations, the
IBBI shall upload the following, with the approval of the Governing Board, on its website seeking
comments from the public–
o draft of proposed regulations;
o the specific provision of the Code under which the Board proposes regulations;
o a statement of the problem that the proposed regulation seeks to address;
o an economic analysis of the proposed regulations;
o a statement carrying norms advocated by international standard setting agencies and the
international best practices, if any, relevant to the proposed regulation;
o the manner of implementation of the proposed regulations; and
o the manner, process and timelines for receiving comments from the public.
 The IBBI shall allow at least twenty-one days for public to submit their comments.
 It shall consider the public comments received and upload the same on its website along with a
general statement of its response on the comments, not later than the date of notification of
regulations.
 If the Governing Board decides to approve regulations in a form substantially different from the
proposed regulations, it shall repeat the process under the Issuing Regulations.
 The regulations shall be notified promptly after it is approved by the Governing Board and the
date of their enforcement shall ordinarily be after thirty days from the date of notification
unless a different date is specified therein.
 Where the IBBI is of the opinion that certain regulations are required to be made or existing
regulations are required to be amended urgently, it may make regulations or amend the existing
regulations, as the case may be, with the approval of the Governing Board, without following
the above process of consultation.
SIAL Paris exhibition
Context:
 Forty-five Indian companies are participating in the SIAL Paris exhibition – the largest
international market place for food service professionals.
 Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) has inaugurated a special Indian pavilion in the ongoing
mega exhibition for the participating companies.
About:
 SIAL Paris is the leading exhibition of food service products with more than 7020 French and
international exhibitors from 109 countries displaying their foodstuffs, ranging from ingredients
to processed products, including fresh produce.
 The exhibition is one of the most important get-togethers of buyers and sellers interested in
dairy products, meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, tinned and preserved foods, semi-processed
food products, organic products, health products and food supplements, seafood, and ready-
prepared dishes, pet and poultry products and equipment and services. Indian companies are
getting good inquiries from the buyers who have converged from all over Europe.
Background:
 SIAL Paris is held every two years, and is famous for culinary demonstrations by famous chefs
every day.
 This is a unique culinary show which stage SIAL Paris exhibitors’ products on the basis of current
topics and trends: locavore cooking, fresh attitude, trends and textures, besides live cuisine
lessons.
 Buyers throng this exhibition to discover fresh produce and raw supplies and Indian companies
are making their mark felt through their products and cuisine.
India – Czech Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation
 The eleventh session of India – Czech Republic Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation
(JCEC) was held at Prague.
 The deliberations were marked with the mutual desire to further expand and strengthen
relations between the two countries in the economic field.
 The Czech side stressed that the Czech Government continues to rank India among the priority
countries for promotion of mutual commercial, investment and economic activities and stated
that Czech companies are interested to cooperate with Indian partners within the framework of
the ‘Make in India’ programme.
 The recent growth of global protectionism had negatively affected many countries and
concerted effort is required for a positive outlook for the future.
 Solutions should be sought for closer economic cooperation as well as for promotion of
multilateral and inter-regional trade.
 Stressing on the importance of a rule-based multilateral trading system embodied in WTO both
sides expressed concern over the current protectionist and anti-globalist tendencies that
threaten free trade.
 They appreciated a record level of trade exchange in 2017 and noted that this exchange was
almost balanced.
 The Indian side noted that as per the Indian statistics, bilateral trade between India and Czech
Republic crossed USD 1 billion in 2016-17.
 Czechoslovakia is preparing a project called Czech Industrial Cluster (CIC) near Bengaluru.
 The CIC will comprise administrative and production units and will serve as a hub for Czech
companies that intend to settle down in India.
 The two sides reaffirmed their support to finalizing an ambitious and balanced Broad Based
Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) between India and the EU.
National Workshop on Physical & Mental Disabilities in the Light of Global Best Practices in Care,
Rehabilitation & Research
 Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment inaugurated the
“National Workshop on Physical and Mental Disabilities in the Light of Global Best Practices in
Care, Rehabilitation and Research”.
Objective:
 To help our country’s commitment under the UNCRPD, RPWD Act and help establish uniformity
in the services for persons with disabilities.
 It also supported protocol development in the service delivery; promote replication of global
best practices; and encourage adaptation of global best practices to Indian context.
 The workshop assisted in implementation of best-practices for the 21 disabilities covered under
the RPWD Act.
 It helped fine tune our practices of disability-specific, discipline-specific, model-specific,
approach-specific holistic-services and Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) models.
Aim:
 To improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities and their families.
Outcome:
 To share, implement and bring uniformity in global best practices for empowerment of persons
with disabilities (Divyangjans)in India specially in the context of 14 new disabilities of the RPWD
Act 2016.
 The workshop witnessed the best practitioners from across the nation in each of the 21
disabilities as per the RPWD Act.
 It also came up with recommendations for Government, Service providers, activist, policy
makers, educationalist, and professionals to implement RPWD Act, by adopting the best
practices.
PM awarded the 2018 Seoul Peace Prize
 The Seoul Peace Prize Committee has decided to confer the 2018 Seoul Peace Prize on Prime
Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in recognition of his dedication to improving international
cooperation, raising global economic growth, accelerating the Human Development of the
people of India by fostering economic growth in the world’s fastest growing large economy and
furthering the development of democracy through anti-corruption and social integration efforts.
 The Committee lauded PM’s initiatives to make the government cleaner through anti-corruption
measures and demonetization.
 The Committee also credited Prime Minister for his contribution towards regional and global
peace through a proactive foreign policy with countries around the world under the ‘Modi
Doctrine’ and the ‘Act East Policy.’
 Prime Minister Modi is the fourteenth recipient of this award.
Background
 The Seoul Peace Prize was established in 1990 to commemorate the success of the 24th Olympic
Games held in Seoul, Republic of Korea – an event in which 160 nations from across the world
took part, creating harmony and friendship and a worldwide atmosphere of peace and
reconciliation.
 The Seoul Peace Prize was established to crystallize the Korean people’s yearning for peace on
the Korean Peninsula and in the rest of the world.
 The Seoul Peace Prize has been awarded biennially to those individuals who have made their
mark through contributions to the harmony of mankind, reconciliation between nations and to
world peace.
 Past laureates include distinguished global personalities like former UN Secretary General Kofi
Annan, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and renowned international relief organizations like
Doctors without Borders and Oxfam.
Indian Institute of Skills
Context:
 The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the for setting
up of Indian Institute of Skills(IISs) at different locations across the country in Public Private
Partnership (PPP), which will be explored for promotion of IIS at select locations based on
demand and available infrastructure.
Benefits:
 It shall augment the global competitiveness of key sectors of Indian economy by providing high
quality skill training, applied research education and a direct and meaningful connection with
industry.
 It will provide opportunity to aspiring youth across the country to have access to highly skilled
training, and enhance the scope of accountability through its linkage with industry and global
competitiveness across sectors.
Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988
Context:
 The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the appointment
of Adjudicating Authority and establishment of Appellate Tribunal under Prohibition of Benami
Property Transactions Act(PBPT), 1988.
Salient Features:
 Appointment of an Adjudicating Authority, along with the three additional Benches and to
establish the Appellate Tribunal under the PBPT Act;
 To provide the officers and employees to Adjudicating Authority, Benches of the Adjudicating
Authority and Appellate Tribunal by diverting the existing posts at the same level/rank from the
Income Tax Deptt./Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT);
 The Adjudicating Authority and Appellate Tribunal shall sit in the National Capital Territory of
Delhi (NCTD).
 Benches of Adjudicating Authority may sit in Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai, and the necessary
notification in this regard shall be issued after making consultation with the Chairperson of the
proposed Adjudicating Authority.
Benefits:
 The approval will result in effective and better administration of cases referred to the
Adjudicating Authority and speedy disposal of appeals filed against the order of the Adjudicating
Authority before the Appellate Tribunal.
 Appointment of the Adjudicating Authority would provide first stage review of administrative
action under the PBPT Act.
MoU amongst BRICS nations
 The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto
approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among Brazil, Russian Federation, India,
China, South Africa, regarding Cooperation in the Social and Labour Sphere.
Details:
 In the MoU, the parties including India have agreed to cooperate and hold mutual events in the
prominent areas viz. labour legislation and enforcement, protection of workers’ rights with focus
on vulnerable groups, Employment and labour market policies, Professional education, skills and
training and Social protection.
 The member countries may utilize the BRICS Network of Labour Research Institutes and BRICS
Social Security Cooperation Framework for cooperation on Social Security and other labour
issues.
 The Memorandum is not an International Treaty and does not create rights and obligations for
the parties governed by international law.
Major Impact:
 The MoU provides a mechanism for cooperation, collaboration and maximum synergy amongst
BRICS member countries with the common objective of inclusive growth and shared prosperity
in the new industrial revolution.
 This network would specifically focus on the theme of youth employment and research on new
forms of employment.
 This network will also explore new learning technologies, including virtual network to deepen
cooperation, exchange of information and capacity building.
 The BRICS Social Security cooperation framework will deepen social security cooperation among
BRICS nations and would facilitate cooperation for improvement of social security systems and
social security agreements among member countries.
Memorandum of Understanding between India and Singapore
 The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto
approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Singapore in
June, 2018 on the constitution of a Joint Working Group (JWG) on FinTech.
Benefits:
 The Joint Working Group on FinTech between India and Singapore has been constituted for
cooperation in the area of FinTech between the two countries.
 It will benefit both India and Singapore to excel in the fields of Development of Application
Programming Interfaces (APls), Regulatory Sandbox, Security in payment and digital cash flow,
integration of RuPay-Network for Electronic Transfers (NETS), UPI-FAST payment link, AADHAR
Stack and e-KYC in ASEAN region and cooperation on regulations, solutions for financial markets
and insurance sector and sand box models.
MoU between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and Certified Professional
Accountants Afghanistan (CPA Afghanistan)
 The MoU will establish mutual co-operation framework in the areas of Capacity Building of
“Afghanistan Accountancy Board (AAB)”, strengthening the IT Capacity and Quality Assurance in
Afghanistan through facilitating Knowledge Transfer; Students and Members Exchange
Programs; Conduct of Seminars, Conferences and Joint Activities mutually beneficial to both the
parties.
Targets:
 Students and members exchange programs from their respective jurisdictions so as to update
them on the emerging developments in the areas of accounting profession either in the form of
study tours or as may be mutually decided by both the Institutions;
 Providing updates on the development of the accountancy profession in India, and promote
international good professional practices;
 Strengthening the quality assurance setup in Afghanistan through facilitating knowledge transfer
to help implement regime of necessary quality controls and periodic reviews in Afghanistan.
Major impact:
 India and Afghanistan share a very strong partnership based on historical and cultural links.
 The partnership between the two countries has touched new heights when India’s Afghanistan
policy shifted to a more confident and multi-dimensional approach by opening Investment in
Afghanistan’s nascent democracy and economy; strengthening Kabul’s defence capability and
promoting regional connectivity and integration.
 Afghanistan will help India and ICAI to facilitate indirect employment generation for Indian CAs
through recognition and acceptability amongst Afghanistan employers. It is also believed that
the relationship developed between the two countries over the past few years is strategic in
nature and is of mutual benefit.
National Monitoring Framework on Sustainable Development Goals
 The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the
constitution of a High Level Steering Committee for periodically reviewing and refining the
National Indicator Framework (NIF) for monitoring of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
with associated targets.
Targets:
 Measures to mainstream SDGs into on-going national policies, programmes and strategic action
plans to address the developmental challenges.
 Statistical indicators of NIF will be the backbone of monitoring of SDGs at the national and state
level and will scientifically measure the outcomes of the policies to achieve the targets under
different SDGs.
 Based on statistical indicator, the MoSPI will bring out national reports on implementation of
SDGs. The Report will facilitate assessment of progress, identify challenges and give
recommendations for follow up at the national level.
 High Level Steering Committee will review the National Indicator Framework on regular basis for
its improvement.
 Data source Ministries / Departments will be responsible for providing regular information to
MoSPI on these indicators at required intervals and disaggregation for national and sub-national
reporting of SDGs.
 Advanced IT tools will be used for close and effective monitoring.
Major impact:
 SDGs integrate economic, social and environmental dimensions of development. It intends
eradicating poverty and promoting prosperity in a changing world with basic motto of ‘Sabka
Saath Sabka Vikash’.
 SDGs with 17 Goals and 169 Targets intend for promotion of sustainable, inclusive and equitable
economic growth, creating greater opportunities for all, reducing inequalities, raising basic
standards of living, fostering equitable social development and inclusion, promoting integrated
and sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems.
Background:
 At the Millennium Summit held in 2000 at the UN Headquarters in New York, eight development
goals known as the ‘Millennium Development Goals’ (MDGs) were adopted, which formed the
blueprint for countries to pursue their national development strategies from 2000 to 2015.
 The MDGs targets were unevenly achieved across the countries and a need was felt to start
fresh discussions to assess the usefulness of the MDGs and to explore possible successor to
guide development cooperation in the world beyond 2015.
Creation of Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has
given its approval for creation of special Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund
(FIDF).
Benefits:
 Creation of fisheries infrastructure facilities both in marine and Inland fisheries sectors.
 To augment fish production to achieve its target of 15 million tonne by 2020 set under the Blue
Revolutio, and to achieve a sustainable growth of 8% -9% thereafter to reach the fish production
to the level of about 20 MMT by 2022-23.
 Employment opportunities to over 9.40 lakh fishers/fishermen/fisherfolk and other
entrepreneurs in fishing and allied activities.
 To attract private investment in creation and management of fisheries infrastructure facilities.
 Adoption of new technologies.
International Arya Mahasammelan-2018
 The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the International Arya
Mahasammelan – 2018 in Delhi.
 The President enumerated about Swami Dayanand Saraswati:
o He showed us the path of renaissance and self-pride.
o He was an intrepid warrior of social and spiritual reform.
o He took effective measures for educational and social reform especially for women
empowerment and eradication of untouchability. His work is relevant even in the present
times both for Indian society and the entire world.
o He had worked for eradication of discrimination in society on the basis of caste, creed and
sect and motivated everyone to become Arya – that is – the best.
 In Mahasammelan they discussed on the issues such as prevention of superstition,
modernization, women empowerment, tribal welfare, and management of natural calamities.
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 The President said that we will be celebrating 200 birth anniversary of Swami Dayanand
Saraswati in 2024 and will also celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Arya Samaj in 2025.
Certification of Yoga Professionals and Accreditation of Yoga schools
nd
 The Ministry of AYUSH announced a scheme on 22 June 2015 known as “Scheme for Voluntary
Certification of Yoga Professionals and Accreditation of Yoga Institutions”.
Aim:
 To certify the competencies of Yoga Professionals and Institutions against the standards
recognized for the same.
The main objectives of the Yoga Certification Board are as follows:
 To promote Yoga as means to promote holistic health and human values.
 To promote Yoga as a career skill.
 To develop standards & parameters, assess competencies and to certify Yoga Professionals for
various levels.
 To develop standards & parameters, assess competencies and Accreditation of Yoga Schools/
Institutions/ Centres.
 To bring uniformity and standards in Yoga courses conducted across India and Globe.
 To collaborate with national and international organisations for promotion of Yoga.
The Scheme for Yoga Certification will offer Certification of Yoga Professionals under 3 categories to
offer basic level certification as well as specialized certification as follows:
 Yoga Education and Training- �
o Level 1 (Yoga Protocol Instructor)- Yoga Instructor for teaching common yoga protocol of
IDY level. Such Yoga certified professionals can be Instructors for Yoga classes held in parks,
societies and other places to cater to need of people practicing Yoga for healthy life.
o Level 2 (Yoga Wellness Instructor) – Yoga instructor to teach Yoga for prevention of illness
and ensure wellness in schools (primary and secondary)/ Yoga centers /organizations.
o Level 3 (Yoga Teacher & Evaluator) – Work as Master Trainers in education Courses and
training programs in Yoga. He or she can also act as Evaluator and assessor of Yoga
Professionals. Can teach in colleges/ Universities/ Institutions of higher Learning.
o Level 4 (Yoga Master) – Work as Master Educator / Trainer in Yoga Educational programs &
courses and for skilled Yoga professionals
 Yoga Therapy
o Yoga Therapist – Such certified Yoga professionals can work under the medical supervision
of Certified Physician or certified Yoga Consultant
o Yoga Consultant – The certified Yoga Consultant can practice Yoga for treatment of diseases
in medical setups or can also work independently.
 Skilled Yoga Professionals
o Shat Karma Technician- To work at clinical setups under medical supervision. To act as
Resource Persons for national as well as international conference on such practices/ Kriyas.
o Meditation Expert – To work as demonstrator at various platforms specially national and
international workshops and seminars.
Seminar on “Women’s Health Challenges, Access and Prevention”
Context:
 Smt Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare inaugurated a seminar on
“Women’s Health Challenges, Access and Prevention” organised by Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII).
Speaking at the function, Smt Anupriya Patel stated:
 Women are strong pillars of any vibrant society and sustained development of the country can
be achieved only if we take holistic care of the women and children.
 India has made considerable progress in the area of women’s health.
 Maternal mortality Ratio (MMR) is one such indicator which reflects this progress. India’s MMR
in the last few years has declined at an accelerated pace to reach 130 per one lakh live births in
2014-16. This means we save more than 30 mothers every day.
 The National Health Mission a “continuum of care” approach is employed to ensure the best
possible health outcomes for women throughout their reproductive life-cycle.
 In the rural areas, the out of pocket expenditure for childbirth in public health facilities has also
decreased.
 The Ministry of Health has launched ‘LaQshya – Labour room Quality improvement Initiative’ in
2017.
 The launch of Ayushman Bharat, interventions to address issues of women’s health will be
further strengthened and made women-centric.
 Empowerment of women and their health are very closely related and the rise in institutional
deliveries through Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK) and Janani SurakshaYojana (JSY)
are providing healthcare services to encourage this.
‘Impactful Policy Research in Social Science’ (IMPRESS)
 The Union Minister for Human Resource Development Shri Prakash Javadekar launched the web
portal of the Scheme “Impactful Policy Research in Social Sciences (IMPRESS)”.
About the Scheme:
 1500 research projects will be awarded for 2 years to support the social science research in the
higher educational institutions and to enable research to guide policy making.
The objectives of the scheme are:
 To identify and fund research proposals in social sciences with maximum impact on the
governance and society.
 To focus research on (11) broad thematic areas such as:
o State and Democracy,
o Urban transformation,
o Media, Culture and Society,
o Employment,
o Skills and Rural transformation,
o Governance,
o Innovation and Public Policy,
o Growth,
o Macro-trade and Economic Policy,
o Agriculture and Rural Development,
o Health and Environment,
o Science and Education,
o Social Media and Technology,
o Politics,
o Law and Economics.
 To ensure selection of projects through a transparent, competitive process on online mode.
 To provide opportunity for social science researchers in any institution in the country, including
all Universities (Central and State), private institutions with 12(B) status conferred by UGC.
 ICSSR funded/recognised research institutes will also be eligible to submit research proposals on
the given themes and sub-themes.
The following will be the modalities for implementation:
 There will be (4) calls for proposals – October, 2018, February 2019, September 2019 and
February 2020. The process of evaluation of the proposals and selection will be completed
within 90 days from the date of call for proposals.
 The experts for evaluation of proposals will be persons of eminence and selected using objective
criteria.
 There will be a regular monitoring of the progress of projects using the online portal, in which
the progress can be directly updated by the Project Coordinator.
 There will be a third party evaluation of the projects in March 2021.
“Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC)”
 The Minister of Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar launched the web
portal of the Scheme “Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration
(SPARC)”.
Aim:
 At improving the research ecosystem of India’s higher educational institutions by facilitating
academic and research collaborations between Indian Institutions and the best institutions in
the world.
Salient Feature of SPARC are:
 This scheme will improve research ecosystem of India’s higher educational institutions by
facilitating academic and research collaborations between Indian Institutions and the best
institutions in the world from 28 selected nations to jointly solve problems of national and
international relevance.
Shri Rajkumar Singhajit Singh bags Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony for 2014
 A doyen of Manipuri dance Shri Rajkumar Singhajit Singh has been selected for the Tagore
Award for Cultural Harmony for the year 2014.
About him:
 He has distinguished himself both as an outstanding teacher, performer and choreographer.
 His work over the years bears witness to his creativity within the framework of traditional
Manipuri dance.
 His choreography has been enriched by elements incorporated from various forms of
performing arts of Manipur such as Thang-ta, Nata-Sankirtana, Lai-haraoba and Rasleela.
Context:
 The award recognizes his contribution in keeping the tradition of Manipuri dance alive and
vibrant, promoting harmony through dance and also pays tribute to Gurudev Rabindranath
Tagore, who, deeply influenced by Manipuri dance, made it an integral part of the education
curriculum at Visva Bharati.
Background:
 The Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony for the years 2015 & 2016 is being conferred on the
Chhayanaut (a cultural organization of Bangladesh) and on one of India’s greatest sculptors, Shri
Ram Vanji Sutar, respectively.
 The first Tagore Award was conferred on Pt. Ravi Shankar, the Indian Sitar Maestro in 2012 and
second was conferred on Shri Zubin Mehta in 2013. The award carries an amount of Rs. 1 crore,
a citation in a scroll, a plaque as well as an exquisite traditional handicraft/ handloom item. The
award is open to all persons regardless of nationality, race, language, caste, creed or sex.
Krishi Kumbh 2018
 Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh has said that with an aim
to double farmers’ income, the budget outlay of the agriculture sector has been enhanced by
74.5%.
Context:
 On the occasion of inauguration ceremony of Krishi Kumbh 2018organised in Lucknow, he said:
o The Government is implementing various schemes to ensure higher gains for farmers.
o The Soil Health Card (SHC) ensures judicious use of fertilizer application thus saving money
for farmers. Neem-coated urea is being promoted as it enhances availability of nitrogen to
the crop and reduces cost of fertilizer application.
o Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is being implemented with a view to promote
organic farming in the country.
o Realizing the possibility of organic farming in the northeast, Mission Organic Value Chain
Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER) has been initiated.
o The National Agriculture Market scheme (e-NAM) has revolutionized agri-markets by
ensuring better price discovery, bringing in transparency and competition in order to enable
farmers to get better remuneration for their produce thereby moving towards ‘One Nation
One Market.’
o Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) & Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance
Scheme (RWCIS) provide insurance cover at all stages of the crop cycle including post-
harvest risks to farmers at very low rates of premium.
India-EU co-operation dialogue on Digital Communications
Context:
 The Minister of State for Communications (Independent Charge) Government of India, Mr
Manoj Sinha and the H.E. Mr Andrus Ansip, European Commissioner for Digital Single Market
and Vice President of the European Commission have met in New Delhi to discuss cooperation
on Digital communications, Digital economy and society.
Objective:
 India and the EU will work together to develop joint plans of action in the agreed areas of
cooperation such as future networks and emerging technologies, including 5G,IoT/M2Metc.,
promoting R&D and innovation, network security, spectrum management, enhanced capacity
development as well as policy and regulatory requirements among others.
 The India-EUco-operation dialogue on Digital Communications will take place annually through
appropriate mechanism within the existing framework of the India-EU Joint Working Group on
ICTs which was set up in 2011.
Vigilance Awareness Week 2018
Context:
 The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) observes the Vigilance Awareness Week every year
during the week in which the birthday of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (31stOctober) falls.
th rd
 This year, the Vigilance Awareness Week is being observed from 29 October to 3 November,
2018 on the theme “Eradicate Corruption-Build a New India (भ्रष्टाचार भमटाओ-
नया िारत बनाओ)”.
Objective:
 Through various outreach activities, it seeks to motivate stakeholders to collectively participate
in the fight against corruption.
Aim:
 Raising public awareness regarding the detrimental consequences of corruption.
5th Edition of ‘Women of India National Organic Festival’
th
 The 5 edition of the ‘Women of India National Organic Festival’ was inaugurated by Smt.
Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, Union Minister for Women and Child Development, at the Indira Gandhi
National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi.
Objective:
 The Festival celebrates and promotes women entrepreneurs/producers and farmers in the
organic field from across India.
 Participants from the remotest parts of the country get the opportunity of selling their healthy
and wholesome goods to the people of Delhi and surrounding areas.
 The participants are being encouraged to sell their products on a long term basis on WCD
Ministry’s e-marketing portal Mahila-e-Haat.
About:
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 The festival is From October 26 till November 4 , IGNCA and will be the cultural hub of India’s
most varied offerings of organic products from 26 States, ranging from food, wellness, personal
care, home improvement, spices, staples, kitchen composters and for the first time ‘The Vegan
Project’ and Food Court with cooked-on-site delicacies will also be available.
 The Festival will have producers and manufacturers of Organic Products from 26 Indian States.
India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2018
 India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2018 – a marquee event which provided a peep into the exciting
future in the rapidly evolving area of digital communications.
Theme:
 “New Digital Horizons – Connect. Create. Innovate.” -established the IMC as a regular platform
for global and local stakeholders in the sector to collaborate in the cause of exploring
opportunities and leveraging possibilities, with specific focus on South and South-East Asia.
Highlights of the Event:
 Delegations from 20 countries participated in the event, which saw more than 300
companies showcasing their latest and best technologies, products, services, and applications.
 An extremely relevant addition at this edition of the IMC was the presence of high-level
ministerial delegations from several BIMSTEC and ASEAN countries.
 The presence of the high-level delegations also offered them an opportunity for bilateral
meetings with their Indian counterparts, where topics of mutual interest were discussed, and
possibilities of strengthening cooperation were explored.
 The exhibition stalls covered a variety of interesting possibilities, hinged around 5G, Internet of
Things, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Smart City Solutions,
Fintech, Health-Tech, Autonomous Cars, and Cyber Security, amongst others.
 An interesting feature of the IMC was the focused attention on the critical Start-ups ecosystem.
 The Government of India announced the commitment of the industry to roll out One Million
WiFi Hotspots in the Country by December 2019.
 The National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) 2018 was also unveiled at the event. NFAP 2018
frees up a total of 605 MHz spectrum in the 5-GHz band for Wi-Fi services.
Electoral Bond Scheme 2018
 Government of India has notified the Electoral Bond Scheme 2018; as per provisions of the
Scheme, Electoral Bonds may be purchased by a person who is a citizen of India or incorporated
or established in India.
 A person being an individual can buy Electoral Bonds, either singly or jointly with other
individuals.
 Only the Political Parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act,
1951 (43 of 1951) and which secured not less than one per cent of the votes polled in the last
General Election to the House of the People or the Legislative Assembly of the State, shall be
eligible to receive the Electoral Bonds.
 The Electoral Bonds shall be encashed by an eligible Political Party only through a Bank account
with the Authorized Bank.
 Electoral Bonds shall be valid for fifteen calendar days from the date of issue and no payment
shall be made to any payee Political Party if the Electoral Bond is deposited after expiry of the
validity period.
 The Electoral Bond deposited by an eligible Political Party in its account shall be credited on the
same day.
72nd Infantry Day Celebrations
Aim:
To commemorate the selfless dedication to duty by Indian Army’s gallant Infantrymen, a wreath
laying ceremony was organised at ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’.
About:
 General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff, along with senior officers, laid wreaths in a solemn
ceremony.
 Sepoy Boota Singh, a recipient of Vir Chakra in 1971 War represented the veterans.
 Infantry celebrates 27 October each year as Infantry Day to commemorate the first Infantry
action post-independence.
Background:
 In response to the threat posed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our Nation, on this
day in 1947, the leading elements of the Indian Army from 1stBattalion of the SIKH Regiment air
landed at Srinagar and gallantly fought the raiders aided by Pakistan Army.
 This bold action by the Indian Army and indomitable courage displayed by the Infantrymen
reversed the tide of events and thwarted the adversary’s nefarious designs.
#Self4Society
 Professionals keen on doing volunteer work in their free time will be provided a platform by the
government through an app, #Self4Society, developed by MyGov.
 The app will have incentives, gamification and intra- and inter-company competitions, and social
networking
 This platform is going to create a big opportunity for the masses and will lead to a better
outcome of the efforts of professionals who have keen interest in volunteering.
Future Policy Gold Award

Context
 Sikkim has won the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) Future Policy Gold Award for
its achievement in becoming the world’s first totally organic agriculture state.
Details
 Sikkim won the Future Policy Award 2018, beating 51 nominated policies from 25 countries
 Sikkim became the first state in India to officially announce adoption of organic farming in the
year 2003 to ensure long term sustenance of soil fertility, protection of environment and
ecology, healthy living and decreasing the risk of health ailments.
 In 2003, Sikkim stopped imports of chemical fertilizers in the State and since then the
cultivatable land there is practically organic and farmers of Sikkim are traditional users of
organic manure.
 Nicknamed the “Oscar for best policies”, the award is co-organised with the FAO by The World
Future Council (WFC) and IFOAM — Organics International, and recognises “the world’s best
laws and policies promoting agroecology”.
 Brazil, Denmark, Quito and Ecuador shared the Silver award.
October 29, 2018
PM addresses ‘Make in India’ Seminar in Tokyo
 The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, addressed the ‘Make in India: India-Japan partnership
in Africa and digital partnership’ seminar, in Tokyo.
Highlights from his Speech:
 He explained how the Union Government is focused on improving ease of doing business, and
ease of living for the citizens.
 He expressed happiness at the large presence of Japanese companies in India.
 Japan has been a partner in many important industrial projects in India, the Prime Minister
explained the strength of India’s economic performance over the last four years.
 He said India is today the fastest growing major economy.
 He mentioned other major transitions in the Indian economy, including the move from informal
to formal economy, digital transactions and GST etc.
 The Prime Minister said that India’s rising economy, fast growing middle class and young
demography offer many new opportunities to Japanese investors.
 He also mentioned low cost manufacturing, IT industry, and electric mobility, among other
sectors.
 The Prime Minister emphasized on the shared values between India and Japan.
 He said that both countries would look to develop stronger development partnerships in other
parts of the world, including the Indo Pacific, South Asia and Africa.
Gujarat’s first Mega Food Park in Surat
 Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurated the first
Mega Food Park in Gujarat.
About:
 The Park is located at Village Shah and Vasravi, Taluka Mangrol, District Surat.
 The facilities being created by the developer at Central Processing Centre (CPC) of this Mega
Food Park include Multi Chamber Cold Store of 3,500 MT (1,500 MT Frozen & 2,000 MT MA),
Warehouse of 5,000 MT, IQF of 2 TPH, Pulping Line, QC Laboratory and other related food
processing facilities.
 The Park also has a common administrative building for office and other uses by the
entrepreneurs and 4 PPCs at Bharuch, Padra (Vadodara), Valsad and Navsari having facilities for
primary processing and storage near the farms.
 The Park will also provide direct and indirect employment to 5,000 persons and benefit about
25,000 farmers in the CPC and PPC catchment areas.
Aim:
 At giving a major boost to the food processing sector by adding value and reducing food wastage
at each stage of the supply chain with particular focus on perishables, Ministry of Food
Processing Industries is implementing Mega Food Park Scheme in the country.
 Mega Food Parks create modern infrastructure facilities for food processing along the value
chain from farm to market with strong forward and backward linkages through a cluster based
approach.
 Common facilities and enabling infrastructure is created at Central Processing Centre and
facilities for primary processing and storage is created near the farm in the form of Primary
Processing Centers (PPCs) and Collection Centers (CCs).
Vigilance Awareness Week
Context:
 The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will observe the Vigilance Awareness Week from
29thOctober to 3rd November, 2018 as per the directions of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC),
Government of India.
Theme:
 The theme of the vigilance awareness this year is “Eradicate Corruption- Make a New India.”
Aim:
 The CVC aims to promote integrity, transparency and accountability in public life.
Benefits:
 The observation of Vigilance Awareness Week creates greater awareness among public and
encourages all the stakeholders to collectively participate in prevention of and fight against
Corruption.
 During the week-long Vigilance Awareness campaign, various activities like seminars, debates
and essay competitions will be organized in the Ministry to sensitize and motivate its officers
and staff to remain vigilant and transparent in their work in order to eradicate corruption in all
spheres of life.
India’s first container movement on inland waterways
Context:
 Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) will transport container cargo belonging to the food
and beverage giant PepsiCo (India) from Kolkata to Varanasi on river Ganga (National Waterway-
1) tomorrow.
 This would be the country’s first container movement on inland vessel post-independence, and
a milestone moment in the history of India’s IWT sector.
About:
 PepsiCo (India) will move 16 containers – equivalent to 16 truckloads- filled with food and snacks
in the vessel MV RN Tagore which will reach Varanasi in 9-10 days.
 MV RN Tagore will make its return journey with fertilizers belonging to IFFCO that will be
procured from its Phulpur plant near Allahabad.
 The event coincides with another momentous day for IWT in India as IWAI’s first foray into
Public Private Partnership (PPP) model will become a reality with the handing over of operation
and management of its terminals in Kolkata to M/s Summit Alliance Port East Gateway (India)
Pvt Ltd. (SAPEL) on a supply, operate and maintain (SOM) model.
 Container cargo transport comes with several inherent advantages, as it reduces the handling
cost, allows easier modal shift, reduces pilferages and damage, it also enables cargo owners to
reduce their carbon footprints.
 The government is developing NW-1 (River Ganga) under JMVP from Haldia to Varanasi (1390
Km) with the technical and financial assistance of the World Bank at an estimated cost of Rs
5369 crore. The project would enable commercial navigation of vessels with capacity of 1500-
2,000 DWT.
 The PepsiCo cargo will be the first container movement on inland waterways in the country.
Conference on “CCTNS–Good practices and success Stories”
 The Union Minister of State for Home, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir inaugurated the two-day
conference on “CCTNS–Good practices and Success Stories” organised by National Crime Record
Bureau (NCRB).
 He also released a Compendium of “CCTN–Good practices and Success Stories”.
 He said that in a huge democracy like India, having population of 130 crore, CCTN System and
associated technologies can help us get information quickly and track the criminals.
 All the States/UTs should coordinate and integrate the various organs of the Criminal Justice
System such as the Police, Courts, Prisons, Prosecution, Forensic Laboratories, Finger Prints and
Juvenile
October 30, 2018
Statue of Unity
 The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will dedicate the world’s tallest statue, the “Statue of
Unity”, to the Nation, at Kevadiya in Gujarat.
 The 182 metre statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, will be dedicated to the nation on his birth
anniversary, at Kevadiya in Narmada District of Gujarat.
 At the launch ceremony, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries will pour soil and Narmada
water into a Kalash to mark the dedication of the “Statue of Unity” to the nation. The Prime
Minister will press a lever to commence a Virtual Abhishek of the statue.
 The Prime Minister will address the gathering.
 The dedication ceremony shall also be punctuated by flypast of IAF aircraft, and performances of
cultural troupes.
INS Tarangini
 The sail training ship of Indian Navy, INS Tarangini based at Kochi, returned after a seven month
long sailing across the world to a grand reception at naval base, Kochi on 30 Oct 18.
 The Voyage named “Lokayan 18” was flagged off on 10 Apr 18 from Kochi.
 During the voyage, the ship has proudly ‘shown the flag’ and highlighted the diverse culture of
India across 15 ports in 13 countries.
 The ship sailed across the Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Suez Canal, Mediterranean Sea, Strait of
Gibraltar, North Atlantic Ocean, Bay of Biscay, English Channel and North Sea, right up to
Norway before commencing her homeward passage back to Kochi.
 The ship also participated in the culminating event of the ‘Three Festival Tall Ships Regatta’ at
Bordeaux, France.
 As well as the ‘Tall Ships Races Europe 2018’ which started at Sunderland, UK and touched
Esbjerg, Denmark and Stavanger, Norway before finishing at Harlingen, Netherlands.
 During the tall ships regatta, the ship sailed along with hundreds of other sailing vessels, of
which 200 were ‘Tall Ships’ like herself, besides taking part in the parade of sails, which was
conducted at all these ports.
INS Tarangini: About
 INS Tarangini is a three masted ‘square rigged’ barque which carries a total of 20 sails.
 She is the First Sail Training Ship in Indian Navy and was commissioned on 11 Nov 1997.
 In her 21 years of glorious service, she has sailed over 2,20,000 nautical miles to date across the
world’s oceans.
 She is the first of two Sail Training Ships in the First Training Squadron, the other being INS
Sudarshini. The primary role of these Sail Training Ships is to develop character and
professionalism, as well as inculcate the qualities of initiative, courage, resilience and esprit-de-
corps amongst the Sea Trainees and also impart practical training to them, primarily on
navigation, sailing and seamanship.
Good & Replicable Practices & Innovations in Public HealthCare Systems in India
Context:
 Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare in the presence of Shri Sarbananda
Sonowal, Chief Minister of Assam, inaugurated the 5th National Summit on “Good & Replicable
Practices & Innovations in Public Health Care Systems in India” at Kaziranga.
Highlights of his speech:
 Referring to the world’s largest health insurance scheme – Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri
Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), Shri Nadda said that the scheme has been able to benefit around 1.5
lakh people within the first month of the launch of the programme.
 Shri Nadda also emphasized on the need for IT initiatives in the health sector as they can help
address gaps where we have challenges of HR, or aid accurate and quick diagnosis to improve
clinical decision making particular for remote locations. National Health Mission is also
supporting many IT initiatives in States.
 He further said that the best practices that have been selected on mHealth and digitalization will
provide learnings for other states to adopt the innovations.
 He also said that 15,000 Health and Wellness Centres across the country will start operating
soon.
KVS National Integration Camp-Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat
 The concept of National Integration Camp is unique in many ways. The 25 regions of KVS will
cover 25 Indian States and 25 Countries altogether in terms of the cultural heritage- Dance,
Music, Song, and Socio-Economic progress.
About:
 This mega-event is a broad platform for the students to display their creativity, originality,
artistic skills, etc.
 It gives them an opportunity to know about the culture, tradition, art and architecture of not
only the other states of India but of the various countries of the world.
 In the process of satiating the thirst for information, they overcome many challenges and
linguistic and geographical barriers and awaken a strong sense of national pride and widen their
horizons with a better cosmopolitan outlook.
 In a nut-shell, the programme not only encompasses performing arts but also provides a glimpse
of the processes through which they learn and acquire knowledge.
92% MGNREGA wage payments generated on time
 In the Financial Year 2018-19, so far 92% wage payments under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has been generated within 15 days.
 This percentage was 26.85% in 2014-15, indicating the remarkable improvement towards
making timely payments.
 These assets have been for Natural Resource Management (NRM), Water Conservation works,
durable assets, and a very large number of Individual Beneficiary Schemes including a 90/95
days’ work availability for poor households in the construction of their own houses under
Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).
 Each and every asset under MGNREGS is geo-tagged and available in the public domain for
scrutiny.
 All current works are monitored by geo-tagging have before, during, and after completion to
ensure full transparency in all works.
 Nearly 100% expenditure is now through Electronic Fund Management System (e-FMS)
indicating the thrust on quality, transparency, and accountability.
Background:
 MGNREGS is a demand driven and additional resources will be made available as and when
required to ensure that no one is denied work on demand.
 Adequate steps have been taken to ensure timely payments and mobilization of additional
resources when required.
 Reforms in the programme over the last 3 years have substantially improved the quality of
durable assets and convergence for effective livelihood diversification.
October 31, 2018
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
 The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a Silent revolution, Union
Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Chemicals & Fertilizers.
 Government of India’s endeavour to provide quality medicines at an affordable price is now
making an impact on the lives of common masses. It is a revolution that is shaping the health of
health care in India for common citizens.
 He also stressed on the excellent quality of PMBJP medicines as these are procured from only
WHO-GMP certified manufacturers and each batch is tested at NABL accredited independent
labs.
 The number of Janaushadhi stores in the country has grown to more than 4300 in 640 districts,
Shri Mandaviya noted that this scheme is providing a valuable source of self-employment with
sustainable and regular earnings.
 Laying down the future roadmap for the scheme, Shri Mandaviya said that by the end of 2018-
19, the total number of Janaushadhi stores in the country would reach more than 5000 stores,
with annual sales crossing Rs. 300 crores.
Invest India – WhatsApp partner
Context:
 In an effort to fuel the growth of India’s entrepreneurial and small business community, Invest
India through its flagship initiative Startup India Hub has partnered with WhatsApp on a
program that focuses on the proliferation of startups, promoting economic growth and
generating employment opportunities in India.
 WhatsApp will invest quarter of a million dollars as seed funding to the top 5 winners of the
‘WhatsApp Startup Challenge’ and an additional $ 250,000 will be directed to a select few from
the entrepreneurial community to promote their WhatsApp business number on Facebook and
drive discovery of their businesses.
 This way customers will be able to find the business and start talking to them on that WhatsApp
number.
 Invest India is also working with WhatsApp to drive awareness about its business tools in around
15 states impacting over 60,000 businesses in the coming months through tools such as Startup
India ‘Yatra’ program and other in-person training events.
 The Startup community is the future of India and will be the platform through which the millions
of youth of this country will be gainfully employed.
 WhatsApp cares deeply about helping businesses connect with customers and grow.
 The more opportunities that are given the more startups will become engines of India’s
economic growth.
Background:
 Launched on 16th January 2016 by the Prime Minister of India, Startup India, set-up under
Invest India, is a flagship initiative of the Government of India and is intended to build a strong
eco-system for nurturing innovation & Startups in the country that will drive sustainable
economic growth and generate large scale employment opportunities.
 In the last 2 years at the Startup India programme, there are over 13,000 startups registered
with Startup India program that spread across 448 districts covering all 29 States and 6 Union
Territories.
October 31, 2018
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
 The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a Silent revolution, Union
Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Chemicals & Fertilizers.
 Government of India’s endeavour to provide quality medicines at an affordable price is now
making an impact on the lives of common masses. It is a revolution that is shaping the health of
health care in India for common citizens.
 He also stressed on the excellent quality of PMBJP medicines as these are procured from only
WHO-GMP certified manufacturers and each batch is tested at NABL accredited independent
labs.
 The number of Janaushadhi stores in the country has grown to more than 4300 in 640 districts,
Shri Mandaviya noted that this scheme is providing a valuable source of self-employment with
sustainable and regular earnings.
 Laying down the future roadmap for the scheme, Shri Mandaviya said that by the end of 2018-
19, the total number of Janaushadhi stores in the country would reach more than 5000 stores,
with annual sales crossing Rs. 300 crores.
Invest India – WhatsApp partner
Context:
 In an effort to fuel the growth of India’s entrepreneurial and small business community, Invest
India through its flagship initiative Startup India Hub has partnered with WhatsApp on a
program that focuses on the proliferation of startups, promoting economic growth and
generating employment opportunities in India.
 WhatsApp will invest quarter of a million dollars as seed funding to the top 5 winners of the
‘WhatsApp Startup Challenge’ and an additional $ 250,000 will be directed to a select few from
the entrepreneurial community to promote their WhatsApp business number on Facebook and
drive discovery of their businesses.
 This way customers will be able to find the business and start talking to them on that WhatsApp
number.
 Invest India is also working with WhatsApp to drive awareness about its business tools in around
15 states impacting over 60,000 businesses in the coming months through tools such as Startup
India ‘Yatra’ program and other in-person training events.
 The Startup community is the future of India and will be the platform through which the millions
of youth of this country will be gainfully employed.
 WhatsApp cares deeply about helping businesses connect with customers and grow.
 The more opportunities that are given the more startups will become engines of India’s
economic growth.
Background:
 Launched on 16th January 2016 by the Prime Minister of India, Startup India, set-up under
Invest India, is a flagship initiative of the Government of India and is intended to build a strong
eco-system for nurturing innovation & Startups in the country that will drive sustainable
economic growth and generate large scale employment opportunities.
 In the last 2 years at the Startup India programme, there are over 13,000 startups registered
with Startup India program that spread across 448 districts covering all 29 States and 6 Union
Territories.
03 November 2018: UPSC Exam PIB Summary & Analysis
November 3, 2018
Ayurveda Day
Context:
 Ministry of AYUSH observes Ayurveda Day every year on Dhanawantari Jayanti (Dhanteras).
th
 This year Ayurveda Day is being observed on 5 November 2018.
 “National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award” comprising of Citation, Trophy (Dhanwantari Statue)
and Cash reward of Rupees five lakh shall be conferred on this day to eminent Vaidyas.
 The Ministry of AYUSH has selected three renowned Ayurveda experts namely Vaidya Shiv
Kumar Mishra, Vaidya Madhav Singh Bhagel and Vaidya Itoozhi Bhavadasan Namboothiri for the
prestigious National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award for the year 2018.
Highlight of the 3rd Ayurveda Day:
 The launch of the AYUSH-Health Management Information System (A-HMIS), a dedicated
software application for Electronic Health Record (EHR) for the AYUSH systems of Healthcare.
 A-HIMS which is being launched across 15 AYUSH units in different parts of the country in the
first phase on 5thNovember 2018 is expected to revolutionise the way Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani,
Siddha and Homoeopathy are practised in the country, by inducting modern IT-solutions into
these systems.
Zika Virus
Context:
 Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) under Department of Health Research is in the
forefront of advanced research in virology and the ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV) is at
par with leading scientific establishments across the world.
 ICMR-NIV, Pune has sequenced 5 Zika virus strains collected at different time points of the
Jaipur outbreak.
 The Health Ministry is reviewing the situation on a daily basis.
 Around 2000 samples were tested for Zika virus positivity, of which 159 positive cases have been
confirmed. Adequate numbers of testing kits have been provided to the Viral Research and
Diagnostic Laboratories.
About:
 Zika virus disease is an emerging disease currently being reported by 86 countries worldwide.
Symptoms of Zika virus disease are similar to other viral infections such as dengue, and include
fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache.
 In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January/February 2017 and second
outbreak in July,2017 from Krishnagiri District in Tamilnadu.
MoU signed between OMCs and CSC SPV for collaboration in LPG Services
 An MoU for collaboration in LPG services was signed between Oil Marketing Companies (IOCL,
HPCL & BPCL) and CSC e-Governance Services India Limited.
The following services to be availed through Common Services Centers:
 Booking new LPG connection (Ujjwala & General category)
 Booking of LPG refills (14.2 Kg cylinders)
 Supply & distribution of LPG cylinders (storage up to 100 Kgs,) through CSCs.
 Common Services Centre will help beneficiaries to provide the above OMCs service near to their
home, accessing through Digital Seva Portal.
Benefits to Citizens:
 Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and CSC SPV agreed to provide the benefits of Ujjawla
connection, refilling of new connection and other services through CSCs for last mile access at
their doorstep.
 Beneficiary can visit the nearby CSCs across India to get the services of OMCs.
 CSCs will help a beneficiary in booking a new gas connection request, refilling request and
delivery of Gas Cylinder.
 CSCs will help beneficiary to scan/upload her KYC documents for verification of his/her identity
for new booking connection.
 Beneficiaries can collect the Gas Cylinder from their nearby Common Services Centres.
 CSCs will also provide requisite information about the scheme and promote it among citizens so
that maximum number of beneficiaries can avail the benefit.
 Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas is appointing 1 Ujjawala Didi for every 5 villages whose
prime responsibility is to support and give service to Ujjawala Beneficiaries.
 CSCs has supported in conducting session in 100 LPG Panchayats where one hour training and
demo given to Ujjawala beneficiaries on safety mode of using gas cylinders and on Refill option.
About Common Service Centre:
 Common Services Centers (CSCs) are a strategic corner stone of the Digital India programme.
 CSCs are envisaged as assisted front end ICT (Information and Communication Technology)
enabled centres for delivery of various G2C (Government to Citizen) and other B2C (Business to
Citizen) services to the citizens.
 CSC Centre is operated by an operator named as Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE).
 VLE has basic level of computing infrastructure at his/her CSC centre and is capable of delivering
various services to citizens.
 CSCs today are prescribed as one of the service delivery points in rural India.
 They are positioned as change agents, promoting rural entrepreneurship and building rural
capacities and livelihoods. They focus towards the digital development, catalyzing rural
entrepreneurs & social inclusion.
 CSC Centres are present across India and equitably spread geographically.
November 4, 2018
National Seminar on Entrepreneurship and Business Development in Ayurveda
 This seminar is being organised by Ministry of AYUSH in association with NITI Aayog at Dr.
Ambedkar International centre, New Delhi
 It has the aim of encouraging entrepreneurs and Ayurveda stakeholders towards businesses
opportunities in the sector.
Details
 The seminar is expected to develop awareness among stakeholders about the business
opportunities, encouraging young entrepreneurs to use of modern technologies and modern
innovations in business development in the sector and to highlight opportunities at global level.
 The experts in marketing, finance management, innovation, telemedicine, the policy makers,
experts in start-up as well as experienced entrepreneurs in Ayurveda pharmaceuticals and
hospital industry will guide and share their experiences with the participants.
 The deliberations in the seminar are expected to educate the young entrepreneurs about the
various possibilities of business development in Ayurveda sector, how to use the technology and
the ease of business being facilitated by the Government for promoting their business in the
field of Ayurveda.
National Conference on Public Procurement & Competition Law

 It is being organised by the Competition Commission of India (CCI)
 The National Conference is being organised in association with Indian Institute of Corporate
Affairs (IICA), a think tank under the aegis of Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
 It is a unique initiative of the Commission which provides a platform to various stakeholders to
engage in an active discussion with the policymakers and the industry on various aspects of
competition law and public procurement.
 The National Conference will be attended by senior policy makers from Central Government,
various State Governments, participants from the public sector enterprises, industry, legal and
finance professionals, corporate lawyers, academics, and other relevant stakeholders.
 The event will focus on public procurement, bid rigging, cartels and leniency.
November 5, 2018
3rd Ayurveda day celebrated
 Minister of State for AYUSH Shri Shripad Yesso Naik has announced that Ayurveda Departments
will be opened in the new 19 AIIMS.
 Approval has been received from Home Ministry to open Ayurveda Departments in seven
hospitals of BSF and other Paramilitary forces.
 This year Ministry has taken many steps to fulfil the theme ‘Ayurveda for public health’ and
decided for further expand the coverage of the National Programme of ‘Prevention of Non
Communicable Disease’ from existing six states.
 The Ministry will organise 50 workshops in collaboration with MSME to enhance
entrepreneurship in Ayurveda and AYUSH sector.
 The third Ayurveda Day is being celebrated throughout the country on the occasion of
Dhanwantari Jayanti.
 The AYUSH-Health Management Information System (A-HMIS) was launched, a dedicated
software application for Electronic Health Record (EHR) for the AYUSH systems of Healthcare
which is expected to revolutionise the way Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy are
practised in the country, by inducting modern IT-solutions into these systems.
OPERATION GREENS
 Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) under Union Minister Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal
has approved the operationalisation strategy for Operation Greens.
Context:
 Operation Greens was announced in the Budget speech of 2018-19 with an outlay of Rs 500
crores to stabilize the supply of Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) crops and to ensure availability
of TOP crops throughout the country round the year without price volatility.
The strategy will comprise of a series of measures as decided by the Ministry which include:
 Short term Price Stabilisation Measures
o NAFED will be the Nodal Agency to implement price stabilisation measures. MoFPI will
provide 50% of the subsidy on the following two components:
o Transportation of Tomato Onion Potato(TOP) Crops from production to storage;
o Hiring of appropriate storage facilities for TOP Crops;
 Long Term Integrated value chain development projects
o Capacity Building of FPOs & their consortium
o Quality production
o Post-harvest processing facilities
o Agri-Logistics
o Marketing / Consumption Points
o Creation and Management of e-platform for demand and supply management of TOP Crops.
Background:
In the budget speech of 2018-19, a new Scheme “Operation Greens” was announced on the line of
“Operation Flood”, with an outlay of Rs.500 crore to promote Farmer Producers Organizations, agri-
logistics, processing facilities and professional management.
Major objectives of “Operation Greens”:
 Enhancing value realisation of TOP farmers by targeted interventions to strengthen TOP
production clusters and their FPOs, and linking/connecting them with the market.
 Price stabilisation for producers and consumers by proper production planning in the TOP
clusters and introduction of dual use varieties.
 Reduction in post-harvest losses by creation of farm gate infrastructure, development of
suitable agro-logistics, creation of appropriate storage capacity linking consumption centres.
 Increase in food processing capacities and value addition in TOP value chain with firm linkages
with production clusters.
 Setting up of a market intelligence network to collect and collate real time data on demand and
supply and price of TOP crops.
MoU signed between Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of India and the Ministry of Culture,
Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea
 A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and
Sports of India and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea on
sports cooperation.
Objective:
 The objective of this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is to establish a framework to
facilitate and promote cooperation between the two countries on the basis of reciprocity and
mutual benefit. The cooperation under this MoU may include areas like-
o Exchange of coaches, athletes, experts;
o Exchange of scientific and methodical materials
o Joint training for athletes and officials;
o Participation in sports event, seminars, symposia and conferences organized by either
country etc.
 The two countries will encourage exchanges and cooperative actions between sports
authorities, sports federations and other sports bodies in the different areas of cooperation, as
jointly decided.
India and the Republic of Korea sign MoU
 The MoU was signed by two parties to strengthen and further develop the established
relationship for strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism.
Objectives:
1. To expand bilateral cooperation in tourism sector
2. To increase Exchange of information and data related to tourism
3. To encourage cooperation between tourism stakeholders including Hotels and Tour Operators
4. To establish exchange programmes for cooperation in Human Resources Development
5. To encourage Investment in the Tourism and Hospitality sectors
6. To exchange visits of Tour Operators / Media / Opinion Makers for the promotion of two way
tourism
7. To exchange experience in the areas of promotion, marketing destination development and
management
8. To encourage participation in travel fairs/exhibitions in each other’s country
9. To promote safe, honourable and sustainable tourism
November 5, 2018
3rd Ayurveda day celebrated
 Minister of State for AYUSH Shri Shripad Yesso Naik has announced that Ayurveda Departments
will be opened in the new 19 AIIMS.
 Approval has been received from Home Ministry to open Ayurveda Departments in seven
hospitals of BSF and other Paramilitary forces.
 This year Ministry has taken many steps to fulfil the theme ‘Ayurveda for public health’ and
decided for further expand the coverage of the National Programme of ‘Prevention of Non
Communicable Disease’ from existing six states.
 The Ministry will organise 50 workshops in collaboration with MSME to enhance
entrepreneurship in Ayurveda and AYUSH sector.
 The third Ayurveda Day is being celebrated throughout the country on the occasion of
Dhanwantari Jayanti.
 The AYUSH-Health Management Information System (A-HMIS) was launched, a dedicated
software application for Electronic Health Record (EHR) for the AYUSH systems of Healthcare
which is expected to revolutionise the way Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy are
practised in the country, by inducting modern IT-solutions into these systems.
OPERATION GREENS
 Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) under Union Minister Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal
has approved the operationalisation strategy for Operation Greens.
Context:
 Operation Greens was announced in the Budget speech of 2018-19 with an outlay of Rs 500
crores to stabilize the supply of Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) crops and to ensure availability
of TOP crops throughout the country round the year without price volatility.
The strategy will comprise of a series of measures as decided by the Ministry which include:
 Short term Price Stabilisation Measures
o NAFED will be the Nodal Agency to implement price stabilisation measures. MoFPI will
provide 50% of the subsidy on the following two components:
o Transportation of Tomato Onion Potato(TOP) Crops from production to storage;
o Hiring of appropriate storage facilities for TOP Crops;
 Long Term Integrated value chain development projects

o Capacity Building of FPOs & their consortium
o Quality production
o Post-harvest processing facilities
o Agri-Logistics
o Marketing / Consumption Points
o Creation and Management of e-platform for demand and supply management of TOP Crops.
Background:
In the budget speech of 2018-19, a new Scheme “Operation Greens” was announced on the line of
“Operation Flood”, with an outlay of Rs.500 crore to promote Farmer Producers Organizations, agri-
logistics, processing facilities and professional management.
Major objectives of “Operation Greens”:
 Enhancing value realisation of TOP farmers by targeted interventions to strengthen TOP
production clusters and their FPOs, and linking/connecting them with the market.
 Price stabilisation for producers and consumers by proper production planning in the TOP
clusters and introduction of dual use varieties.
 Reduction in post-harvest losses by creation of farm gate infrastructure, development of
suitable agro-logistics, creation of appropriate storage capacity linking consumption centres.
 Increase in food processing capacities and value addition in TOP value chain with firm linkages
with production clusters.
 Setting up of a market intelligence network to collect and collate real time data on demand and
supply and price of TOP crops.
MoU signed between Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of India and the Ministry of Culture,
Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea
 A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and
Sports of India and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea on
sports cooperation.
Objective:
 The objective of this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is to establish a framework to
facilitate and promote cooperation between the two countries on the basis of reciprocity and
mutual benefit. The cooperation under this MoU may include areas like-
o Exchange of coaches, athletes, experts;
o Exchange of scientific and methodical materials
o Joint training for athletes and officials;
o Participation in sports event, seminars, symposia and conferences organized by either
country etc.
 The two countries will encourage exchanges and cooperative actions between sports
authorities, sports federations and other sports bodies in the different areas of cooperation, as
jointly decided.
India and the Republic of Korea sign MoU
 The MoU was signed by two parties to strengthen and further develop the established
relationship for strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism.
Objectives:
1. To expand bilateral cooperation in tourism sector
2. To increase Exchange of information and data related to tourism
3. To encourage cooperation between tourism stakeholders including Hotels and Tour Operators
4. To establish exchange programmes for cooperation in Human Resources Development
5. To encourage Investment in the Tourism and Hospitality sectors
6. To exchange visits of Tour Operators / Media / Opinion Makers for the promotion of two way
tourism
7. To exchange experience in the areas of promotion, marketing destination development and
management
8. To encourage participation in travel fairs/exhibitions in each other’s country
9. To promote safe, honourable and sustainable tourism.
November 8, 2018
Multi Modal Terminal on River Ganga at Varanasi
Context:
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will dedicate to the nation the newly constructed Multi Modal
Terminal on River Ganga at Varanasi on the 12th of November, 2018.
This is the first of the three Multi Modal Terminals and two Inter Modal Terminals being constructed
on the river.
Aim:
To develop the stretch of River Ganga between Varanasi to Haldi for navigation of large vessels upto
1500-2000 tonnes weight, by maintaining a drought of 2-3 metres in this stretch of the river and
setting up other systems required for safe navigation.
Objective:
To promote inland waterways as a cheaper and more environment friendly means of transport,
especially for cargo movement. Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is the project
Implementing Agency.
Salient features of Varanasi Mutli-Modal Terminal (MMT) are as follows:
 First Multi-Modal Terminal on National Waterway -1.
 Land: 33.34 hectares.
 Cost of Phase-I of MMT: Rs. 206.84 cr.
 Terminal capacity: 1.26 MPTA
 Start date of the project: June, 2016
 Completion date of the project: November 2018
The following are the main ingredients of the project, which are ready for operations:
 Jetty: Length 200 m x Width 42 m with berthing and mooring facility.
 02 Mobile Harbour Cranes
 Approach Road
 Internal Road
 Stone Pitching Works and bank protection
 Shell structure of ancillary buildings, worker amenity building ready
Benefits:
 The project of multi-modal terminal and proposed Freight Village at Varanasi are expected to
generate 500 direct employment and more than 2000 indirect employment opportunities.
Impact of Demonitisation
Context:
Following is the highlight of the Text of the Article written by the Union Minister of Finance and
Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley on completion of two years of Demonetisation.
Highlights:
 Demonitisation is a key step in a chain of important decisions taken by the Government to
formalise the economy.
 Technology has been used for both Direct and indirect taxes to facilitate filing of returns and
expanding the tax base.
THE ROLE OF CASH
 India was a cash dominated economy. Cash involves anonymity in transactions. It bypasses the
banking system and enables its possessors to evade tax.
 Demonitisation compelled holders of cash to deposit the same in the banks.
 The enormity of cash deposited and identified with the owner resulted in suspected 17.42 lakh
account holders from whom the response has been received online through non-invasive
method.
 Larger deposits in banks improved lending capacity for the banks.
THE MISCONCEIVED ARGUMENT
 Confiscation of currency was not an objective of demonitisation. Getting it into the formal
economy and making the holders pay tax was the broader objective.
EFFECT ON DIGITISATION
 The Unified Payment Interface (UPI) was launched in 2016 involving real time payments
between two sets of mobile holders.
 The Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) is an App developed by NPCI for quick payment
transactions using UPI.
 The RUPAY Card is used both at the Point of Sale (PoS) and for e-commerce.
IMPACT ON DIRECT TAXES
 The impact of demonitisation has been felt on collection of personal income tax.
 Its collections were higher in Financial Year 2018-19 (till 31-10-2018) compared to the previous
year by 20.2%.
 In the first four years of this Government, returns have increased to 6.86 crore. By the time the
first five years of this Government are over, we will be close to doubling the assesse base.
IMPACT ON INDIRECT TAX
 Demonitisation and implementation of the GST curbed cash transactions in a big way.
 This formalisation of the economy has led to the tax payer base increase from 6.4 million in the
pre-GST regime to 12 million tax payers in the post-GST regime.
 The fact that assesses have to now declare their business turnover not only impacts the indirect
tax calculations, but also ensures that income tax arising out of them is disclosed in the tax
assessments.
 In 2014-15, the indirect tax to GDP ratio was 4.4%. Post-GST it has climbed up by at least 1
percentage point to 5.4%.
 Villages being connected by Road, electricity in every home, 92% coverage for rural sanitation, a
successful Awas Yojana, a cooking gas connection in 8 crore poor homes.
 Ten crore families are covered under Ayushman Bharat, Rs. 1,62,000 Crore is being spent on
subsidised food, 50% increase in MSP for farmers and a successful Crop Insurance Scheme.
 It is the formalisation of the economy which has led to 13 crore entrepreneurs getting Mudra
Loans.
 More formalisation, more revenue, more resources for the poor, better Infrastructure, and a
better quality of life for our citizens.
November 9, 2018
Bilateral Exercise Between Indian & Republic of Singapore Navies
th
 The 25 edition of SIMBEX, an acronym for “Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise” is
scheduled from 10th to 21st November 2018 off Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal.
 Bilateral cooperation between Singapore and India was first formalised when RSN ships began
training with the Indian Navy in 1994.
 Complementing India’s ‘Act-East’policy, there have been a number of agreements and high level
visits in the recent past between the two countries.
Relationship:
 Indo-Singapore bilateral relations have been on an upswing in the recent past.
 Both countries have a full calendar of more than 20 bilateral mechanisms, dialogues and
exercises, many of which take place annually.
 In November 2015, the robust relationship between the two countries was elevated to ‘Strategic
Partnership’.
 In June this year, on the side-lines of the Shangrila Dialogue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore inked many agreements including those under the
‘Defence and Strategic Partnership Sectors’.
 Key among them is the ‘Implementation Agreement between Indian Navy and Republic of
Singapore Navy concerning Mutual Coordination, Logistics and Services Support for Naval Ships’,
Submarines and Naval Aircraft (including Ship borne Aviation Assets) visits.
 The Implementation Agreement since coming in force has facilitated deployment of naval assets
from bases of the other through logistics and services support.
 Both sides agreed to undertake continuous and institutionalised naval engagements in their
shared maritime space including establishing maritime exercises with like-minded regional /
ASEAN partners.
The 2018 edition marks the Silver Jubilee of SIMBEX.
SIMBEX 2018 will be the largest edition since 1994 in terms of scale and complexity.
Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities 2018 Begins
 The Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities, 2018 was inaugurated by the Minister of
State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar.
 The three day event is being organised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with
Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in association with
Rehabilitation International Korea and their associated partner LG Electronics.
Objective:
 To leverage IT skills among youth with disabilities and also to spread awareness about the
application of Information and Computer Technology (ICT) in enhancing the quality of life of
persons with disabilities especially in Asia-Pacific region.
About:
 The Global ICT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities is a capacity building project that helps
youth with disabilities to overcome their limitations and challenge themselves for a better
future by providing them with access to ICT and related experiences, improving their ability to
leverage information and social participation while setting ICT agendas for participant countries
related to disabilities and boosting international cooperation and exchange.
 This year around 100 youth with disabilities (visual disability, hearing disability, locomotor
disability and intellectual disability/developmental disorder) from 18 countries namely, India,
Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Mongolia,
Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, Korea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, UK and UAE are participating in this
event.
 India has nominated twelve youth with disabilities to participate in the event.
Context:
 The competition is focused on strategies for strengthening IT skills of youth with disabilities as a
critical requirement for enhancing their access to information and communication services on an
equal basis with others.
 It is being held with a total of four events including e-Tool Challenge to evaluate the skills of
using the MS Office programme and e-Life Map Challenge to evaluate the online information
search ability in specific situations.
November 10, 2018
Vice President of India addressing the Indian Diaspora at UNSECO in Paris, France
Highlights of his speech:
 India has always been a voice for peace and non-violence from time immemorial.
 Peace is the only pre-requisite for progress, in an inter-dependent world, progress can be
achieved only through dialogue and understanding.
 The contributions of the Diaspora in the fields of science and technology, industry, agriculture,
art, culture, governance or politics, their strong contributions and successes are as much a
matter of pride for France, the country of their settlement, as they are for India, the country of
their origin.
 Persons of Indian origin and Indians abroad have excelled in many areas of French public life,
with many as members in the French Parliament as well as in the European Parliament.
 He said that the introduction of Goods and Service Tax was a major step to have seamless and
efficient national market and added that it would make it easier for businesses to establish and
grow in India.
 Matters such as usage of information and communication technologies to improve access to
education, enhancing the quality of teaching-learning process and teacher development
programmes, strengthening educational planning and management, and improving monitoring
systems.
His later activities:
 He will also be participating at a global event at Arc d’ Trionphe in which he will pay homage to
the martyrs of World War I.
 He will also inaugurate the Indian Armed Forces Memorial at Villers Guislain as a tribute to
several thousands of Indian soldiers whose gallantry and dedication have earned worldwide
recognition.
Global IT challenge for youth with disabilities 2018
Objective:
 To leverage IT skills among youth with disabilities and also to spread awareness about the
application of Information and Computer Technology (ICT) in enhancing the quality of life of
persons with disabilities especially in Asia-Pacific region.
 It is a capacity building project that helps youth with disabilities to overcome their limitations
and challenge themselves for a better future by providing them with access to ICT and related
experiences, improving their ability to leverage information and social participation while setting
ICT agendas for participant countries related to disabilities and boosting international
cooperation and exchange.
Context:
 India has nominated twelve youth with disabilities to participate in the event.
 These youth with disabilities have been selected on the basis of the National IT Challenge
conducted by the Ministry through NIT, Kurukshetra in June, 2018.
November 12, 2018 Written by aparna
PM pays tributes to Indian soldiers who fought in First World War
Context
100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
Background
World War I officially began on July 28, 1914, after the assassination of Archduke Franz
Ferdinand, and lasted until 1918.
During the World War I, the Central Powers made up of Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and
the Ottoman Empire fought against the Allied Powers which consisted of Great Britain, France,
Russia, Italy, Romania, Japan and the United States
Details
Over one million Indians served overseas during the First World War who rushed to the Western
Front, Indian soldiers fought tenaciously to stop a German breakthrough
Being a British colony, the Indian Army contributed a large number of soldiers to the European,
Mediterranean and the Middle East conflicts of war in World War I.
The Indian Army fought against the German Empire in East Africa and also on the Western Front
They served in places as diverse as France and Belgium, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Gallipoli, Palestine
and Sinai.
Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest award for gallantry that a British and Commonwealth
serviceman can achieve.
A total of 11 Victoria Crosses were won by Indian soldiers.
Khudadad Khan became the first Indian to be awarded a Victoria Cross. He was a machine gunner
with the 129th Baluchi Regiment.
Darwan Singh Negi was among the earliest Indian recipients of the Victoria Cross (VC)
He was awarded the medal on the same day as Khudadad Khan VC; but the latter’s VC action
was of earlier date, so that he is regarded as the first Indian recipient.
Others are Mir Dast, Shahamad Khan, Lala, Gabbar Negi, Karanbahadur Rana, Badlu Singh, Chatta
Singh, Gobind Singh and Kulbir Thapa who won Victoria Cross for their role in World War I.
India Gate
In 1931 British commemorated the war by constructing the arch known as India Gate.
India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and is at New Delhi’s Raj Path.
The India Gate was originally named All-India War Memorial and it was built to pay homage to the
soldiers of the Indian Army who lost their lives fighting for the British Empire in World War I and
the Third Anglo-Afghan War.
Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities 2018
The objective of the Global ICT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities is to leverage IT skills among
youth with disabilities and also to spread awareness about the application of Information and
Computer Technology (ICT) in enhancing the quality of life of persons with disabilities especially in
Asia-Pacific region.
It is a capacity building project that helps youth with disabilities to overcome their limitations and
challenge themselves for a better future by providing them with access to ICT and related
experiences, improving their ability to leverage information and social participation while setting
ICT agendas for participant countries related to disabilities and boosting international cooperation
and exchange.
It is being held with a total of four events including e-Tool Challenge to evaluate the skills of using
the MS Office programme and e-Life Map Challenge to evaluate the online information
searchability in specific situations.
Prime Minister interacts with the members of his Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory
Council (PM-STIAC)
Context: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on 13th November 2018 met and interacted with
the members of his Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC).
Objective:
This Council renders advice on all matters related to Science, Technology and Innovation and
monitors the implementation of the Prime Minister’s vision on these issues.
This Council will facilitate the formulation and implementation of policies and decisions, provide
action-oriented and future preparedness advise and assist in directing S&T to solve the socio-
economic problems in the country.
Council will also have a large focus on driving innovation in education, research, industry etc.
Outcomes :
The Prime Minister emphasized that the benefits of science, technology and innovation must
reach the common man, solve common day-to-day problems, and facilitate ease of living for the
people of India.
The Prime Minister called for development of suitable platforms and mechanisms which can
identify and nurture scientific talent among schoolchildren, and link them to Atal Tinkering Labs at
the district and regional level
the Prime Minister mentioned some priority areas of research such as raising agricultural income,
solutions for chronic and genetic diseases such as sickle cell anaemia, waste management and
cyber security.
INDO-Russian joint exercise INDRA 2018
Context: The Tenth joint military exercise between Indian and Russia EXERCISE INDRA 2018 on
combating insurgency under the aegis of United Nations (UN) is being conducted at Babina Field
Firing Ranges, Babina Military Station from 18 November 2018.
Objective: The Exercise INDRA is aimed at sending a strong message to the world with an intent of
appreciation of interoperability between Indian and Russian Armies for joint tactical level operations
in the peacekeeping/enforcement environment under the aegis of UN.
2nd Startup India Investment Seminar in Beijing
Context: Embassy of India in China in partnership with Startup India Association (SIA) and Venture
Gurukool organized 2nd Startup India Investment Seminar on 12 November 2018 in Beijing for
fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among Indian youth.
Objective: The event was planned to expose Chinese VCs and investors to the promising Indian
startups and also help Indian startups to reach out to the large Chinese investors for receiving
investment for their companies.
Forty-two Indian entrepreneurs representing 20 Indian startups participated in the event and
pitched before Chinese investors to make investments in their ventures. More than 350 Chinese
Venture Capital (VC) funds, angel investors participated in a day-long pitching session and seminar.
Venture Capital Funds: A fund established in the form of a trust or a company including a body
corporate and registered under the SEBI venture capital fund regulations which– has a dedicated
pool of capital, raised in a manner specified in the regulations and invests in venture capital
undertaking in accordance with the regulations.
Angel Investors: Angel investors invest in small startups or entrepreneurs. Often, angel investors are
among an entrepreneur’s family and friends. The capital angel investors provide may be a one-time
investment to help the business propel or an ongoing injection of money to support and carry the
company through its difficult early stages.
“Hunar Haat”
Context: Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi will inaugurate the “Hunar
Haat” on 15th November, 2018 at India International Trade Fair (IITF) at Pragati Maidan in New
Delhi.
Objective:
Hunar Haat has significantly encouraged and promoted the rich traditional heritage of master
artisans who had been marginalised for a long time
Hunar Haat has significantly encouraged and promoted the rich traditional heritage of master
artisans.
Hunar Haat has been successful in providing national and international markets and employment-
marketing opportunities to master artisans and craftsmen.
Hunar Haat has become a credible and renowned brand where exquisite Handicraft & Handloom
made by master artisans and various delicacies from across the country are available under one
roof.
7th RCEP Inter-Sessional Ministerial Meeting concludes in Singapore
Context: The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, led the
Indian delegation to the 7th RCEP Inter-Sessional Ministerial Meeting in Singapore on 12-13
November, 2018. The Ministerial Meeting was held in preparation for the 2nd RCEP Leaders Summit
to be held on 14th November 2018 in Singapore in which Prime Minister of India will be
participating.
RCEP:The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a mega regional free trade
agreement being negotiated amongst 16 countries, comprising 10 ASEAN countries (Brunei,
Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) plus
six ASEAN FTA partners, namely Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea and New Zealand.
Outcomes:
Ministers guided the negotiators to deliberate further on E-Commerce, Competition and
Investment chapters where consensus could not be reached during this meeting.
Ministers urged the negotiators to intensify their work with a view of narrowing gaps and finding
balanced outcomes in the negotiations with the aim of concluding negotiations by 2019.
Commerce Minister defended India’s interests effectively and secured maximum flexibilities. Both
in STRACAP(Standards, Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment Procedures ) and
SPS(Sanitary and Phytosanitary) negotiations, India managed to obtain balanced outcomes in the
application of the Dispute Settlement Mechanism.
DIPP hosts Global Digital Content Market 2018
Context: The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and
Industry, is hosting a conference on Global Digital Content Market (GDCM)2018, on14th-
15thNovember 2018, in New Delhi
About: India has been chosen as a host nation for the conference by World Intellectual Property
Organization(WIPO) due to the strong creative industry in the country in films, music and media. The
focus for this year’s conference is the Asia Pacific region
WIPO: The World Intellectual Property Organisation or WIPO is a UN specialised agency created in
1967 to promote intellectual property (IP) protection and encourage creative activity all over the
world. WIPO is basically a global forum for IP policy, services, information and cooperation.
Currently, it has 191 member states. The governing bodies and rules are set down in the WIPO
Convention of 1967. It is at present headed by Francis Gurry, who is its Director General. WIPO is
headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. WIPO has its origins in the United International Bureaux for
the Protection of Intellectual Property which was established in 1893.
Objective: The aim of GDCM 2018 is to give industry stakeholders a platform to come together and
discuss new avenues in the films, music, gaming and creative industry along with points of challenge
that is presented due to thechanging creative landscape because of the disruption brought about by
digital technologies
Secretary DIPP, Ramesh Abhishek, informed in the press conference that India’s rank in the Global
Innovation Index 2018 has improved by 24 places from that of 2015 and now ranks 57th
MNRE circulates draft Indian Wind Turbine Certification Scheme (IWTCS)
Context: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, in consultation with National Institute of Wind
Energy Chennai, has prepared a draft of new Scheme called Indian Wind Turbine Certification
Scheme (IWTCS) incorporating various guidelinesTurbine Certification Scheme (IWTCS).
About: The draft Scheme lists the guidelines for the benefit of all the stakeholders from concept to
lifetime of wind turbine, including Indian Type Approved Model (ITAM), Indian Type Certification
Scheme (ITCS), Wind Farm Project Certification Scheme (WFPCS) and Wind Turbine Safety &
Performance Certification Scheme (WTSPCS).
Objectives: The IWTCS is aimed at assisting and facilitating Original Equipment Manufacturers
(OEMs), End Users -Utilities, State Nodal Authorities (SNAs), Developers, Independent Power
Producers (IPPs), Owners, Authorities, Investors and Insurers, Certification Bodies and Testing
Laboratories.
Advantages:
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India through various policies
and schemes has facilitated the healthy and orderly growth of the wind energy sector. The
guideline for the recognition of the certification schemes in India by MNRE was paramount for the
success of quality wind turbines installed in India.
Type Certification of wind turbines plays an active role in ensuring that wind turbines in India
meet the requirements of requisite IS/IEC/IECRE standards in vogue.
Internationally, IEC /IECRE Certification schemes for wind turbines are well recognized and widely
used and the IWTCS in its formulation has incorporated the rules and procedures of IS/IEC/IECRE.
Leadership for Academicians Program (LEAP) and Annual Refresher Programme In Teaching
(ARPIT) for higher education faculty
Context: Dr.Satya Pal Singh, Minister of State, Ministry of Human Resource Development, launched
two new initiatives; Leadership for Academicians Programme (LEAP) and Annual Refresher
Programme In Teaching (ARPIT) today at New Delhi.
LEAP: Leadership for Academicians Programme (LEAP) is a three weeks Flagship leadership
development training programme (2 weeks domestic and one week foreign training) for second level
academic functionaries in public funded higher education institutions.
The main objective is to prepare second tier academic heads who are potentially likely to assume
leadership roles in the future.
ARPIT: Annual Refresher Programme in Teaching (ARPIT), a major and unique initiative of online
professional development of 15 lakh higher education faculty using the MOOCs platform
SWAYAM.ARPIT will be an ongoing exercise so that every year NRCs will continuously develop new
refresher module in their earmarked discipline each year. The training materials will be uploaded
and made available through SWAYAM
SWAYAM: Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds programme is run by the
Ministry of Human Resource Development, GOI. Professors of centrally funded institutions
like IITs, IIMs and central universities will offer online courses to Indians. The courses would be
delivered free of cost to those who need. However, if a candidate needs a certificate, a fee would be
charged for that.
Fintech festival at Singapore addressed by PM
Context
Narendra Modi became the first Head of Government to deliver the keynote address at Singapore
Fintech Festival.
PM Modi launched APIX (Application Programming Interface Exchange), a global Fintech platform
with Deputy PM of Singapore T Shanmugaratnam after his address at the event.
Fintech festival:
The recent International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings marked the launch of the
Bali Fintech Agenda. It is set of 12 policy recommendations aimed at better harnessing the benefits
and opportunities of rapid advances in financial technology.
Significance
Fintech has the potential to broaden the reach of formal financial services, sharply lower costs
and spur efficiency gains.
It has created wave of innovation in payments, clearing and settlement, offering both the banked
and unbanked cheaper and faster services, besides powering e-commerce.
Fintech providers are now beginning to offer saving, borrowing, insurance and other financial
products and advisory services.
Financial inclusion can fundamentally reshape the lives of people and have a hugely positive
economic and social impact.
Another positive spillover comes from governments benefitting from reduced leakages and better
targeting of public services, while an expanding tax base through improved compliance allows
greater resource-generation for public investment.
Concerns
Fintech tends to be lightly regulated or unregulated in some jurisdictions and soundness and
stability are concerns.
Payments and e-money operators use essentially private money, which carries credit and
settlement risks.
Broader financial stability questions arise as fintech expands from a low base and linkages with
banks grow. There are increasing concerns associated with data privacy, data security and money
laundering.
Yuva Sahakar-Cooperative Enterprise Support and Innovation Scheme

Context
Union Agriculture Minister launches NCDC’s new scheme to promote young entrepreneurs in
cooperatives.
Details
The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) has come up with a youth-friendly
scheme for attracting them to cooperative business ventures.
The scheme will be linked to Rs 1000 crore ‘Cooperative Start-up and Innovation Fund (CSIF)’
created by the NCDC.
It would have more incentives for cooperatives of North Eastern region, Aspirational Districts and
cooperatives with women or SC or ST or PwD members.
All types of cooperatives in operation for at least one year are eligible.
Funding
The funding for the project will be up to 80% of the project cost for these special categories as
against 70% for others.
The scheme envisages 2% less than the applicable rate of interest on term loan for the project
cost up to Rs 3 crore including 2 years moratorium on payment of principal.
National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)
It was established by an Act of Parliament in 1963 as a statutory Corporation under the Ministry of
Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
Its core functions include Planning, promoting and financing programmes for production,
processing, marketing, storage, export and import of agricultural produce, foodstuffs, certain
other notified commodities e.g. fertilisers, insecticides, agricultural machinery, lac, soap, kerosene
oil, textile, rubber etc., supply of consumer goods and collection, processing, marketing, storage
and export of minor forest produce through cooperatives, besides income generating stream of
activities such as poultry, dairy, fishery, sericulture, handloom etc.
It is an ISO 9001:2015 compliant organisation and has a distinctive edge of competitive financing.
‘Tall ships sail together’ expedition

Context
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba will flag off a ‘tall ships sail together’ expedition that
will cover a distance of 1,200 nautical miles from Kochi to Muscat
The event is held as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Indian Ocean Naval
Symposium (IONS).
Details
It seeks to retrace the maritime trade route of yesteryears between the Malabar Coast and the
Persian Gulf.
The event carries with it the memories of a glorious maritime past and the ancient cultural
exchange that opened long-distance political and economic relations between the great
civilizations of India and those in Persia and Arabia.
The special cover carries a map of the Indian Ocean and littoral countries of the IOR, signifying the
geopolitical importance of the region.
Young Champions Awards

Context
NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and UNICEF India, have come together on Children’s Day
2018, to provide an open platform to young children of India, to contribute towards sustainable
development.
The awards were presented to the top six most innovative solutions from across the country, which
were shortlisted through the Atal Tinkering Marathon.
Atal Tinkering Marathon
The Marathon will be open to all ATL schools across the country who aspires to make a difference
and contribute to the school’s success in becoming an Innovation Hub.
The Marathon’s focus is on identifying a problem and developing innovative solutions that align with
the National Agenda of creating a New India by 2022.
The innovative solutions should ideally focus on the 6 focus areas in alignment with National Agenda
namely, clean energy, water resources, waste management, healthcare, smart mobility and agri-
technology.
The objective was to encourage students to observe community problems and develop innovative
solutions.
November 16, 2018 Written by Nanditha
Mega Food Park in Aurangabad District
Context:
Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal today inaugurated the
second Mega Food Park in Maharashtra.
A 3rdMega Food Park has been sanctioned by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries in
Maharashtra and is under implementation in Wardha District while the first Park was
inaugurated in Satara district.
It is aimed at giving a major boost to the food processing sector by adding value and reducing food
wastage at each stage of the supply chain with particular focus on perishables, Ministry of Food
Processing Industries is implementing Mega Food Park Scheme in the country.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme
Context:
Two important projects under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism, were inaugurated
at PTSO Lake in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh .
These projects are “Development of North East Circuits”:
“Bhalukpong- Bomdila – Tawang Project”
Under this project the Ministry has developed facilities like Accommodation, Cafeteria, wayside
Amenities, last Mile Connectivity, Pathways, Toilets, Multipurpose Hall at Jang
Nafra- Seppa- Pappu, Pasa, Pakke Valleys- Sangdupota- New Sagalee- Ziro- Yomcha Project
The facilities developed under this project includes Helipad, Wayside amenities, trekking trails,
Rafting Centre, Log Huts, craft bazaar, Eco Park, Tourist facilitation centres, parking, multipurpose
Hall, festival ground etc.
Ministry has given great impetus to the tourism infrastructure in the region under its flagship
schemes of Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD.
Development of agriculture sector
Context:
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Radha Mohan Singh on the occasion of the
first convocation ceremony of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University in Bihar said that it
has begun work on five new themes targeted by Union Agriculture Ministry for the development of
agriculture sector. These include “har khet ko pani”, increase the production of pulses, soil health,
doubling farmers’ income and more crop per drop.
Highlights:
Four new projects to accelerate the ‘Lab to Farm’ programme for all-round development of
agriculture has been launched by the government.
In order to increase the connectivity of farmers with scientists, technical assessment, evaluation,
training and capacity building, the government has initiated the Farmer First program.
Considering the importance of capacity development for entrepreneurship in rural youth, Student
READY (Rural Entrepreneurship Awareness Development Yojana) program has been started.
In order to create new opportunities of employment generation for the youth in agriculture and
to prevent their migrations, Attracting and Retaining of Youth in Agriculture (ARYA) has been
started.
Under the “Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav” program, agricultural experts of agricultural universities and
ICAR have been given the responsibility of a village in order to create awareness among farmers
about scientific farming.
Student READY (Rural Entrepreneurship Awareness Development Yojana):
Student READY (Rural Entrepreneurship Awareness Development Yojana) programme is a new
initiative of Indian Council of Agricultural Research to reorient graduates of Agriculture and allied
subjects for ensuring and assuring employability and develop entrepreneurs for emerging
knowledge intensive agriculture.
This envisages the introduction of the programme in all the Agricultural Universities as an
essential prerequisite for the award of degree to ensure hands on experience and practical
training depending on the requirements of respective discipline and local demands.
This programme includes five components:
1. Experiential Learning,
2. Rural Awareness Works Experience,
3. In-Plant Training /Industrial attachment
4. Hands-on training (HOT) / Skill development training
5. Students Projects.
Attracting and Retaining of Youth in Agriculture (ARYA):
Realizing the importance of rural youth in agricultural development of the country, ICAR has initiated
a programme on “Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture”.
Objectives:
(i) To attract and empower the Youth in Rural Areas to take up various Agriculture, allied and service
sector enterprises for sustainable income and gainful employment in selected districts.
(ii) to enable the Farm Youth to establish network groups to take up resource and capital intensive
activities like processing, value addition and marketing.
(iii) To demonstrate functional linkage with different institutions and stakeholders for convergence
of opportunities available under various schemes/program for sustainable development of youth
World Standards Day 2018

Context:
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) organised a seminar on “International Standards and the Fourth
Industrial Revolution” in New Delhi to celebrate the World Standards Day 2018.
World Standards Day:
World Standards Day, is an international day of observance recognized world over since 1970.
This annual event is celebrated across the globe jointly with the International Electro-technical
(IEC), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU).
This occasion provides a perfect opportunity to reflect how Standards work in the real world, and
the benefits they bring to business, society and the environment.
Each year, ISO decides a theme of the World Standards Day based on a current aspects of
standardization.
The theme of this year “International Standards and Industrial Revolution 4.0” is very relevant as
the industry is embracing new technologies for automation along with artificial intelligence
making use of advanced communication modes.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS):
BIS is the National Standard Body of India established under the BIS Act 1986 for the harmonious
development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods and
for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
BIS has been providing traceability and tangibility benefits to the national economy in a number of
ways – providing safe reliable quality goods; minimizing health hazards to consumers; promoting
exports and imports substitute; control over proliferation of varieties etc. through
standardization, certification and testing.
November 17, 2018 Leave a Comment Written by aparna
Urban Renaissance Imperative for Economic Growth
Context: The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that India is witnessing an
urban renaissance while interacting with the Mayor of Houston, USA, Mr. Sylvester Turner.
Highlights:
The Vice President said that Government’s initiatives such as Smart Cities, AMRUT Mission,
Housing for all are changing the urban landscape by providing amenities to common man at an
affordable price.
He also said that India and United States being the largest and oldest democracies in the world
should come together and strengthen the existing relationship to foster new ties.
Urban Renaissance:
Urban Renaissance is a redevelopment system that can turn neighborhoods, cities, and regions
into beautiful self-sufficient places where people want to live and work. It is a strategic approach
that involves all stakeholders in the process from initiation through to living realization.
The unique Urban Renaissance process provides safe and healthy living environments and a
thriving economy. UR realizes inspiring environments to live in, and resilient long term
investments. It significantly improves on old planning and design processes. The UR process
includes strategies based on:
Community and stakeholder participation
Urban and industrial ecology
Closed loop resource cycles, Circular and Blue Economies (Economies of Abundance)
Urban agriculture and manufacturing
Smart grids and renewable energy technologies
Adaptive reuse , building redevelopment and redesign.
Complimentary currencies
Innovation Communities
System rethinking and mapping using the SiD system.
Urban Renaissance offers self-sufficiency
UR applies a closed-loop urban metabolism approach combined with life-cycle thinking and
bottom-up community participation, tailored to each specific neighborhood, culture, and
economy. This results in resilient and sustainable neighborhoods with local independence on the
following aspects, and more:
Energy (neutral, positive, or autonomous)
Water & waste processing
Fresh food (basic or full sufficiency)
Construction & operational materials
Economic program
Social and cultural program
Communications (internet, data storage)
Ecological resources
CSIR-CRRI
Context:
CSIR-Central Road Research Institute has organized a two-day international conference titled
“Pavements and Computational Approaches” from 16-17 November 2018, at its premises in New
Delhi
The objective of the conference is to deliberate upon advancements in pavement technology and
road infrastructure engineering across the world, with special emphasis to the requirements of
developing countries
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. Human Resource
Development Group (HRDG), a division of CSIR realises this objective through various grants,
fellowship schemes etc.
Human Resource Development Group has been contributing significantly towards producing an
inquiring society and fast growing knowledge economy. These numerous schemes cover a wide
range of scientists.
CSIR comes under ministry of science and technology.
Traffic Separation Scheme
Context: The Directorate General of Shipping has proposed the establishment of a Traffic Separation
Scheme (TSS) off the south-west coast of India to prevent collision incidents between merchant
vessels and fishing vessels off the coast of Kerala.
About:
The proposal has been drawn taking into consideration past collision incidents off the Indian
coast, traffic patterns of merchant vessels for past years, and optimum sea routes, in consonance
with the current traffic flow, including simplification of traffic in converging areas off the coast of
Kerala.
The proposal has also considered aspects pertaining to the safety of navigation, maritime security
and the separation of opposing streams of traffic to reduce incidents of collision in Indian waters.
Stakeholder consultations are in progress for establishing the Traffic Separation Scheme – TSS in
the south-west coast.
The proposed TSS lanes are currently under consideration, and will be located at a distance of
about 90 nautical miles west of Mangalore in Karnataka, with the lanes leading in a south-easterly
direction to the southernmost tip of India and ending about 40 nautical miles off south of
Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu.
The average distance from the coast is about 50 nautical miles.
Benefits:
The promulgation of TSS on the south-west coast of India is expected to shift the density of
merchant traffic away from the coast and merchant ship traffic will become more concentrated in
the established TSS.
This is expected to result in more sea room for fishing vessels to operate safely and will, therefore,
be beneficial to the fishing industry.
Central and State Statistical Organizations (COCSSO)
Context:
The 26th edition of Central and State Statistical Organizations (COCSSO) Conference was organized
by the Ministry of Statistics and Programmed Implementation (MoSPI) in collaboration with
Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of Himachal Pradesh at Dharamshala,
Himachal Pradesh on 15th and 16th November, 2018.
The theme of the 26th Conference was “Quality Assurance in Official Statistics”.
About:
COCSSO is an annual conference which provides a platform for the Central and State statisticians
to exchange views and discuss common issues relating to statistical activities.
In order to strengthen the coordination of statistical activities among the Ministry of Statistics and
Programme Implementation, other Central Ministries and State Statistical Organisations, the
Conference of Central and State Statistical Organisations (COCSSO) was organized for the first
time in the year 1971.
Objectives:
The objectives of the conference are:
To provide a platform for discussion on the statistical issues of common interest to the Central
and the State Statistical Organistions;
To provide an overall perspective to the development of statistical system and to
make recommendations/suggestions on issues having bearing on the development of
the statistical system;
To solve the technical issues relating to statistics;
To set up Working Groups on specific issues/tasks relating to official statistics;
To provide guidelines in the collection of statistics and maintenance of statistical standards
and quality, besides uniformity in statistical standards;
To consider the Action Taken Report of the follow up action on the recommendations of the
previous meetings(s) of COCSSO; and
To review the role of the Statistical Advisers in the Central and States/UT Governments.
India-Kyrgyz Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological
Cooperation (IK-IGC)
Context: The 9th Session of the India-Kyrgyz Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic,
Scientific and Technological Cooperation (IK-IGC) was held on 15-16 November, 2018 in New Delhi.
Outcomes:
During the session, India and Kyrgyzstan have identified potential sectors where both sides may
engage in areas like healthcare and pharmaceutical, environmental and technical safety,
agriculture, information, tourism and culture, textiles and clothing, banking, labor and social
development, mines and standards, metrology and certification sector.
Both sides agreed to hold business to business forums between Kyrgyz and Indian companies as
well as the exchange of business and commercial information and search for partners.
Kyrgyz side proposed to consider the creation of joint food and food processing ventures for
agriculture and meat product for export to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) markets.
It requested India to assist in incubation methods and breeding of fresh water fish, fish disease
prophylactic treatment, primary processing and storage of fish and fish products, creation of
electronic data base for the pastures, monitoring, assessment and conducting of remote sensing
of mountainous pastures including geo-information system.
The parties agreed to hold the tenth meeting of the Kyrgyz-Indian inter-governmental Commission
on Trade-Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.
State of the Indian Startup Ecosystem-2018 report
Context: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, released the first
State of the Indian Startup Ecosystem-2018 report by Inc 42 which is an Indian information platform
known for its coverage of the Indian startup ecosystem.
About:
According to the Inc42 ‘The State of Indian Startup Ecosystem 2018’, India currently has more
than 49,000+ startups, 1500+ investors, 250+ incubators, and 26 unicorns. The country is among
the three largest startup ecosystems in the world in terms of its size, reach, and impact.
The report is an analysis to help drive strategic decision-making in governance, investments,
growth, and other core aspects of the ecosystem
Ganga Gram
Context:
Third Ganga Gram Swachhata Sammelan was held in Kannauj
Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation Uma Bharati calls upon villagers on Ganga bank
to raise sanitation levels.
Ganga Gram is a concept to transform banks on the village of River Ganga into ideal villages with
emphasis on ODF, Solid and Liquid Waste Management, Water Conservation, Ground Water
Recharge, modern crematorium, tree plantation, organic and medicinal plant agriculture being
the main components.
About:
Rural habitation and villages situated in vicinity of River Ganga contribute a significant pollution
load to the river on account of open defecation, dirty water and solid wastes from the individual
households entering the river through village drains and nallahs. Therefore, rural based pollution
load in Ganga River is sought to be addressed through development of Ganga Grams.
Ganga Gram Namami Gange project has been launched under the Ministry for Water
resources,River development and Ganga Rejuvenation for developing the state of the river Ganga.
Vision:
To develop model village, that will exhibit itself as comprehensive and harmonious package of
economic, historic, cultural and sanitized unit, on banks of Ganga, which is self –sustaining.
Promoting brand “Ganga” in its handicraft, organic farm produce and tourism will be other spin
offs.
Components of Ganga Grams:
Making village ODF
Proper management of village waste draining into river Ganga
Proper disposal of solid waste
Water conservation activities including rain water harvesting/ground water recharge/maintain of
well and ponds, promotion of sprinkler irrigation
Encourage plantation of medicinal plants and promotion of organic farming
Construction of crematorium
Promotion of tourism
Coordination between various Central and State Governments sponsored schemes and their
implementation on priority in Ganga Grams
Urban Renaissance Imperative for Economic Growth
Context: The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that India is witnessing an
urban renaissance while interacting with the Mayor of Houston, USA, Mr. Sylvester Turner.
Highlights:
The Vice President said that Government’s initiatives such as Smart Cities, AMRUT Mission,
Housing for all are changing the urban landscape by providing amenities to common man at an
affordable price.
He also said that India and United States being the largest and oldest democracies in the world
should come together and strengthen the existing relationship to foster new ties.
Urban Renaissance:
Urban Renaissance is a redevelopment system that can turn neighborhoods, cities, and regions
into beautiful self-sufficient places where people want to live and work. It is a strategic approach
that involves all stakeholders in the process from initiation through to living realization.
The unique Urban Renaissance process provides safe and healthy living environments and a
thriving economy. UR realizes inspiring environments to live in, and resilient long term
investments. It significantly improves on old planning and design processes. The UR process
includes strategies based on:
Community and stakeholder participation
Urban and industrial ecology
Closed loop resource cycles, Circular and Blue Economies (Economies of Abundance)
Urban agriculture and manufacturing
Smart grids and renewable energy technologies
Adaptive reuse , building redevelopment and redesign.
Complimentary currencies
Innovation Communities
System rethinking and mapping using the SiD system.
Urban Renaissance offers self-sufficiency
UR applies a closed-loop urban metabolism approach combined with life-cycle thinking and
bottom-up community participation, tailored to each specific neighborhood, culture, and
economy. This results in resilient and sustainable neighborhoods with local independence on the
following aspects, and more:
Energy (neutral, positive, or autonomous)
Water & waste processing
Fresh food (basic or full sufficiency)
Construction & operational materials
Economic program
Social and cultural program
Communications (internet, data storage)
Ecological resources
CSIR-CRRI
Context:
CSIR-Central Road Research Institute has organized a two-day international conference titled
“Pavements and Computational Approaches” from 16-17 November 2018, at its premises in New
Delhi
The objective of the conference is to deliberate upon advancements in pavement technology and
road infrastructure engineering across the world, with special emphasis to the requirements of
developing countries
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. Human Resource
Development Group (HRDG), a division of CSIR realises this objective through various grants,
fellowship schemes etc.
Human Resource Development Group has been contributing significantly towards producing an
inquiring society and fast growing knowledge economy. These numerous schemes cover a wide
range of scientists.
CSIR comes under ministry of science and technology.
Traffic Separation Scheme
Context: The Directorate General of Shipping has proposed the establishment of a Traffic Separation
Scheme (TSS) off the south-west coast of India to prevent collision incidents between merchant
vessels and fishing vessels off the coast of Kerala.
About:
The proposal has been drawn taking into consideration past collision incidents off the Indian
coast, traffic patterns of merchant vessels for past years, and optimum sea routes, in consonance
with the current traffic flow, including simplification of traffic in converging areas off the coast of
Kerala.
The proposal has also considered aspects pertaining to the safety of navigation, maritime security
and the separation of opposing streams of traffic to reduce incidents of collision in Indian waters.
Stakeholder consultations are in progress for establishing the Traffic Separation Scheme – TSS in
the south-west coast.
The proposed TSS lanes are currently under consideration, and will be located at a distance of
about 90 nautical miles west of Mangalore in Karnataka, with the lanes leading in a south-easterly
direction to the southernmost tip of India and ending about 40 nautical miles off south of
Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu.
The average distance from the coast is about 50 nautical miles.
Benefits:
The promulgation of TSS on the south-west coast of India is expected to shift the density of
merchant traffic away from the coast and merchant ship traffic will become more concentrated in
the established TSS.
This is expected to result in more sea room for fishing vessels to operate safely and will, therefore,
be beneficial to the fishing industry.
Central and State Statistical Organizations (COCSSO)
Context:
The 26th edition of Central and State Statistical Organizations (COCSSO) Conference was organized
by the Ministry of Statistics and Programmed Implementation (MoSPI) in collaboration with
Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of Himachal Pradesh at Dharamshala,
Himachal Pradesh on 15th and 16th November, 2018.
The theme of the 26th Conference was “Quality Assurance in Official Statistics”.
About:
COCSSO is an annual conference which provides a platform for the Central and State statisticians
to exchange views and discuss common issues relating to statistical activities.
In order to strengthen the coordination of statistical activities among the Ministry of Statistics and
Programme Implementation, other Central Ministries and State Statistical Organisations, the
Conference of Central and State Statistical Organisations (COCSSO) was organized for the first
time in the year 1971.
Objectives:
The objectives of the conference are:
To provide a platform for discussion on the statistical issues of common interest to the Central
and the State Statistical Organistions;
To provide an overall perspective to the development of statistical system and to
make recommendations/suggestions on issues having bearing on the development of
the statistical system;
To solve the technical issues relating to statistics;
To set up Working Groups on specific issues/tasks relating to official statistics;
To provide guidelines in the collection of statistics and maintenance of statistical standards
and quality, besides uniformity in statistical standards;
To consider the Action Taken Report of the follow up action on the recommendations of the
previous meetings(s) of COCSSO; and
To review the role of the Statistical Advisers in the Central and States/UT Governments.
India-Kyrgyz Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological
Cooperation (IK-IGC)
Context: The 9th Session of the India-Kyrgyz Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic,
Scientific and Technological Cooperation (IK-IGC) was held on 15-16 November, 2018 in New Delhi.
Outcomes:
During the session, India and Kyrgyzstan have identified potential sectors where both sides may
engage in areas like healthcare and pharmaceutical, environmental and technical safety,
agriculture, information, tourism and culture, textiles and clothing, banking, labor and social
development, mines and standards, metrology and certification sector.
Both sides agreed to hold business to business forums between Kyrgyz and Indian companies as
well as the exchange of business and commercial information and search for partners.
Kyrgyz side proposed to consider the creation of joint food and food processing ventures for
agriculture and meat product for export to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) markets.
It requested India to assist in incubation methods and breeding of fresh water fish, fish disease
prophylactic treatment, primary processing and storage of fish and fish products, creation of
electronic data base for the pastures, monitoring, assessment and conducting of remote sensing
of mountainous pastures including geo-information system.
The parties agreed to hold the tenth meeting of the Kyrgyz-Indian inter-governmental Commission
on Trade-Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.
State of the Indian Startup Ecosystem-2018 report
Context: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, released the first
State of the Indian Startup Ecosystem-2018 report by Inc 42 which is an Indian information platform
known for its coverage of the Indian startup ecosystem.
About:
According to the Inc42 ‘The State of Indian Startup Ecosystem 2018’, India currently has more
than 49,000+ startups, 1500+ investors, 250+ incubators, and 26 unicorns. The country is among
the three largest startup ecosystems in the world in terms of its size, reach, and impact.
The report is an analysis to help drive strategic decision-making in governance, investments,
growth, and other core aspects of the ecosystem
Ganga Gram
Context:
Third Ganga Gram Swachhata Sammelan was held in Kannauj
Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation Uma Bharati calls upon villagers on Ganga bank
to raise sanitation levels.
Ganga Gram is a concept to transform banks on the village of River Ganga into ideal villages with
emphasis on ODF, Solid and Liquid Waste Management, Water Conservation, Ground Water
Recharge, modern crematorium, tree plantation, organic and medicinal plant agriculture being
the main components.
About:
Rural habitation and villages situated in vicinity of River Ganga contribute a significant pollution
load to the river on account of open defecation, dirty water and solid wastes from the individual
households entering the river through village drains and nallahs. Therefore, rural based pollution
load in Ganga River is sought to be addressed through development of Ganga Grams.
Ganga Gram Namami Gange project has been launched under the Ministry for Water
resources,River development and Ganga Rejuvenation for developing the state of the river Ganga.
Vision:
To develop model village, that will exhibit itself as comprehensive and harmonious package of
economic, historic, cultural and sanitized unit, on banks of Ganga, which is self –sustaining.
Promoting brand “Ganga” in its handicraft, organic farm produce and tourism will be other spin
offs.
Components of Ganga Grams:
Making village ODF
Proper management of village waste draining into river Ganga
Proper disposal of solid waste
Water conservation activities including rain water harvesting/ground water recharge/maintain of
well and ponds, promotion of sprinkler irrigation
Encourage plantation of medicinal plants and promotion of organic farming
Construction of crematorium
Promotion of tourism
Coordination between various Central and State Governments sponsored schemes and their
implementation on priority in Ganga Grams
Economic fugitives
Context: The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that world nations, led by the
UN, should arrive at a consensus in refusing shelter to economic fugitives and create a framework
for Extradition Treaties and exchange of information on black money while delivering a keynote
address after presenting Economic Times Awards 2018 for Corporate Excellence, in Mumbai.
Who are economic fugitive offenders?
A fugitive economic offender is an individual who has committed some specified offense(s)
involving an amount of one hundred crore rupees or more and has absconded from India or
refused to come back to India to avoid or face criminal prosecution in India.
A Fugitive Economic Offender is a person declared so by a ‘Special Court’ set up under the
Prevention of Money-Laundering Act 2002, against whom an arrest warrant has been issued in
respect of any of the economic offenses provided in the schedule to Fugitive Economic Offenders
Bill,2018 and who has left India so as to avoid criminal prosecution, or being abroad, refuses to
return to India to face criminal prosecution.
Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill,2018
The Bill allows for a person to be declared as a fugitive economic offender (FEO) if: (i) an arrest
warrant has been issued against him for any specified offenses where the value involved is over Rs
100 crore, and (ii) he has left the country and refuses to return to face prosecution.
To declare a person an FEO, an application will be filed in a Special Court (designated under the
Prevention of Money-Laundering Act, 2002) containing details of the properties to be confiscated,
and any information about the person’s whereabouts. The Special Court will require the person to
appear at a specified place at least six weeks from issue of notice.Proceedings will be terminated
if the person appears.
The Bill allows authorities to provisionally attach properties of an accused, while the application is
pending before the Special Court.
Upon declaration as an FEO, properties of a person may be confiscated and vested in the central
government, free of encumbrances (rights and claims in the property).Further, the FEO or any
company associated with him may be barred from filing or defending civil claims.
Indian Coast Guard
Context: Consultative Committee Meeting of Ministry of Defence on Indian Coast Guard chaired by
Smt Nirmala Sitharaman reviewed the operational preparedness, Infrastructure development and
coastal security mechanism of the Coast Guard.
About:
The Indian Coast Guard is a multi-mission organization, conducting round-the-year real-life
operations at sea. Despite being relatively small, it has a wide range of task capabilities for both
surface and air operations. The organization is headed by the Director General Indian Coast Guard
(DGICG) exercising his overall command and superintendence from the Coast Guard Headquarters
(CGHQ) located at New Delhi.
Functions of Indian Coast Guard
search and rescue missions
humanitarian aid
assistance to fishermen
increased surveillance capability.
India-Maldives
Context: Prime Minister of India, visited Maldives to participate in the presidential inauguration
ceremony of the newly elected President of the Republic of Maldives,Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Outcomes:
Both leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean and
being mindful of each other’s concerns and aspirations for the stability of the region.
The two leaders expressed their unwavering commitment and support for increased cooperation
in combating terrorism both within the region and elsewhere.
The two leaders discussed ways in which India can continue development partnership, particularly
to help the new government in meeting its pledges to the people of the Maldives such as
increased housing and infrastructure development as well as for establishing water and sewerage
systems in the outlying islands.
Prime Minister Modi also welcomed the expanding opportunities for Indian companies to invest in
the Maldives in different sectors for the mutual benefit of both countries.
Recognizing that nationals of both countries travel extensively between the two countries, the
leaders also agreed on the need for facilitating easier visa procedures.
National Conference of Women in Police
Context: The 8th National Conference of Women in Police (NCWP) begins in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The
two-day conference which is being organized by Bureau of Police Research & Development in
collaboration with Jharkhand Police, is the only national-level platform to address the issues of
Women in uniform and create an enabling atmosphere for them to maximize and optimize their
professional potential.
About NCWP:
The 1st edition of NCWP was organized in 2002 at New Delhi by BPR&D in collaboration with Delhi
Police.
It is an Empowered Body which shall deal with capacity building of women police personnel and
provide adequate exposure in the core police functions for achieving absolute professionalism.
NCWP has been continuously working on strengthening and monitoring of mechanism to deal
with sexual harassment in all the Police Organizations / CPOs by suggesting active ways and
means.
Sincere efforts have been made for issues related with gender sensitization for all police ranks,
exclusive infrastructural development for women police like restrooms, toilets, crèche etc., equal
opportunities for women in career planning and other welfare measures like maternity and
childcare leave, police housing for women workforce, etc.
Topics deliberated in the conference:
Unheard voices of Women in CAPF/Force – Gender neutral working places.
Technology for skills enhancement.
Empowered workspace for conducive work environment.
Role of Women Police in Smart Cities.
Women in Community Oriented policing.
Special Training Needs for Women personnel.
Sexual harassment at workplaces – Varied perspective and management
National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH)
Context: “Qaumi Ekta Week” (National Integration Week) is observed all over the country, from 19 th
November to 25th November, 2018 with a view to foster and reinforce the spirit of Communal
Harmony, National Integration and pride in vibrant, composite culture and nationhood.
The National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH), an autonomous organisation with the
Ministry of Home Affairs, organises Communal Harmony Campaign coinciding with the Qaumi Ekta
Week and observes the Communal Harmony Flag Day on 25th November.
About National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH)
National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH) was set up as an autonomous organisation
under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and registered on the 19th February, 1992
The main objective of the foundation is providing assistance for the physical and psychological
rehabilitation of the child victims of communal, caste, ethnic or terrorist violence, with special
reference to their care, education and training besides promoting communal harmony, fraternity
and national integration.
The Foundation promotes Communal Harmony and strengthens National Integration.
The Home Minister is ex-officio chairman of the Governing Council of the Foundation.
The Governing Council decides broad policies, suggests measures for achieving its objectives and
exercises overall supervision over the Foundation.
The ex-officio chairman of the Executive Council of the Foundation is the Secretary, Ministry of
Home Affairs.
The management and administration of the Foundation rests with the Executive Council.
Swachh Bharat Mission
Context: The Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) will celebrate the World Toilet Day on 19th
November with mass awareness and mobilization activities across States and districts. The focus is
on usage of toilets, which is closely linked to the Prime Minister’s call for a Swachh Bharat by
October 2019.
In recognition to the work done by the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), the Ministry of Drinking
Water and Sanitation, receives a Lifetime Achievement Award at the World Toilet Summit in
Mumbai.
About Swachh Bharat Mission
Swachh Bharat Mission i.e. Clean India Mission is a national level campaign, recently launched by
the Government of India is a major step towards the protection of degrading environment.
The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) launched on emanates from the vision of the Government of
India as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary to be celebrated in the year
2019 to ensure hygiene, waste management and sanitation across the nation 2nd Oct. 2014.
The Government of India adopted a demand driven approach by the name Total Sanitation
Campaign (TSC) in 1999, which was later renamed as the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA). Nirmal
Bharat Abhiyan (NBA) has been restructured into Swachh Bharat Mission with two sub-Missions –
Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) and Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban).
OBJECTIVES OF SBM
The Swachh Bharat Mission has the following objectives:
1. Elimination of open defecation
2. Eradication of Manual Scavenging
3. Modern and Scientific Municipal Solid Waste Management
4. To effect behavioural change regarding healthy sanitation practices
5. Generate awareness about sanitation and its linkage with public health
6. Capacity Augmentation for Urban Local Bodies (ULB’s)
7. To create an enabling environment for private sector participation in Capex (capital expenditure)
and Opex (operation and maintenance)
COMPONENTS OF SBM
The Swachh Bharat Mission has the following components:
1. Household toilets, including conversion of insanitary latrines into pour-flush latrines
2. Community toilets
3. Public toilets
4. Solid waste management
5. IEC & Public Awareness
6. Capacity building and Administrative & Office Expenses
Ease of Doing Business Grand Challenge
Context:
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, launched the Ease of Doing Business Grand Challenge at
an event in Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi
The objective of this challenge is to invite innovative ideas based on Artificial Intelligence, Internet
of Things, Big Data Analytics, Blockchain and other ccutting-edge technology to reform
Government processes. The platform for the Grand Challenge is the Startup India Portal.
Description:
The Prime Minister said that there have been improvements in the ease of doing business and the
ranking has further improved from previous years but he seeks suggestions and improvement
programs from the think tanks and Industrial bodies.
India now ranks first in South Asia due to continuous efforts from Union and State Govts.
The reforms initiated were keeping in mind the Predictable Transparent Policies and Policy Driven
Governance.
So it is necessary to reduce human intervention in the processes, and increase the use of modern
and digital technologies. He said that a work culture based on this, will further promote policy
driven governance.
Definition:
Ease of doing business is an index published by the World Bank. It is an aggregate figure that
includes different parameters which define the ease of doing business in a country.
In the EODB index, ‘higher rankings’ (a lower numerical value) indicate better, usually simpler,
regulations for businesses and stronger protections of property rights.
AirSewa 2.0
Context:
The Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Commerce & Industry and Minister of State for Civil
Aviation, launched the upgraded version of AirSewa 2.0 web portal and mobile app in New Delhi
About:
Airsewa enables travelers to submit grievances and seek information on air travel in India.
It is an initiative by MoCA (Ministry of Civil Aviation)
The government had launched Air Sewa’s maiden version in 2016 as a part of its initiative, ‘Digital
India’, to address customers’ grievances on a digital platform.
Features:
The second version of the app and web portal will allow flyers to register their complaints via
social media using the hashtag ‘AirSewa’
The need was felt for development of an upgraded version of AirSewa to provide a superior user
experience with enhanced functionalities.
Major improvements include features such as secure sign-up and log-in with social media,
chatbot for travellers support, improved grievance management including social media
grievances, real-time flight status and details flight schedule.
The upgrade and improved version of AirSewa operates through an interactive web portal as well
as through a mobile app for both android and iOS platforms
The web portal and application will help to capture air travellers’ feedback for policy
interventions.
The focus is now on improving the quality of services so that passengers who are travelling
have a safe and comfortable experience.
Further upgrades of AirSewa are also being planned which would include DigiYatra registration,
airport maps, BHIM payment integration and grievance escalation and transfer.
Baba Kalyani led Committee

Context:
The Baba Kalyani led committee constituted by the Ministry of Commerce& Industry to study the
existing SEZ policy of India submitted its report to the Union Minister for Commerce & Industry
and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, in New Delhi on 19 November.
Objective
The objectives of the committee were to evaluate the SEZ policy and make it WTO compatible,
suggest measures for maximizing utilisation of vacant land in SEZs, suggest changes in the SEZ
policy based on international experience and merge the SEZ policy with other Government
schemes like coastal economic zones, Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor, national industrial
manufacturing zones and food and textiles parks.
Suggestions
The current environment of manufacturing competitiveness and services has to undergo a basic
paradigm shift.
The success seen by services sector like IT and ITES has to be promoted in other services sector
like health care, financial services, legal, repair and design services.
Industrial Park Rating System

Context:
The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, released the
report prepared by the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of
Commerce & Industry, on Industrial Park Rating System.
Details
This system is being developed by the ministry to assess industrial parks in the country based on
four pillars — internal and external infrastructure, connectivity, environment and safety
management, and business support services.
There are over 3,000 industrial parks in the country in sectors including engineering, software,
food processing and chemicals.
Under the system, the ministry would assess 200 such parks on several parameters such as
sewage effluent and treatment; and water treatment.
The need of the system arises to see whether these parks are matching the global standards.
Significance
This would help in improving infrastructure of industrial parks which are present in almost all the
states.
Development of industrial park rating system would help increase competitiveness of industries
and promotion of the manufacturing sector
The portal serves as a one-stop solution to the free and easy accessibility of all industrial
information including availability of raw material – agriculture, horticulture, minerals, natural
resources, distance from key logistic nodes, layers of terrain and urban infrastructure.
World’s standard definition of kilogram, Second & Metre redefined

Context:
The 26th meeting of the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) was held during
November 13-16 2018 at Palais des Congrés, Versailles, France. CGPM is the highest international
body of the world for accurate and precise measurements. The 26th CGPM meeting was very special
and historic as the members have voted for the redefinition of 130 years old “Le grand K – the SI unit
of kg” in terms of the fundamental Planck’s constant(h). The new definitions will come into force on
20 May 2019.
New changes made:
The International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), the main executive body of CGPM has
the responsibility of defining the International System of Units (SI). This revision of the SI is the
culmination of many years of intensive scientific cooperation between the National Metrology
Institutes (The national Physical Laboratory for India) and the BIPM. The dissemination of SI units
for the welfare of society and industries in the country is the responsibility of Legal Metrology,
Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India.
Out of five draft resolutions the revision of the International System of Units and the definition of
timescales are the important. The most important is the resolution on the revision of International
System of Units.
The definition of the seven base units namely, second, metre, kilogram, ampere, Kelvin, mole and
candela has been changed from being linked to artefacts to being based on the fundamental
constants on nature. Notably, the definition of kilogram has been changed from being the mass of
prototype sanctioned by the 1st CGPM held in Paris in 1889 and deposited at the BIPM to the
Planck constant which is a physical constant.
Likewise, the definition of metre has been changed to link it to the speed of light. There is a
change in definition of time also. The change in the definition will result in uniform and worldwide
accessible SI system for international trade, high- technology manufacturing, human health and
safety, protection of environment, global climate studies and the basic science under-pinning
these.
The units are expected to be stable in the long term, internally self-consistent and practically
realisable being based on the present theoretical description of nature at the highest level.
The International prototype of kilogram (IPK) is kept at the BIPM, Paris and serves as the
international standard of kilogram. It is made of 90% platinum and 10% iridium and is a cylinder of
39 mm diameter and 39 mm height. Replicas of the IPK are made of the same material and used
at BIPM as reference or working standards and national prototype of kilogram (NPK), kept at
different National Metrology Institutes (NMIs). NPK-57, kept at CSIR- National Physical Laboratory,
is sent periodically to BIPM for calibration.
NPK further is being utilised through transfer standards of mass to provide unbroken chain of
traceability for dissemination of mass through Legal Metrology to the user industries, calibration
laboratories etc. The precise and accurate measurements help country in the production of
international quality products and help commerce through elimination of the technical barrier to
trade.
Kibble balance is a self-calibrating electromechanical balance and provides the measurements of
mass, traceable in terms of electrical parameters and provides linkage of macroscopic mass to the
Planck constant(h). NPL-UK, NIST-USA, NRC- Canada, PTB-Germany etc. Have successfully
developed Kibble balance for 1 kg with an uncertainty of measurement in order of 10-8. NPL-India,
in association with Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India is looking forward for
the development of 1 kg Kibble balance.
The advantages of Kibble balance would be that the NPK need not to be sent to BIPM for
calibrations and the accuracy and stability of Kibble balance is very high which is very important
where low weights with high accuracies are essential, for example in pharmaceuticals and
biotechnologies.
After the kilogram’s definition is changed officially- on 20th May, 2019, also known as World
Metrology Day- most people will never notice the difference. It would not change baking
ingredients on a kitchen scale, or even have an effect on the tons of goods shipped globally every
day.
Exercise INDRA
Context:
Opening ceremony for the Tenth Indo-Russian Joint Exercise, INDRA 18 scheduled from 18
November to 28 November 2018 was held on 19 November 2018 at Babina Military Station.
Objective:
The aim of the exercise is to practice joint planning and conduct to enhance interoperability of the
two armies in the peace keeping and enforcement environment under the aegis of United
Nations.
The eleven day exercise focuses upon training on enhancing team building and tactical level
operations in a counter insurgency environment in semi urban terrain.
SIMBEX- 2018
Context:
25th edition of SIMBEX, “Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise” was held onboard INS Sahyadri
at Visakhapatnam
Importance of the exercise:
Naval cooperation through SIMBEX underscores the shared commitment of both nations to
security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the global commons.
The 25th edition of SIMBEX is the largest in terms of complexity, weapon firings and maritime
geography.
Singapore and India are like minded countries that share similar outlook towards preserving
freedom of sea following rules and norms laid down in UNCLOS.
To mark the historic occasion and as a symbol of growing trust and comfort levels between the
two navies, a special Logo was also released.
The occasion was also utilised to simultaneous release Special Postal Cover and Singaporean
Postage Stamp on SIMBEX.
My Son temple complex
It is a cluster of abandoned and partially ruined Hindu temples in Vietnam, constructed between
the 4th and the 14th century AD by the kings of Champa.
The complex is located near the village of Duy Phu in Quang Nam Province in Central Vietnam.
It was the political and cultural capital of Champa Kingdom.
Mỹ Sơn has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.
Context
President Ram Nath Kovind visited My Son temple complex in Vietnam which has Indian influence
and houses Hindu deities like Krishna, Vishnu and Shiva.
The temples are dedicated to the worship of the god Shiva, known under various local names, the
most important of which is Bhadreshvara.
Aero India 2019
Context: The 12th edition of ‘Aero India 2019’ would be held at Air Force Station, Yelahanka,
Bengaluru, (Karnataka).
About:
Aero India is a biennial air show and aviation exhibition.
Aero India Exhibition which is organised every two years has already carved a niche for itself
globally as a premier aerospace exhibition, with eleven successful editions organised since 1996.
Air Show of latest aircrafts of different countries are arranged at the venue during each day of the
show for the benefit of visitors.
Logo:
The logo for Aero India 2019 is inspired by the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
Tagline:
The tagline for Aero India 2019, “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities” was created to
communicate India’s value proposition in addressing the immense opportunities in the Aerospace
and Aviation sectors in India today.
The tagline underlines India’s status as an emerging hub for the global aerospace industry and
draws attention to the investment opportunities under Make in India.
Significance:
Aero India will provide a unique opportunity for exchange of information, ideas and new
developments in the aviation industry. Besides giving a fillip to the domestic aviation industry it
would further the cause of Make in India.
Aero India 2019 will provide a significant platform in bolstering business opportunities in
International aviation sector. A rapidly growing economy and opening up of defense production to
private sector, have given a major fillip to the defense industry in India. It has also become a hub
for defense businesses in Asia.
BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India and China) Countries ministerial meet
Context:
27th BASIC Ministerial Meeting on Climate Change was hosted by MoEFCC in New Delhi on 20
November 2018. The BASIC countries are a bloc of four large newly industrialised countries -
Brazil,South Africa,India and China.-formed by an agreement in 2009.
Significance of the ministerial meet:
This Agreement is particularly significant as it represents the faith that countries, especially the
developing countries, have placed in the multilateral processes knowing well that their actions
towards addressing climate change will have a strong developmental impact.
Although BASIC group of countries are the leading emerging economies, still they have significant
percentage of the world’s poorest people. Enabling the growth of the poor out of poverty trap, is
an important part of our response to tackling climate change and It is known that the
opportunities for the two efforts to complement each other are significant.
To that effect, the efforts outlined in NDCs – increasing clean energy production and access,
deploying new energy efficient technologies, and adapting to low carbon-intensive lifestyles – are
targeted at creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, and sustainable development for
the poor.
In addition, anchoring the COP 24 outcomes in the vision of equity will help deliver climate justice
not only to the present but also to our future generations
What the developed countries can do?
Lack of ambition of developed countries and their unfulfilled promises should not place additional
burden on developing countries to further enhance the level of ambition of their NDCs.
It must be ensured that the progress on NDCs at COP 24 does not yield an outcome that is
Mitigation-centric but it should address all elements including mitigation, adaptation, finance,
technology development and transfer and capacity building.
Barriers continue to impede the progress of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency deployment.
High patent cost of such technologies and non-facilitative IPR regimes are barriers that the
Financial Mechanism should address.
Way Forward:
We need to explore possibilities to fund research and development of climate friendly
technologies and shorten technology deployment cycle in absence of which transformative
development would be delayed.
Adaptation is a pressing issue for developing countries. They are highly vulnerable to climate
change impacts as is also evident from the recent natural disasters and extreme events, which
have caused extensive damage to life and property. Naturally, adaptation is an integral part of
most developing country NDCs. Since the developing countries have played little role in the
present climate change challenge and bearing the brunt of the historic greenhouse gas emissions
by developed countries, adequate support must be provided to developing countries by
developed countries to help them undertake adaptation actions.
The reporting under the transparency framework should be based on the principle of
differentiation, providing greater flexibility to developing countries, and should also provide
relevant information on the support provided by developed countries to developing countries.
A balanced approach towards development of Modalities, Procedures and Guidelines (MPGs) for
the Enhanced Transparency Framework that enhances global action and financial support will
serve us well in the negotiations at Katowice. In addition, adequate support should be provided to
developing countries to participate in the enhanced transparency framework under the Paris
Agreement.
Jharkhand Power System Improvement Project
Context: The Government of India, the Government of Jharkhand and the World Bank signed a
$310 million Loan Agreement for Jharkhand Power System Improvement Project to provide reliable,
quality, and affordable 24×7 electricity to the citizens of Jharkhand.
About:
The Project is part of the Government of India’s Power for All program launched in 2014. The plan
envisages addition of over 4.5 GW generation capacities by 2022 (including a significant share of
1.5 GW from solar energy), through a mix of Private and Public-sector investments.
Significance:
The Jharkhand Power System Improvement Projectwill help build new power transmission
infrastructure, as well as put in place systems to improve the technical efficiency and commercial
performance of the state power sector utilities. The Project will help bring in modern technology
solutions such as automated sub-stations, and network analysis and planning tools to provide
reliable power supply and enhance customer satisfaction.
While a significant portion of the proposed investments are aimed at improving power
transmission infrastructure, the Project will also focus on developing institutional capacities of
State-owned power transmission and distribution companies and improving their operational
performance.
City Gas Distribution (CGD) Projects
Context: Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi would lay the Foundation Stones of City Gas
Distribution (CGD) Projects in 65 Geographical Areas (GAs) in 129 Districts under the 9th CGD
Bidding Round recently awarded by PNGRB, remotely from Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. It would
herald the availability of convenient, environment-friendly and cheaper natural gas for almost half of
the country’s population spread across 26 States and Union Territories upto 9th round.
CGD Network
Government of India has put thrust to promote the usage of environment friendly clean fuel i.e.
natural gas as a fuel/feedstock across the country to move towards a gas based economy.
Accordingly, development of CGD networks has been focused to increase the availability of
cleaner cooking fuel (i.e. PNG) and transportation fuel (i.e. CNG) to the citizens of the country. The
expansion of CGD network will also benefit to industrial and commercial units by ensuring the
uninterrupted supply of natural gas.
Why Natural Gas
Natural gas is a superior fuel as compared with coal and other liquid fuels being an environment
friendly, safer and cheaper fuel. Natural Gas is supplied through pipelines just like one gets water
from the tap. There is no need to store cylinders in the kitchen and thus saves space. As per WHO
database released in May 2018, India has 14 out of 15 world’s most polluted cities in terms of PM
2.5 concentration. Large number of industries also consume polluting fuels like pet coke and
furnace oil which emit polluting CO2. Some of the courts recently ordered for banning use of pet
coke in states within their jurisdiction.
Natural Gas (as CNG) is cheaper by 60% as compared with petrol and 45 % w.r.t. Diesel. Similarly,
Natural Gas (as PNG) is cheaper by 40 % as compared with market price LPG and price of PNG
almost matches with that of subsidised LPG (based on prices in Delhi). An autorickshaw owner can
save Rs. 7000-8000 on his monthly fuel bill by conversion from petrol to CNG. Thus, even on cost
front as well, natural gas is preferable to petrol, diesel and LPG.
Share of Natural Gas in India’s energy basket is 6.2% as against 23.4% globally. In India – in the
state of Gujarat itself, it is 25%. If Gujarat can achieve share of gas consumption more than global
average, rest of India can also.
India made a commitment in COP21 Paris Convention in December 2015 that by 2030, it would
reduce carbon emission by 33% of 2005 levels. Natural gas, as domestic kitchen fuel, as fuel for
transport sector as well as a fuel for industries and commercial units, can play a significant role in
reducing carbon emission.
International Tourism Mart
Context: The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in association with the Department of
Tourism, Government of Tripura and the North Eastern States is organizing the “International
Tourism Mart” in Agartala, Tripura
About:
This is the 7th edition of the International Tourism Mart, an annual event organised in the North
Eastern region with the objective of highlighting the tourism potential of the region in the
domestic and international markets.
It brings together the tourism business fraternity and entrepreneurs from the eight North Eastern
States. The event has been planned and scheduled to facilitate interaction between buyers,
sellers, media, Government agencies and other stakeholders.
A total of 41 foreign delegates from 18 countries namely Australia, Canada, China, France,
Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa,
South Korea, Spain, Thailand, UAE and USA will be in Tripura for the Mart.
Why Northeast?
The North East Region of India comprising the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim, is endowed with diverse tourist attractions
and products.
The varied topography of the region, its flora and fauna, the ethnic communities with their rich
heritage of ancient traditions and lifestyles, its festivals, arts and crafts, make it a holiday
destination waiting to be explored.
IFFI 2018
Context:
The 49th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) opened amidst the presence of
film stars, filmmakers and cine-lovers from across the world amid pomp and gaiety in Panjim, Goa.
The opening ceremony of IFFI 2018 also saw the launch of the Web Portal ofFilm Facilitation
Office (FFO) that was launched by Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, the Union Minister of State (I
& B).
About IFFI:
The International Film Festival of India (IFFI), founded in 1952, is one of the most significant film
festivals in Asia. Held annually, currently in the state of Goa, the festival aims at providing a common
platform for the cinemas of the world to project the excellence of the film art; contributing to the
understanding and appreciation of film cultures of different nations in the context of their social and
cultural ethos; and promoting friendship and cooperation among people of the world. The festival is
conducted jointly by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Directorate of Film Festivals and
the Government of Goa.
Significance:
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting set up the Film Facilitation Office (FFO) in NFDC in
2015 with a view to promote and facilitate film shootings by foreign filmmakers in India, the
services of which have now been extended to Indian film makers as well.
Film Offices set up by states highlight their film policy, their efforts to ensure a smooth filming
process, showcase their locations and acquaint the filmmakers and the fraternity about the
incentives/rebates/subsidies offered for filming in their respective states. In order to disseminate
information regarding filming in India, the FFO has now developed a Web Portal.
The ministry of tourism has decided to announce Buddhist circuit from India to Nepal as its first
trans-national tourist circuit. It is an attempt to attract Buddhist tourists to India, alongside Sri Lanka
and Nepal with the Buddhist circuit spanning over all the three countries. The development of the
Buddhist Circuit is a part of the Swadesh Darshan scheme announced by the Government of India in
2014 which encompasses development of theme based tourist circuits. India is home to seven of the
eight Buddhist sites, yet receives less than 1% of the Buddhist pilgrims in the world.
The Buddhist circuit as envisioned by the ministry of tourism includes Kapilavastu and Lumbini
(Buddha’s birth place) in Nepal, Shravasthi, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Rajgir, Vaishali, and Bodhgaya in
India.
Lumbini
Lumbini in Nepal is believed to the place where Queen Maya gave birth to Siddhartha (Buddha) in
563 BC. It is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Kapilavastu
Located in southern Nepal, Kapilavastu was the capital of the Shakyas where Siddhartha lived with
his parents until he renounced his family life and left the palace at the age of 29.
Shravasthi
Located by the Rapti River in Uttar Pradesh, the ancient city of Shravasti was the capital of Kosala.
This is believed to be the place where Buddha spent fourteen Chaturmasas, a holy period of four
months. Shravasthi is home to many old viharas and stupas associated with the enlightened one.
Sarnath
The place where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment is the city of Sarnath
located on the confluence of river Gomathi and Ganges in Uttar Pradesh.
Kushinagar
Kushinagar is the place where Buddha is believed to have attained Parinirvana and is located in
Uttar Pradesh.
Rajgir
Rajgir is the place where the first Buddhist council was held. He is believed to have delivered
many of his sermons during his 12 year stay.
Vaishali
Vaishali is the place where Buddha preached his last sermon before his death in 483 BC. The
second Buddhist council was held here in 383 BC.
Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya is a sacred pilgrim place for Buddhists as it is the place where Buddha attained
enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi temple tree is a UNESCO world heritage site.
The plan aims at offering world class facilities to lure the Buddhist pilgrims to India, which will give
a tremendous boost to the tourism revenue and employment in India.
Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) Program
Context:
Union HRD Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar through video conferencing launched the ‘Institution’s
Innovation Council (IIC)’ program under Innovation cell of MHRD in New Delhi.
Ministry of Human Resource Development has established an “Innovation cell” at AICTE with a
purpose to systematically foster the culture of Innovation in all Higher Education Institutions
(HEIs) across the country.
Details
It is a significant step in institutionalizing innovation and developing a scientific temperament in
the country.
The purpose of formation of network of Institution’s Innovation Councils (IICs) is to encourage,
inspire and nurture young students by exposing them to new ideas and processes resulting in
innovative activities in their formative years.
More than 1000 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have already formed IICs in their campuses
and enrolled for the IIC network managed by MHRD’s Innovation cell to promote innovation
through multitudinous modes leading to an innovation promotion eco-system in their campuses.
What was the need of the Program?
Universities are the main research centers of developed countries and because of their research
they are at the top in global innovation ranking
So setting up of research centers through ‘Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) program, India is
expecting to improve its ranking on the Global scale.
So in order to give boost to it the educational advancement in higher education can only be
achieved by encouraging best practices in innovation and advance research and Innovation Cell
has undertaken many initiatives in this direction such as implementing programs like Atal Ranking
of Institutions on Innovation Achievement (ARIIA), Smart India Hackathon (SIH)- 2019, etc.
NASI- Scopus Young Scientist Awards 2018

Context:
Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu presented the National Academy of Sciences,
India (NASI) and Elsevier awards 2018 aimed at promoting scientific excellence among
youngsters, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
About:
The Scopus Young Scientist Awards, first launched by Elsevier in 2006, is part of an Elsevier’s
global initiative to support early career researchers in their quest to advance the frontiers of
science across a broad range of disciplines. In 2009, India officially adopted the program within its
scientific community through Elsevier’s collaboration with The National Academy of Sciences,
India
The program honours outstanding young researchers in India who are building their careers in
academic research, helping them gain recognition for their work. As of 2017, 101 winners across
nine scientific disciplines have been announced.
This year NASI Scopus Awards has introduced 5 multi-disciplinary categories that are aligned with
national missions of Make in India, Digital India, Healthy India and Clean India.
These awards are given in five categories – Women in Science, agriculture, Plant Sciences and
Rural Development, Environmentally Sound Sustainable Development, Biomedical Research and
Healthcare and Innovation in Engineering and Physical Sciences.
Quadricycles as Non Transport Vehicles
Context: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified the insertion of the item
‘Quadricycle’ as a ‘non transport’ vehicle under the Motor Vehicles Act 1988.
About:
A Quadricycle is a vehicle of the size of a 3-wheeler but with 4 tyres and fully covered like a car. It
has an engine like that of a 3-wheeler. This makes it a cheap and safe mode of transport for last
mile connectivity.
Quadricycles were only allowed for transport usage under the Act, but now has been made usable
for non transport also.
Jallianwalla Bagh massacre

Context: Government of India has decided to mark the remembrance of 100 years of the historical
Jallianwalla Bagh Massacre. The Minister of State for Culture(I/c), Dr Mahesh Sharma visited the
Jallianwalla Bagh in Amritsar, Punjab along with Minister of State (IC) for Housing and Urban Affairs,
Shri Hardeep Singh Puri and officials from ASI and NBCC to review the preparations for
remembrance of 100 years of ‘Jallianwalla Bagh Massacre’ , in 2019.
About Jallianwalla Bagh massacre
On Baisakhi day April 13,1919, a large crowd of people mostly from neighbouring villages, unaware
of the prohibitory orders in the city, had gathered in the small park of Jallianwala to protest against
the arrest of their leaders, Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal.
The army under orders from General Dyer surrounded the gathering and blocked the only exit point
and opened fire on the peaceful unarmed crowd killing around 1000 people.
The killing was followed by uncivilised brutalities on the inhabitants of Amritsar. The entire nation
was stunned.
Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood in protest.
Gandhi was overwhelmed by the total atmosphere of violence and withdrew the movement of
Satyagraha on April 18,1919 which was launched on April 6,1919.
Jashn-E-Youngistan Awards
Context: The Vice President of India Shri. M Venkaiah Naidu said ‘Recognizing one’s merit is part of
Indian culture’.while addressing the gathering at the ‘Jashn-E-Youngistan’ event organized by the
News 24 Channel in New Delhi .
About:
This award is a unique initiative by News24 Channel to honour, appreciate and encourage the
dynamic young power of the country as it is the youth in whose hands lie the future of a nation.
Jashn-E-Youngistan honors those promising young stars who have made their mark in their
respective fields of achievement.
The Jashne-E-Youngistan Awards’ aim is to lay the foundation of a New India, an India that is
making a worldwide impression.
Mary Kom bags Gold

Context:
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Mary Kom for winning a Gold in Women’s
World Boxing Championship.
Highlights:
India’s MC Mary Kom won a historic sixth gold in the Women’s World Boxing Championship.
Mary Kom emerged victorious against Hanna Okhota in an unanimous 5-0 decision in the 48 kg
summit clash.
This is Mary Kom’s second title in front of home crowd after the 2006 win in New Delhi.
About:
Chungneijang Mary Kom Hmangte (born 1 March 1983), better known as Mary Kom and
Magnificent Mary is an Indian Olympic boxer hailing from Manipur.
She is the only woman to become World Amateur Boxing Champion for a record six times, and the
only woman boxer to have won a medal in each one of the seven world championships.
Nicknamed Magnificent Mary, she is the only Indian woman boxer to have qualified for the 2012
Summer Olympics, competing in the flyweight (51 kg) category and winning the bronze medal.
She has also been ranked as No. 4 AIBA World Women’s Ranking Flyweight category. She became
the first Indian woman boxer to get a Gold Medal in the Asian Games in 2014 in Incheon, South
Korea. and is the first Indian Woman Boxer to win Gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
She is currently world champion in 48kg.
On 26 April 2016, Kom was nominated by the President of India as a member of the Rajya Sabha
the upper house of the Indian Parliament .In March 2017, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports,
Government of India, appointed Mary Kom as national observers for boxing. Mary Kom won the
Gold Medal In Asian Boxing Championship.
Embryo Transfer Technology
Context: Speaking on the occasion of “National Milk Day” Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh has said that agriculture and dairy business complement each
other for the social and economic upliftment of cattle farmers and emphasized on the importance of
Embryo transfer technology.
About:
Embryo transfer technology is one of the most important reproductive biotechnologies where
male and female genetic material can be utilized for faster improvement of livestock.
Embryos of higher genetic merit indigenous bovines such as Sahiwal, Gir, Red Sindhi, Ongole,
Deoni and Vechur are being transferred into surrogate cows.
Dairy Processing & Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF)
Aims to benefit 95 lakh milk producers in 50,000 villages and provide both direct and indirect
employment to many skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers.
There is a provision to provide financial assistance for providing self employment opportunities in
various activities from milk production to marketing.
Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)

Context: Health Ministry launches a new state-of-the art Information Platform to monitor public
health surveillance.
About:
Union Health ministry launched Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) segment of
Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) in seven states today.
Initiative will provide near-real-time data to policy makers for detecting outbreaks, reducing the
morbidity and mortality and lessening disease burden in the populations and better health
systems.
Paisa – Portal for Affordable Credit & Interest Subvention Access

Context: A centralized electronic platform for processing interest subvention on bank loans to
beneficiaries under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM)
named “PAiSA – Portal for Affordable Credit & Interest Subvention Access.
About:
The web platform has been designed and developed by Allahabad Bank which is the Nodal bank.
PAiSA is yet another effort by the government to connect directly with the beneficiaries, ensuring
that there is greater transparency and efficiency in delivery of services.
DBT of subvention on monthly basis under DAY-NULM will give the necessary financial support to
small entrepreneurs in a timely manner.
The portal was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs .The portal will provide a
platform to identify key areas of concern regarding municipal finance and urban planning, and will
explore the options available to resolve them by inviting senior officials / experts to shed light on
best practices.
HAUSLA-2018
Context: The National Festival for Children of Child Care Institutions (CCIs)- “Hausla 2018” of the
Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) was inaugurated by the Secretary, Shri Rakesh
Srivastava, today in New Delhi.
Details
There will be a participation of more than 600 Children drawn from CCIs from 18 states in the
various events like painting competition, athletics meet, football, chess competition and speech
writing as part of the Festival.
Objective
The idea behind the entire event is to provide a national platform for the children from CCIs
across India to showcase their talent, to make them realise the hidden talent they possess and to
help take it forward in their life.
Logix India 2019
Context: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, launched the
logo and brochure of Logix India 2019 in New Delhi today.
About:
Logix India 2019 is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from 31st January to 2ndFebruary
2019.The mega logistics event is being organized by the Federation of Indian Export Organizations
(FIEO).
Logix India is organized as a major initiative to improve logistics cost effectiveness and operational
efficiencies for India’s global trade.
FIEO will also focus on investment opportunities in infrastructure development, warehouse
consolidation, technology integration and IT enablement and skilling of manpower at the three-
day meet.
Logistics Sector In India:
India ranked 44 in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index 2018.
As per the Economic Survey 2017-18, India’s logistics industry which is worth around USD 160
billion is likely to touch USD 215 billion in the next two years.
Logistics sector provides employment to more than 22 million people and is expected to grow at
the rate of 10.5 per cent over the next 5 years.
High-End Skill Development Centre in Chandigarh

Context: India’s premier National Research Laboratory CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR-
IMTECH) today announced a new partnership with Merck, a leading German science and technology
company, to establish a ‘High End Skill Development Centre’ in CSIR-IMTECH, Chandigarh.
About:
This ‘High End Skill Development Centre’ will enrich skills by conducting workshops, trainings and
seminar series on cutting edges life science processes, tools and techniques.
The centre will facilitate hands-on experience to learning and real time sample analysis.
The proposed state of the art Centre will integrate Work-based and Research-based learning by
providing next generation lab set-up for carrying out real time sample analysis and learning
workshops for selected group of technologies in the domain of Life Sciences.
CSIR
CSIR is government’s autonomous research agency, established in 1942. Presently, CSIR has over
4,500 scientists working across 38 laboratories and employs over 9000 scientific and technical
personnel.
The research bodies under CSIR cover science and technology focus areas ranging from
aeronautics, instrumentation, mining, environmental engineering and to oceanography,
geophysics, chemicals, drugs, genomics and biotechnology.
NPCC is now a Miniratna

Context: National Projects Construction Corporation Limited (NPCC) has been conferred with the
status of Miniratna : Category –I by the Government of India. The empowerment of Miniratna Status
to NPCC will help the company in taking speedy decisions by enhancing the delegation of powers to
the Board.
Miniratna
Those CPSEs that have shown profits in the last continuous three years and have positive net worth,
can be considered eligible for grant of Miniratna status. The Miniratnas are divided in two categories
– I and II.
Category I: These have made profits for the last three years continuously or earned a net profit of Rs.
30 crores or more in one of these three years.
Category II : These companies have made profits continuously for the last three years and must have
a positive net worth.
Navratna
The company must have ‘Miniratna Category – I‘ status along with a Schedule ‘A’ listing.
It should have at least 3 ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very Good’ Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during
the last five years.
Along with the above, it should also have a composite score of 60 or above out of possible 100
marks in the 6 selected performance parameters:-
1. Net Profit to Net Worth (Maximum: 25)
2. Manpower cost to cost of production or services (Maximum: 15)
3. Gross margin as capital employed (Maximum: 15)
4. Gross profit as Turnover (Maximum: 15)
5. Earnings per Share (Maximum: 10)
6. Inter-Sectoral comparison based on Net profit to net worth (Maximum: 20)
Maharatna
The company already holds Navratna status.
It is listed on the Indian stock exchange fulfilling the minimum prescribed public shareholding
according to the SEBI regulations.]\
The Average annual turnover of company during the last 3 years is more than Rs. 25,000 crore.
The Average annual net worth during the last 3 years is more than Rs. 15,000 crore.
The Average annual net profit after tax during the last 3 years is more than Rs. 5,000 crore.
The company should have a significant global presence or international operations.
South Asia Regional Youth Peace Conference

Context: Gandhi Smriti to Organize ‘South Asia Regional Youth Peace Conference’ in New Delhi this
month
About:
Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti (GSDS), functioning under Ministry of Culture, Government of
India will be organizing a 3 day ‘South Asia Regional Youth Peace Conference’ in partnership with
UNESCO- MGIEP and Standing Together to Enable Peace from November 28-30, 2018.
The conference will be held at Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat, Delhi, India. The conference is being
organized to mark the beginning of celebration of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
This conference focuses on building a network for young leaders from South Asian countries
working on various social issues, to identify avenues for partnership and collaboration, support
and show solidarity towards each other’s initiatives, nurture relationships and promote global
citizenship to work towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti

Context: Defense Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman has formally launched ‘Mission Raksha Gyan
Shakti’ and said the objective is to inculcate IP culture in Indian defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti has been instituted by the Department of Defence Production as a part
of the ongoing initiatives to enhance self-reliance in defence.
The mission aims to provide a boost to the IPR culture in indigenous defence industry.
The Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) has been entrusted with the responsibility
of coordinating and implementing the programme.
The end objective of the programme is to inculcate IP culture in Indian defence manufacturing
ecosystem.
Gabon new avenue for India
Context: The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Gabon, Mr. Regis Immongault, called on Union
Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu.
Gabon:
Gabon, officially the Gabonese Republic, is a country on the west coast of Central Africa.
Located on the equator, Gabon is bordered by Equatorial Guinea to the northwest, Cameroon to
the north, the Republic of the Congo on the east and south, and the Gulf of Guinea to the west.
India and Gabon
Bilateral trade between India and Gabon is currently valued at USD $ 440.47 million.
Indian companies are already operating in wood, plywood, mining and fisheries sectors.
There is also a possibility that two countries will work together in sectors like logistics,
infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, services and tourism.
Gabon has the 6th largest reserves of Manganese in the world. It is one of the four countries in
the world with high-grade reserves along with South Africa, Australia and Brazil.
Manganese Ore India Ltd (MOIL) team visited Gabon in July 2018 to explore possibilities of joint
collaboration with Gabonese mining companies.
Himachal Pradesh first state to launch pan-India single emergency number 112
Context: The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh launched an Emergency Response Support
System (ERSS) for Himachal Pradesh at Mandi.
ERSS
Background: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has accepted the recommendations of the Justice
Verma Committee in the backdrop of the unfortunate incident of Nirbhaya in December’2012 and
has approved a national project by name of ‘Emergency Response Support System’.
Objective:
i. Providing a single emergency response number across the country.
ii. Providing 24 Hours and 7 Days (24×7) efficient and effective response system which can receive
input from various voice and data services such as voice call, SMS, email, Internet of Things, panic
buttons in public transport etc. to attend to citizens in distress.
iii. Identification of location of person in distress connecting through voice or data.
iv. Automated response system for timely dispatch of field resources (police) to the location of
incidence using the system.
v. GPS(Global Positioning System) enabled dispatch of vehicles to locate nearest vehicles.
vi. Integration with existing Dial 100, Dial 108 and other emergency response systems.
vii. Integrate with other relevant systems like CCTNS etc. Also, connect to TSP’s (Telecom Service
Provider) databases to update subscriber information and to connect to GMLC (Gateway Mobile
Location Centre) for location update.
Sustainable Blue Economy Conference

Context: Shri Nitin Gadkari addresses the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference in Nairobi. He said
that India endorses the growth of the Blue Economy in a sustainable, inclusive and people centred
manner through the framework of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
About:
Kenya and its co-hosts Canada and Japan are inviting the world to Nairobi for the first global
conference on the sustainable blue economy.
The Sustainable Blue Economy Conference is the first global conference on the sustainable blue
economy. Over 18,000 participants from around the world are coming together to learn how to build
a blue economy that:
Harnesses the potential of our oceans, seas, lakes and rivers to improve the lives of all,
particularly people in developing states, women, youth and Indigenous peoples
Leverages the latest innovations, scientific advances and best practices to build prosperity while
conserving our waters for future generations
Blue Economy: The objective of the Blue Economy is to promote smart, sustainable and inclusive
growth and employment opportunities within the Indian Ocean region’s maritime economic
activities. The Blue Economy is determined to initiate appropriate programs for: the sustainable
harnessing of ocean resources; research and development; developing relevant sectors of
oceanography; stock assessment of marine resources; introducing marine aquaculture, deep
sea/long line fishing and biotechnology; and human resource development; among others.
India is also developing its maritime infrastructure as well as its inland waterways and coastal
shipping through the launch of the ambitious “Sagarmala Programme” which aims to revolutionize
maritime logistics and port led developments in the country. India’s national vision about this sector
is clearly articulated in term “SAGAR”- Security and Growth for All in IOR which was coined by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.
HysIS
Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C43)
successfully launched earth observation satellite HysIS and 30 foreign satellites.
HysIS:
HysIS is an earth observation satellite built around ISRO’s Mini Satellite2 (IMS-2) bus weighing
about 380kg. The mission life of the satellite is five years.
The primary goal of HysIS is to study the earth’s surface in both the visible, near infrared and
shortwave infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Data from the satellite will be used for a wide range of applications including agriculture, forestry,
soil/geological environments, coastal zones and inland waters.
The main purpose of the HysIS is to exactly identify the objects on the surface of the earth with
high precision and resolution.
Foreign satellites included-
Australia (1), Canada (1), Columbia (1), Finland (1), Malaysia (1), Netherlands (1), Spain (1) and
USA (23). The total weight of these satellites was about 261.50 kg. Satellites from Australia,
Columbia, Malaysia and Spain were flown aboard PSLV for the first time.
These foreign satellites launched are part of commercial arrangements between Antrix
Corporation Limited and customers.
IN – RN exercise KONKAN-18 begins at Goa
About:
The Bilateral KONKAN exercise provides a platform for the two Navies to periodically exercise at
sea and in harbour, so as to build interoperability and share best practices.
Naval cooperation between India (Indian Navy) and the United Kingdom (Royal Navy) is based on
the long-term strategic relationship between both countries.
The thrust of the exercise this year would be on Anti-Air Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-
Submarine Warfare, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) and Seamanship Evolutions. Besides
exercises at sea, KONKAN-2018 also encompasses professional interactions and sports fixtures.
The inter-operability achieved over the years as a result of such exercises has proved to be
operationally beneficial to both navies.
8 States achieve 100% household electrification under Saubhagya
Context: 8 States have achieved 100% saturation in household electrification under Saubhagya
namely Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, Bihar, J&K, Mizoram, Sikkim, Telangana and West Bengal.
Saubhagya – ‘Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana’ was launched in September, 2017 with the
objective to provide access to electricity to all the remaining households in the country.
The States completing 100% household electrification by 31st 2018 will also receive additional
grant of 15% of the project cost (5% for special category States) sanctioned under Saubhagya.
Benefits to the Citizen:
Electricity in households has brought new light into their lives. Electrification has a direct positive
impact on the quality of all aspects of daily life, especially to the women and children.
With deeper penetration of electricity network, significant improvement is expected in delivery of
other essential services like education, health, communication, etc. and thereby more opportunities
for economic activities leading to employment generation, increase in income and poverty
alleviation.
.
December 1, 2018
Health System for A New India: Building Blocks

Context
 The NITI Aayog organized a dialogue on “Health System for A New India: Building Blocks”, with
national and international academia, practitioners, Indian policymakers and other stakeholders
of the healthcare ecosystem.
Details
 The dialogue was the first in the series of NITI Aayog’s “Development Dialogues” that aims to
facilitate multisectoral conversations on India’s developmental issues, which constitute a part of
the country’s 15 Year Vision document.
 The dialogue focused on strengthening and further building on the existing blocks for Health
Systems for a New India and prioritized four critical health systems issues for discussion and
debate.
 These included expanding resources for health through pooling existing funds; expanding the
role of the government as a strategic purchaser from both public and private providers to
improve quality of healthcare services; provision of equitable and integrated services; and
leveraging technology as an enabler and aggregator.
 The dialogue also deliberated convergence of fragmented building blocks of financing and
service provision, with each reinforcing the other, and moving from programmatic or schematic
approaches to a systemsapproach to healthcare.
Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS)
 It was launched in 2003 to remove conflict diamonds from the global supply chain, Initiated by
joint government, industry and civil society
 Blood diamond, also called conflict diamond, as defined by the United Nations (UN), any
diamond that is mined in areas controlled by forces opposed to the legitimate, internationally
recognized government of a country and that is sold to fund military action against that
government
Significance
 The Kimberley Process has contributed towards peace, security and prosperity.
 It has proven to be an effective multilateral tool for conflict prevention in stemming the flow of
conflict diamonds.
 The Kimberley Process has made valuable developmental impact in improving the lives of most
people dependent on the trade in diamonds.
Context
 The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) Plenary 2018, was held in Brussels, Belgium,
from 12th-16th November 2018.
 EU handed over the Chairmanship of KPCS to India from 1st January, 2019.
Details
 India is the founding member of KPCS and is actively involved in KP activities to ensure that
almost 99% of the diamond trade in the world is conflict free.
 India is committed to maintain KP as an efficient and effective process in order to ensure the
conflict diamond free status.
 India is at the forefront in addressing the issue of differentiation between Natural Diamonds and
Lab Grown Diamonds and ensure responsible business in this area.
Nine Point Agenda Suggested By India to G-20 for Action Against Fugitive Economic Offences And
Asset Recovery
 Strong and active cooperation across G-20 countries to deal comprehensively and efficiently
with the menace fugitive economic offenders.
 Cooperation in the legal processes such as effective freezing of the proceeds of crime; early
return of the offenders and efficient repatriation of the proceeds of crime should be enhanced
and streamlined.
 Joint effort by G-20 countries to form a mechanism that denies entry and safe havens to all
fugitive economic offenders.
 Principles of United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), United Nations
Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (UNOTC), especially related to “International
Cooperation” should be fully and effectively implemented.
 FATF should be called upon to assign priority and focus to establishing international co-
operation that leads to timely and comprehensive exchange of information between the
competent authorities and FIUs.
 FATF should be tasked to formulate a standard definition of fugitive economic offenders.
 FATF should also develop a set of commonly agreed and standardized procedures related to
identification, extradition and judicial proceedings for dealing with fugitive economic offenders
to provide guidance and assistance to G-20 countries, subject to their domestic law.
 Common platform should be set up for sharing experiences and best practices including
successful cases of extradition, gaps in existing systems of extradition and legal assistance, etc.
 G-20 Forum should consider initiating work on locating properties of economic offenders who
have a tax debt in the country of their residence for its recovery.

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PIB (Summary from July-to-December)

AI task force hands over Final Report

Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction 2018

WAPCOS celebrates 50th foundation day

NTA to conduct entrance examinations for higher educational Institutions

09 July 2018: UPSC Exam PIB Summary & Analysis

CIPET: Centre for Skilling & Technical Support (CSTS)

6th meeting of BRICS Education Ministers at Cape Town

Asia Pacific Region of World Customs Organisation (WCO)

16 July 2018: UPSC Exam PIB Summary & Analysis

Steel CPSE Employees Pension Scheme Announced

Committee set up to synergise NCC and NSS

MoU signed between AIIA and IIT Delhi AYUSH Ministry

Steel CPSE Employees Pension Scheme Announced

Committee set up to synergise NCC and NSS

Joint Military Exercises

Joint Exercises conducted by Navy:

Joint Exercises conducted by Air Force:

Child Labour – Eradication

Shram Suvidha Portal

Samagra Shiksha Scheme

Development of agriculture sector

Reconstitution of National Bamboo Mission

23 July 2018: UPSC Exam PIB Summary & Analysis

1. Agra Fort (1983) Uttar Pradesh

Under Protection of Ministry of Railways

Under Protection of Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee

Under Protection of Rajasthan State Archaeology and Museums

Under Protection of Chandigarh Administration

Under Protection of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation

Under Protection of Government of Maharashtra

Extension of Concessional Financing Scheme (CFS)

Exploration and exploitation of Unconventional Hydrocarbons

World Biofuel Day

Measures taken by Government

National Archives of India

Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI)

National Programme for the Health Care for the Elderly

LaCONES or Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species

Mobility Pitch Competition

Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL)

The Electricity Act of 2003

NITI Aayog’s MOVE Cyclathon

(ii) Dronacharya Awards 2018

(iii) Arjuna Awards 2018

(iv) Dhyan Chand Award 2018

(vi) Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2018

(vii) Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy 2017-18:

What was the objective?

Offset Policy in Defence

Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan AarogyaYojana (AB-PMJAY)

Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana in alliance with the States:

Pradhan MantriAarogyaMitra (PMAM)

Benefits under the scheme:

The Terms of References of the Committee are as follows:-

National Health Resource Repository (NHRR)

Top 100 Bank Frauds

NITI Lecture Series

22 October 2018: UPSC Exam PIB Summary & Analysis